Sibylle Grimbert’s novel THE LAST OF ITS KIND (@bookhugpress.bsky.social) explores bonds between humans & animals when a zoologist’s journey to 1800s Iceland finds him responsible for a creature facing extinction. Read an excerpt from the novel, translated by Aleshia Jensen, here:

We're revisiting some old favourites and new-to-some novels and stories from the @biblioasis.bsky.social backlist. Check them out here: alllitup.ca/press-playba...

Enjoy an exclusive sneak peek from @mishasolomon.bsky.social’s upcoming poetry collection MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER DANCED BALLET (Brick Books), releasing March 17. Read more about Misha's collection, its origins & and the magic behind his art in our latest Poetry in Motion alllitup.ca/poetry-in-mo...

"What happens when West Indian Queers refuse to mask or suppress their sexuality?" H. Nigel Thomas, author of the forthcoming novel AND THEN AGAIN BEGIN (@guernicaeditions.bsky.social), reflects on growing up queer in a Christian fundamentalist Caribbean. alllitup.ca/under-the-co...

For Black History Month, we’re sharing 28 new and newish books by Black authors in Canada. From novels to poetry collections to essays, these books speak to different histories, places, and lived experiences. alllitup.ca/book-list/bo...

In TRACHEA (@mawenzihouse.bsky.social), Mayank Bhatt traces struggles with marriage, identity & even the weather through linked stories told in refreshing, direct prose. Vivid & uncompromising, the novel captures the realities of becoming a new Canadian. Read an excerpt: alllitup.ca/excerpted-tr...

Mallory Tater reads from her forthcoming poetry book LOCKERS ARE FOR BEARCATS ONLY (@palimpsestpress.bsky.social), a candid collection tracing movement, grief, & healing after loss. Read about Mallory’s poetry below, & look for this collection on shelves Feb. 15: alllitup.ca/poetry-in-mo...

"there are things I can’t do with words. / there are words that are flexed too far off the body." Read two poems from @dearkestrel.bsky.social's THE BOOK OF INTERRUPTIONS (@wolsakandwynn.bsky.social), a collection about place & identity moving between Toronto & Iran. alllitup.ca/two-poems-th...

"When I was about fifteen, I went up into the woods behind my family’s house (I went up there a lot at that time), sat down in the long grass, and prayed to be given words." Judith Pond reflects on writing life & her book THAT'S WHERE YOU WERE, THEN (Freehand Books). alllitup.ca/writers-bloc...

A poetry reading you don't have to travel to: Christina Shah reads from her first full-length collection IF: PREY, THEN: HUNTRESS (@nightwoodeditions.bsky.social) on Poetry in Motion. alllitup.ca/poetry-in-mo...

Our latest #PressPlaybacks highlights six stellar backlist titles deserving of a second spotlight from Newfoundland-based @breakwaterbooks.bsky.social. Check out these essential reads with stories that will stay with you long after the last page: alllitup.ca/press-playba...

If you liked SCHITT'S CREEK, you'll want to check out Michelle Swallow's wonderfully fun debut novel NORTHERN BULL (Freehand Books), a joyful story of love and friendship. alllitup.ca/if-you-liked...

Canada Reads 2026 longlisted author PP Wong joins us for #writersblock & talks about her second novel, SLICE THE WATER (@gooselane.bsky.social), the grounding power of nature, & the impact of spending years writing one protagonist. Read the full interview at: alllitup.ca/writers-bloc...

We'd love your feedback! Take our ALU reader survey until Feb 2. Complete the survey anonymously, or leave your name to be entered into a draw to win a package of great books from indie Canadian publishers + an ALU bag. The draw is open to Canadian residents only. forms.gle/ivgbGnRZrTge...

For #TamilHeritageMonth, we're sharing two poems from TAMIL TERRAINS (@tracepress.bsky.social), a new collection of poems, translations, and reimagined texts that trace the journeys of Tamil language and culture through migration, colonialism, labour, and love. alllitup.ca/two-poems-ta...

