Do you have a friend or family member who defies categorization? No matter how hard you try you just can’t seem to find the perfect gift? We’ve pulled together a list featuring wild card picks from BC publishers. No matter who you’re shopping for, there’s sure to be a BC book that’s just right!
POETRY
No Shelter by Henry Doyle (Anvil Press)
A brave and moving account of the author’s journey from foster home runaway, to incarcerated youth, to boxer. Doyle shares the experience of his time spent homeless on the streets of Ottawa and Toronto. Infused with both humour and hope, this collection makes the perfect addition to any poetry reader’s shelf.
Breath, Like Water: An Anticolonial Romance by Norah Bowman (Caitlin Press)
This moving collection of poetry celebrates the Okanagan Mountain and offers a critique of land ownership and colonialism. Blending together magical speculation and natural history, the poet has created a volume that grapples with our attachment to nature and the desire to honour the Land Back movement.
Atlas of Roots by Beth Kope (Caitlin Press)
Adrienne Gruber, author of Q & A has said that this poetry collection, “sees Kope re-write her identity through a re-telling of myth. The poems are a filling-in of blanks and a de-coding of childhood.” The collection explores themes of belonging, identity and family through the lens of adoption.
ART & PHOTOGRAPHY
Heroines Revisited by Lincoln Clarkes (Anvil Press)
A follow up to Clarkes’ 2002 photography collection, Heroines, this new volume features 200 striking portraits and three new critical essays about the art and subjects — the women living and working on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Mischief Making by Nicola Levell (UBC Press)
A stunning, illustrated tribute to the work of Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas — best known as the creator of the Haida manga. Yahgulanaas’s art is expressive and playful, yet explores complex themes of contemporary cultural concerns, Indigenous worldviews, politics, and global ecological affairs.
FICTION
Porcupines and China Dolls by Robert Alexie (Theytus Books Ltd.)
A novel about best friends James Nathan and Jake Noland who return home to their Gwich’in community in the Northwest Territories after finishing residential school. The novel details their recovery, reconnection to their community and culture, and their resilient journey towards healing.
No Man’s Land by John Vigna (Arsenal Pulp Press)
This new work of historical fiction is set in the 19th century. The protagonist, a fourteen-year-old girl named Davey, has grown up with a group of eccentric misfits who rescued her as an infant. She roams the countryside of the Canadian wilderness with these hostile companions, resulting in a thrilling saga.
Avenue of Champions by Conor Kerr (Nightwood Editions)
Set in Edmonton, AB, the novel is narrated by Daniel — a young Métis man finding his way in a world of violence, intergenerational trauma and systemic racism. Daniel finds hope and thrives in his connection to his culture, language and ceremonies.
MEMOIR AND BIOGRAPHY
This Is My Real Name: A Stripper’s Memoir by Cid V Brunet (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Cid V Brunet writes with over a decade of experience stripping in clubs across Canada. She danced in small, home-town clubs and some of the country’s most high-end venues, and along the way learned to cope with the good and bad sides of the industry. The memoir is frank, candid, and a moving new work by an emerging author.
Pandemic Spotlight by Ian Hanomansing (Douglas & McIntyre)
A unique blend of personal stories and accounts from health care professionals about the pandemic and their own careers as doctors. CBC journalist Ian Hanomansing has curated profiles on Canadian infectious disease doctors who stepped up to the frontline of the crisis in this inspirational collection.
All author royalties from sales of the book support UBC’s Centre for Health Education Scholarship.
Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story by Robin Stevenson (Rebel Mountain Press)
Chosen as one of the best books of 2021 by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, this moving book is based on the true story of refugees Eka, Rainer, and their beloved cat, Ghost. The family is forced to leave Indonesia when the country becomes too dangerous for LGBTQ people, and seek freedom in Canada.
Trail Mix: 920 km on the Camino de Santiago by Jules Torti (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
Many dream of walking the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain. Jules Torti braved the trail and tells the story with wit and humour in this riveting and hilarious travel memoir. The perfect read for anyone who dreams of conquering “The Way.”
Be Free: Mountains, Mishaps, and Miracles in Africa by Angela deJong (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
In this travel read, Angela deJong shares stories from her time spent in Africa, including climbing Kilimanjaro, meeting silverback gorillas in Uganda, and hiking volcanoes. This inspirational read showcases the beauty of the continent and the author’s experience as a solo female backpacker.
What Was Said to Me: The Life of Sti’tum’atul’wut, a Cowichan Woman by Ruby Peter, in collaboration with Helene Demers (Royal BC Museum)
Cowichan Elder and Linguist Sti’tum’atul’wut Ruby Peter has trained Hul’q’umi’num’ language teachers and researchers for over six decades. She is a beloved and respected language teacher whose efforts have been vital to preserving the language and culture. She shares her personal story in this memoir of resistance and advocacy.
Imagined Truths: Myths from a Draft-Dodging Poet by Richard Lemm (Tidewater Press)
An insightful memoir by Richard Lemm who came to Canada as a way of avoiding the war draft in the United States. Lemm explores the cultural events that were shaping the world at the time with poignant, poetic observations.
