CIBD 2025 Author Love Notes

“The community of books we have in Canada lives in the indie stores—in the used book stores, in the libraries, in the places where people don’t just read but form a relationship with literature. Without them, we’d only have corporate sanctioned lists and ideas. I love going into large chain stores as well—they employ book lovers too—think of the ‘sameness’ of our national literature culture if that was all we had. We need the real deal, the genuine and earnest opinions in the book trade, the guileless enthusiasm of the stores that are in it for the love of books and are probably not making any great profit at it. But they’re still there. Telling you they loved this latest thing they read, because they did. Watching the progress of the careers of local authors in a way that translates into getting those books into customers’ hands with expert guidance.”
– Kate Beaton, author of Shark Girl

“Like many Canadian authors, my career has depended on indie bookstores. But more than that: I love them as a reader. Indie bookstores are havens of taste, flavour, intelligence, and warmth. There is no force in the world better at getting the right book into the hands of a reader that is going to love it than a personal recommendation from a passionate bookseller. Thank you all.”
– Emma Donoghue, author of The Paris Express

“Happy Canadian Independent Bookstore Day to all the awesome indies that support Canadian authors and connect readers with books, like magical book-and-human matchmakers! I want to send some extra love to two Vancouver bookstores, the iconic Kidsbooks in Kitsilano, where my kids and I get our summer reads every year, and the small but mighty Hager Books in Kerrisdale. When I was a kid, the staff at Hager Books would let me sit on the floor in the back of the store and read entire books. Forty years later, I’m still grateful. Thank you! xoxo”
– Catherine Egan, author of The Factory

“Dear Indie: Running a bookstore isn’t easy, but I get why you do it. You love books. And readers. And authors. Well, I want you to know: we love you, too. We love your unique and welcoming atmosphere, your distinctive décor and approach, and your special touches—like the notes your staff puts out to recommend favourites! From coast to coast, indie staff members are always friendly, ready to either bring out the latest or hunt for the rarest. When you host special events, you bring readers together, and you give authors a unique opportunity to introduce our work in a personal, meaningful way. Thank you for everything you do!”
– Genevieve Graham, author of On Isabella Street

“I used to have a job where I travelled a lot for work. It was fun for a year and then it was extremely not fun. But the one way I would enjoy myself is that for every trip I took, I would figure out ahead of time what the indie bookstore was, go buy a book, and then read that book on the plane home. The beauty of indie bookstores is that they have whatever is new, but they also have weird books that they like! In the windows, on the tables, in the stacks. At this point, being able to wash myself in a wall of books is a significant part of my writing process. It dislodges something if things aren’t going well for me on a laptop. I will take any opportunity to praise indie bookstores here in Canada.”
– Ben Ladouceur, author of I Remember Lights

“I love Canadian independent bookstores. We need them now more than ever because we need community. We need spaces where we can leave our homes and share literary love with others while being surrounded by local Canadian talent that is actually being showcased and can be discovered in a way that may not be possible online or in big retailers. One thing I really love about Canadian independent bookstores is that they host a variety of events: author signings, book clubs, read-a-louds for the kids. It’s this wonderful way to come together and share in our love for Canadian literature and reading.”
– Maria Marianayagam, author of No Purchase Necessary

“I love indie bookstore for two reasons. First, the atmosphere is so much cozier. When I walk into one of my favourite indie bookstores, I feel at home, and I feel like the staff really care about helping me find what I need. The second reason is because they foster such strong and faithful communities. From pop-up markets to book launches, indie bookstores are the place I go when I want to see the people I love or meet people who love books as much as I do. They’re definitely a staple in any successful literary scene. I hope to see even more independent bookstores in my lifetime.”
– Terese Mason Pierre, author of Myth

“[Indie bookstores] are incredible places that build community and highlight local authors. They are the places where my voice has been able to find a home and I think countless other Indigenous and Canadian creators can say the same. The staff are always incredible at showing me new adventures through different pages, and they often do this by highlighting local artists. I’m so excited to visit more indie bookstores across Turtle Island—they are often the first place I go when I’m visiting a new city. I want to say that I’m forever grateful and will forever support our indie bookstores. Miigwetch!”
– Willie Poll, author of Our Ancestors’ Kitchen

“Indie bookstores are community heartbeats, connective tissue, and sources of magic. They nurture a love of words, a love of authenticity and uniqueness, and a love of where we call home—and these are gifts that we can carry with us when we exit their doors, hopefully with a couple of new books in tow. Indie bookstores remind us that as readers, writers, and members of community, there is always a place for us, and I am grateful.”
– Bee Quammie, author of The Book of Possibilities

“As a Canadian who has lived in Europe for most of my adult life, one of my favourite things to do when I’m back in my homeland is to visit an indie bookstore and peruse their local writers section. I’ll always find something new and intriguing that keeps me connected to the true north strong and free. Books inspire, educate, and entertain—and indie bookstores help to highlight what is unique about each of them. Sending my thanks to indie bookstores across Canada for helping me to nurture my roots.”
– Eliza Reid, author of Death on the Island

“I just want to send a note of love and appreciation for indie bookstores. I got my start at an indie bookstore—for a book that I will never tell you the title of—and they’ve supported every single book of mine since then. I’ve had almost every launch at an indie bookstore! If you’re going to go out to get a book today, or any other day, first look for your local indie bookstore. And while you’re there, thank them for the work they do. Support your local authors that way. Support your local businesses that way. And happy reading!”
– David A. Robertson, author of 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing

“When I was young, I used to haunt my local bookstore, which was a Duthie’s Books, in Vancouver. I would stand there for hours. Moving between the sections—fiction, biography, history, art, science—was like traveling between continents and across ages. Often, I would go in to escape from the rain. Or because the bus I was waiting for had failed to appear. These independent bookstores were warmth, education, possibility, comfort. Long may they thrive, long may they give this joy to others. Now I live in Montreal and am fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary places. Thank you Drawn & Quarterly, Paragraphe, Librairie Bertrand, De Still, The Word, Argo, l’Euguelionne, Le Porte de Tête and so many more. Thank you for everything you make possible for Canadian and Québec writers.”
– Madeleine Thien, author of The Book of Records

Responses have been edited slightly for length and clarity. Some have also been transcribed from video and audio clips.

Thank you to all those who submitted!