True North Reads: Top Canadian Book Recommendations

According to Worldometer, the population of Canada is roughly 39.82 million people and the population of the United States of America is roughly 345.78 million people. The state of California alone has around 38.89 million people, which is just shy of the Canadian national population. These numbers suggest that there are just under 10 times more people in the United States than in Canada. Furthermore, a logical assumption is that nine out of ten authors are American, not Canadian.

After hearing the aforementioned statistics, it is reasonable to be under the impression that American authors write all of the popular and good books. However, that could not be further from the truth! There are countless phenomenal books written by authors across the globe, especially in Canada. This following list is a good start to reading newer Canadian books but is by no means a list of the only good books in this category. For example, this list does not include some of the most well-known Canadian books like The Handmaid’s Tale, Life of Pi, or Anne of Green Gables. 

Read this list, choose a book to start with, and enjoy reading the North.

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

“If you’ve got the time, use it to get ready. What else could you possibly have to do that’s more important?” (Hadfield, page 32). In his autobiography, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, Colonel Chris Hadfield writes about the lessons he learned while on his journey to becoming an astronaut and, later, the commander of the International Space Station. This book is full of inspiring stories and lessons that are sure to stay with the reader long after they turn the final page. An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth has lessons that everyone can benefit from, no matter their age, profession, or dreams. Because of this, it should be a book that everyone reads.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

Set in war-torn Syria in 2011, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching story. Although the characters, Samala, Layla, and Kenan are fictional, their stories reflect the reality of their situation. People in first-world countries take everyday things for granted, like not worrying about food, clean water, shelter, or their safety, but people in places of war are not that lucky. In this book, Zoulfa Katouh is able to tell the European and Western world what is happening in the Syrian civil war. This book is a reminder that there are people that are struggling and despite their struggles they are still able to find hope. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is an essential read.

Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto

Nikki Pau Preto creates a story brimming with the vicious undead, action, adventure, magic, and enemies-to-lovers romance. Bonesmith is set in the fictional realm of the Dominions, where magic is intertwined with both the living and the dead. The violent undead roam, killing everything in their path until a Bonesmith intervenes. This book has our protagonist, Wren Graven, banished from her own house then thrust into a journey to rescue a prince in the most dangerous place in the Dominions: the Breach. Traversing the eerie, ghost-ridden grounds in a shaky alliance with Julian from the exiled House of Iron, will reveal secret plots and the truth about her past. Nikki Pau Preto tells the story of both a girl battling the undead and her need to seek approval from her constantly absent father.

Bonesmith is a must-read book for anyone looking for a fast-paced book with memorable characters and great world building. 

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

Set in London, England in 1655, The Blackthorn Key follows apprentice Christopher Rowe while a string of brutal murders plagues the city. When the next murder hits close to home, it is up to Christopher to find the person behind the cruel act. To do so, he must solve intricate puzzles, decipher codes, and uncover secrets that have the power to destroy the world. This book provides a glimpse into the 17th century and is filled with potions and puzzles which will fascinate any reader. The Blackthorn Key is a great start to a fantastic series that will entertain middle grade and teen readers alike. 

The King of Jam Sandwiches by Eric Walters

The King of Jam Sandwiches is a coming-of-age novel that deals with alcoholism, abandonment, poverty, mental illness, and friendship. Walters uses his own childhood as an inspiration for the characters and events that take place in this book. He writes The King of Jam Sandwiches in a way that is heartwarming, sad, and funny all at once. Although it may be a quick read, these characters will stay with readers long after they finish the book.

The Space Between Here & Now by Sarah Suk

The Space Between Here & Now follows Korean-Canadian Aimee Roh on her journey to learn the truth about her mom and to learn more about her rare condition, Sensory Time Warp Syndrome (STWS). In this book, Aimee’s condition can be seen as a metaphor for neurodivergence or a disability, which readers may be able to connect with. Sarah Suk’s newest novel explores themes of time travel, family dynamics, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. Readers will certainly enjoy The Space Between Here & Now, as it is a great book that blends family dynamics and other real-world problems with magical realism.