The Savvy Reader thesavvyreader.ca

 
   

Top 10 Books to Celebrate Canada

Canada Day is coming up! Celebrate all things Canadian with these ten great titles. Some have a Canadian theme, some are set in Canada, some are by Canadian authors, and all are just plain great, eh?. (You knew that was coming.)

Click on each title to learn more:

  1. 100 Photos That Changed Canada by Mark Reid: A collection of 100 images that have shaped what we are as a country, with in-depth commentary on each from over 30 writers.
  2. That Boy Red by Rachna Gilmore: The story of Red, a young boy growing up in Depression-era PEI. This YA read is filled with warmth, humour, and Canadian history.
  3. Gold Diggers by Charlotte Gray: The story of the 1896 Yukon Gold Rush, told from six different perspectives, by one of Canada’s pre-eminent biographers, Charlotte Gray.
  4. Clara Callan by Richard B Wright: This captivating story follows the lives of two sisters during the Depression. Callan’s award-winning epistolary novel has become a must read in classic Canadian Literature.
  5. Deafening by Frances Itani: Set in the years leading up to WWI, this amazing novel tells the story of a young deaf woman from Southern Ontario and her husband, who is shipped off to war. Itani’s gorgeous writing brings this historic romance to life.
  6. How The Scots Invented Canada by Ken McGoogan: With more than 5 million Canadians identifying themselves as Scottish, it is important to consider the influence of Scots on our history. McGoogan recounts how more than 60 Scots helped to build our country.
  7. Changing My Mind by Margaret Trudeau: There is no doubt that Margaret Trudeau is a true Canadian icon. Her moving memoir gives insight into what life was like for Canada’s youngest first lady – before, during and after her time at 24 Sussex Ave.
  8. The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill: This sweeping story of slavery in the nineteenth features a haunting look at a little-known aspect of Canadian history and stars one of the most memorable heroines of Canadian literature, Aminata Diallo.
  9. The Beggar’s Garden by Michael Christie: These nine finely-crafted short stories explore life in one of Canada’s most infamous neighbourhoods, Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. Free of moral judgment, these stories offer an affecting look at life on the margins.
  10. Alice, I think by Susan Juby: Now a global sensation, Susan Juby’s debut novel is a heartwarming and hilarious take on the ups and downs of growing up in the small town of Smithers B.C. Every Canadian teen should get to know the quirky Alice Macleod.

Happy Canada Day!

- Lindsay, Kaitlin & Shannon

Contest alert: Want to win a beautiful, hardcover copy of 100 Photos That Changed Canada? Tell us your favourite Canadian author or Canadian book in the comments below and you’ll be entered to win!

Contest ends Tuesday, June 28th, 2011, and sorry Canadian residents only!

  • Heather S

    Great list! I would also have to recommend adding any of the books by Douglas Coupland – my all time favourite author. Souvenir of Canada and Terry fit the theme of celebrating Canada perfectly.

  • http://snowdropdreams.blogspot.com Chrystal

    So far my favourite Canadian author is Kelley Armstrong. She is always participating in innovative ideas – Smart Chicks Kick It Tour, giveaways from her blog, local library tours and it probably doesn’t hurt that she writes for both adult and young adult genres. :)

  • Sharonne Katz

    Mordechai Richler is my favourite – his books described an era in Montreal – they are so well written.

  • maureen soch

    anything by margaret atwood kathleen winter..annabel

  • Jeff Burton

    This is a great list, I will have to add some of these to my to read list for sure! Personally I love many of the Canadian poets such as the late Robert Krotesch, Don McKay and a personal fave Allan Saffrik!

  • Tamye Machina

    I have quite a few Canadian authors that I like, but the one that is currently my favourite is Emma Donoghue, author of “Room”. Will & Ian Ferguson’s “How to be a Canadian” is also pretty funny. Canadians are such pros at poking fun at ourselves.

  • may mcleod

    An awesome list of books.I have heard Micheal Christie is good I’ve been looking for his book.

  • Carmelita

    Have many favorite authors, but since this is for a Canada Day contest, I am leaning to Pierre Berton. He captures the essence of Canadian history and through his characters, real or fiction, we discover many qualities of being Canadian……perseverance, determination, fortitude, passion, and a zest for life! I read many of his works as a young teen in high school, and to this day have never been disappointed by his writings. Whether it is traveling the Yukon or a battle in the War of 1812, you almost feel like you have been transposed in time and are part of the story. He’s a great writer and a proud Canadian!

