Where did the time go? Summer has come and gone, and autumn is welcoming us with a fantastic season of reads and fun festivals to enjoy! For readers who just can’t wait for these fall releases and festivities, we’ve put together a list of found gems by local publishers so that you can curl up with a cozy cup of tea and a BC book. Read on!
For Fiction Fanatics:
Oracle Bone by Lydia Kwa (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Magical realism, ghosts, martial arts, and history are artfully mixed together in this novel set in seventh-century China. The author uses (and subverts) traditional tropes from Chinese mythology to create a page-turning tale featuring a strong heroine.
The Kissing Fence by B.A. Thomas-Peter (Caitlin Press)
Jumping between British Columbia during the 1950s and 60s and 2018 Vancouver, this novel explores the conflict between the BC government and the Doukhobor community. The result is an emotional story on generational trauma, obligation, justice, and belonging.
For Poetry Lovers:
The Pit by Tara Borin (Nightwood Editions)
Set in a seedy bar in a rural northern Yukon town, Tara Borin shares an intimate collection of portraits of the bar’s regulars, employees, and visitors to create a moving story on finding community in unexpected places.
Rom Com by By Dina Del Bucchia and Daniel Zomparelli (Talonbooks)
A collection of witty, playful, and poignant poems that deconstruct the romantic comedy film as a genre. This smart collection explores the familiar tropes in the genre, and exposes issues of sexuality, consent, sexism, homophobia, race, and class.
For Fans of Memoir:
Rain City: Vancouver Reflections by John Moore (Anvil Press)
Lifelong Vancouverite John Moore writes about the city’s storied history—both good and seedy—in this reflective memoir that is sure to resonate with anyone who spent their childhood in Metro Vancouver.
That’s Why I’m a Doctor: Physicians Recount Their Most Memorable Moments by Mark Bulgutch (Douglas & McIntye)
A collection of diverse and inspiring stories from forty-six different physicians, including pediatricians, interventional radiologists, general surgeons, psychiatrists, family doctors, gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists, gynecologists, neurologists and more to share stories on why they chose the profession.