#IReadCanadian

 Today, despite two days' worth of calendar alerts, I forgot about my Wednesday Type M post. Since the day is now half over and I don't have time to write a proper post right now, I decided to just give a cheer and a shout-out to Canadian authors of all types and stripes. This is no reflection on all the other wonderful, Non-Canadian books out there, but because Canada is dwarfed between two English-language powerhouses, the US and the UK, who have far more books, readers, and promotional money behind them, sometimes Canadian authors get lost in the melee. 

So in the fall of 2019, a group of children's authors devised this idea of an I Read Canadian Day to encourage schools, libraries, and other groups of showcase Canadian children's authors. The idea enthusiastically spread to all Canadian authors and books, on February 19 2020, the first ever day was held. 

And then, before there was any chance to build on the energy and momentum, along came Covid, shutting own libraries, schools, book festivals, and just about every venue where writing and storytelling could be celebrated.

Today, February 17th, is the 2nd I Read Canadian Day in what I hope is an annual and growing tradition, this year encouraging everyone to pick up a Canadian book. Check out the CBC lists, the Writers' Union of Canada, Crime Writers of Canada, and many other national groups for lists for ideas. 

Even our Prime Minister is getting into the spirit. You'd be surprised what wonderful Canadian books are lurking in the shadows.

And post any other suggestions in the comments!

A bit of flag waving

by Rick Blechta

Photo by maplerose from FreeImages

The flag I’m referring to is the one with the big red maple leaf in the middle, i.e. Canada.

My post this week is a bit of a cheat, actually. The CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation — Canada, see?) article to which I’m going make reference came out at the beginning of July, but I only ran across it this morning.

It’s a list of 14 Canadian mysteries — more correctly, books by Canadian authors and published in this country — recommended for summer reading. None of the authors listed (with one notable exception) are well-known even in this country, let alone the world at large.

Click HERE for the link. (https://www.cbc.ca/books/14-canadian-mysteries-and-thrillers-to-check-out-this-summer-1.5643368)

I’ve read two of the listed novels and I know a few of the authors, but based on other reviews of these books and my own reading experience, what you’ve got here are some damned good reads.

Canadian crime fiction is not well-known outside — or even inside, for that matter — the Great White North, and that’s a real shame. Louise Penny, lovely as her novels are, is not the only Canadian writing crime fiction. We have a real star right here on Type M: Barbara Fradkin, a multiple award winner and very fine writer. You could do no better than starting with something of hers!

There are other excellent Canadian crime writers, of course, just waiting for the larger world to discover them. This list is a great place to start if you want to read something from a different viewpoint and (generally) setting.

With many people now owning e-readers, it’s easy to have one or more of these novels ready-to-go if you’re about to head out on vacation, no waiting for shipment, just download and enjoy.

If you’ve already gone on vacation, why not make summer last a bit longer by vicariously spending a few hours in Canada?

I’m betting you’ll be glad you did!
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And in a bittersweet moment, I cannot let this week pass without saying goodbye to Aline Templeton who is taking her leave from our blog. I have always enjoyed reading her posts and getting her viewpoint on various things. We all wish you well, Aline. You will be very missed — and please come back whenever you’d like to share your thoughts or promote your next book. The door is always open!