Canadian Literature and Canada Reads

Canada Reads: This was the question posed during this year Canada Reads competition , CBC annual "literary title fight." After four days of passionate debate about "books that can change perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and illuminate issues" -- including some palpably shocking eliminations -- the five celebrity panelists ultimately selected Kim Th y Ru translated by Sheila Fischman as this year winner, according to Rabble. To be sure, Canada Reads is a unique phenomenon. Since its inception in 2002, and now bolstered by the prominence of social media, Canada Reads has captivated the Canadian imagination. More than a decade ago, Dr. Laura Moss wrote that the contest "has tapped into the increasing recognition of Canadian literature locally and the growing popularity of Canadian literature globally," adding that "the economic and cultural spin-off is enormous." In 2015, the contest has achieved an unprecedented popularity and status within Canadian literary culture, trending on social media and driving book sales across the country and "What is the one book to break barriers?" Like many of my fellow Canadians, I have eagerly followed the debates, tuning in each morning with excitement and anticipation. As an avid reader, the competition hammers home the power of reading not only as a individual activity, but also as a collective one. As a Canadian Literature scholar, the competition reminds me that the field in which I teach and research is an important one -- it reminds me that literature still matters. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.