From nature’s rhythms to life’s milestones, here are 15 books that offer insights that resonate year-round. Whether you’re savouring the fresh flavors of summer or embracing autumn’s introspection, these reads reflect the moods, stages, and landscapes that shape our lives.
Becoming the Harvest by Pauline Le Bel (Caitlin Press)
Inspired by Le Bel’s personal experiences with loss and her delightful acceptance of aging, Becoming the Harvest invites readers to envision death and end-of-life as profound journeys. Beginning with the epiphanic experience of caring for her terminally ill sister, these poems affectionately reveal the beauty and sorrow of life’s final stages with honesty and humor. Le Bel challenges society’s grim views of age and mortality, encouraging readers to embrace these momentous years with openness and to see them as invitations to live and love more fully.
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Four Seasons by the Salish Sea: Discovering the Natural Wonders of Coastal Living by Carolyn Redl (Heritage House Publishing)
Four Seasons by the Salish Sea is a blend of travelogue and natural history that chronicles a year of life along the stunning coastline between Port Renfrew to Desolation Sound. After relocating to Vancouver Island in the early 2000s, Carolyn Redl embarks on a journey to understand the ecosystem of the Salish Sea, exploring everything that inhabits this saltwater environment. Over the course of two decades, she documents her observations and offers insights into the region’s plants, animals, and communities. Four Seasons by the Salish Sea highlights seasonal events, such as spring blooms and salmon spawns, while detailing diverse locales like Malcolm Island and the Sunshine Coast. Enhanced with striking photography, this personal and informative work is essential for anyone enchanted by coastal living, addressing both the beauty and the environmental challenges of the Salish Sea.
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The Middle by Stephen Collis (Talonbooks)
Set against the backdrop of wildfires and atmospheric rivers, The Middle continues Stephen Collis’ exploration of precarious climate futures through a lens of displacement and wandering. As the central piece of a trilogy which begins with A History of the Theories of Rain, The Middle documents Collis’ journeys through the changing treelines of our warming planet, reflecting on the movement inherent in all living things. Inspired by the concept of a “poetic commons,” Collis employs an array of citational methods across The Middle’s interconnected sections. With a focus on human-plant relationships, the movement of words mirrors the natural dispersal of seeds and the ongoing migration of flora and fauna across our heating world.
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Raven Gets Tricked by Andrea Fritz (Orca Book Publishers)
Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells the tale of a cunning raven and a resourceful little deer who works to ensure they both have enough food for the winter. Smuy, the little deer, finds his food supply running low and hopes Spaal’, the raven, will share his provisions. Despite Smuy’s repeated offers to share, Spaal’ only ever tricks him in return. But resourceful Smuy tries something new. He mashes his remaining berries and mixes them into the snow, creating an enticing red hue that catches Spaal’s attention. When the raven asks to taste it, Smuy is ready for his tricks and devises a clever plan that guarantees both animals will stay warm and well-fed throughout the winter. Set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, Raven Gets Tricked showcases Indigenous storytelling techniques while celebrating the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples.
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Sally’s Snow Day by Andrew Larson, Illustrated by Dawn Lo (Orca Book Publishers)
Join Sally the dog on her snowy adventure in this delightful picture book. On a crisp winter day, Sally is excited to make her way to the park. She bundles up in her cozy coat and gets ready to explore the winter wonderland. At the park, Sally meets other playful pups and watches people rolling snowballs into adorable snowdogs of all shapes and sizes. After giving each creation a curious sniff, Sally bids farewell to her new friends and returns home, where she’s ready for a well-deserved nap. As winter approaches, this charming tale is perfect for young readers who love adventures in the snow.
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Home Truths by Carolyn Whitzman (UBC Press)
This essential book sheds light on the roots of Canada’s housing crisis and proposes clear paths to change. Thousands of Canadians live with constant uncertainty—renters fear sudden eviction, homeowners feel trapped, and both are at risk of homelessness after a single setback. The relentless rise in housing costs is fracturing communities, pushing long-time residents to relocate for affordability, and forcing businesses to close due to lack of affordable housing. In Home Truths, Carolyn Whitzman, a housing expert, uncovers the policies that have fueled this crisis and explains how coordinated government action could create accessible housing where it’s most needed. Drawing on perspectives from Canadian researchers, planners, developers, and advocates, Whitzman presents feasible, research-backed solutions to every facet of the crisis.
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A Perfect Day for a Walk: The History, Cultures, and Communities of Vancouver, on Foot by Bill Arnott (Arsenal Pulp Press)
In A Perfect Day for a Walk, bestselling author Bill Arnott invites readers to discover the enchanting urban landscapes of Vancouver—a city renowned for its natural beauty, from Stanley Park to lush forested mountains. Through a series of carefully curated strolls in neighborhoods like Kitsilano, Granville Island, and Chinatown, Arnott unveils the unique stories and histories that define each area. Blending vivid sensory descriptions with a genuine appreciation for the city’s intricate charm and challenges, he offers a fresh perspective on Vancouver’s tapestry, encouraging readers to immerse themselves in its hidden gems and vibrant cultures.