M.A.C. Farrant’s SEVENTY-TWO SEASONS (Ronsdale Press) draws on the Japanese tradition of noticing nature in five-day cycles, offering a calm, thoughtful, and welcome pause from everyday noise. Read an excerpt here: alllitup.ca/excerpted-se...

“Grief became a meditative and sustaining energy throughout the writing of this book and in my life.” Isabella Wang reflects on grief, illness, and writing her second poetry collection NOVEMBER NOVEMBER (@nightwoodeditions.bsky.social) alllitup.ca/under-the-co...

@angieellis.bsky.social joins us to talk about her debut novel A SNAKE AND A FEATHERED BIRD (@thistledownpress.bsky.social), the importance of community, and how leaning into other passions can help break through creative blocks. Read the full interview at: alllitup.ca/writers-bloc...

We consulted the stars (and Moon Omens) to bring you reading recommendations that are simply *fated* to be your best books of the year. alllitup.ca/your-2026-li...

Looking to refresh your TBR this new year? These six backlist titles from @radiantpress.bsky.social are reads well worth revisiting. Explore the full list at: alllitup.ca/press-playba...

One big throughline in our 2026 reading goals: slowing it down and spending more time with the books we pick up. Check our our reading intentions here: alllitup.ca/our-reading-...

Just a reminder that any print orders placed on All Lit Up after 12 p.m. ET will be fulfilled on January 5, 2026. Wishing you many good reads this holiday season. Happy holidays from the ALU team! ❄️

What are we reading in our downtime over the holidays? Read more about our picks from @cormorantbooks.bsky.social, @cloudscapecomics.com, @fernpub.bsky.social, @gooselane.bsky.social & Freehand Books: alllitup.ca/staff-picks-...

@kegedoncepress.bsky.social shares four beloved books worthy of a second look. alllitup.ca/press-playba...

Attention shoppers! All Lit Up is closing up shop for the holidays starting on December 19 at 12pm ET. Any print orders placed after the 19th will be filled on January 5th, 2026.

Dive into the world of animal healers in HEAL THE BEASTS by Philipp Schott, DVM (@ecwpress.bsky.social) where stories explore human-animal bonds full of colourful anecdotes & unforgettable creatures. Get cozy as Philipp reads an excerpt featuring a very familiar bear: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ph...

Jaik Josephson reads “On Becoming a Country Mouse” from QUEER COUNTRY CROSSROADS (@caitlinpress.bsky.social), a collection of nonfiction & poetry by rural 2SLGBTQIA+ writers. For #ALUCozyFest Jaik shares a story about two city guys finding their way in rural Manitoba. alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ja...

Lynda Williams’ THE BEAUTY AND THE HELL OF IT & OTHER STORIES (@guernicaeditions.bsky.social) follows women (and one man) through moments of resistance, transition, and self-discovery. Join us for #ALUCozyFest as Lynda reads a fittingly Christmassy excerpt: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ly...

Alison Acheson’s sweater game is as strong as her #ALUCozyFest reading from BLUE HOURS (Freehand Books), a passage that follows a father and son on a Saskatchewan summer road trip. alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-al...

Autumn chills set the scene in Vanessa Westermann’s SHUDDER PULP (@cormorantbooks.bsky.social), the latest Charley Scott Mystery where Charley navigate myths, murder, & sparks of romance. Join Vanessa reading a cozy scene for #ALUCozyFest: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-vanessa-westermann-shudder-pulp/

Monique Polak serves up gezellig this #ALUCozyFest with a short reading from her YA novel CHRISTMAS WEEKEND (Linda Leith Publishing) about the uncertain moments of a newly forming blended family during the holidays. alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-mo...

Lucy E.M. Black’s A QUILTING OF SCARS (Now or Never Publishing) transports readers to a community where Larkin, a queer youth, struggles with loneliness, fear, & belonging. For #ALUCozyFest, Lucy reads an excerpt where celebration leads to feelings of otherness: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-lu...

Nadia Ragbar joins #ALUCozyFest to read a passage from her first novel THE PUGILIST AND THE SAILOR (@invisibooks.bsky.social), a compelling story about conjoined twins Dougie and Bruce, whose lives split in all kinds of ways even while they stay physically connected. alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-na...

