ZINC’s 2023 book roundup

Looking for a great holiday read? Christmas gift? Book club pick for 2024? Here are some of the ZINC team’s favourite reads from the past year, and why we enjoyed them. Fiction, non-fiction (including a little bit of self-help) – there’s a little something for everyone. We hope you enjoy!

fiction reading

Utopia, by Heidi Sopinka

It’s fun to visit a totally different time and place in a book, far removed from my perch here on Vancouver Island. The novel “Utopia” by Heidi Sopinka offered that completely. It felt like a secret glance into the 1970s L.A. art scene. Plus, I find reading about the lives of artists (real or imagined) interesting. I’m a fairly practical person so I’m entranced by creative folk, like the main characters in this book. Fantastic reading. — Marci

The Finder, by Will Ferguson

This book is full of historical oddities and anecdotes, woven in with a cast of unique characters and set modern-day true events: Imagine tracking a hunt for Mohammed Ali’s Olympic gold medal (which he is rumoured to have thrown in the Ohio River) while in earthquake ravaged Christchurch, New Zealand. This book takes you around the world while unearthing bizarre, lesser-known events and keeps you hooked with each twist and turn. The journey is exhilarating, and I was totally hooked with each twist and turn. Ferguson’s skillful storytelling has made a number of his novels standouts for me over the years – this one was no exception. — Colleen

The Rose Code, by Kate Quinn

Of all the books I made it through this year – majority historical fiction – this one stands out at the top of that list. Set during World War II, it follows the lives of three very different women, Osla, Mab, and Beth, who work together at Bletchley Park, the top-secret code-breaking center in England. The story highlights the often overlooked vital role that women played in the war effort and masterfully captures the atmosphere of secrecy surrounding code-breaking. Published in 2021 – I was surprised it hadn’t come across my kindle before, but thrilled that it finally did, and excited to add The Alice Network (also by Quinn) to my 2024 reading list. — Dana

The Break, by Katherena Vermette

A poignant look at the challenges confronting Indigenous people in urban settings, who are bearing the weight of intergenerational trauma. This book skillfully navigates the complexities of these characters’ lives and histories – each with their own struggle but as a family working to navigate a path forward under the loving eye of their matriarch. The narrative is at times difficult to read, but it is an important story for Canadians to listen to and learn from. Full of powerful characters who are strong and determined and loving, and hurt – there is a lot to learn from the family, and their experiences. — Colleen

Non-Fiction reading

Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life, by Luke Burgis

This book presents a neat idea: that we are not original in terms of wanting things. In fact, we tend to model what those around us want. It gave me new ways to think about the “liking” feature on Facebook and sheds light on why scrolling Instagram often leaves an unsatisfied feeling. The chapters were more like great long form magazine articles, which made it easy to pick up and read a section at a time. — Marci

The Push: A Climber’s Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits, by Tommy Caldwell

This was the memoir (my second favourite genre) that captured my attention this year – the story of Tommy Caldwell, a renowned rock climber known for his achievements in the climbing world, including his historic ascent of the Dawn Wall on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The book shares Caldwell’s determination to overcome adversity, both on and off the wall. Stories include being held captive by militants in Kyrgyzstan and eventually escaping, losing one of his fingers in an accident (and continuing to climb) and ultimately, his journey to fatherhood. It doesn’t get much more inspiring than this account of resilience and pursuing dreams. — Dana

The 5AM Club, by Robin Sharma

I get teased by friends and colleagues for reading books they label “self help” but I rarely think of my non-fiction choices like this. (I also get teased for not being a morning person. Which is why I picked up this book.) “The 5AM Club”, which I devoured late into the night last summer while on holidays, suggests that perhaps I can rethink my “not a morning person” narrative. And while I’m not part of the 5AM club (yet!), I have been setting my alarm for 6:30AM, thanks to this compelling yet light-hearted read by business thinker Robin Sharma. — Marci