After a spirited and intense four-day debate, Tegan Quin emerged victorious in the 2026 edition of Canada Reads. The book she advocated for, “The Cure for Drowning” by Loghan Paylor, managed to survive the elimination vote on April 16.
Canada Reads features five prominent Canadian personalities each selecting a book deemed essential for all Canadians to read. Over the course of four days, they passionately debate their choices, eliminating one book daily until a winner is declared.
Tegan Quin, a musician and writer from the band Tegan and Sara, successfully argued that “The Cure for Drowning” best embodies the theme of “one book to build bridges.” The novel is set in historical fiction, following Kit McNair, who struggles with societal expectations as an Irish farm girl in Ontario.
The narrative delves into a love triangle involving Kit, her brother Landon, and Rebekah, a German Canadian doctor’s daughter. Despite their divergent paths during wartime, they eventually reunite, facing the challenges of moving forward in life.
Throughout the competition, Quin fervently defended why “The Cure for Drowning” is a must-read for all Canadians. She highlighted the novel’s ability to broaden perspectives and foster empathy, particularly in today’s divisive social and political climate.
Paylor expressed immense joy in winning Canada Reads, especially under the theme of building bridges in a time of societal division. They emphasized the book’s role in promoting understanding and unity among readers.
Paylor, hailing from Ontario and now residing in B.C., holds an MA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. “The Cure for Drowning” is their debut novel, previously longlisted for prestigious literary awards.
“The Cure for Drowning” clinched the title after a final vote, overcoming the runner-up, “Searching for Terry Punchout” by Tyler Hellard, championed by hockey broadcaster Steve (Dangle) Glynn. The novel explores a son’s complex relationship with his estranged father, a notorious hockey figure, intertwining themes of family and self-discovery.
Tegan and Sara, known for their music and advocacy work, have received numerous accolades, including Juno and GLAAD awards. In addition to their musical career, they are authors and activists supporting the LGBTQ+ community through the Tegan and Sara Foundation.
The 2026 Canada Reads winner, Tegan Quin, brought a compelling and empathetic perspective to the debates, emphasizing the relatability and emotional depth of “The Cure for Drowning.” Quin’s personal connection to the characters and themes further solidified the novel’s impact on readers.
The competition also featured the elimination of three other books earlier in the week: “Foe” by Iain Reid, “A Minor Chorus” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, and “It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard, showcasing the diverse range of literary works considered.
Overall, Canada Reads 2026, hosted by Ali Hassan, was a showcase of literary passion and advocacy, with each contender championing a unique book reflecting varied perspectives and experiences.