  • Jane Cassidy

    Just one?
    Well, I especially enjoy Kit Pearson’s Guests of War Trilogy (does that count as one?). I love all of her books. As I am tryping this, many other authors are popping into my mind… Jean Little, Julie Lawson, Lawrence Hill.

  • Allison Cochrane

    My Nana gave me my first Atwood book. I have loved her ever since…and my children enjoys her children’s books as well!

  • Lynne McBeath

    Canadian authors have long been my first choice and Margaret Atwood has usually been my first choice. However, Alice Monroe, Carol Shields, Timothy Findley and more recently, Emma Donoghue, all fight for first place on my list,which is very long. I have read three of your top ten list and will look for others soon.

  • Mary Ann Dudragne

    I have many favourite Canadian authors… E Pauline Johnson (I absolutely love “The Song My Paddle Sings”.) When my kids were little, I would read my copies of “Flint and Feather”. I also love Pierre Berton, Peter Gzowski, and many others.

  • http://www.writerswebworkshop.com Alison Acheson

    Thanks for including works for younger Canadians! And yes, Michael Christie’s stories are so strong.

  • Larry McCarthy

    Mordecai Richler has to be my favorite. He is one of the best character and descriptive writers I have ever read.

  • Lois Morimoto

    I have enjoyed reading Louise Penny’s books, starting wtih Still Life and ending recently with The Brutal Telling. Very well written. Its a thrill to be able to bring home a Canadian author from the bookstore and then to enjoy a setting and characters that are also uniquely Canadian.

  • Susan Cottrell

    “The great book for you is the book that has the most to say to you at the moment when you are reading. I do not mean the book that is most instructive, but the book that feeds your spirit. And that depends on your age, your experience, your psychological and spiritual need.”
    Robertson Davies
    and
    W.O. Mitchell, Who Has Seen the Wind

  • Iris

    I think Crow Lake by Mary Lawson is a very Canadian novel and I enjoyed it very much.

  • Alison Nagy

    I think that this is a fantastic list. I really enjoy books by W.O. Mitchell.” There is also a relatively new Canadian author whose books I have enjoyed. Sharon Plumb, a Saskatchewan author who wrote the young adult title, Draco’s Child, it is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it as a thought provoking novel for young adults and adults alike.

  • Jennifer

    My favorite Canadian author is Ann-Marie MacDonald. My favorite book by her is “Fall On Your Knees” or “The Way The Crow Flies” … both are equally excellent and I have read and re-read both many many times.

  • Andrew Clelland

    I enjoy the books of Dave Duncan, from his sword romps through to his more speculative novels.

  • Sandra P

    Linden MacIntyre the Bishop’s Man

  • http://www.ravensview.ca Mike

    I looked through the list – only read The Book of Negroes so far. And enjoyed it.
    I’ve now started reading the Inspector Stride crime novels, by Thomas Curran. Both are Newfoundlanders.

  • debbie starkey

    I love ane mare mac sdonald.In particular,Fall on Your knees

  • David Avery

    It would appear Canada still has a very eclectic group of writers.
    I’m a Farley Mowat fan not only because of his writing, but also because of his personality.

  • ginette4

    Favourite Canadian author: Alice Munroe and the fact that most of her stories are set in Ontario it makes me feel a connection with her stories, great author!!

  • Barbara DeFrance

    I recently read “THE SENTIMENTALISTS” BY Joanna Skibsrud. This book has won the Giller award and certainly is most deserving. I was riveted from beginning to end. She tells the story of her father, who does live in Ontario, and his adventures as a soldier in Viet Nam. The story does jump around a bit but the writing flows well.

  • W Bosch

    Farely Mowat – Never Cry Wolf…classic that all should read.

  • Susan Scott

    On my list of all time favourite Can-Lit books would be The Birth House, by Ami McKay. Such a great story with history of Nova Scotia and life in early 20th Century Canada. I’m about to give it a second read, which I don’t normally do. Thanks!

  • Brad Kinchen

    Farley Mowat is a fave of mine, A Thousand Shall Fall by Murray Peden is a great book.

  • jessica rivers

    My most loved Canadian book is “With love form Booky”
    The whole Booky series and its inside look of Canadian history is inspiring :)

  • Stacey Stanley

    As far as I’m concerned, Canada produces today’s finest literature, and choosing a single favorite in this ocean of talent is difficult, but one that immediately jumps to mind is Joseph Boyden. I doubt anyone could write from a native perspective with more sensitivity or clarity – A true Canadian storyteller, and an extraordinarily gifted writer.

