Zoe Whittall Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Zoe Whittall books in order, from the first to the latest, and is always updated so you won’t miss anything!

Zoe Whittal is a celebrated Canadian author whose work spans novels, poetry, and television writing. Known for her raw honesty and compelling characters, Whittal has carved a unique space in contemporary literature. Her stories often explore themes of identity, queerness, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships, all while grounding her characters in real, emotionally vivid worlds. If you’re drawn to fiction that is both political and personal, beautifully written yet deeply accessible, Zoe Whittal is a name you’ll want to remember.

Born on February 16, 1976, in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Zoe grew up on a rural farm near South Durham. This small-town upbringing gave her a strong sense of place, something that is often reflected in the settings of her novels. Although her early years were spent in a rural environment, Zoe’s life shifted toward the urban when she moved to Montreal in the early 1990s. There, she attended Dawson College, graduating in 1995, and later continued her studies at Concordia University. Eventually, her love for literature and storytelling led her to the University of Guelph, where she earned an MFA in Creative Writing in 2009.

Zoe’s debut novel, Bottle Rocket Hearts, was released in 2007 and instantly caught the attention of readers and critics alike. Set in 1995 Montreal during the political tension leading up to the Quebec referendum, the book follows a young queer woman navigating love, rebellion, and identity. It was named a Best Book of the Year by The Globe and Mail, and later hailed by Canada Reads as one of the top ten essential Canadian novels of the decade. For readers who love powerful debuts with heart and cultural context, Bottle Rocket Hearts is a must-read.

Her second novel, Holding Still for as Long as Possible, came out in 2009 in Canada and a year later in the U.S. This book offers a gritty, emotional look at three young adults living in Toronto’s Parkdale neighborhood, a place marked by gentrification, uncertainty, and the fragile beauty of everyday life. The novel not only earned praise from critics but also won the Lambda Literary Award and was honored by the American Library Association’s Stonewall Book Award. It was also shortlisted for the ReLit Award, adding to Whittal’s growing list of accolades.

In 2016, Whittal published what many consider her breakout novel, The Best Kind of People. The book became a Canadian bestseller, spending over half a year on the national charts. It was shortlisted for the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize and named Book of the Year by Indigo, Toronto Life, The Globe and Mail, and Walrus Magazine. The story examines the fallout of a respected teacher’s arrest for sexual misconduct and how it affects his family and community. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the idea of trust and public perception. Film rights for the book were acquired by Sarah Polley, who is set to adapt it for the screen.

Zoe Whittal’s literary voice is as versatile as it is powerful. In addition to novels, she has released several poetry collections and has worked in small press publishing. She edited the 2003 anthology Geeks, Misfits & Outlaws, showcasing short fiction that highlights marginalized voices.

Whittal is also an accomplished television writer. Her credits include popular Canadian shows such as The Baroness Von Sketch Show, Schitt’s Creek, and Degrassi. Her work in TV has not gone unnoticed—she received a Canadian Screen Award in 2018 for her writing on The Baroness Von Sketch Show, an achievement she shared with her fellow collaborators.

Throughout her career, Zoe has received several awards and honors, including the Dayne Ogilvie Grant in 2008 for emerging LGBTQ+ writers and the K.M. Hunter Artist Award for literature in 2016. These accolades are a testament not just to her talent, but to the depth, emotion, and social resonance of her work.

Now based in Toronto, Zoe continues to write with a voice that is sharp, compassionate, and fearless. Whether you’re discovering her for the first time or coming back to revisit your favorite of her works, Zoe Whittal offers a literary experience that stays with you long after the last page. Her ability to blend politics with personal storytelling makes her a standout author in Canadian literature today.