Canada Reads returns with its 2026 longlist, featuring a diverse collection of titles showcasing the power of storytelling. On Canada Reads, five Canadian celebrities select one book each for debate over four days. The last book standing is declared the winner. The 2026 edition will air from April 13 to 16 on various platforms, including CBC TV, CBC Radio, CBC Listen, CBC Gem, and YouTube. The longlist, revealed by CBC Books, spans genres from hockey romance to horror, offering a glimpse into the depth of Canadian literature. The five panellists and their chosen books will be unveiled on Jan. 22.
Among the longlisted titles are “A Minor Chorus” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, “Celestina’s House” by Clarissa Trinidad Gonzalez, “Crossroads” by Kaleb Dahlgren, “Everything Is Fine Here” by Iryn Tushabe, “Foe” by Iain Reid, “Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid, “It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard, “Julie Chan Is Dead” by Liann Zhang, “Never Been Better” by Leanne Toshiko Simpson, “Oxford Soju Club” by Jinwoo Park, “Restaurant Kid” by Rachel Phan, “Searching for Terry Punchout” by Tyler Hellard, “Slice The Water” by PP Wong, “The Cure for Drowning” by Loghan Paylor, and “The Hunger We Pass Down” by Jen Sookfong Lee.
The longlist features authors Loghan Paylor and Iryn Tushabe, who were previously recognized in the CBC Nonfiction Prize. Submissions for the 2026 CBC Nonfiction Prize are open until March 1, offering a chance to win $6,000, a writing residency, and publication on CBC Books. The longlisted books are available in various formats through CELA and NNELS. Each book presents a unique narrative, setting the stage for a captivating literary debate.