  • Jeannine

    How can I not say that Lucy Maud Montgomery wasn’t a very important part of my life, growing up? Didn’t every little girl fall in love with Canada’s beloved little girl, Anne of Green Gables?! It will always be a very important, historical, touching piece of Canadiana.

  • http://coreenamcburnie.blogspot.com Coreena McBurnie

    I just read a book by Angie Abdou and it was fabulous – hard to choose a favorite but she is up there.

  • Penny Routledge

    Lucy Maud Montgomery is my favourite author. I loved reading about Anne Shirley , Green Gables, “kindred spirits” and all of Anne’s adventures in the Anne of Green Gables series.

  • Adina H.

    I’ll second Kit Pearson’s Guests of War stories. I enjoyed The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, and I’ve always loved LMM’s Anne books. I’ll add The Root Cellar by Janet Lunn, too, even though she wasn’t born in Canada.

  • Paula Goodman

    Elizabeth Hay is a great writer – I really enjoyed Alone in the Classroom.

  • Julia Elliot

    I have to say my favorite is Alice Munro. I have been reading her books for years and have loved every one. Plus she is a lovely person, generous and kind.

  • Scarlett

    I’m not sure about favourite but about 10 years ago I read “As for me and my house” by Sinclair Ross and I still think about that book almost every day – and I don’t know why. Guess it affected me. Otherwise all the biggies are my favs as well as hilarious Stuart McLean and Vinyl Cafe.

  • Jennie

    Not Wanted On The Voyage by Timothy Findley is my favourite. He always wrote, The Wars, which I love as well! :) Great Canadian author!

  • Sandi

    Farley Mowat….a great canadian author, ‘Owls in the Family’ is one of the first books i remember as a child.

  • Jen G.

    L.M. Montgomery, hands down. I love Anne, of course but my favourite is “The Blue Castle”.

  • Lisa Nevins

    because I have little children I have developed a great fondness for many children’s authors, I love Melanie Watt

  • Francine

    For me, it’s a toss-up between Carol Shields and Ann-Marie MacDonald

  • http://zealous-reader.blogspot.com Laura

    It’s so hard to pick just one but my favourite novel written by a Canadian author is Little Brother by Cory Doctorow. Absolutely loved it!

  • Janice Ellis

    Carol Shields is my pick

  • debra

    It’s hard to choose-Margaret Atwood,Carol Shields, Joseph Boyden, Lawrence Hill -have all written books I’ve enjoyed. As my top pick however I’d say Robert Munsch-not perhaps great literature but his books brought hours of enjoyment to our family and my teen son has maintained his love of books and reading.

  • alan parker

    mordechai richler seems to have captured the essence of the canadian psyche in his novels

  • Karleena

    My personal favourite Canadian novel would be Catch Me Once, Catch Me Twice by Janet McNaughton. McNaughton is a Newfoundlander, and her story of Evelyn living in St. John’s while her father is away to war, and discovering adventures in the city involving fairies, and new friends is truly captivating. It’s sequel Make or Break Spring is just as awesome.

  • Linda

    My favourite Canadian author is Carol Shields

  • Janet meisner

    One of my favorite Canadian authors is Linden MacIntyre. He write realistically about the Atlantic provinces.

  • Shirley

    I have just read all of Louise Penny’s books and can hardly wait for her new one coming out August 30. I love her descriptions of southern Quebec, that make me want to visit there so much.

  • Nicole

    My current favourite author is Kelley Armstrong. Thanks!

  • Steve Wishart

    My favourite Canadian author is Angie Abdou

  • Virginia Reddin

    Canada has got some amazing talent!:D and even just reading the other comments, i realize i read more Canadian authors that i thought i did;)
    My favorite author, Canadian or not (though he is) is Charles de Lint. He never hits a wrong note, with such strong prose, characters, settings, everything:D My sister introduced me to his work in high school, and now i have an entire section of a bookcase of just his books;)
    I’m also excited to read Louise Penny for the first time; her Still Life is the One Book One Island pick (all of PEI reads the same book:D)!

  • Wonn Kim

    My favourite Canadian author is Jack Hodgins.

  • sean pynaert

    margaret atwood
    spynaert@hotmail.com

  • christine conway

    Yann Martel- The Life of Pi. I’ve read it 3 times and I’m sure I will another 3. I find his characters and stories tell of the world that I see.

