Union Hotel, in partnership with the Giller Prize, is welcoming back literary icons and book lovers with the second season of its unique spin on book clubs, #BookTalk. 

On February 18, 2026, we hosted the Giller Book Club with Emma Knight and Sarah MacLachlan. Emma is the author of THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE COMMON OCTOPUS, a finalist for the 2025 Giller Prize. Sarah is the Former President and Publisher at House of Anansi Press.

The Giller Prize is proud to announce its first-ever jury composed exclusively of independent Canadian booksellers. Representing Canada’s North, West Coast, the Prairies, Central Canada, and the Maritimes, this jury represents seven of the country’s greatest champions of Canadian literature–and a radical reimagining of the Giller Prize’s selection process.

On February 3, 2026, we hosted the Giller Book Club with Emma Donoghue and Lynn Coady. Emma is the author of THE PARIS EXPRESS, a finalist for the 2025 Giller Prize. Lynn won the 2013 Giller Prize for her short story collection, HELLGOING.

On January 21, 2026, we hosted the Giller Book Club with Eddy Boudel Tan and Deepa Rajagopalan. Eddy is the author of THE TIGER AND THE COSMONAUT, a finalist for the 2025 Giller Prize. Deepa was a jury member for the 2025 Prize and is the author of PEACOCKS OF INSTAGRAM, shortlisted for the 2024 Giller Prize.

The Giller Mantella Scholarship supports Black, Indigenous, and racialized students pursuing English Literature, Writing, or Creative Writing at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Since 2024, the Scholarship has committed to changing the landscape of Canadian literature through action, not rhetoric. Each year, three exceptional BIPOC students receive $10,000 scholarships, providing meaningful support that addresses systemic barriers to access.

On January 7, 2026, we hosted the Giller Book Club with Mona Awad and Loghan Paylor. Mona is the author of WE LOVE YOU, BUNNY, a finalist for the 2025 Giller Prize. Loghan was a jury member for this year's Prize and is the author of THE CURE FOR DROWNING, longlisted for the 2024 Giller Prize.

A new year is around the corner and we have an exciting line-up for our 2026 Giller Book Club. For the sixth year in a row, we've paired the authors from the 2025 Giller Prize longlist with previous Giller winners, shortlisted and longlisted authors, fellow writers and members of last year's jury.

As we close out another remarkable year for Canadian writers, let’s remind ourselves of how much there is to celebrate about Canadian literature and its standing in the world.

On December 3, 2025, we hosted the Giller Book Club with Souvankham Thammavongsa and Dionne Irving. Souvankham is the author of PICK A COLOUR, winner of the 2025 Giller Prize. Dionne is the author of THE ISLANDS, a finalist for the 2024 Giller Prize.