The Greatest "Canada" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Canada

The "Canada" category for books would encompass literature that is set in, written by, or about Canada and its people. This category would include a wide range of genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and memoirs, and would explore various themes related to Canadian culture, history, and identity. Books in this category would offer readers a unique perspective on Canada and its diverse communities, landscapes, and experiences.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 101. The Bird Artist by Howard Norman

    "The Bird Artist" is a novel set in the early 20th century in a remote Newfoundland coastal village. The story revolves around Fabian Vas, a young man who draws and paints birds. His life takes a dramatic turn when he confesses to the murder of the lighthouse keeper, a crime intertwined with love, betrayal, and his complex relationships with his parents and his former lover. As Fabian navigates the consequences of his actions, the narrative explores themes of passion, redemption, and the impact of the past on the present. The novel is notable for its vivid portrayal of the rugged landscape and the introspective life of its protagonist.

    The 9459th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 102. Louis Riel by Chester Brown

    This graphic novel chronicles the life of a controversial Métis leader in 19th-century Canada, focusing on his role in the Red River and North-West Rebellions. Through detailed illustrations and a compelling narrative, the book explores his complex personality, his struggle for Métis rights, and his ultimate execution. It delves into themes of identity, resistance, and the clash between indigenous and colonial forces, providing a nuanced portrayal of a historical figure often viewed through polarized lenses.

    The 9495th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 103. The Man Game by Lee Henderson

    Set in the rough-and-tumble world of 19th-century Vancouver, this novel follows the lives of two grieving widows and a charismatic showman who come together to create a brutal and theatrical sport called "The Man Game." As they navigate personal loss, societal upheaval, and the challenges of frontier life, their stories intertwine in a vivid exploration of resilience, community, and the human spirit's capacity for reinvention. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the transformative potential of art and violence, painting a rich tapestry of a burgeoning city and its diverse inhabitants.

    The 9561st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 104. Lullabies For Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill

    The novel follows the life of Baby, a twelve-year-old girl navigating the complexities of growing up in the seedy underbelly of Montreal. With her mother deceased and her father, Jules, struggling with heroin addiction, Baby is thrust into a world of instability and neglect. As she grapples with her longing for love and security, she becomes entangled in a series of troubling relationships and dangerous situations. Through her eyes, the story explores themes of innocence, resilience, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society.

    The 9710th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 105. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson

    The novel centers on a mysterious event in which the Earth is encapsulated by an alien barrier that drastically slows down time on the planet's surface compared to the rest of the universe. As stars disappear from the night sky, three childhood friends confront an altered reality where humanity must grapple with its insignificance in the cosmos. The narrative follows their personal journeys and the global response to this existential crisis, exploring themes of time, space, and the human condition, while scientists work fervently to understand and potentially reverse the effects of the time distortion before the outside universe ages eons, leaving Earth far behind.

    The 9717th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 106. Experimental Film by Gemma Files

    In this horror novel, a former film history teacher and struggling journalist discovers a mysterious early 20th-century film that may be the work of a reclusive and enigmatic female filmmaker. As she delves deeper into the history of the film and its creator, she finds herself entangled in a web of occult secrets and supernatural forces that threaten her sanity and the safety of her family. The protagonist's quest to uncover the truth behind the film leads her on a harrowing journey through the shadowy fringes of the silent movie era and into the realm of ancient folklore, where the line between reality and myth becomes dangerously blurred.

    The 9739th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 107. A Wilderness Station by Alice Munro

    "A Wilderness Station" is a collection of short stories that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the subtle intricacies of life in rural Canada, spanning from the 19th century to contemporary times. The stories, rich in detail and psychological depth, explore themes of memory, misunderstanding, and the often ambiguous nature of truth. Through a series of letters and historical documents, one of the standout stories traces the turbulent life of a young woman who marries a pioneer and moves to a remote Canadian settlement, where her subsequent mysterious actions lead to dramatic consequences. The narrative masterfully weaves together different perspectives, revealing the profound impact of the past on the present.

    The 9822nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 108. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

    The novel is a poignant story of a young Ojibway boy, Saul Indian Horse, who is torn from his family and placed in a residential school in Northern Ontario, Canada. Within the harsh and oppressive environment aimed at eradicating his culture and identity, Saul finds salvation in the form of ice hockey. His extraordinary talent on the ice becomes a means of escape and a source of pride. However, as he grows and moves through the ranks of the hockey world, he continues to battle the racism and the lingering effects of his painful past. The story is a powerful exploration of Canadian history, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of sport.

    The 9835th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 109. Mercy Among The Children by David Adams Richards

    The novel explores the life of Sydney Henderson, a man who, after a childhood vow of non-violence, faces relentless hardship and injustice in a small Canadian community. His unwavering commitment to pacifism and moral integrity is tested as he and his family endure poverty, social ostracism, and betrayal. The narrative delves into the complexities of human nature, the consequences of choices, and the struggle for redemption, ultimately portraying a poignant and tragic tale of resilience and the quest for dignity amidst suffering.

    The 9866th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 110. Railroader by Howard Green

    This biography provides an in-depth look into the life and career of one of North America's most influential railroad executives, chronicling his journey from his early days to his position at the helm of a major railway company. The narrative delves into his strategic vision, leadership style, and the transformative impacts he had on the rail industry, highlighting both his successes and the controversies that surrounded him. Through interviews, personal insights, and a detailed examination of his professional decisions, the book paints a comprehensive portrait of a man who was as complex as the industry he helped shape, offering readers a unique glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of modern railroading.