  • Tracey

    A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

  • Donna Lyn

    I love all the books by Kathy Reichs because they are suspenseful and informative.

  • nick aloe

    Mordecai Richler is my favourite Canadian author

  • sylvia shaw

    Anne Marie MacDonald is my favourite

  • http://www.thepainterstudio.blogspot.com Joanne

    Definitely Kathleen Winter and Tom Rachman

  • Helen McTaggart

    He may not be one of the HC authors but Alan Bradely, new as he is on the scene, is my favourite Canadian author. His stories are engaging and his fresh twist on the detective novel makes you feel as if you are rediscovering the genre.

  • Marilyn Legault

    I love “Still Alice” by Alice Munroe. The book actually scared me!! I don’t usually remember book titles, but that one is ingrained in my memory.

  • Valerie Yantha

    Susan Juby is the funniest auther that I know.

  • Julie

    Lucy Maud Montgomery has to be my favourite

  • Jo Ann Cook

    Margaret Atwood is scary good! I love to read anything by her. That she is Canadian is just a major bonus!

  • Patricia A Gooding

    Wow how does one pick, some of Farley Mowat’s early books are hilarious, Yann Martel is riveting,Lawrence Hill’s book “The book of Negroes” should be a must read, I like Rita Joe’s poetry, miriam toews, Thompson Highway, Leo Fury, The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson was totally mesmerizing, Antonine Maillet. Alistair MacLeod,…. See I’m running through books in my head and I don’t think I have a favorite, I love them all.

  • Grace

    My latest fave is Miriam Toews. However, I also adore Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, Robertson Davies, Mordecai Richler, and Gary S. Ross.

  • http://www.spikeymom.wordpress.com elizabeth

    I’ve read most of the books nominated by other readers, and agree with all of their nominations. How can one choose? From children’s literature to the finest adult novels, Canlit is amazing!

    Someone not yet nominated, and I’d like to put in a good word for him and nominate him, is Linwood Barclay, formerly a columnist with The Toronto Star, who has been writing “can’t put ‘em down” mysteries.

  • http://www.facebook.com/home.php Your NameTiziana Blacklock

    My favorite Canadian author is Margaret Atwood.

  • CAROL ANN WESTBROOK

    I love anything by Alice Munro….especially Dance of the Happy Shades.

  • Patricia Boyle

    My favorite Canadian author is Roberton Davies, whom I had the pleasure to meet in Montreal many years ago. My favorite book is What’s Bred in the Bone.

  • Tracey Marsh

    So many fabulous Canadian authors, but my favorites have to be Anne Marie McDonald, Donna Morrissey and Miriam Toews.

  • feistykins

    Margaret Atwood and Joy Fielding!

  • Brenda

    I have read most of the fiction titles on your list and loved them all! My favourite Canadian novel is
    “No Great Mischief” by Alistair Macleod.

  • Ghisl

    The Book of Negroes is a fantastic book.

  • David M

    Robertson Davies

  • Donny Martel

    Mordecai Richler and Barney’s Version

  • comnurse1

    I would have to say Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables. I also enjoy many other Canadian authors, but she is classic.

  • Lynda Fraser

    Most definately would be “Clara Callan”…it was the first time I put a book down and truly missed the character and wanted to read it again and again.

  • Judy C Craig

    I haven’t read any of the books on your list but it seems very impressive. I love Farley Mowat’s books though.

  • Chris MacDonald

    My favourite Canadian author is Lawrence Hill and the Book of Negroes

  • kelly

    Margaret Atwood would be my fav

  • Chrissy

    Wow – tough question….my favorite Canadian author is Margaret Atwood but I am also becoming a fan of Pamela Callow. Both excellent for summer reading.

  • Garnet Leib

    Margaret Atwood Is the best

  • Catharine M

    I love Pierre Berton. As a child, I have fond memories of his book ” The Secret World of Og”.

  • http://literallife.wordpress.com/ Jennifer

    I have to say Michael Crummey is one of my favourite Canadian authors. His novel, “Galore”, is incredible and Crummey shows us the ruggedness of place while telling us a story. Gorgeous book!

  • Jen S.

    I’m going with a true classic: Anne of Green Gables

  • George

    My favorite author is Margaret Atwood.

  • Erin

    My absolute fav is Douglas Coupland. I could read his books over and over.

