10 novels that turn 20 in 2018
CBC Books | CBC News | Posted: July 19, 2017 3:54 PM | Last Updated: February 28, 2019
2018 is the year some of your favourite books see milestone birthdays. Read on to see the 10 novels that will turn 20 years old this year.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
While the first novel in the Harry Potter series was first published in the U.K. in 1997, it didn't come to North America until the following year. As its legions of fans already know, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (also published as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) follows the eponymous character as a young wizard who discovers his magical ancestry during his first year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson Highway
Indigenous playwright, novelist and children's author Tomson Highway's debut novel turns 20 this year. The story follows Champion and Ooneemeetoo Okimasis, characters born into a magical Cree world but placed into the hostile world of a Catholic residential school where they suffer abuse. The pioneering work uses themes of the trickster, trauma, identity and reconciliation.
The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro
From haunted people trying to keep deathbed promises to the exposure of potentially damaging secrets among family members, the eight short stories in The Love of a Good Woman capturing the emotional largeness of small-town life and prove why Alice Munro is a Canadian literary master. The book won the Giller Prize, now known as the Scotiabank Giller Prize, in 1998.
The Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnston
Published in 1998, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams tells the tale of Joey Smallwood, the first premier of the province, who lead the island into confederation with Canada. The Colony of Unrequited Dreams was shortlisted for the Giller Prize in 1998 and was a Canada Reads finalist in 2003 defended by Justin Trudeau.
Addicted by Zane
Well before E.L. James's 50 Shades of Grey, bestselling author Zane told this tale of the sensual exploits of businesswoman Zoe Reynard. The erotic thriller was adapted into a feature film in 2014.
About a Boy by Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby's bestselling book about Will Freeman, a 12-year-old named Marcus and his single mother Fiona was adapted into a feature film in 2002 starring Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette.
Holes by Louis Sachar
This bestselling young adult mystery comedy novel about a precocious teen from a hard-working family won the 1998 U.S. National Book Award for Young People's Literature and adapted into a 2003 feature film of the same name starring Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight and Shia LaBeouf.
Beholder's Eye by Julie E. Czerneda
Canadian sci-fi author Julie E. Czerneda's Web Shifters series began with this expansive novel released in 1998 about ancient races in a galaxy full of secrets and experiences.
A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
Lovers of the Game of Thrones TV series are likely aware that this second novel in the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by American author George R. R. Martin was adapted for the show's second season. A Clash of Kings depicts the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros entangled in a fierce civil war, while character Daenerys Targaryen makes further moves toward her goal to reconquer the Seven Kingdoms.
Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
The bestselling second novel written by American author Nicholas Sparks is a follow up to his debut hit book The Notebook. Message in a Bottle explores themes of romance, love, grief and tragedy.