On Saturday, April 26, independent bookstores across the country celebrated Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (CIBD), which celebrated Canadian books and its industry. CIBD is a national celebration of the vital role indie bookstores play in our literary landscape. It’s a day when readers, writers, illustrators, and publishers come together to support small bookshops, champion Canadian voices, and invest in a thriving cultural economy.
If you’re looking for your next great read — or want to show your love for Canadian books — here are ten books to check out, all of which are by homegrown authors and celebrated across the country:
1. The Maid Series by Nita Prose
Set in a posh hotel, this mystery series follows Molly Gray, an endearing and socially awkward maid whose life is turned upside down when she finds herself entangled in murder investigations. A mix of clever sleuthing and heartwarming character development, it’s a modern whodunnit with heart.
2. The Cost of a Hostage by Iona Whishaw
In this twelfth installment of the Lane Winslow mystery series, a supposed open-and-shut kidnapping case in Nelson, BC, takes a twist while Lane herself follows new leads in Mexico. Set in the Kootenays and full of intrigue, it’s a smart, satisfying addition for fans of Canadian crime fiction.
3. The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
A haunting and thought- provoking debut novel set in a mysterious town bordered by two identical valleys—one representing the past and the other the future. Sixteen-year-old Odile, a bright student in training for a role in the local government, is granted access to this peculiar world where crossing into another valley means stepping into another time.
4. On Isabella Street by Genevieve Graham
Set between 1960s Toronto and war-torn Vietnam, this historical novel follows two women caught in sweeping social movements and personal tragedy. A powerful story of love, friendship, and resilience during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history.
5. The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
A lyrical and haunting novella that delves into the profound bond of sisterhood, the transformative power of language, and the enchantment of folklore.
6. Ducks by Kate Beaton
This poignant and award- winning graphic memoir explores Beaton’s real-life experience as one of the few women working in Alberta’s male-dominated oil sands. It’s a raw, honest, and sometimes heartbreaking look at sacrifice, displacement, and the cost of economic survival. Ducks was the first graphic novel to win Canada Reads and was named Best Book of 2022 by The New Yorker, Time, and The Washington Post.
7. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
A charming fantasy adventure that follows no-nonsense professor Emily Wilde as she travels to a remote village to research faerie lore. Part academic journal, part magical escapade, the novel blends whimsy, romance, and folklore into a delightful escape from reality.
8. Fire Weather by John Vaillant
This gripping non-fiction narrative traces the devastating Fort McMurray wildfire of
2016, one of the costliest natural disasters in Canadian history. Vaillant’s exploration of climate, human resilience, and systemic failure makes this both urgent and unforgettable. Named one of the year’s best books by The New York Times, CBC, and The Globe and Mail.
9. The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt
From the author of The Sisters Brothers comes this quietly compelling story about a retired librarian who finds new purpose when he volunteers at a local senior center. Full of quirky characters and emotional nuance, it’s a gentle reflection on solitude, aging, and connection.
10. Restart by Gordon Korman
A middle school student who loses his memory after a fall, can’t remember anything about his past—including the fact that he used to be a bully. As he starts over, he sees himself and his classmates in a new light, and he’s faced with a big question: Can a person truly change? Funny, heartfelt, and full of second chances, Restart is a powerful story about identity, redemption, and the impact we have on others.
Support Local, Read Canadian
Whether you’re drawn to mystery, memoir, history, or magic, these Canadian reads offer something for every kind of reader.
Check out the book reviews by Courtney, manager of Four Points Bookstore in Golden—featuring plenty of great Canadian reads!
Stop by Four Points Books in Golden to discover a great selection of Canadian-authored titles waiting on the shelves!
