2022 Top Books Picks

The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections

In this beguiling debut, Liesl Weiss takes the reins of the local university’s rare books department after her boss has a stroke, and uncovers secrets not just in the dusty tomes in the library, but also in the hearts of the people who work there. A valuable manuscript is missing— an inside job—and when a fellow librarian disappears, too, Liesl discovers the dark side of academic power, the obsessions of people she’s long admired, and a few home truths about her own life.

FICTION (POISONED PEN PRESS) BY EVA JURCZYK, $25

Wahala

Witty, wise, sharp—all are words that describe Nikki May’s inaugural novel, as is fun. This is a thrill ride of a story that follows three Nigerian friends in London, England— Ronke, who’s longing for a man who measures up to her father; Boo, married, guilty and frustrated; and Simi, who’s faking her way through her “perfect” life— and the trouble (wahala) that follows when charming, seductive Isobel enters the mix. As Isobel insinuates herself deeper into their lives, the women find they’re walking a razor’s edge between true friendship and toxicity.

FICTION (CUSTOM HOUSE) BY NIKKI MAY, $25

Secrets of the Sprakkar

Did you know that Iceland is considered the country with the most equality between the sexes? In this book, author Eliza Reid (originally from Canada and now Iceland’s first lady!) explores what makes her adopted homeland so progressive, from its history of strong women to its forward-thinking legislation to its citizens’ spirit of fairness. While recounting her own path to a fulfilling life here, Reid interviews a bevy of inspiring Icelandic women, or sprakkar, who can teach us all a thing or two.
 

NONFICTION (SIMON & SCHUSTER CANADA) BY ELIZA REID, $30

The Maid

Accomplished Toronto editor Nita Prose knows whereof she writes, as The Maid, her first book, proves. Eccentric, exacting, lovable maid Molly, who lives by pearls of wisdom remembered from her grandmother, finds a corpse in one of her suites at the Regency Grand Hotel and becomes the prime suspect in the death. With the help of some unexpected friends, Molly resolves to unmask the real killer, and along the way this intrepid sleuth learns some things about herself as well. It’s a cozy, quirky whodunit perfect for savouring on a snowy winter afternoon.

 

FICTION (VIKING CANADA) BY NITA PROSE, $25

Daughter of the Moon Goddess

When cold winds blow and temperatures dip, there’s no better solace than being figuratively swept away to a magical land filled with romance and adventure. All that can be found here in the pages of this debut fantasy based on the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, who steals her husband’s elixir of immortality, then flees to the moon. This story centres on Xingyin, a young woman trying to save her mother while dealing with her own burgeoning supernatural powers. If myth, magic and mortal danger are your jam, your year in books starts here.

 

FICTION (HARPER VOYAGER) BY SUE LYNN TAN, $24