Life lessons for the biography buff

If I Knew Then (RANDOM HOUSE CANADA) BY JANN ARDEN, $32 Our favourite multi-hyphenate performer shares her wise, funny thoughts on aging and more.

Off Script (COLLINS) BY MARCI IEN, $30 Experiences and insights—both personal and professional—from one of Canada’s best-loved TV personalities.

Extraordinary Canadians (SIMON & SCHUSTER CANADA) BY PETER MANSBRIDGE WITH MARK BULGUTCH, $37 The treasured newsman presents good news stories of heroism and hope in this timely book.

Mantel Pieces (FOURTH ESTATE) BY HILARY MANTEL, $33 A prized collection of Mantel’s essays and reviews, curated from London Review of Books.

A Promised Land (CROWN) BY BARACK OBAMA, $55 This season’s must-read from the world’s most eloquent man.

Close to the Bone (DOUBLEDAY CANADA) BY LISA RAY, $25 Ray’s memoir—honest, bold and brave—has something to teach us about living on our own terms.

Is This Anything? (SIMON & SCHUSTER) BY JERRY SEINFELD, $40 Let’s face it: We’re still into Jerry, and this compendium of his best comedic work is the perfect antidote to pandemic pall.

She Come By It Natural (SCRIBNER) BY SARAH SMARSH, $30 Country music icon Dolly Parton is the focus of this homage to working-class women.

Group (AVID READER PRESS) BY CHRISTIE TATE, $23 When author Christie Tate opens up to six strangers in group therapy, moving, funny, painful and exhilarating things happen.