A little while ago I posted a list of 10 Canadian book recommendations, but that wasn’t the end of it. Here are some more:
1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – This is probably one of Atwood’s most well-known books. It is a dystopian novel, but I don’t think you need to be a fan of dystopian to love this book. Everyone should read it!
2. The Piano Man’s Daughter by Timothy Findley – Because I hadn’t heard a lot about this book before I read it, I was surprised by how much I liked it. This book is about families and secrets and pianos, and it is hard to describe in a sentence, so you will have to just read it!
3. The Imposter Bride by Nancy Richler – A young woman who arrives in Montreal right after the war is pretending to be someone she’s not. Who is she really, and what happened to the woman she is pretending to be?
4. Inside by Alix Ohlin – This book was not perfect, but I like the way it went from one character to another, eventually connecting them. It is real in the sense that our lives are complex and nothing is black and white. The ending is realistic, not happily-ever-after.
5. The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis – This was a fun book that explores the behind-the-scenes of Paliament Hill. I was hesitant to read it, at first, because I don’t tend to read books that are about politics, but I was pleasantly surprised by how smart and funny it was. I would like to read more by Terry Fallis.
6. The Purchase by Linda Spalding – I liked the historical aspects of this novel. I learned a lot about what it means to be a Quaker. It was interesting to see how moving a family to a new place can completely change the way the next generation sees the world and the way they live in it. It is also a story of how one unfortunate event can lead to so many others.
7. Come, Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant – Another book that took me by surprise. This story is sweet, charming, and smart. I think it could win over any reader. I love her use of words, and Winnifred the Tortoise is the icing on the cake!
8. The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill – I’m sure all of you have heard of this book, if not read it. But, if you haven’t, than go do it right now! I would like to read his other books as well. Has anyone read them?
9. Before I wake and Bedtime Story by Robert J. Wiersema – Since these are both written by the same author I am counting them as one. I don’t hear very much about either of these books (has anyone else?), but I loved them both. Before I wake is about tragedy and forgiveness, miracles and the afterlife. Bedtime Story is a magical adventure about a boy, a book, a Dad, and the ability to trust in yourself against all odds.
10. The Maddaddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood – I have been meaning to write a longer review of these three books, but just haven’t gotten to it, so I decided to add them to this list instead. I find them hard to write about and describe, but easy to read and enjoy. They take place in the future in a harsh world controlled by big corporations. Hopefully, it will make people think twice about genetic engineering and our irresponsible treatment of the earth. As always, Atwood amazes me with her imagination and her way with words. Who else could think up this completely unique dystopian world with so many fascinating characters? I highly recommend all 3 of these books.
What great Canadian books have you read?
Consumed by Ink 
Out of all of Timothy Findley’s works that is not the one i would have chosen. But great list with some unusual choices.
Which Timothy Findley books are your favourite? I haven’t read all of them.
So hard to answer. The Wars. Last of the Crazy People. Headhunter. In general I like his mid-career stuff the best.
The first 2 of these are on my shelf. The Wars is on my own personal to-be-read list for this year, so hopefully I will read it soon!
I read The Handmaid’s Tale last year and am currently reading Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being, which takes place in Canada and Japan (I think Ozeki lives or lived in Canada..?). I’ve also read and enjoyed Michael Ondaatje and Joy Kogawa. I have many more Atwood books on my to-read list, and also Alice Munro, The Stone Diaries and Life of Pi. I can’t wait to get to them! Thanks for sharing this list. I wasn’t familiar with many of the writers.
I have A Tale For the Time Being on hold at the library, and am anxiously awaiting it. I have several Ondaatje books on my shelf, but I have to confess I haven’t read any of them yet. I hear so many mixed reviews. It’s good to hear that you enjoyed him. And I have never read anything by Joy Kogawa, so now I have someone new to look up!
I read The English Patient many years ago and now that I think about it I remember it being a difficult read…maybe I am confusing it with the film 😉 It might be time for a re-read.
It might be fun to watch the film again too!
I just love Margaret Atwood, but I think my favourite of hers is Alias Grace, although, I agree that The Handmaid’s Tale is probably her classic. I have MaddAddam to read in my 746 and I am really looking forward to it.
Alias Grace was my favourite too, I think. It was on my first 10 Canadian Book recommendations list. I see that you have a ‘u’ in favourite. Are you Canadian?
Northern Irish Naomi!
The Handmaid’s Tale was my first dystopian read and I enjoyed it. I will explore more of Atwood’s books … soon.
If you like dystopian, go for the Maddaddam books, but otherwise, I would recommend Alias Grace!
Ok, thanks!