A Librarian's Formative Reads
Ottawa Librarian Reveals Three Formative High School Books That Made a Lasting Impression
Allison Hall-Murphy, Coordinator of Collection Development at the Ottawa Public Library, has shared the three books that shaped her most during high school. National Post reports that her picks span Canadian historical fiction, classic Gothic romance, and art criticism — a mix that still holds up decades later.
Hall-Murphy's list offers a window into how formative reading can be. Each of her three picks tackles identity, class, and perception in ways that stay with readers long after graduation, according to Ottawa Citizen.
Michael Ondaatje's Lion Tops Her High School List
Hall-Murphy's top pick is "In the Skin of a Lion" by Michael Ondaatje, published in 1987. The novel follows Patrick Watson, a man whose memories are shaped by the workers who built Toronto's Bloor Viaduct in the early 20th century. The Province notes the book blends mystery, intrigue, and romance into a deeply Canadian story.
The novel is often cited as an inspiration for Gothic Romance. It brings to life the immigrant workers whose labor built a city but whose names were largely forgotten by history. Hall-Murphy calls it a captivating read with broad appeal, according to Ottawa Citizen.
Jane Eyre's Journey From Orphan to Independent Woman
Hall-Murphy's second pick is Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre." The novel is narrated by Jane herself, who tells the story of her growth from a lonely orphan into a confident, independent woman. Calgary Herald highlights that the strength of the book lies in Jane's voice and her refusal to be defined by others.
"Jane Eyre" is one of the most enduring works in English literature. Its themes of self-worth and personal freedom still feel fresh. The Gothic atmosphere and slow-building romance give it enough drama to keep readers hooked from the first page to the last.
Ways of Seeing Reframes How We Look at Art
The third book on Hall-Murphy's list is "Ways of Seeing" by John Berger, not Rick Berger as some summaries have noted. The book explores how our view of art is shaped by class and gender. National Post reports that Hall-Murphy recommends it as a guide that will make anyone feel more at home in an art museum.
"Ways of Seeing" is not a traditional art history textbook. It is short, direct, and written for everyday readers. Berger argues that how we see things is never neutral — it is always shaped by who we are and where we come from. That idea alone can change how you walk through any gallery.
A Librarian's Picks Reflect the Power of School Reading
Hall-Murphy's three choices — Ondaatje, Brontë, and Berger — cover more than a century of writing. Together they show how high school reading can reach far beyond the classroom. Ottawa Citizen notes that Hall-Murphy's role at the Ottawa Public Library gives her a unique view of what books stay with people for life.
Her list is a reminder that the best school books do more than teach. They ask hard questions about identity, history, and how we see the world. All three are still widely read today and are available at most public libraries.
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