7 Canadian books coming in September we can't wait to read
CBC Books | CBC | Posted: September 1, 2017 4:09 PM | Last Updated: September 1, 2017
A new month means new books! Here are the releases to watch for in September.
My Conversations With Canadians by Lee Maracle
What it's about: Throughout her celebrated literary career, Lee Maracle has toured the country and encountered challenging questions on topics such as law, prejudice and reconciliation. This book collects these questions and the years of contemplation that have followed them, and attempts to find answers.
Why we chose it: This collection of essays on big picture questions facing Canadians today, written by one of the country's great thinkers, promises to be a penetrating read. Maracle's previous books include I Am Woman and Celia's Song.
When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2017
The Unravelling by Clem Martini & Olivier Martini
What it's about: Since his schizophrenia diagnosis 36 years ago, Olivier Martini has managed his illness with help from his mother and brothers, Clem and Nic. As the Martini matriarch begins suffering from dementia, Olivier has a major health crisis.
Why we chose it: This nonfiction graphic memoir is co-written by award-winning playwright Clem Martini and his brother Olivier Martini and looks to be an emotional, brave and eye-opening book. Their previous collaboration, which also explored the topic of mental health in their family, is Bitter Medicine.
When you can read it: Sept. 12, 2017
All We Leave Behind by Carol Off
What it's about: When Asad Aryubwal publicly spoke out against warlords in Afghanistan, death squads were sent after him and his family. Fleeing with his wife and five children, Aryubwal sought help from the journalist who had interviewed him — CBC's Carol Off.
Why we chose it: Off has travelled around the world, covering conflicts in the Middle East, Haiti and the former Soviet Union for the CBC. This story recounts the difficult decision she made to go beyond her role as a journalist and become part of the story.
When you can read it: Sept. 19, 2017
Brother by David Chariandy
What it's about: Brother takes us inside the lives of Michael and Francis. They are the sons of Trinidadian immigrants, their father has disappeared and their mother works double, sometimes triple shifts so her boys might fulfill the elusive promise of their adopted home.
Why we chose it: David Chariandy's second novel, a follow-up to the well-received 2006 book Soucouyant, explores growing up as an second generation Canadian in 1990s Toronto.
When you can read it: Sept. 20, 2017
Collected Poems of Alden Nowlan
What it's about: The collection of the poems of the late Alden Nowlan (January 25, 1933 – June 27, 1983) provides a reflective and autobiographical look at the career of a Canadian literary legend.
Why we chose it: Alden Nowlan, winner of a Governor General's Literary Award for Bread, Wine and Salt (1967), ranks as one of Canada's most popular 20th-century poets.
When you can read it: Sept. 21 2017
All We Saw by Anne Michaels
What it's about: The all-new collection of original poetry delvies into the central question of love, intimacy, passion and how feelings collide to form a shared human experience.
Why we chose it: Writer of the Giller Prize-nominated The Winter Vault, the 1986 Commonwealth Poetry Prize for the Americas winner The Weight of Oranges and also Fugitive Pieces, winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction in 1997, Anne Michaels' continued analysis of what makes us human has established her as one of Canada's great poets.
When you can read it: Sept. 26, 2017
Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga
What it's about: Award-winning journalist Tanya Talaga shines a spotlight on the lives of seven Indigenous high school students in Thunder Bay, Ont., who lost their lives between 2000 and 2011 while separated from their families.
Why we chose it: Seven Fallen Feathers highlights an ongoing crisis in northern Ontario and pays tribute to seven lost lives: Jordan Wabasse, Kyle Morriseau, Curran Strang, Robyn Harper, Paul Panacheese, Reggie Bushie and Jethro Anderson. It is a book that is sorely needed at a time of reconciliation.
When you can read it: Sept. 30, 2017