Perfect Paperback for Every Occasion

On July 29, 1935, Penguin published the first of its now-iconic paperbacks. Before Penguin, the paperbacks of the 1850s onward were cheap pulp fiction made mainly for the duration of train rides, not intended to last. Allen Lane, the founder of Penguin, wanted to make books that were less expensive and more portable than hardcovers but still were quality printing. By releasing ten reprint titles of popular books, such as Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles and Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, Penguin changed book publishing forever. The anniversary of this revolutionary change to the publishing world is celebrated as Paperback Book Day, so whether you are planning a camping trip, a family BBQ, a beach vacation, or a staycation there is a perfect paperback for every occasion.

For Post-COVID Summer Gatherings

Within the pages of the Campfire Stories series, you’ll be sure to find the perfect tale to tell for the next time you gather around a campfire for ghost stories or have a storytelling contest at your family BBQ. Campfire Stories from Coast to Coast By Barbara Smith $19.95 CAD Ghostly Campfire Stories of Western Canada By Barbara Smith $12.95 CAD

For Vacations

Whether you would like to read the inspirational stories of many trailblazing women of Vancouver Island or the towns of British Columbia that have faded into memory, these titles are great for a quick read between dips in the ocean or other vacation adventures. Flourishing and Free: More Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island By Haley Healey $9.95 CAD On Their Own Terms: True Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island By Haley Healey $9.95 CAD Ghost Town Stories of BC: Tales of Hope, Heroism and Tragedy By Johnnie Bachusky $9.95 CAD

Paperback Originals

Both Always Pack a Candle and Home on the Strange are the true stories of two women's journeys to find where and how they fit in the world. Full of charm and poignancy and plenty of heartwarming moments, these two books are ideal summer reads. Always Pack a Candle: A Nurse in the Cariboo-Chilcotin By Marion McKinnon Crook $22.95 CAD Home on the Strange: Chronicles of Motherhood, Mayhem, and Matters of the Heart By Susan Lundy $22.95 CAD

Upcoming Paperbacks

Keep an eye out for these beautiful and impactful picture books soon to be available in paperback editions. Little Wolf By Teoni Spathelfer Illustrated by Natassia Davies $12.95 CAD Publication Date: September 14, 2021 Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii By Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson and Sara Florence Davidson Illustrated by Alyssa Koski and Judy Hilgemann $14.95 CAD Publication Date: October 5, 2021

For Adventure

From bird watching to finding secret beaches, see our previous blog post (click here or on the photo below) for paperbacks to inspire you next summer adventure.