Reading is a passion of mine. I typically have at least two books on the go, one fiction and one non-fiction.
And I also love to support locals whenever possible. This is why I created a list of books written by Vancouver Island authors and/or books about our beautiful rock. And now I’m sharing it with you!
It’s something we book lovers can return to again and again when in need of a new read.
Below is a collection of my own recommendations, plus those gathered from a call-out to our website followers for local books they would recommend. So while I haven’t read every book mentioned (yet!), someone out there has and enjoyed it enough to share it with others.
If you feel a book should be added, please let me know in the comment section below (or email me). Please remember, though, we are looking for those books written by local authors and/or about Vancouver Island.
Happy reading!
*The links listed below are affiliate links, which means if you happen to make a book purchase, I may receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you.
UPDATE: As the list of exceptional books by incredibly talented local authors continues to grow, I have broken it down into two parts: Non-Fiction and Fiction. This first page showcases non-fiction books written by local authors; and/or non-fiction books about Vancouver Island, while the second-page shares fiction books only.
Non-Fiction Books about Exploring
Non-Fiction History
General Non-Fiction
25 Comments
Ella Harvey is a Victoria writer who recently published “A Time of Light and Shadow”, a memoir of her experiences in Asia and Africa, where she travelled and worked as a nurse for the International Red Cross. It’s beautifully written and a fascinating story.
https://rmbooks.com/book/a-time-of-light-and-shadow/
Thank you for keeping your VI book list going!
Thank you! I’ve added it to the list.
Hi, I am looking for a book I’ve read which is by a man who lives on VI. It’s a true story. He sets off from the island and goes north in his boat which then breaks down. He has to walk back through the forest and is tracked by a bear which has gone mad and is stalking him. It’s a great story, but he also goes into lots of historical and geological detail. I cannot remember the title or the author’s name so I’m wondering if you could help? I live in the UK, but I do have an aunt who has recently moved to VI and I hope to visit soon. Thank you for your time, Kat.
There is something about your description that’s ringing a bell, but I can’t place it. Sorry! Hopefully, someone reading this might be able to chime in.
How about Marilyn Bowering, poet, novelist from Sooke she is a great storyteller read all her books
Thank you! I will look into adding one or two of her books.
Hello Kim!
I’m a Victoria-based poet–18 years here. 🙂 My first book, Cult Life, was listed second on the CBC’s Spring poetry-to-watch-out-for list, and then the pandemic hit… my second book is coming out in June and won the Raven Chapbook Award. I hope you’re able to add me to your author-list–happy to send you the cover!
Wishing you all good things!
Kyeren
Hello Kim,
I am a Vancouver Island author of one book under the pen name of Thalia Aaron titled “Unpixelated” and the editor of a book titled, “Thursdays In Spirit” by Reverend Dianne Burrough, a local Spiritualist Medium. I would love to be considered for your list of local Vancouver Island authors. What a great website you have, it gives me incentive to do even more exploring and reading!
Hi Heather, thank you so much for the comment and the recommendation of your two books. I have added them both to the list.
For pure joy …. a book (actually a series) Susan Juby’s ‘Wofield Collective’ – takes place in Cedar!
Ooh, thank you! I’ll look into adding them to the list.
Kim, I would like to have my non-fiction travel book DIARY OF A MAD TRAVEL WRITER on your great website. It was launched in Courtenay and Bowser in May 2019 and I have now moved to Victoria.
I’ve added it, Carolyn! Thank you for the suggestion.
Noble prize-winning author Alice Munro lived in Victoria in 1963 for a while and also owned property in Comox. Alice and her husband opened the venerable Munro’s book store located on Government Street. She wrote great short stories and I think it would be appropriate for her to be o this list.
Thank you, Andrew. I will definitely look into adding Alice’s books to the list.
Please check out Shari Green’s books, she writes fiction for young people. sharigreen.com
Thank you for the suggestion! I will definitely add Shari’s books to the list.
Great list! I recommend adding “The Reckoning of Boston Jim” by Claire Mulligan. It has many scenes set on Vancouver Island (Victoria and Cowichan Valley), and the author currently lives and works in Victoria.
https://www.amazon.ca/Reckoning-Boston-Jim-Claire-Mulligan/dp/1897142218
Thank you for the recommendation, Sonia! I’ve added it to the list.
Would you add my memoir, A Canadian Childhood, to your list? I’m a Vancouver Island writer–I lived in San Pareil outside Parksville for 18 years and the last two years in Victoria.
Hi Carolyn, please email me the information and I will look into putting it in the above list. My email is [email protected]
Jody Esch Young Adults writer from Cobble Hill BC
Jodie Esch | Romance & Young Adult Author | Confessions
http://www.jodieesch.com
Mimi Barbour action books from Parksville BC
mimibarbour.com/books
NYT & USA Today, best-selling, award-winning author of 36+ books, Mimi Barbour, lives on the beautiful east coast of Vancouver Island
Thank you so much, Cecile, for leading me to these two talented authors! I have included a few of their books in the list.
Thank you for doing this, Kim. Susan Cornborough sent me your link.I see that you already have Medical Man posted.Thank you.
I am a Vancouver Island author (Nanaimo ) of creative non-fiction, historical.
I have included my website below.
Helen Webster
Welcome to our site, Helen! And thank you so much for leaving your link.