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Scarborough

Written by: Catherine Hernandez
Narrated by: Catherine Hernandez
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Publisher's Summary

In Scarborough, a low-income urban neighborhood, three kids struggle to rise above poverty, abuse, and a system that consistently fails them. The adults in their lives either rise to the occasion or fall by the wayside; together, they make up a troubled yet inspired community that refuses to be undone.

©2017 Catherine Hernandez (P)2018 Audible, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ2S+
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Go Behind the Scenes of Scarborough

In a conversation with Audible at the 2019 Festival of Literary Diversity in Brampton, Ontario, author Catherine Hernandez explains why it was important for her to represent the LGBTQ+ community in her work.
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Editorial Review

Be moved by this hard-hitting, raw novel that will transport you right from your home to the streets of Scarborough.

Scarborough is the debut novel by Catherine Hernandez, a Canadian writer and native of the GTA. This stunning book was shortlisted as one of the best book finalists for the Toronto Book Awards in 2017, and the Edmund White Award in 2018 was highlighted by Canada Reads. Since its release, it has been moving and educating audiences with its robust look at poverty, prejudice, abuse and the failings of an inherently flawed system.

The story takes place in Scarborough, Ontario, a suburban city of Toronto known for having drastic differences between its wealthy and poor communities. While some areas are full of opulence, others live in low-income and crime-heavy areas. Hernandez’s coming of age story highlights both aspects and the juxtaposition between the two, as well as the striking differences between communities and households of different races. The result is a challenging and powerful take on identity and prejudice, which forces you to take a hard look at yourself and your own biases and privileges.

Moving and eye-opening, this audiobook will change you. Catherine Hernandez narrates the unabridged story herself, adding a depth of knowledge and understanding that only she, as the creator, could. The result is an emotion-fueled reading that focuses on the representation and accessibility of communities - such as LGBTQ communities and minorities - which are often overlooked. It makes you see things from her eyes. Whether you are from Canada or not, have run the streets of Toronto, or know nothing of the area, this story will resonate with you and connect on a deeply personal level. A powerful listen you have to hear for yourself. It is a must-add to your Audible wishlist.

What listeners say about Scarborough

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  • Overall
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So good!!

What a heartfelt story and read so well by the author. Recommended for all Canadians

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Relatable representation!

I was wary of this book at first because I read other reviews that made me think this was a “bashing white ppl” book. In my black a** opinion, it is not a bashing book. Its stories about people of different cultures feeding into stereotypes... hopefully it’s to show us just how foolish those stereotypes can be when you don’t know a person’s whole story. The characters feel like imperfect people trying to get through their lives without the leg up they deserve. Many of the stories are similar to real life events that happened to me, friends and family. I didn’t grow up in Scarborough (west end 4 life! lol) but it felt like an ode to being raised in a multicultural city that didn’t treat us very friendly, while also showing me what my fellow ppl of colour might have been suffering. I appreciate Hernandez for this book. I wasn’t always a fan of her narration and rated it “okay”.

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1 person found this helpful

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Required Reading for Educators

This book should be required reading for incoming and current teachers to highlight the intersection of education and poverty.

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Phenomenal- story and narration.

This story affected me viscerally. I sobbed gut wrenching sobs. I felt rage at the injustices that I know are all too real and not just contained in the pages of the story. I floated away on the love and determination. The narration was exquisite- it had life and depth. I am recommending this book to everyone. A must read.

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  • Overall
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Great stories.

Ms. Hernandez has written a wonderful book packed with stories that portray a slice of the Toronto borough that often is portrayed as less than a desirable place to live in. The stories reflect a multicultural reality often hidden from the rest of us who are oblivious or indifferent to those whose needs are varied and constant. It is a book that strikes a balance of sad and happy stories. Recommendable.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!!

The story had me in tears, laughing, crying, and even sometimes frustrated and angry. Awesome characters.

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This book made me a more empathetic person.

I was hooked from the begging and never last interest for a second! I am in love with this book and the author. Everyone should read this book in order to investigate where we are judging others and ourselves and start to unearth it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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Beautiful and gut wrenching

I wasn’t prepared for how viscerally this gorgeous book would affect me! Living in the GTA, the roads and neighbourhoods were familiar to me and this added to the poignancy of the people and their stories. One one level I was saddened and teary for their trauma and the havoc it wreaked but on the other level I was smitten by the scrappiness and tenacity and all of the loveable and unloveable-ness of each and every soul. There is uncensored language and blunt descriptions of the challenges of poverty, child abuse, and what it can mean to be a sex worker, a nail aesthetician, a bigot, a racist, a homophobe, an Islamaphobe, a Native American, a parent lacking the appropriate and necessary resources and the communities and outreach centres that they live amongst. These desperate situations and the people surviving against incredible odds could be neighbours of many of us and makes me feel shame for feeling compassionate but not actively doing more, volunteering more, keeping my eyes and heart open more. Please don’t get me wrong; there is sadness but also incredible joy. I bawled my eyes out but just as often because of happiness as of grief. Ms. Hina (Heena?) and Laura will be embedded within me for ages. Please absolutely read!

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One of the best books I've devoured.

Catherine Hernandez is an incredible author. It was an honour to listen to her words. This book examines structural and social determinants of health and wellbeing in a nuanced and accessible way. It was powerful to listen to Scarborough while driving on the 401.

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Well written and true to life.

A story of poverty and hope. The reality of life for some in the big city. We shouldn't forget that children are suffering even in a well off country like Canada.

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