As holiday season approaches each year, we reach out to an independent bookstore somewhere in BC to get gifting recommendations from the most qualified perspective we can think of— a bookseller’s. This year, we’re honing in on Victoria to get our recs from Molly, a bookseller at the beloved family-run bookstore, Russell Books.
Head to your own local bookstore to look for these picks (use the “Shop Local” buttons below, or look up the titles on IndieBookstores.ca)!
Watch out for our interview with the Russell Books staff later this month!
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
“It’s important for all Canadians to read Saul Indian Horse’s story, an Ojibwe man who survived the horrors of Canada’s residential schools. A poignant novel that hurts, yet ultimately heals.”
How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa
“Through this short story collection, we learn of the lives of Laotian immigrants in Canada. Themes of identity and belonging intermingle for a tender and beautiful reading experience.”
Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi
“A wonderful interweaving of Nigerian spirituality, sisterhood, and food. The characters were lovely and flawed and usually lost, and thus totally human. Also, I loved the shoutouts to Canadian cities (Halifax especially was illustrated beautifully!).”
Klee Wyck by Emily Carr
“An amazing piece of writing by Canadian artist Emily Carr, in which she details her experiences with Indigenous peoples on the Pacific Coast. Beautiful descriptions of nature, art, and the spiritual connections she felt with Indigenous cultures.”
The Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
“BC-born author Emily St. John Mandel does speculative fiction so well, and in this novel, she manages to make time travel, art, and pandemics converge. Explore the mystery of existence itself through this story! You’ll love it.”
Bluebeard’s Egg by Margaret Atwood
“A collection of short stories by one of Canada’s best. These stories delve into the complexities of human relationships, desire, and femininity. It’s fantastic. Trust me!”
The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood
“Margaret Atwood’s debut novel! Originally published by McClelland and Stewart, this novel was reissued by House of Anansi Press in 2009. It blends satire with social commentary, and is a fascinating and surreal depiction of a young woman’s mental unraveling. A must-read.”
The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence
“The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence is a CanLit classic that would make an excellent gift this holiday season. It explores themes of aging and memory through the life of the iconic Hagar Shipley. Like some other great works of Canadian fiction, it has been republished by House of Anansi Press in recent years.”
The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews
“Quirky family dynamics, a road trip, and the Canadian prairies. What more could you ask from a book? Miriam Toews is a Canadian literary icon, and it’s simply a must to discover her this holiday season.”
Fight Night by Miriam Toews
“A touching and sweet novel with a unique narrative voice. You’ll laugh, and probably cry, and then hug it to your chest after it’s finished. A perfect, warm little read for the holidays.”