Celebrate Canada 150 with These 10 Must-Read Books
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018
With Canada’s 150th anniversary around the corner, Chapters Indigo has curated a patriotic collection to help Canadians celebrate, from witty memoirs to gripping page-turners.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Mark Twain once declared Anne of Green Gables “the dearest and most lovable child in fiction since the immortal Alice,” and we couldn’t agree more! When Marilla Cuthbert and her brother decide to adopt a child from a distant orphanage, they don’t expect to meet a freckle-faced, redheaded girl armed with only a battered carpetbag and a boundless imagination.
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
As Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield captivated the world with stunning photos and commentary from space. Written with humour, humility and optimism for the future of space exploration, Hadfield offers readers the opportunity to step into his space-boots and think like an astronaut—and renew their commitment to pursuing their own dreams!
Canada by Mike Myers
Few people understand the importance of Canada 150 than Mike Myers, a man who has paid tribute to the Great White North countless times throughout his body of work. In this bestselling memoir, the renowned comedian gives a thoughtful and funny analysis of what makes Canada Canada, Canadians Canadian, and what our home and native land means to him.
Canada Year by Year by Elizabeth MacLeod & Sydney Smith
Award-winning author Elizabeth MacLeod’s year-by-year tour of Canada’s fascinating history highlights a single milestone for every year from the country’s founding in 1867 up to its 150th anniversary in 2017. Divided into ten distinct eras, coverage ranges from politics, sports, business and arts and culture, and includes significant events both at home and in world affairs!
The Colour of Canada by All Canada Photos
What better way to celebrate Canada 150 than with this Canuck classic? Selling over 1.5 million copies since its release in 1967, The Colour of Canada has been re-released with all-new photographs from the prestigious All Canada Photos archive. From Newfoundland to British Columbia to the Arctic, explore the magnificent beauty of our vast land with works from Canada’s best photographers.
Common Ground by Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau has spent his entire life in the public eye, and it’s time hear his side of the story. Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister delves into everything, from the difficulties of his parents’ marriage to the death of his younger brother. Most of all, Trudeau shares with readers his belief that Canada’s greatest potential lies in finding what unites our vast diversity.
The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson by David P. Silcox
The Group of Seven revolutionized the country’s appreciation of itself by celebrating Canada as a wild and beautiful land. This bestseller includes never-before reproduced paintings and presents the most complete and extensive collection of these artists’ works ever. The 400 paintings and drawings reveal the remarkable genius of the painters who were part of the movement.
The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King
Distilled with insights gleaned from his critical meditation on what it means to be “Indian” in North America, Thomas King weaves of a tale about the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first met. Full of anger, wit and hard-won hope, The Inconvenient Indian seeks to understand how we might tell a new story for Canada’s future.
The ancient Indigenous art of mukluk-making brings culture together at new school in Toronto.
Mr. Hockey by Gordie Howie
Ask Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky who the greatest hockey player ever is, and they’ll say Gordie Howe. Follow “Mr. Hockey” as he travels back to his Depression-era roots and enduring family life, and learn how the nearly indestructible athlete dominated the NHL for an astounding 20 consecutive seasons. Mr. Hockey is the definitive account of the game’s most incredible legacy.
Here are the fond memories of a small town’s love for Canada’s favourite pastime.
Secret Path by Gord Downie & Jeff Lemire
This graphic novel tells the true story of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack, a 12-year-old boy who died in flight from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School 50 years ago. By revisiting the mistreatment Indigenous children and families by the residential school system, Secret Path acknowledges a dark part of Canadian history. Chanie’s story is Canada’s story too.
