Douglas Coupland’s “JPod” follows a group of eccentric video game designers working at a Vancouver tech company. The story dives into their quirky workplace antics, absurd corporate demands, and chaotic personal lives.
Ethan, the main character, grapples with his dysfunctional family and surreal situations, creating a blend of humor and satire that captures the strange energy of modern office culture.
“Stanley Park” by Timothy Taylor follows a Vancouver chef named Jeremy Papier who is caught between his love for haute cuisine and his fascination with local, sustainable food practices.
As he struggles with financial trouble and a new restaurant venture, he reconnects with his anthropologist father, who is living in Stanley Park to study a group of homeless people.
The novel weaves together urban life, family dynamics, and the rich cultural flavors of Vancouver.
“Eleanor Rigby” by Douglas Coupland centers on Liz Dunn, a lonely middle-aged woman whose life changes when a young man named Jeremy appears, claiming to be her son. The story explores Liz’s past, her longing for connection, and her unexpected bond with Jeremy.
Set partly in Vancouver, it weaves moments of humor and heartbreak as Liz reflects on her solitary life and discovers new meaning through this relationship.
The “The Jade Peony” by Wayson Choy tells the story of a Chinese-Canadian family living in Vancouver during the 1930s and 1940s. The novel focuses on the three youngest siblings, each sharing their perspective on cultural identity, family struggles, and life in a changing city.
A recurring symbol is a glass windchime made by their grandmother, tied to memories of her past and her belief in traditions. The book paints a vivid picture of life in Chinatown during that era, offering a glimpse into the challenges of immigrant communities.
The novel “All That Matters” by Wayson Choy tells the story of the Chen family, who immigrate from China to Vancouver in the 1920s. The story is seen through the eyes of Kiam-Kim, a young boy navigating his family’s traditions while adjusting to life in a new country.
Through the family’s experiences, the book explores themes of identity, cultural expectations, and the bonds that hold people together as they face challenges in their adopted home.
The novel “Contract With the World” by Jane Rule tells the story of six interconnected characters living in Vancouver during the 1970s. Each of them struggles with creative ambitions, personal relationships, and identity.
Through their interactions, the book explores themes of independence and self-expression, framed by the vibrant and evolving cityscape of Vancouver.
The book “Everyone in Silico” by Jim Munroe imagines a near-future Vancouver where people escape their problems by uploading their consciousness into a virtual paradise called Frisco.
Real life in the city has become unappealing, dealing with corporate control and environmental issues. The story follows different characters as they grapple with what they’ve left behind and whether the trade-off is worth it.
The novel “The Baudelaire Fractal” by Lisa Robertson follows Hazel Brown, a poet, who wakes up in a hotel room to discover she has written the complete works of Charles Baudelaire.
Through this surreal premise, Hazel reflects on her life, art, and the ways literature shapes identity, all while moving through memories tied to Paris and Vancouver.
The book “Pick-Up Sticks” by Sarah Ellis tells the story of a 13-year-old girl named Polly who faces a sudden upheaval when her mother decides they must sell their home.
Polly’s comfortable world is turned upside down as she grapples with moving to a small apartment and adjusting to new challenges. Through this, she navigates changes in her friendships and her own sense of belonging.
The story captures the confusion and growth that come with unexpected life changes.