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Beartown by Fredrik Backman is a compelling novel about a small, struggling town that hinges its hopes on the success of its junior ice hockey team, poised for a national semifinal. However, a violent incident after the match shatters the community, and the story explores how the town grapples with the aftermath and the long-lasting impact of the event.

Denison Avenue by Christina Wong tells the poignant story of Wong Cho Sum, an elderly Chinese Canadian woman coping with the loss of her husband while witnessing the gentrification of her Toronto neighborhood. The novel explores love, loss, aging, and community, featuring powerful black-and-white sketches that highlight Chinatown’s transformation.

Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age by Darrel J. McLeod is a deeply personal memoir about his difficult upbringing in Alberta. The narrative delves into themes of intergenerational trauma, abuse, and resilience, focusing on McLeod’s journey to overcome the impacts of residential schools, racism, and family struggles to find a fulfilling life.

Reuniting with Strangers by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio is a novel that weaves together interconnected stories about Filipino caregiver families reuniting in Canada. Through the eyes of Monolith, a young boy separated from his mother, the novel explores the challenges of immigration, adaptation, and the resilience of the Filipino-Canadian community.

What Comes Echoing Back by Leo McKay Jr. follows two high school students, Sam and Robot, who bond over shared trauma that has been broadcast online. Using music as a means of healing, the novel delves into themes of resilience and the transformative power of music to help them move forward from their pasts.

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Canada's 2024's Must-Read Books: Exploring Loss, Healing, and Community (Special Episode) 21:09 Share

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Canada's 2024's Must-Read Books: Exploring Loss, Healing, and Community (Special Episode)