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Welcome to Field Notes '26, a series from the Reconciliation & Inclusion team, offering curated resources to support deeper learning and inclusive practices across Seneca Polytechnic. Each issue features a bespoke collection of resources — such as books, TV shows and events — that the team has personally engaged with, reflected on and found meaningful in our own learning.
📖Read 📺Watch 🏙Local Favourites 🎫Other Recommendations
READ
Dear Divya by Saia Batasar-Johnie A coming-of-age story that follows 14-year-old Anjali as she enters high school in midtown Toronto while navigating grief, social pressure and her identity.
Why: It shares the Indo-Guyanese experience, exploring the themes of family relationships, friendship, mental health, change, love and much more.
Good People by Patmeena Sabit This debut novel follows a family of Afghani refugees whose image of success is tainted after the death of their eldest daughter. It gives family drama, mystery, and social observation while having commentary on how public narrative can shape the way a story is told.
Why: This book tells the story through a chorus of outside voices — the neighbours, media and the Afghan community — and what they think of the family following this tragedy.
Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang A thriller around Julie Chan, who steps into the life of her dead twin sister and is pulled into the world of influencer culture. It blends suspense with identity and performance, commenting on the gap between what people project and what's actually real.
Why: A great read on influencer culture, the haves and have nots, and questioning if social media is a scam or a cult.
Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa This book follows Ning, a former boxer and salon worker, over the course of a single day in a nail salon. She moves through the demands, assumptions and small indignities of service work while reflecting on the inner world of a woman often overlooked by the people around her.
Why: An interesting book centered around beauty care workers, their lives, fears and what they think of their clients.
Tiger and the Cosmonaut by Kaveh Akbar A suspenseful family novel centered on three estranged siblings forced back together after their father disappears. The book explores family expectation, silence, racism, grief and what happens after long-held patterns finally begin to break.
Why: This literature masterpiece weaves complex narratives of life/death, queerness, art and life into a powerful twisty read.
Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes by Sarah Ahn & Nam Soon Ahn This mother-daughter published cookbook is inspired by the viral food videos of their behind-the-scenes look at Korean cooking. The recipes are both traditional and contemporary.
Why: The book offers a thorough ingredient guide if Korean ingredients and cooking are new to you. Some staples in the book that we tried, and love include the kimchi fried rice, LA Galbi and milk bread.
WATCH
Always Be My Maybe A romantic comedy that follows childhood friends as they reconnect years later in San Francisco, now living very different lives. It balances humor and chemistry with reflection on ambition and returning to the people and places that shaped you.
Why: A great pick if you want something light and easy to watch, full of specific cultural references.
Beef A comedy-drama that begins with a road rage incident and spirals into a tense, emotionally messy feud between two strangers. The series blends satire, anger and vulnerability in a way that feels uncomfortably real.
Why: It's one of those shows that turn small frustrations into something wildly entertaining.
Past Lives An emotionally layered film centered on two friends from South Korea whose lives diverge and reconnect years later as adults. The story reflects on how life paths can change due to love, distance and timing.
Why: A story of missed connections and how so much can be said by what remains unsaid.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Hatch Coffee 802 Cochrane Dr. Unit B, Markham
This coffee roastery and shop is known for high-quality and small batch roasts, focusing on innovation and rare, single-origin coffees.
Why: Their concentrate line is a shelf-stable, concentrated drip coffee that gives you high quality coffee in a pinch. There are four options at $18 each, making 1.6 litres of coffee per bottle after mixing with water.
Korean Shop 595 Bay Street (opposite T&t Supermarket), Toronto
This shop is steps away from Sankofa Square and offers a collection of high-quality and authentic Korean beauty products that include skin, body and hair care. Brands you can find include Anua, Biodance, Fino, medicube, haruharuwonder and more.
Why: The prices here are competitive. Plus, ask staff for recommendations, and try the complimentary samples with your purchase so you can see what works for you!
Mikaku Udon Bar 229 Carlton St., Toronto
Why: The chicken curry udon is a must try — the creamy broth and the crispy katsu compliment the udon noodles well and is a tasty, comforting meal.
Narenj 131 Kerr St., Oakville
This restaurant serves brunch, dinner and café bites inspired by Persian flavours and made to share. They serve traditional dishes like koobideh and fesenjoon, and feature traditional ingredients such as saffron, pomegranate and pistachio in their meals.
Why: The bohemian décor and large portions make it a great spot for a Sunday brunch with family or friends.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
The Welcome Market 5100 Yonge Street, North York Saturday, May 9 to Sunday, May 10
The Welcome Market is a woman and POC-owned and operated organization that creates curated retail pop-ups for small businesses. The Asian Heritage Month Celebration is their biggest celebration that includes live performances and local vendors.
Why: It’s a free outdoor event to kick off summer in Toronto and is a fun way to discover small business and try new foods. We are excited to try the Asian-inspired cupcakes from food vendor, Oven Theory.
While you're here, check out the Asian Heritage Month guide published by Seneca Libraries for more resources.
The Reconciliation & Inclusion team knows the best learning happens in conversation. Let us know if you explore any of the resources above, or if there’s something you’d recommend we include in future editions. Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments, or email us at ri@senecapolytechnic.ca.
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