In the mood for something new? We know finding your next great read can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re a fan of adventure, history, or rich local BC culture, there’s always something out there for you. We’ve compiled a list of book recommendations based on what you might already love so that you’re sure to find a new pick that will captivate your imagination. Let’s dive in!
If You Love Books on Political Evolutions, then Try:
Ballots and Brawls: The 1867 Canadian General Election by Patrice Dutil (UBC Press)
In September 1867, just months after Canada’s formation, voters in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec cast ballots in the inaugural election, marking the new government’s accountability to the people. In Ballots and Brawls, Patrice Dutil offers a vivid account of the drama, violence, and key figures like John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and Joseph Howe, blending contemporary accounts and archival research to provide an engaging history of the election that shaped Canada’s origins that will satisfy the curiosity of any Canadian history buff.
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Times of Transformation: The 1921 Canadian General Election by Barbara J. Messamore (UBC Press)
Times of Transformation places the pivotal 1921 federal election within the activist movements and post–Great War revolutionary mood. Under new Liberal leader William Lyon Mackenzie King, who would become Canada’s longest-serving prime minister, the election marked several firsts: Canada’s first minority government, women voting on equal terms with men, and the rise of the Labour and Progressive parties, fracturing the two-party system. Barbara Messamore explores how these shifts were fueled by activism from those with the smallest voices, marking a transformative moment in Canadian democracy.
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If You Love Books on Iconography and Local Cultures, then Try:
A Season on Vancouver Island by Bill Arnott (Rocky Mountain Books)
Indulge your inner adventurer with A Season on Vancouver Island, a beautiful collection of images and short travel essays highlighting the fun, eclectic, and unique nature of Vancouver Island. Travel writer Bill Arnott invites readers to escape the confines of life in Vancouver for an epic and quirky road trip around Vancouver Island and to some of the surrounding smaller islands. From great food to wonderful wine, stunning natural habitats and memorable encounters with wildlife, Bill paints a charming picture of life on Canada’s West Coast that will leave even the most well-travelled readers wanting more.
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Gumboots in the Straits: Nautical Adventures from Sointula to the Salish Sea edited by Lou Allison, compiled by Jane Wildet (Caitlin Press)
Perfect for readers who love exploring what shapes local culture, Gumboots in the Straits offers a vivid glimpse into the unique way of life on BC’s West Coast. This book revisits the 1970s migration of young people to BC’s West Coast, capturing the romance of the sea and the personal and demographic changes of the time. Many young men ventured to Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea in search of new opportunities and adventures, discovering paths beyond roads and new horizons. Filled with stories of personal transformation and adapting to life’s changing tides, Gumboots in the Straits captures the dynamic spirit of the decade and the lasting allure of the sea.
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Signs of the Time: Nłeʔkepmx Resistance through Rock Art by Chris Arnett (UBC Press)
Signs of the Time examines the cultural and historical significance of rock art. But what do these markings mean? The petroglyphs and red-ochre pictographs across Nłeʔkepmx territory in British Columbia and Washington are more than ancient motifs. Chris Arnett draws on archival research, oral histories, and decades of work with Nłeʔkepmx Elders and community members to document its practices and cultural relevance. As well as providing essential reading for scholars and students of archaeology, cultural and applied anthropology, Indigenous studies, and art history, Signs of the Time will also fascinate rock art specialists and amateur enthusiasts.
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If You Love Deep Diving into Rich Histories, then Try:
Who Shot Estevan Light? And Other Tales from the Salish Sea and Beyond by Douglas Hamilton (Caitlin Press)
In Who Shot Estevan Light?, writer Douglas Hamilton shares captivating stories of maritime history and local folklore. Hamilton delves into tales of rumrunners, a tragic maritime disaster, and a Spanish map of “California Island” that looked like Vancouver Island. He also explores West Coast folklore, including moonshine perils, mysterious disappearances, and a titillating intergenerational tale. This collection offers a thrilling journey into adventure, intrigue, and timeless maritime stories.
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A Season in the Okanagan by Bill Arnott (Rocky Mountain Books)
Embark on another spellbinding allure this time of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley through the vivid imagery and captivating travel tales. Join author Bill Arnott as he once again hits the open road from Vancouver for an epic trip through British Columbia’s picturesque Okanagan region and its surrounding areas. From meaningful encounters with locals to uncovering hidden treasures, Bill captures the essence of why the Okanagan Valley stands as another of BC’s premier tourist destinations. Indulge in exquisite cuisine, world-class wines, unique natural landscapes, and captivating wildlife encounters as Bill paints a vivid picture of the life and history of British Columbia’s scenic interior.
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