The Canada Reads debates for 2024 are coming up in March. This debate presents the best of the best of Canadian literature. This event has happened every year since 2002, so there are tons of books to choose from.
While we wait for the debates to start, let’s take a look at the previous winners and their amazing books! You may just have to add some of these to your reading list (or all of them if you’re like me).
In the Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje, 2002
Genre: Historical fiction
Description: This novel paints a vivid picture of early 20th-century Toronto. Ondaatje explores the lives of immigrants who played a pivotal role in building the city, yet were erased from its history.
Next Episode by Hubert Aquin, 2003
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Description: Set against the backdrop of the Quebec independence movement, this novel offers a complex tale of espionage and identity. Reality and fiction blur in this thrilling story.
The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe, 2004
Genre: Historical Adventure
Description: In this sweeping tale of love, revenge, and redemption, two English brothers embark on a quest across the 19th-century American West.
Rockbound by Frank Parker Day, 2005
Genre: Historical Fiction
Description: This classic novel explores the harsh realities of living on a remote Atlantic island, focusing on the struggles and resilience of its inhabitants.
A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews, 2006
Genre: Coming-of-Age Fiction
Description: Poignant and darkly humorous, this novel explores the life of a rebellious teenager navigating life in a strict Mennonite community.
Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O’Neill, 2007
Genre: Literary Fiction
Description: A heart-wrenching story of the loss of childhood innocence, this novel is set in Montreal’s red-light district as seen through the eyes of a young girl.
King Leary by Paul Quarrington, 2008
Genre: Comedic Fiction
Description: This novel follows the hilarious and touching adventures of a former ice hockey star as he reflects on his life, friendships, and the game
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
Description: This epic tale follows the life of Aminata Diallo, from her abduction from Africa to her journey to freedom, spanning several continents and decades.
Nikolski by Nicolas Dickey, 2010
Genre: Literary Fiction
Description: Three seemingly disconnected characters find their lives intertwined through the mysterious pull of an ancient compass and family secrets.
The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis, 2011
Genre: Political Satire
Description: A comedic yet insightful exploration of Canadian politics through the unlikely rise of a reluctant politician.
Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter by Carmen Aguirre, 2012
Genre: Memoir
Description: A gripping account of Aguirre’s childhood spent in the shadows of South American political turmoil and her family’s involvement in the resistance.
February by Lisa Moore, 2013
Genre: Literary Fiction
Description: This novel explores themes of loss and resistance as it dives into the impact of the Ocean Ranger oil rig disaster on one person’s life.
The Orenda (Bird Family Trilogy, #3) by Joseph Boyden, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction
Description:A harrowing tale of the first contact between Jesuit missionaries and the Indigenous peoples of New France, exploring themes of survival, cultural clash, and humanity.
Ru by Kim Thúy, 2015
Genre: Autobiographical Fiction
Description: Flowing like a series of vignettes, this moving narrative recounts the author’s journey from Vietnam to Canada as a refugee.
The Illegal by Lawrence Hill, 2016
Genre: Political Fiction
Description: The story of a young marathon runner fleeing his homeland’s oppressive government, seeking refuge and the right to run free.
Fifteen Dogs (Quincunx, #2) by André Alexis, 2017
Genre: Philosophical Fiction
Description: An imaginative exploration into consciousness and society through the eyes of fifteen dogs granted human intelligence.
Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto, 2018
Genre: Memoir
Description: A profound meditation on the legacy of war, the power of forgiveness, and the resilience required to transcend pain.
By Chance Alone: A Remarkable True Story of Courage and Survival at Auschwitz by Max Eisen, 2019
Genre: Memoir
Description: A harrowing yet inspirational account of survival against all odds inside the Auschwitz concentration camp in World War 2.
We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib, 2020
Genre: Memoir
Description: An empowering journey of self-discovery and acceptance, exploring the themes of faith, culture, and sexuality.
Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead, 2021
Genre: Literary Fiction
Description: A unique dive into indigenous identity and queer sexuality through the life of a young Two-Spirit person.
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good, 2022
Genre: Literary Fiction
Description: This novel chronicles the lives and struggles of five residential school survivors as they navigate the challenges of healing and belonging in the wider world.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton, 2023
Genre: Memoir
Description: A visually striking and deeply personal account of the author’s time working in the Canadian oil sands, exploring themes of environmentalism, labor, and the complexities of the resource economy.
Interested in all things Canadian literature? Check out my blog for book reviews, book recommendations, author spotlights, and more.
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