Books

5 books we can't wait to read in October

A new month means new books. Here are five exciting Canadian releases hitting shelves in October.

A new month means new books. Here are the most exciting Canadian releases hitting shelves in October.

The Bloodprint by Ausma Zehanat Khan

The Bloodprint is Ausma Zehanat Khan's first fantasy novel. (HarperCollins Canada)

What it's about: Crime novelist Ausma Zehanat Khan's first fantasy novel, The Bloodprint, takes place in a world where a patriarchal power known as the Talisman, wielded by a man called the One-eyed Preacher, is slowly taking over the planet. It is up to the Companions of Hira, a group of warrior women, to stop the darkness from spreading.

Why we're excited: The book sounds like a mash-up of The Lord of the Rings-esque villains and heroes from Wonder Woman's Themyscira island — sign us up!

When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2017

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

Rupi Kaur's poetry collection The Sun and Her Flowers is the follow-up to her bestseller milk and honey. (Simon & Schuster)

What it's about: This poetry collection, divided into five chapters and illustrated by Kaur, uses sun and flower imagery to examine themes of wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming. 

Why we're excited: The bestselling writer of milk and honey returns with her second collection of poetry. The superstar Instagram poet has connected with millions of readers around the world and we can't wait to see how she's grown as an artist and writer.

When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2017  

Something Is Always on Fire by Measha Brueggergosman

Opera star Measha Brueggergosman has documented her life story in Something Is Always On Fire. (Craig Cooper/CBC/HarperCollins)

What it's about: The astonishing talent of opera singer Measha Brueggergosman has led her to prestigious concert halls around the world. In this memoir, Brueggergosman — who was a panellist on Canada Reads 2017 — gives a candid account of the highs and lows of her life and career.  

Why we're excited: From marrying young to performing for the Queen, Brueggergosman's life story promises to be as remarkable and compelling as her Grammy-nominated voice. 

When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2017

What I Think Happened by Evany Rosen

Evany Rosen is a comedian based in Toronto. (Erica Genereux Smith/Arsenal Pulp Press)

What it's about: Comedian Evany Rosen casts a feminist's eye over major historical events in the western world in this essay collection. Armed with humour and a lack of research, Rosen examines why figures such as Napoleon, the royal family and American presidents have been objects of fascination to her.

Why we're excited: As one of the founding members of the troupe Picnicface, Rosen has serious comedy chops. This is the Toronto comedian's first book.

When you can read it: Oct. 16, 2017

The Shoe on the Roof by Will Ferguson

Will Ferguson, an accomplished humour writer, won the Scotiabank Giller Prize for his first thriller, 419. (Alex Ferguson/Simon & Schuster Canada)

What it's about: The Scotiabank Giller Prize-winning novelist of 419 returns with a story of a psychological experiment gone wrong.

Why we're excited: Best known for his offbeat takes on Canadian history and culture, Will Ferguson's craft only seems to evolve with each successive literary outing. We're excited to see what he does with his first fiction follow-up to winning the Giller Prize.

When you can read it: Oct. 17, 2017