Find out which books your favourite authors turn to when the news cycle and our fast-paced lifestyles are too overwhelming.

By: Micaela Carcamo

Some of the fall 2026 Wolsak and Wynn authors have chimed in with books they turn to when they need to escape these chaotic times, filled with depressing and often devastating news. In the constant search of some peace, quiet, and happiness, these authors are here to recommend their favourite reads. As a bookworm myself, I know there’s nothing better to calm the nerves than to settle in with a good book for awhile. Keep reading to learn more about who these acclaimed and award-winning authors read for comfort and solace.

Conyer Clayton

Conyer Clayton (they/them) is an award-winner poet, editor and bookseller. Author of three books her latest title the lake-shaped excuse is described as:

“A conversation between mother and daughter beyond death; an elegy, a prayer, a regret.”

Conyer turns to Mexican author Valeria Luiselli, highlighting all her works for the way they engage with current political events in tender and humane ways. “Her latest, Beginning, Middle, End, is one of the best books I've read in recent memory. I'll never look at swordfish the same way again!”

Chris Pannell

Chris Pannell, an award-winning poet who is very involved in the Hamilton literary community, will shortly publish his new poetry collection, A City as Thin as Paper.

“On well-worn roads

rising up through cracks and potholes,

old ghosts hold forth” – “The Map”

Chris turns mostly to books that speak on visual arts, music or biographies typically. For this occasion, he recommends The Instrument Must Not Matter by Christine Fischer Guy. Chris applauds the novel’s use of music and the intensity of the writing, as well as its characters— especially the main character, Lila and her strength and vulnerability. “Christine has written marvelously, a book that I never thought could have been written. So, as they say in the opera business: BRAVO!”

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark Leslie is an author, speaker, podcaster, bookseller, publishing representative with more than 30 years in the Canadian book Industry, and writer of paranormal stories and horror. His newest title Ghost Stories of the Great Lakes, is one of the most anticipated nonfiction reads of the season.

“The unknown is alive in the depths of the great lakes. And it calls to us like the relentless waves lapping the shores.”

Mark highlights Walking by Henry David Thoreau, originally delivered as an essay in 1851. “It connects to my continued re-discovery of the powerful benefits of being in and walking through natural/wooded landscapes.” Mark remembers his “thesis” project for his CW M.A. on returning to nature as an escape, and finds this collection a close enough getaway when he is unable to do it physically.

Honorable mentions by Mark: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, Earth Abides by George R. Stewart and Different Seasons by Stephen King

Nancy Jo Cullen

Nancy Jo Cullen is a poetry and fiction author beloved across Canada. Featured in plenty of journals, Nancy is the recipient of grants and awards in both genres. Dish is her newest release, and it’s hailed as a smart, sexy romp of a novel that explores the joys of second chances – in life and in love.

Nancy’s go to book is Keep That Candle Burning Bright & Other Poems, by Bronwen Wallace. Sadly out of print now, Nancy still looks for copies at every second hand store she visits. The book was published posthumously, and delights with its prose poems. “Browen Wallace had a way of sitting in the very ordinary and making it shine and this book especially so. It is so full of being alive and curious, brimming with feeling and humour.”

Catherine Owen

Catherine Owen is the author of seventeen collections of prose and poetry. Nominated for multiple awards, her newest release Sixteen Homes, brilliantly examines ideas of home and housing.

You say house and wood falls over you like a cloak, your passion becomes windows. You say home and all memories gather.

Catherine turns to Ian Brown’s memoir 70: A diary of my seventieth year. A funny and dry journal-style memoir appeals to Catherine's taste for personal accounts on aging artists. “From May Sarton to Donald Hall, and Anne Truitt, and Brown has refreshed my perceptions of existence while giving me a good chortle on every page. Turn to the personal despair to flee the general angst I say ;)” And I’ve got to agree with her!

From poetry collections, to novels, to memoirs, this list has something for everyone. Show some love to these wonderful authors who let us peek into their bookshelves. You can go check out their latest books directly on Wolsak and Wynn’s website or order them into your local bookstore or library. Who knows? One of them could turn out to be your newfound safe space. Share your thoughts on the books recommended, and even leave your recommendations to escape the madness down below! From your self proclaimed bookworm to another, book > TV always ;)

Escaping the News Cycle with BOOKS!