Just One More Drive: The true story of a stuttering homosexual and his race car by Robert James O’Brien (Tidewater Press)
A new edition of Robert James O’Brien’s frank and humorous memoir. O’Brien explores themes of bullying, depression, suicide, loneliness, anxiety in this honest, funny and touching memoir that recounts his journey from childhood in Dublin, Ireland to hopeful actor in Vancouver, BC.
ESSAYS AND SHORT STORIES
Richard Wagamese Selected by Richard Wagamese (Douglas & McIntyre)
Richard Wagamese is one of Canada’s most beloved storytellers. This posthumous collection is a tribute to his legacy, which includes a blend of some of the author’s most celebrated short writings and some previously unpublished works. The stunning collection also features a new introduction from Drew Hayden Taylor.
The Summer Book (Mother Tongue Publishing Limited)
A beautiful collection of personal essays, which include contributions from 24 BC writers. Each story captures the warmth and excitement of summer that will have you counting down the days until the season changes. The book also includes striking drawings, linocuts, watercolours and etchings by Gary Sim, Briony Penn and Peter Haase.
In Our Own Aboriginal Voice 2: A collection of Indigenous authors and artists in Canada edited by Michael Calvert (Rebel Mountain Press)
A follow up to In Our Own Aboriginal Voice, this anthology includes short fiction, non-fiction, poetry and artwork by Indigenous writers and artists from across Canada. With selections from established and emerging writers, this collection is a moving tribute to the Indigenous experience in Canada.
HISTORY
Haunting British Columbia by Mike McCardell (Harbour Publishing)
A follow up to McCardell’s 2013 bestseller Haunting Vancouver, this new collection tells British’s Columbia’s history through the voice of a fictional, ghostly narrator. Readers will learn how Victoria became BC’s capital, how Gassy Jack helped shape Vancouver, and more historical stories.
Deep, Dark and Dangerous by Vickie Jensen (Harbour Publishing)
Few know that British Columbia is a hot-spot for undersea technologies. The province is an international hub for submarines, submersibles, Newtsuits, underwater robotics, Arctic sonar and more! In this fascinating title, maritime historian Vickie Jensen explores BC’s history in the industry. The perfect addition to any history buff’s bookshelf!
Capitals, Aristocrats, and Cougars: Victoria’s Hockey Professionals, 1911–1926 by Alan Livingstone MacLeod (Heritage House Publishing)
Perfect for the sports fan! Kent Manderville, Former NHL player and Olympic silver medalist has called this hockey story “a fascinating history of the rich tradition of hockey in Victoria.” This true story recounts the history of professional hockey in Victoria from 1911 to 1925, when the city would win the illustrious Stanley Cup.
CHILDREN
Caring for Critters: One Year at a Wildlife Rescue Centre by Nicholas Read (Heritage House Publishing)
Perfect for any animal lover or future environmentalist, Caring for Critters profiles the work of life-saving animal organization, Critter Care. For over three decades, the wildlife rehabilitation centre in Langley, BC, has rescued and cared for more than 50,000 animals, including bears, beavers, coyotes, cougars, rabbits, river otters, skunks, squirrels and more!
My Heart Beats by Rina Singh (Orca Book Publishers)
A moving and rhythmic baby board book dedicated to connection. The book shares the unique ways that different languages express the sounds of our heartbeats.
Sorry For Your Loss by Joanne Levy (Orca Book Publishers)
A starred Kirkus review has called this novel for children 9-12, a “heartfelt and expertly written tale of loss, family, and friendship that will have readers blinking back their tears…”. The novel tells the story of 12-year-old Evie Walman, whose family runs a Jewish funeral home. One day, Evie meets Oren, a boy her age who was in a horrific car accident that killed both his parents. She becomes determined to help with his grief and loss.
i? siw?kw nkwancin?m k??l suli? / The Water Sings to Suli? by Harron Hall, illustrated by Shianna Allison (Theytus Books Ltd.)
A beautiful picture book about a young girl who meets a water spirit. Suli is inspired by the spirit to help protect and conserve the world around her. The book is perfect for any child with an interest in sustainability and the environment.
FOOD AND DRINK
Menno-Nightcaps by S. L. Klassen, illustrated by Michael Hepher (TouchWood Editions)
A funny, satirical cocktail recipe book. Menno-Nightcaps pairs over 75 unique and delicious drink recipes with trivia on Mennonite history, faith, and cultural practices. The book is cheeky and includes comical illustrations of the cocktails.
The Distilleries of Vancouver Island by Marianne Scott (TouchWood Editions)
Read and drink local! This new book by Marianne Scott offers a helpful guide to Vancouver Island’s craft and artisan distilleries. The book includes an introduction on the history of spirit making and the process of distilling, a glossary of common terms, delicious cocktail recipes inspired by each distillery’s products, and a map to help you plan a tour!