If you're looking for a great gift or a beach read for yourself, these picks from the Canada Reads 2024 longlist are perfect choices. Each book offers a unique perspective on resilience and hope, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit even in the face of adversity. Dive into these compelling stories and let them inspire and uplift you.
This year's long list captures the essence of finding the strength to carry on and move forward. We have arranged these according to their Goodreads rating to let you know how much the readers of these books have loved them.
Update: The Canada Reads 2024 Shortlist has been announced.
01 Reuniting with Strangers by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio
"Reuniting with Strangers" by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio is a powerful collection of stories that explores the resilience and hope found in the immigrant experience. Through diverse narratives, the book highlights the strength and determination of individuals forging new lives in a foreign land.
Goodreads Rating: 4.71
02 Denison Avenue by Christina Wong
Christina Wong's "Denison Avenue" is a heart-wrenching story of resilience and hope set in Toronto's Chinatown. The novel follows the lives of a group of immigrants as they navigate the complexities of identity, culture, and the search for a better future.
Goodreads Rating: 4.27
03 What Comes Echoing Back by Leo McKay Jr.
Leo McKay Jr.'s "What Comes Echoing Back" is a gripping and poignant novel that explores themes of resilience, hope, and the aftermath of tragedy. Through compelling storytelling, McKay Jr. invites readers to reflect on the power of resilience to heal and rebuild.
Goodreads Rating: 4.48
04 Mamaskatch by Darrel J. McLeod
"Mamaskatch" by Darrel J. McLeod is a deeply personal memoir that reflects on the author's Indigenous heritage and the resilience of his family. McLeod's poignant storytelling evokes a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Goodreads Rating: 4.21
05 Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
"Bad Cree" by Jessica Johns is a haunting novel that delves into the life of a young woman haunted by nightmares and the tragic death of her sister. This horror-infused tale explores themes of grief, identity, and the power of resilience.
Goodreads Rating: 3.94
06 Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea
"Woke Up Like This" by Amy Lea is a captivating coming-of-age story that delves into the resilience and hope found in self-discovery. As the protagonist navigates love, friendship, and personal growth, they uncover the strength within themselves to embrace their true identity.
Goodreads Rating: 4.06
07 The Innocents by Michael Crummey
In "The Innocents," Michael Crummey transports readers to a remote island in Newfoundland, where two siblings must rely on their resilience and hope to survive. This haunting tale explores themes of isolation, loss, and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.
Goodreads Rating: 3.79
08 Junie by Chelene Knight
Chelene Knight's "Junie" is a powerful memoir that explores the resilience and hope found in the face of intergenerational trauma. Through vivid storytelling, Knight invites readers to witness her journey of healing and self-discovery.
Goodreads Rating: 3.83
09 Shut Up You're Pretty by Téa Mutonji
Téa Mutonji's "Shut Up You're Pretty" is a raw and honest collection of stories that explores themes of resilience, beauty, and identity. Through the voices of young women, Mutonji captures the struggles and triumphs of navigating love, family, and self-discovery.
Goodreads Rating: 3.82
10 The Future by Catherine Leroux, translated by Susan Ouriou
"The Future" by Catherine Leroux, translated by Susan Ouriou, is an intriguing exploration of resilience and hope through interconnected stories. This thought-provoking novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Goodreads Rating: 3.60
11 Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
"Meet Me at the Lake" by Carley Fortune is a captivating novel that explores the resilience and hope found in unexpected friendships. Set against the backdrop of a small Canadian town, this story reminds us of the power of connection and community.
Goodreads Rating: 3.71
12 The Winter Knight by Jes Battis
"The Winter Knight" by Jes Battis is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that intertwines resilience and hope with supernatural elements. As the protagonist battles dark forces, they discover the strength within themselves and the power of hope to overcome adversity.
Goodreads Rating: 3.57
13 Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
In "Sunshine Nails," Mai Nguyen offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of Vietnamese nail salon workers in Canada. This powerful novel illuminates the resilience and hope found in the face of adversity and challenges societal perceptions.
Goodreads Rating: 3.57
14 Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados
"Happy Hour" by Marlowe Granados takes readers on a wild ride through the vibrant nightlife of Toronto. As the characters navigate relationships, careers, and personal growth, they discover the resilience and hope needed to face the challenges of modern life.
Goodreads Rating: 3.53
15 Bad Medicine by Christopher Twin
Sources:
- CBC Books: The Canada Reads 2024 Longlist Is Here
- CBC Literary Prizes
- Canada Reads
- CBC Books Contact Us
- In the Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje
- Past winners of Canada Reads
In "Bad Medicine," Christopher Twin takes readers around a fire to share stories told by a group of Cree teens about spirits and shapeshifters in this graphic novel.
Goodreads Rating: 3.91
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