5 Books You’ll Want to Cozy up to This Winter

The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation by Peter Wohlleben and Fred Bernard (Greystone Books)

If you haven’t read Peter Wohlleben’s international bestseller already, here’s your chance to do it—in vibrant colour. The graphic adaptation of the original book, The Hidden Life of Trees, follows his journey into the secrets of the trees and forests surrounding us. The narrator, Peter himself, guides readers through all the natural beauty—and big questions. Can trees communicate? Support one another? Defend themselves? He explores the answers to questions like these, and many others, in this unique adaptation by Vancouver-based publisher, Greystone Books. With its colour illustrations and conversational style, this version is more accessible—but just as captivating—as the original, so it appeals to naturalists of any age.

Bad Land by Corinna Chong (Arsenal Pulp Press)

There are more than fossils to uncover in the dramatic landscape of Corinna Chong’s latest novel, Bad Land. Inside her riveting book, family secrets wait to be revealed as well. The main character, Regina, lives alone, but when her brother Ricky and his six-year-old daughter Jez arrive on her doorstep, her quiet life is completely upended. As hidden truths emerge, she is sent on a journey from the otherworldly badlands of Alberta to the coast of BC. A thrilling story set in a moody landscape, this novel explores familial bonds and the lengths we go to maintain them. We’ll be enjoying this eerie thriller from the safety of a cozy chair—kind of like watching a storm through the window. 

All the Quiet Places by Brian Thomas Issac (TouchWood Editions)

To all those who have despaired that they outgrew a chance to do something, take note: Brian Thomas Issac published his debut novel at the age of 71. How fitting then, that this coming-of-age story grabbed so much attention, and a number of awards—including a finalist spot in the 2022 Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction. Issac himself, like the book’s young protagonist Eddie Toma, is from the Okanagan Indian Reserve in BC’s interior. The story takes place in 1956, and the lack of electricity (no radios or televisions) means this corner of the world is quiet—and unwelcoming—for a young Syilx boy of only six. As he navigates trauma, heartbreak, and pervasive effects of colonialism, readers follow along through Eddie’s own observations. It’s a bit of everything—sad, hopeful, witty, transformative—and should be on every reader’s list.

Thinking Like a Wolf By Rick McIntyre (Greystone Books)

Rick McIntyre, author and “chief historian” (according to the Washington Post) of two world-famous wolf packs, just released his fifth book in the Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone series. In Thinking Like a Wolf, McIntyre draws parallels between the lives of wolves and humans. He writes: “Read on for stories of how Yellowstone’s wolves deal with traumas, challenges, and tragedies; how they balance cooperation and personal ambition; and how they strategize to achieve what they want out of life.” Follow along as he draws from his over one hundred thousand wolf sightings, and decades of field notes, to tell the stories of individual wolves from two major packs. Discover the resilience of wolf 926, the courage and tenacity of wolf 911, and 1109’s independent spirit, as you, too, learn to think like a wolf—along with all the drama and intrigue. 

Something, Not Nothing: A Story of Grief and Love by Sara Leavitt (Arsenal Pulp Press)

When Sarah Leavitt’s partner of 22 years, Donimo, died with the aid of medical assistance, the Vancouver-based author began drawing comics to help her deal with her grief. Leavitt is no stranger to graphic novels and comics, as she previously published two books—a memoir and a historical-fiction work—in those formats. But Something, Not Nothing took a life of its own, as abstract images and mixed media—such as watercolours, coloured pencil and ink—blended with poetic text. The book guides readers through the couples’ decision to end Donimo’s life, and Leavitt’s own heartbreak and emotions that accompanied the choice. The end result is beautiful and moving. Just be sure to keep the tissue box close at hand.

This story was originally published in September 2024.