When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Permanent Astonishment as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a beautifully written memoir by a prominent First Nations writer and theatre creator. I was left with so many stunning images of life on the land, of growing up in the North, of growing up in a healthy and loving family.

The book changes every preconception you have about First Nations communities and culture. It doesn’t have a narrative or chronological arc, rather it’s like a series of short stories – anecdotes that become almost Thuberesque in their idiosyncratic characters.

At a time when we are trying to come to grips with the legacy of residential schools, the…

If you love Permanent Astonishment...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Permanent Astonishment?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Permanent Astonishment.

Browse books like Permanent Astonishment

Book cover of The Journey of Humanity: The Origins of Wealth and Inequality
Book cover of The World That Trade Created: Society, Culture, and the World Economy, 1400 to the Present
Book cover of The Book of the Art of Trade

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Permanent Astonishment, you might also like...

Book cover of Miami Beat

Miami Beat by Jorge E. Goyanes,

Jose Castillo is a cynical, wise-cracking Cuban-American who restores classic cars. He’s also a private eye whose sarcastic ways sometimes get him into trouble.

One day, in the process of installing a four-barrel carburetor on a 1965 Mustang, into his shop walks trouble—in the shape of a mysterious, beautiful woman…

Book cover of Bruce Songs: The Music of Bruce Springsteen, Album-by-Album, Song-by-Song

Bruce Songs by Kenneth Womack,

Bruce Songs is an authoritative guide that offers an in-depth exploration of Bruce Springsteen's musical legacy. Covering Springsteen's entire discography, from "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." to "Only the Strong Survive", this unique book combines historical context, literary analysis, and meticulous research.

Unlike any other resource, it provides detailed analyses…

5 book lists we think you will like!