In THE UPENDING OF WENDALL FORBES (@latitude46pub.bsky.social), David Giuliano introduces Wendall & Ruby, an aging couple facing the messiness of later life. Join us as David reads an excerpt for #ALUCozyFest, where Wendall takes in a snow day free from expectation: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-da...

Cary Fagan joins #ALUCozyFest beside his wood-burning fireplace to read a passage from a story about a family trip and a defining moment in a young boy’s life, from his new collection A FAST HORSE NEVER BRINGS GOOD NEWS (@bookhugpress.bsky.social) alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ca...

Melanie Schnell’s THE CHORUS BENEATH OUR FEET (@radiantpress.bsky.social) follows a soldier’s return home after 8 years away, only to find his sister missing & caught up in a crime. Watch Melanie read an excerpt for #ALUCozyFest: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-me...

We're transported to the ocean in Kim Fahner's reading of "Sea Road Visitation, August 13, 2022" from her collection THE POLLINATION FIELD (Turnstone Press) for #ALUCozyFest: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ki...

Love can feel like growth, even in uncertain times. In HELITROPIA (Brick Books), Manahil Bandukwala uses botanic & cosmic imagery to explore the pull between lovers & how we bloom through connection. Manahil reads a few immersive poems for #ALUCozyFest in our latest: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ma...

Next up on #ALUCozyFest is Coltrane Seesequasis with a passage from his YA fantasy series THE THREADS OF TIME (@kegedoncepress.bsky.social) Tune in for a reading about unlikely friendships: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-co...

Catherine Hunter’s SEEING YOU HOME (Signature Editions) explores the quiet ways our existence, feelings, and relationships shift in the wake of grief. Join us for #ALUCozyFest & watch Catherine read an excerpt featuring a curious squirrel exploring a new space: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ca...

James Cairns reminds us we’re not alone in times of crisis. In his book IN CRISIS, ON CRISIS (@wolsakandwynn.bsky.social) he offers thoughtful essays that provide a sense of connection in our existential times. James reads a passage from the book for #ALUCozyFest: alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-ja...

Kicking off #ALUCozyFest is Dina Del Bucchia coming to us from a cozy spot in her home to read a passage about friendships, group texts, and perfect days from her book YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS (@talonbooks.bsky.social). alllitup.ca/cozy-fest-di...

Love a literary festival but don't want to leave your house? Cozy Fest has entered the chat!

Wrapping up this year’s #ALUGiftGuide, author & educator Lindsay Zier-Vogel highlights 4 thoughtful, holiday-ready reads. From essays & short stories to nonfiction, these picks blend humour, culinary flair, insight, and heart—perfect for almost everyone on your list! alllitup.ca/gift-guide-w...

Author Greg Rhyno is today's #ALUGiftGuide recommender with five standout book picks for gifting. alllitup.ca/gift-guide-w...

Searching for the perfect bookish gift? Calgary short story writer @beingkirti.bsky.social shares four thoughtful titles to round out your holiday shopping list in our latest #ALUGiftGuide. Read her picks: alllitup.ca/gift-guide-w...

Looking for books to gift (or to read)? Writer and reviewer @selenamercuri.bsky.social has you covered with six fantastic book recommendations in this year's #ALUGiftGuide. alllitup.ca/gift-guide-w...

Michael Mirolla’s latest novel HOW ABOUT THIS…? (@atbaypress.bsky.social) tells the story of partners Elspeth & Marybeth who find their lives upended after discovering abandoned twins and a warning not to return them. Read an excerpt from this winding narrative at alllitup.ca/excerpted-ho...

Our final #ALUGiftNext haul are for the readers who like their prose tight: here are six short story collections we think your giftees will love. Shop our short fic recommendations (+ more!) here: alllitup.ca/gift-their-n...

Indie publishers @pressassembly.bsky.social & Brick Books merged operations a month ago. Today, they share a little about what led to their decision and how the early days of working as one have taken shape. alllitup.ca/teamwork-mak...