Top Borrowed Books Featuring Strong Female Leads in Canada

The most sought-after titles from some of Canada’s leading libraries this year showcase powerful female protagonists, such as “The Women” by Kristin Hannah and “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros.

Toronto Public Library’s Highlights

According to the Toronto Public Library (TPL), a significant number of the most-borrowed books for 2024 revolve around strong female characters.

At the forefront of TPL’s list are “Fourth Wing” and its sequel “Iron Flame,” both of which are part of the Empyrean series. These fantasy romance novels follow the journey of Violet Sorrengail, who navigates life at a war college for aspiring dragon riders. This library is recognized as the largest and busiest in Canada.

Krisin Hannah’s “The Women”

Kristin Hannah’s “The Women,” which debuted in February, ranks as the second most-borrowed title at TPL. It has also gained immense popularity, topping borrowing lists at the Halifax Public Library and the Saskatoon Public Library.

Enduring Favorites

Another beloved title among these library patrons is “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, published in 2022. It secured second place in Toronto, third place in Halifax, and fifth in Saskatoon within the adult fiction category.

Popular Non-Fiction Selections

In the realm of non-fiction, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear continues to perform well across all three libraries. This self-help book, released in 2018, emphasizes how small, consistent changes can lead to significant outcomes.

Celebrating Canadian Women Writers

The TPL has also highlighted its most-borrowed Canadian works, featuring local author Carley Fortune prominently. Her romance novels have resonated with readers, with the latest release, “This Summer Will Be Different,” leading the charge. Additionally, her previous title, “Meet Me at the Lake,” released last year, secures a strong position, while her debut novel, “Every Summer After,” published in 2022, claims the tenth spot on the list.