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Meet These Writers, They're Book People

Meet These Writers, They're Book People
Illustration by Dorothy Woodend.

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.

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In This Series

Joshua Whitehead Is a Book Person

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.

Michelle Cyca / 12 Feb 2021


Francesca Ekwuyasi Is a Book Person

Francesca Ekwuyasi Is a Book Person

Her debut novel brims with delicious food, erotic longing and profound heartache. As do her bookshelves.

Michelle Cyca / 24 Feb 2021


Jen Sookfong Lee Is a Book Person

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.’

Michelle Cyca / 10 Mar 2021


Eden Robinson Is a Book Person

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.’

Michelle Cyca / 23 Mar 2021


Cicely Belle Blain Is a Book Person

Cicely Belle Blain Is a Book Person

The London-born poet and activist makes a case for transporting yourself to another realm.

Michelle Cyca / 27 Apr 2021


Michelle Good Is a Book Person

Michelle Good Is a Book Person

The author, always an avid writer, found an instant readership when she began publishing in her 60s.

Michelle Cyca / 26 May 2021


Andrea Warner Is a Book Person

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.

Michelle Cyca / 23 Jun 2021


Lindsay Wong Is a Book Person

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).

Michelle Cyca / 22 Jul 2021


JB MacKinnon Is a Book Person

JB MacKinnon Is a Book Person

The author of 'The Day the World Stops Shopping' rejects breezy takeaways. So what’s he reading?

Michelle Cyca / 9 Sep 2021


Danny Ramadan Is a Book Person

Danny Ramadan Is a Book Person

The Syrian Canadian novelist likes a lush setting, dark plot and conflicted characters. And cursing.

Michelle Cyca / 18 Oct 2021


Patricia Massy Is a Book Person

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.

Michelle Cyca / 3 Jan 2022


Ethan Lou Is a Book Person

Ethan Lou Is a Book Person

The financial columnist reflects on the books that inspired his cryptocurrency picaresque, ‘Once a Bitcoin Miner.’

Michelle Cyca / 1 Feb 2022