The most exciting books coming out in fall 2018
CBC Books | Posted: August 24, 2018 1:46 PM | Last Updated: August 24, 2018
From fiction to children's books, here's a round-up of the most exciting books coming this fall.
Canadian fiction
Our top pick: Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
What's it about: Washington Black tells the story of 11-year-old Washington Black, a slave on a Barbados sugar plantation. His master is Englishman Christopher Wilde, who is obsessed with developing a machine that can fly. The two develop a bond, but when a man is killed, Wilde must choose between his family and saving Washington's life — and the choice results in an unforgettable adventure around the world. The novel is already longlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize.
When you can read it: Aug. 28, 2018
Canadian nonfiction
Our top pick: Clifford by Harold R. Johnson
What's it about: In Clifford, Governor General's Literary Award-nominated writer Harold R. Johnson recounts the life of his beloved brother. The two were raised in northern Saskatchewan by their father, a quiet man of Swedish descent, and mother, a formidable Cree trapper. This memoir imagines Clifford following his curiosity for the universe into science.
When you can read it: Aug. 28, 2018
Canadian poetry
Our top pick: The Blue Clerk by Dionne Brand
What's it about: The Blue Clerk is an argument between the poet and the titular "blue clerk," who is the keeper of the page. Throughout the course of their conversation, philosophers, poets and artists are referenced and memory, culture, language and beauty are explored.
When you can read it: Sept. 18, 2018
Canadian comics
Our top pick: Woman World by Aminder Dhaliwal
What's it about: Woman World takes place after a birth defect has caused men to go extinct. Women unite under the flag of "Beyoncé's Thighs" and set out to build civilization anew. Only one, Grandma, has memories of the ancient society, a time of "That's What She Said" jokes.
When you can read it: Sept. 11, 2018
Canadian YA
Our top pick: Kens by Raziel Reid
What's it about: Ken Hilton rules Willows High alongside his two minions Ken Roberts and Ken Carson. The Kens are treated like Queens, while the decidedly uncool Tommy Rawlins languishes in obscurity. Tommy becomes obsessed with taking Ken Hilton down, and joins forces with a tall, dark and handsome new boy named Blaine. Kens is Raziel Reid's first book since winning the Governor General's Literary Award for When Everything Feels Like the Movies in 2014.
When you can read it: Sept. 18, 2018
Canadian middle-grade books
Our top pick: Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
What's it about: For nearly a century in Victorian London, chimney sweeps have kept orphans as "climbing boys" to keep flues clean and homes safe from fire. The best in the business is an 11-year-old girl named Nan Sparrow, who one day finds herself stuck in a deadly chimney fire. Miraculously, Nan wakes up alive in an attic with her rescuer — a small creature called a golem, that is made from ash and coal.
When you can read it: Sept. 25, 2018
Canadian picture books
Our top pick: Moving Day! by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
What's it about: Moving day is a lot of work and Danielle's parents have put her in charge of her little, trouble-making siblings. Danielle knows the perfect way to help — she'll just pack them away with all of their stuff.
When you can read it: Aug. 28, 2018
International fiction
Our top pick: All the Lives We Never Lived by Anuradha Roy
What's it about: Gayatri is a passionate artist who abandons parenthood and marriage in India when her German lover reappears in her life. Her son grows up as "the child whose mother ran away with an Englishman" and spends his adulthood tracing his mother's life through India and Bali. The novel takes place during the Second World War and in present day.
When you can read it: Nov. 20, 2018
International nonfiction
Our top pick: The Library Book by Susan Orlean
What's it about: Journalist Susan Orlean investigates the mystery of the 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire, which consumed over 400,000 books and damaged 700,000 more. As Orlean digs into who might have started the fire and why, she also provides a loving history of libraries, describing their evolution through time and the ways they've shaped society.
When you can read it: Oct. 16, 2018