The literary landscape of British Columbia has a fresh snapshot of reader preferences, with the release of the weekly bestselling books list for the period ending December 13, 2025. Compiled by the Association of Book Publishers of B.C., this list highlights the top fifteen titles captivating local readers as the holiday season approaches.
Diverse Genres Top the Charts
The list showcases a remarkable variety, from historical fiction and political memoirs to children's tales and deep dives into provincial history. Leading the pack is Season for Spies: A Lane Winslow Prequel by Iona Whishaw, published by Touchwood Editions. This mystery novel offers fans a backstory to the beloved protagonist, proving that local fiction continues to have a strong hold on readers.
Non-fiction titles also feature prominently, with several works exploring British Columbia's identity and past. Notable entries include Unceded: Understanding British Columbia’s Colonial Past and Why It Matters Now by George M. Abbott and Trading Fate: How a Little-known Company Stopped British Columbia from Becoming an American State by Graeme Menzies. These books indicate a robust public interest in the province's complex historical narratives.
Celebrating Canadian Culture and Icons
The list is distinctly Canadian, with titles that celebrate national and local culture. The Eh Team: A Celebration of Canadianisms by Charles Demers offers a humorous look at uniquely Canadian terms, while John Horgan: In His Own Words provides an intimate perspective from the former premier. Another highlight is The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog by Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa, which connects readers with Indigenous heritage and history.
Art and visual storytelling are represented by books like Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape by Dave Hutchison and 7IDANsuu James Hart A Monumental Practice. The list also includes a poignant posthumous work from renowned author Richard Wagamese, The Inquisitive Raven, illustrated by Bridget George.
A Snapshot of Seasonal Reading Trends
The compilation, released publicly on December 20, 2025, serves as a valuable barometer for what British Columbians are buying and reading. It underscores the vitality of the province's publishing industry, featuring works from a wide array of local publishers including Harbour Publishing, Douglas & McIntyre, Arsenal Pulp Press, and Orca Book Publishers.
From maritime history in Coastal Connections and Beneath Dark Waters to the sport of curling in Curling Rocks!, the list reflects diverse interests. This weekly ranking not only guides potential readers in their purchasing decisions but also shines a spotlight on the depth of talent within British Columbia's literary community.
