Books On TIFA’s 2025 TBR List

André Alexis's Other Worlds is a captivating collection of stories that traverse real and imagined realms, offering readers a profound exploration of human experience. From a Trinidadian Obeah man's rebirth in a Canadian child's body to a writer's peculiar job as a caretaker of mysterious sacks in a small town, Alexis blends genres like gothic horror and isekai, drawing inspiration from literary greats around the world. If you are seeking inventive storytelling that challenges perceptions and explores the uncanny, Other Worlds is a must-read this year.

A. Gregory Frankson's Alphabet Soup: A Memoir in Letters offers a unique and poetic exploration of personal experiences, with each of the 26 letters addressed to a different letter of the alphabet. Through themes such as love, death, joy, sorrow, victory and devastation, Frankson explores the depths of memory, providing introspective narratives that are startling, revelatory, humorous, sorrowful and triumphant. A former Canadian national poetry slam champion and an inductee to the VERSe Ottawa Hall of Honour, Frankson creatively invites readers into the continuous journey of confronting the past in the present, with the hope of shaping a more fulfilling future.

total: poems is the highly anticipated new collection from performer, choreographer and poet Aisha Sasha John. She gained widespread recognition with her 2018 Griffin Poetry Prize-shortlisted collection I have to live., which explores the physicality of existence and self-belief. Mixed with humour, honesty and compassion, her evocative and experimental writing invites you into a space where thought, feeling and movement merge. If you appreciate poetry that challenges conventions while remaining deeply personal, add total to your TBR list.

Zilla Jones' debut novel, The World So Wide, offers a compelling narrative that intertwines personal ambition with historical upheaval. Following Felicity Alexander, a mixed-race opera singer from Winnipeg, the story examines her rise to international stardom against the backdrop of the Grenada Revolution. Jones explores themes of identity, belonging and the enduring impact of colonialism, providing a nuanced portrayal of the Caribbean diasporic experience. This richly layered tale promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Otoniya J. Okot Bitek, an award-winning poet known for 100 Days and A is for Acholi, makes a stunning fiction debut with We, the Kindling. Born in Kenya to Ugandan parents and a longtime resident of Canada, Okot Bitek brings her lyrical power to this haunting novel about three Ugandan women – Miriam, Helen and Maggie – who, as schoolgirls, survived abduction by the Lord's Resistance Army. Blending vivid folk tales with stark realism, she crafts a compelling meditation on trauma, resilience and memory. If you are drawn to powerful storytelling about the strength of the human spirit, We, the Kindling is one to check out.

Historical romance is having its moment in the bright lights of BookTok, and we can’t wait to open up Sarah Raughley’s latest YA novel, The Queen's Spade. Inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta (Sally), Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, the riveting thriller features revenge, romance and twisted secrets as a vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly and Sally must decide if the cost of vengeance is worth sacrificing her heart. Raughley grew up in Southern Ontario and works in the community doing writing workshops for youth and adults.

Xaiver Michael Campbell's A Single Dreadlock is a heartfelt story about finding the courage to be yourself and expressing your difference. The narrative follows Lovie, a young boy who moves from Jamaica to Newfoundland and faces teasing at school due to his hairstyle. With guidance from his grandmother, Lovie learns to embrace his natural hair and cultural heritage, fostering self-acceptance and confidence. The vibrant illustrations by Eugenie Fernandes complement the story, making it perfect for young readers. Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

My Nova Scotia by Lindsay Ruck, illustrated by Martyna Czub, is a delightful children's book that introduces young readers to the rich tapestry of Nova Scotia's culture and landscapes. Through joyful rhymes and whimsical illustrations, the book celebrates the province's diverse traditions, from Acadian hooked rugs to Cape Breton fiddle music. With Ruck's deep love of the province showcased on each page, we can't wait to dive into the charm and warmth of Nova Scotia's people and places. Recommended for ages 3 to 7.