    The 9955th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 111. Liberty's Exiles: American Loyalists in the Revolutionary World by Maya Jasanoff

    The book provides an in-depth exploration of the experiences of American Loyalists who were forced into exile following the American Revolution. It details their struggles and hardships as they sought to rebuild their lives in far-flung corners of the British Empire, including Canada, the Caribbean, Sierra Leone, and India. The book also examines the broader impact of this mass migration on the shaping of the British Empire and the early United States.

    The 10255th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 112. The Outlander by Gil Adamson

    Set in the early 20th century, the story follows a young widow who is on the run after committing a violent crime. As she flees through the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, she encounters a series of characters who shape her journey, from a reclusive trapper to a pair of vengeful brothers. Amidst the harsh and unforgiving landscape, she struggles for survival and redemption, grappling with her past and seeking a new identity. The narrative weaves themes of isolation, resilience, and the quest for freedom, painting a vivid portrait of a woman's fight to reclaim her life.

    The 10267th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 113. George Sprott by Seth

    The book delves into the life of George Sprott, an aging television host in a small Canadian town, reflecting on his past and the impact he had on those around him. Through a series of vignettes, interviews, and flashbacks, the narrative explores themes of memory, legacy, and the passage of time, painting a poignant and multifaceted portrait of a man whose outward simplicity belies a complex inner world. As the story unfolds, it reveals the nuances of George's relationships, his personal regrets, and the quiet moments that defined his existence, ultimately offering a meditation on the nature of human connection and the traces we leave behind.

    The 10346th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 114. Larry's Party by Carol Shields

    Larry's Party is a thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Larry Weller, a man who finds his true passion in creating mazes. As Larry navigates through different stages of his life, the book explores themes of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning. Through Larry's experiences, readers are compelled to reflect on their own journeys and the choices they make along the way.

    The 10379th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 115. Flashforward by Robert J. Sawyer

    In "Flashforward" by Robert J. Sawyer, a mysterious global event causes everyone on Earth to simultaneously lose consciousness for two minutes and seventeen seconds. During this blackout, people experience vivid visions of their lives six months into the future. As scientists scramble to uncover the cause and implications of this phenomenon, personal relationships, careers, and the fate of humanity are put to the test. The story follows a group of individuals as they navigate the aftermath of the flashforward, grappling with the knowledge of what awaits them and the choices they must make to shape their futures.

    The 10525th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 116. Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers by Robert Bringhurst

    "Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers" is a collection of stories from the Haida people, an indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The book provides a deep and insightful exploration of Haida mythology and culture through its rich oral literature. The author has painstakingly translated these tales from the original Haida language into English, maintaining their poetic and narrative essence. The collection serves as a significant contribution to the preservation and understanding of Haida cultural heritage and indigenous storytelling traditions.

    The 10791st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 117. The Terminal Experiment by Robert J. Sawyer

    The book explores the ethical and existential ramifications of life after death and artificial intelligence through the story of a scientist who creates three electronic simulations of his own personality. These simulations are designed to test theories of the afterlife and morality, but things take a dark turn when one of the simulations becomes sentient and starts affecting the real world, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. As the scientist struggles to control his creations and unravel the mystery, the novel delves into themes of consciousness, identity, and the implications of technological advancements on the human soul.

    The 10889th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 118. Swimming Studies by Leanne Shapton

    This memoir offers a unique and introspective look into the world of competitive swimming and how it shapes one's identity and life beyond the pool. The author, a former Olympic trial swimmer, uses her experiences in the water to explore broader themes of discipline, memory, and the passage of time. Through a blend of personal narrative, vivid watercolor illustrations, and photographs, the book delves into the minutiae of swimming - from the smell of chlorine to the textures of different pools - and how these sensory experiences and the rigorous demands of training have influenced her artistic career and personal growth. It's a reflective and beautifully crafted exploration of the intersection between athleticism and artistry, and how past passions can continue to influence and inform our lives in unexpected ways.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 119. Dear Life by Alice Munro

    This book is a captivating collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human experiences, emotions, and the intricacies of life in small-town Canada. Through a series of narratives, the author masterfully explores themes of love, loss, change, and the moments that profoundly shape individuals' lives. Each story serves as a window into the characters' souls, revealing their deepest fears, desires, and the often unexpected paths their lives take. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the human condition, the collection not only entertains but also invites reflection on the unpredictable nature of life and the indelible mark it leaves on each person.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 120. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

    Set in the 1860s, the novel tells the story of a small Canadian town rocked by the brutal murder of a French trapper. When a local woman's adopted son becomes the prime suspect, she embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness to clear his name. Along the way, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption within her community, while also coming to terms with her own past. The narrative is a gripping blend of mystery, adventure and historical fiction.

    The 11009th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 121. The Life of Sir William Osler by Harvey Cushing

    This biography explores the life and career of Sir William Osler, a Canadian physician and one of the four founding professors of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Detailing his contributions to the medical field, the book highlights Osler's innovative teaching methods, his advocacy for a strong doctor-patient relationship, and his belief in lifelong learning for medical professionals. The biography also delves into Osler's personal life, his upbringing, education, and the influence he had on modern medicine.

    The 11112th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 122. What Hath God Wrought by Daniel Walker Howe

    This book provides a comprehensive historical account of the United States from 1815 to 1848, a transformative period marked by the significant political, economic, and technological changes that shaped the country's future. The author explores key events such as the War of 1812, the rise of industrialization, the expansion of democracy, and the Mexican-American War. The narrative also delves into the role of religion, the evolution of communications with the invention of the telegraph, and the emergence of a distinct American identity.

    The 11289th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download