  • Rose

    Carol Shields

  • http://www.andrewbinks.ca Andrew Binks

    I would have to say The Summer Between published by Nightwood Editions and written by Andrew Binks, a novel that depicts boyhood angst against an underlying tension of racism, homophobia, bullying, all set against a hot summer on the Ottawa river, that great border between French and English Canada, which saw so much history pass through its waters, is the quintessential novel for those wanting to understand 60′s rural life in Upper Canada. It is the coming of age story of one young boy, as he learns that his love is something that is not for this world, although its message rings as clear today. If you Google this novel you will see some great reviews–three dollar reviews, xtra magazine, prairie fire.

  • Kiki

    I love reading Rick Mercer, his writing style is as funny as his show!

  • Luciana

    All books on this list sound good. I’d be really interested in reading Margaret Trudeau, “Changing My Mind”. Another would be, Mark Reid, “100 Photos That Changed Canada”. I’ve always enjoyed reading anything about Margaret Trudeau and love any books with interesting photography.

  • Karen David

    Anne Marie MacDonald

  • jamie

    Margaret Atwood

  • Sophie Gauvin

    I will go with Michel Tremblay.

  • Lori Evans

    What about any number of books by the Great……Yes I did say Great…..Pierre Berton….Talk about a good read on Canadian History…”Marching as to War” “For The Love of History” “The National Dream:The Great Railroad 1871-1881″ But to name a few!!!

  • Judy Williams

    Margaret Lawrence – The Diviners I read this every few years and still love it

  • maria

    I really enjoyed the Life Of Pi

  • Rachel

    Farley Mowat has always been a favourite of mine.

  • sunshine

    I will always pick LM Montgomery as my favourite, but recently was going through some old books and found my titles by Eric Wilson. I will always remember interviewing him in grade 4 for our school newsletter, and look forward to introducing my daughter to his mysteries in a few years.

  • Nancy

    I would love to have that book! My favourite has to be Mordecai Richler.

  • Paula Ritchie

    My fav Canadian book is Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

  • Diane

    a true classic: Anne of Green Gables

  • http://www.canadiangiftguide.wordpress.com Brittany

    Margaret Atwood, easily. She’s possibly one of the best writers ever.

  • http://www.catmuses.wordpress.com Cathy

    Only one! What a hard choice! Love all the suggestions and I have written down a lot of them for future reading.

    I love YA books so I’m also a fan of Kit Pearson. I’ve read many of her books and loved them all.

    I’ve also enjoyed Troon Harrison’s book “A Bushel of Light” about home children and was lucky enough to go to one of Troon’s writing workshops back in the early 2000′s.

    Lately I am a fan of writer, Caroline Pignat who won the GG award for her novel “Greener Grass” last year. She has written a sequel “Wild Geese” and another one is in the works, I believe. It tells of the Irish potato famine and how many Irish came to Canada in the 1800s to make a new life for themselves.

  • Jonquil

    I would like to suggest “Three Day Road” by Joseph Boyden. Not only a story about and from a First Nations writer, it also tells the story of Canadian soldiers in WWI – the war that defined Canada as a nation. An incredible read.

    I would also suggest Wayne Johnston – his “Colony of Unrequited Dreams” is one of my all-time favourite books. Funny and poignant by turns.

  • Ken

    Margaret Atwood

  • Sean

    Farley Mowat

  • Heidi

    Hard to resist Stuart McLean…an awesome storyteller!!

  • Josie

    great contest! it’s hard to pick just one but I will go with Emma Donoghue

  • Jason

    I like Lawrence Hill’s work.

  • Michael Hardes

    My recommendation would be The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill. My aunt gave me the book to read after she was done with it and I couldnt put it down. There are many other great Canadian authors and selections out there.

  • Tara Bleakney

    Stuart McLean… any of his titles, I can’t help but have a smile on my face and a laugh

  • Carol

    Deafening by Frances Itani is a great read!

  • http://n/a Pat Haynes

    Mordechai Richler is my favourite, his books are so interesting and different!

  • http://www.mywallabygold.com/blog Angie Andrews

    margaret Atwood – the first book of hers I read while I was in high school the Handmaid’s Tale and I’ve been hooked ever since

  • Judy

    Susan Juby is a great author and soooo funny too. She is my new favourite Canadian author and I’m looking forward to winning her book and all the others in the package!

  • Terry Dillon

    My favorite Canadian author is Stephen Leacock. Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is one of my favorite titles.

  • Linda Chaput

    Definately Pierre Burton.All his books are great reading.

  • http://www.facebook.com/tracy.mckechnie Tracy McKechnie

    Lucy Maude Montgomery- I have read her Anne series and Emily many many times over.

RSS