Despite the fact that I’m celebrating Canada Day in a very un-Canadian way (at home in the city, not at a cottage), I’m still a proud Canuck. I always have a bottle of maple syrup on hand and I can have a lengthy discussion with anyone who asks about what makes the perfect butter tart. And while I do admit that I don’t like hockey (never even been to a game), poutine, or Tim Hortons, that doesn’t make me any less of a Canadian. Because believe it or not, we are so much more than those things. If you’d like to get a better grasp of Canadian history and culture, here are some books to get you started. Happy Canada Day!
Only in Canada You Say: A Treasury of Canadian Language
by Katherine Barber
Apparently there are 17 distinctly Canadian words for ice. Who knew?
Souvenir of Canada
by Douglas Coupland
A look at what it’s really like to be Canadian. Funny, but probably only if you’re from Canada.
Why I Hate Canadians
by Will Ferguson
Some real gems in here, including the chapter entitled “Death by Niceness”. Also check out How To Be A Canadian by the same author.
Canadians at Table: Food, Fellowship, and Folklore: A Culinary History of Canada
by Dorothy Duncan
Food in Canada is more interesting than you might think. If you want to try some recipes, the Laura Secord cookbook is a personal favourite of mine.
50 Canadians Who Changed the World
by Ken McGoogan
Canadians are awesome. This book will show you why.