oxford reads

1. Adrift by Lisa Brideau

A gripping near-future thriller that weaves mystery, survival, and a race against time. When a woman wakes up alone in a boat off the coast of British Columbia with no memory of who she is, she has only a note telling her not to seek answers. But as she pieces together fragments of her past, she uncovers a dangerous truth—one that could put her and others in grave danger. With the clock ticking and an uncertain world closing in, she must decide whether to follow the warning or risk everything for the truth. Perfect for fans of suspenseful, thought-provoking fiction, Adrift will keep you hooked until the very last page.

2. At a Loss for Words: Conversations in an Age of Rage by Carol Off

A powerful exploration of the breakdown of meaningful dialogue in today’s polarized world. Drawing on her experience as a journalist and storyteller, Off examines how public discourse has become dominated by outrage, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric—making real conversations harder than ever. Through insightful analysis and real-world examples, she offers a thought-provoking look at how we got here and what we can do to bridge the growing communication gap. A must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the noise and reclaim the power of thoughtful, constructive conversation.

3. Life in Two Worlds: A Coach's Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back by Ted Nolan

An inspiring memoir about perseverance, identity, and the power of staying true to oneself. Born and raised in the Garden River First Nation, Nolan overcame adversity to reach the highest levels of professional hockey, winning the NHL’s Coach of the Year award. But his journey was never just about the game—it was about navigating two worlds, facing discrimination, and ultimately returning to his roots to uplift Indigenous youth. Candid and deeply personal, this book is a must-read for hockey fans and anyone moved by stories of resilience and leadership.

4. The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe

A heartwarming and witty novel about family, resilience, and the power of second chances. Born in rural Nova Scotia but now living in England, Emmeline never quite fit in with her unconventional ways. When she unexpectedly reconnects with the family she left behind, long-buried secrets and old wounds resurface. With her sharp humor and unbreakable spirit, Emmeline sets out to heal the past—one surprising revelation at a time. Full of charm, warmth, and unforgettable characters, Spoon Stealer is a delightful read that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the beautifully messy bonds of family.

5. We Spread by Iain Reid

A haunting and thought-provoking psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and illusion. When aging artist Penny is moved into a unique assisted living home, she’s promised comfort and care. But as strange occurrences unfold—time seeming to slip, her independence vanishing—she begins to question what’s real and who she can trust. Is she simply losing her grip on reality, or is something more unsettling at play? With Reid’s signature blend of quiet dread and deep emotional insight, We Spread is a chilling meditation on aging, isolation, and the nature of existence that lingers long after the final page.

Everyone in this Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin

In this debut novel, a morbidly anxious young woman stumbles into a job as a receptionist at a Catholic church and soon finds herself obsessed with her predecessor’s mysterious death. A delightful blend of warmth, deadpan humour, and pitch-perfect observations about the human condition, Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead is a crackling exploration of what it takes to stay afloat in a world where your expiration — and the expiration of those you love — is the only certainty. This novel was long listed for The Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, shortlisted for the Amazon First Novel Award, and a finalist for the Ottawa Book Awards.