news | Saturday February 14, 2026

Happy Valentine's Day from Talonbooks

Happy Valentine’s Day! We may not have glittery little cards with even littler mazes on the back to put in a decorated paper bag for you, but we still have offerings to make this day of chocolates and impossible-to-get reservations at restaurants more fun. You guessed it! It’s books! These books draw their power from desire, heartbreak, connection, identity, and above all, love.

1. Whale Riding Weather by Bryden MacDonald

Whale Riding Weather is a love story in which a faded old queen finds his life slipping away from him along with his young lover, who meets a new, younger man. Messy, painful, moving, and lovely, this is a must-read tale of love and heartbreak. Pick up your copy here.

2. The Book of Z by Rahat Kurd

The Book of Z is a sumptuous poetry collection rooted in Kurd’s imaginings of Zulaykha’s passion for Yusuf that parses what consolation human desire and divine longing might offer. Get a copy of your very own here.

3. Heartlines: A Love Story by Sarah Waisvisz

Heartlines envisions the lives, loves, and activism of gender pioneers and queer couple Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore. To learn more about this love that withstood and challenged fascism, order a copy of this powerful play here.

4. The Piano Teacher: A Healing Key by Dorothy Dittrich

The Piano Teacher illuminates the relationships, platonic and romantic, that carry us through our most unimaginable hardships. An unforgettable story about the powers of connection and music. Snag your own copy of the Governor General’s Literary Award–winning play here.

Happy Valentine’s Day from your team at Talonbooks!