There was a lot of interest expressed in books set in Canada or by Canadian authors on my Canadian Reading Challenge post, so I decided to repost this guest post that I originally did for Marie Landry’s Canadian Reading Month. Be sure to check out all the other great posts (reviews, guest posts, and lists) that were featured on her blog here!
Before we get started however, I have a confession to make - I haven't read anything by Margaret Atwood or L.M. Montgomery (although I plan to!), and I’ve only read one Kelley Armstrong book ... So where do I get off telling readers about great Canadian books you may ask? Well, as a Canadian I've read a lot of books by Canadian authors (or books set in Canada) and I think I can offer a variety of recommended reads from different genres so that everyone can find a Canadian book they will enjoy! Below are some Canadian historical fiction & YA books that I’d recommend to a friend because I’ve read and enjoyed them myself.
HISTORICAL FICTION
The Birth Houseby Ami McKay
Published 2007
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Filled with details as compelling as they are surprising, this story of a Nova Scotia midwife is an unforgettable tale of the struggles women have faced to have control of their own bodies and to keep the best parts of tradition alive in the world of modern medicine. - The Book Depository
Reading can be a great way to learn more about the history of a country – especially your own! Ami McKay's debut novel, The Birth House, is a masterpiece that brings to life women's experiences giving birth in Nova Scotia during the early to mid-1900s. The story deals with the conflict between medicine, and midwifery (among many other themes) and is absolutely beautiful and engaging!
In part inspired by the legend of Francis Pegamahgabow, the great Indian sniper of World War I, this novel is an impeccably researched and beautifully written story about two friends who become snipers--a searing reminder about the cost of war. - The Book Depository
Three Day Road was my university’s recommended read my freshman year and I quite liked it. The story it tells is one Canadians don’t often hear about – the contributions of Aboriginal peoples in World War I. You may think you’ve read all the books out there on World War I, but if you haven’t read this one, then you really haven’t. The story between two Cree best friends, Xavier and Elijah,and their experiences on the warfront will both warm your heart and horrify you. However, the horror isn’t left on the battlefield, as racism is once again faced by Aboriginal heroes upon returning home. This one gave me chills while reading because of the imagery, symbolism and prose were just that good.
The Book of Negroes (retitled Someone Knows My Name)by Lawrence Hill
Published 2007
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Abducted from her West African village at the age of eleven and sold as a slave in the American South, Aminata Diallo thinks only of freedom. After escaping the plantation, torn from her husband and child, she passes through Manhattan in the chaos of the Revolutionary War, is shipped to Nova Scotia, and then joins a group of freed slaves. - The Book Depository
Another book that touches upon a little known chapter in Canadian history – the history of freed slaves landing in Nova Scotia, and trying to start a new life while learning that while they may be freed legally, society can still try and keep them under lock and key with discrimination and prejudices. The main character, Aminata’s story is heartbreaking and enlightening as she is yanked from her home and dragged around the world. The book is about her experiences enslaved and free, young and old. This one really touches your heart and is a complex and masterful historical story. Every Canadian should read this one!
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
The Bonemender Series
by Holly Bennett
Published 2005
Add to Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
by Holly Bennett
Published 2005
Add to Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
In this fantasy, Gabrielle is a bonemender, a healer, who falls in love with a man whom fate seems to have forbidden her, but they must both think about war before they can think about love. - The Book Depository
I first read the titular novel of Bennett's series in 2007, as it was nominated for a White Pine Award and I was reading it as part of my high school’s reading challenge. I loved this YA fantasy series about a princess with special healing gifts who is determined to help on the battlefield when war breaks out. It incorporates a lot of Irish lore and is fast paced and engaging!
Charmed: Izzy finds she is one in a long line of girls ensnared in prostitution, with no way to escape.
Dead-End Job: When it turns out the boy Frances has met at her job working the nightshift is a stalker, she realizes she may be in serious danger.
Truth: When a prominent local adult is killed at a teen house party, the whole school seems to know who is to blame, but no one will go to the police.
Sticks and Stones: After developing an unearned reputation as a slut, Jujube finds a novel way to take on her tormentors and help a group of girls win back their self-esteem. - All from The Book Depository
Dead-End Job: When it turns out the boy Frances has met at her job working the nightshift is a stalker, she realizes she may be in serious danger.
Truth: When a prominent local adult is killed at a teen house party, the whole school seems to know who is to blame, but no one will go to the police.
Sticks and Stones: After developing an unearned reputation as a slut, Jujube finds a novel way to take on her tormentors and help a group of girls win back their self-esteem. - All from The Book Depository
I remember both my local and school libraries always had a good collection of Orca Soundings Books, which are “short high-interest novels with contemporary themes, written expressly for teens reading below grade level”, however, I think there is such a variety of themes that anyone can be attracted to these books. Orca Soundings may actually be the first books that initially sparked my interest in reading YA Saves books, since most of these revolve around a current issue and explore both the issue and teen’s responses. Some of the ones I remember reading and really liking include: Charmed, Dead-End Job, Truth, and Sticks and Stones but there are a TON of these books on a variety of subjects!
Keturah, renowned for her storytelling, follows a legendary hart deep into the forest, where she becomes hopelessly lost. Her strength diminishes until, finally, she realizes that death is near--and learns then that death is a young lord, melancholy and stern. She is able to charm Lord Death with a story and gain a reprieve, but he grants her only a day, and within that day she must find true love. - The Book Depository
Do you ever read a book and years later you can’t remember exactly why you loved it, but you get these glimpses and feelings? Well that’s what my love for this book is like. This was another White Pine read I believe, and I remember being mesmerized by it. It’s very much a romantic fantasy or fairy tale, with the plot revolving around Keturah buying time from Lord Death with her storytelling abilities, only to have to find true love within a day if she wants to live. I remember that feeling of being enchanted by the beautiful writing and being swept away by the story. I think this one would have wide appeal for YA readers as it could be classified as fantasy, historical fiction, paranormal, AND romance.
Want more great Canadian YA fiction? Check out these White Pine award nominees lists by year.
What are your favourite historical fiction and YA books by Canadian authors and/or that are set in Canada?
This is a great list! But I think my heart stopped a little when you said you hadn't read any Margaret Atwood. I am a total Fangirl for her writing. She has a whole shelf on my bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteAlso I totally remember reading a bCanadian ya book when I was little - The Secret of Devil Lake - when I was younger. I remember loving it but I have no idea what it was about!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI just came across your site and it is really lovely! I happily followed you and will enjoy reading your updates. You can find me over at Rainy Day Reads, www.rainydayreads.com It would be great if you could stop by and I would love to have a fellow book lover as a new follower.
Christine x
Rainy Day Reads
www.rainydayreads.com
Hmm, aside from Kenneth Oppel's books I haven't read any Canadian books, I totally need to check out one of these.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Birth House -- I recently bought Ami McKay's new book, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I know this isn't a recent post, but I haven't seen much of this author around the blogosphere, so it's nice to see it highlighted :)
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