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The Wild Coasts of Canada by Scott Forsyth (Rocky Mountain Books)
Winner of the Banff Mountain Book Competition’s Mountain Image Award, Scott Forsyth’s new anthology of photographs and essays celebrate the breathtaking wilderness of Canada’s most remote regions nestled along its ocean coasts. Divided into three distinct parts—Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific—each section offers striking photos and personal anecdotes that serve as an ode to the unique geographical and cultural elements of these extraordinary landscapes. With its visuals and compelling stories, The Wild Coasts of Canada invites readers to embark on their own explorations of Canada’s vast and enchanting wilderness.
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Blue Camas, Blue Camas by Danielle S. Marcotte, Illustrated by Alyssa Koski (Heritage House Publishing)
The Blue Camas flower, a plant native to North America’s Northwest Coast, has held deep significance for Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. Blue Camas, Blue Camas shares this compelling history. Revered for its sacred and practical values, Blue Camas bulbs were harvested and traded across the west coast, prompting villages to gather together to tend to its vibrant meadows. To European colonizers, however, the meadows were prime farmland. This beautifully illustrated picture book depicts the encounter between a Lkwungen community and a group of Irish settlers, whose presence threatens and nearly destroys an Indigenous way of life. Thoughtfully introducing concepts like food sovereignty, biodiversity, and ecosystem preservation, Blue Camas, Blue Camas invites readers—young and old—to reflect on these vital themes.
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Escape to Clayoquot Sound: Finding Home in a Wild Place by John Dowd and Bea Dowd (Heritage House Publishing)
In Escape to Clayoquot Sound, John and Bea Dowd fondly reflect on a decade of off-grid living in a stunning coastal paradise beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. Twenty years ago, they found an abandoned beach house on a small island in Clayoquot Sound, which inspired their heartfelt homage to the place where they would serve as year-round caretakers. Blending humor and emotion with their alternating voices, this beautifully illustrated memoir captures their harmonious existence with wildlife and nature, while exploring evolving concepts of home, family, and community in wilderness. Filled with breathtaking natural photography, Escape to Clayoquot Sound celebrates the beauty of this beloved landscape.
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A Season on Vancouver Island by Bill Arnott (Rocky Mountain Books)
This collection of vibrant images and travel essays showcase the quirky charm and eclectic spirit of one of Canada’s most beloved tourist destinations—Vancouver Island. Travel writer Bill Arnott breaks free from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver for an unforgettable road trip across Vancouver Island and its neighboring isles. Arnott documents must-see attractions, conversations with locals, exquisite food and wine, landscapes, and wildlife. With original artwork, A Season on Vancouver Island offers a delightful glimpse into life on Canada’s stunning West Coast.
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The Davison Orchards Cookbook by Rachel Davison (TouchWood Editions)
Discover a vibrant collection of recipes in The Davison Orchards Cookbook, a beautifully photographed tribute to fruit-and-vegetable-forward cooking from the family behind Davison Orchards in Vernon, British Columbia. Infused with family wisdom and humor, Rachel, Tamra, and Laura celebrate local produce and seasonal gatherings with cherished family recipes from their Farmhouse Café and Bakery. Recipes like Zucchini Pancakes, Country Corn Chowder, and Nana’s Apple Slice transport the Davison Orchards into your kitchen and share timeless lessons that the trio have learned from farm and family.
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The Deerholme Mushroom Cookbook by Bill Jones (TouchWood Editions)
Shortlisted for the 2014 Taste Canada Award, The Deerholme Mushroom Cookbook is an essential guide to the culinary world of wild and cultivated mushrooms. Acclaimed author and chef, Bill Jones, presents foraging techniques for every season, tips for selecting store-bought mushrooms, and advice for growing your own. This essential handbook also includes over 120 delectable recipes, ranging from everyday staples to gourmet dishes that highlight the flavors and medicinal benefits of edible mushrooms.
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Adventures In Desolation Sound by Grant Lawrence (Harbour Publishing)
Inspired by Grant Lawrence’s beloved memoir, Adventures in Solitude, this humorous picture book tells the story of the Lawrence family as they head to a rustic cabin in the wilds of BC’s Desolation Sound. Upon arrival, Grant and his little sister Heather—who would much rather be watching TV—are greeted by darkness, an outdoor toilet, and quirky neighbors. But as the days unfold, the siblings discover the magic of life beyond the screen. Through comical escapades with family and new friends, Adventures in Desolation Sound is a heartwarming story of discovering beauty and joy in wilderness.
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