We've been speaking to some of Canada's best authors — and are learning a lot from what they've read and inspires them to write.
We've interviewed Two-Spirit Oji-Cree writer Joshua Whitehead, who won the 2021 Canada Reads contest for his novel Jonny Appleseed; Halifax-based, Lagos-born writer Francesca Ekwuyasi on her explorations of queer identity and urban life through fiction; and Vancouver's own Jen Sookfong Lee, who unpacks cultural belonging through prose, from childhood classics to contemporary favourites.
If you're in search of a reading list that explores the world beyond your pandemic locale, explore the stunning fiction that these authors unfurl.
In This Series
Joshua Whitehead Is a Book Person
The Two-Spirit Oji-Cree writer is a freshly-minted Canada Reads finalist. Here, we find out what he reads.
Francesca Ekwuyasi Is a Book Person
Her debut novel brims with delicious food, erotic longing and profound heartache. As do her bookshelves.
Jen Sookfong Lee Is a Book Person
The Vancouver author has a trio of new releases on the way, but somehow finds time to read: ‘I like things that are weird.’
Eden Robinson Is a Book Person
The author is processing the end of ‘Trickster’ but has ideas for the future: ‘I could write a trashy band council romance.’
Cicely Belle Blain Is a Book Person
The London-born poet and activist makes a case for transporting yourself to another realm.
Michelle Good Is a Book Person
The author, always an avid writer, found an instant readership when she began publishing in her 60s.
Andrea Warner Is a Book Person
The Vancouver-based pop culture critic is all about ‘writing women and people of colour back into history.’ And soap operas.
Lindsay Wong Is a Book Person
We got the scoop on what the award-winning author is reading (and what ice cream she’d pair it with).
JB MacKinnon Is a Book Person
The author of 'The Day the World Stops Shopping' rejects breezy takeaways. So what’s he reading?
Danny Ramadan Is a Book Person
The Syrian Canadian novelist likes a lush setting, dark plot and conflicted characters. And cursing.
Patricia Massy Is a Book Person
The Indigenous owner of Massy Books says opening a bookstore helped her learn where she came from and showed her where she belongs.
Ethan Lou Is a Book Person
The financial columnist reflects on the books that inspired his cryptocurrency picaresque, ‘Once a Bitcoin Miner.’