As we celebrate Canada’s 151st birthday, it is time to reflect on some great reading!  We have an amazing collection of Canadian authors to discover and enjoy.  My perennial favourites include:

Medicine Walk by the late Richard Wagamese.  I have enjoyed almost everything by this author and would also suggest Indian Horse (and then watch the movie) and Ragged Company as well as his non-fiction, One Story One Song, for Joshua and One Native Life.

Anne of Green Gables is worth a reread if you have not picked it up since you were a child.  I had only read the first 3 in the series when I was younger so enjoyed completing the series of 8, culminating with Rilla Ingleside which follows the Blyth family and details the struggles of Anne and her daughters as the boys head off to war.  If you have already completed the Anne series, I recently discovered (and enjoyed) The Emily of New Moon series.  It has some delightful similarities but was a refreshing collection of audio books.

Margaret Atwood has been seen in the news frequently and many of you have likely been enjoying The Handmaid’s Tale series which is in its’ second season.  If you have never read The Handmaid’s Tale, or it has been a long time since you finished reading this Canadian Classic, it is time to revisit this powerful story.  This diverse author has written a range of terrific stories that would be terrific to pick up for the holiday weekend.  I am reading Cat’s Eye for our Canada Day themed book club but have also enjoyed Alias Grace, Hag-Seed , The Stone Mattress and The Heart Goes Last in the last year.  I am looking forward to hearing Margaret Atwood in Stratford this September!

Looking for more suggestions?  Here is my sesquicentennial list to help you read across the country.  You can also join my second annual challenge to read a book from each province and territory this summer!

In the meantime, what are you reading this Canada Day long weekend?  What are your perennial favourite Canadian novels and who are your celebrated authors?  Please add a comment about your “go to” novels and inspire more Canadian reading on this beautiful, sunny holiday weekend!  Happy Canada Day to everyone!!