TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Indigo (TSX: IDG), the world's first cultural department store for booklovers, is delighted to announce its list of the Best Books of 2017, led by Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give. Each year, Indigo 's expert booksellers read thousands of books and deliberate for hours to decide which books they think are the year's best, providing Canadians with a curated list of relevant and trusted recommendations. From a burningly honest memoir about food, weight and self-image, to a beautiful yet tragic love story set in Montreal, this list has something for every reader.

"At Indigo we often say that stories connects us and this year's selection of best books prove just that. We saw powerful, emotive works from emerging voices such as Angie Thomas and Rupi Kaur, as well as works from more storied authors," said Krishna Nikhil, Executive Vice President of Print at Indigo . "Many of the books on this year's list tackle difficult subjects - subjects that are deeply personal yet also relatable and relevant. Not all of these books are easy reads, but they are important titles that should be on every Canadian's reading list."

Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give earned this year's title of Indigo 's Best Book of the Year. The Hate U Give is a powerful work of fiction geared towards young adults that addresses modern day issues of racism and police violence. The novel, which stars a female protagonist who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed childhood friend by a police officer, is a heartbreaking, yet timely and important tale of activism and courage that should be read by everyone.

Hearing that The Hate U Give was named Indigo 's Best Book of the Year, Angie Thomas said, "I'm absolutely honoured and humbled to have The Hate U Give chosen as the Best Book of the Year. It truly means a lot to have booksellers not only champion my book, but love it so much. Thank you all!"

All titles on the Best Books of 2017 list are available at Indigo , Chapters, Indigospirit and Coles stores across Canada. For the full list please visit: http://www.indigo .ca/books/best-of-2017/

Best Books of 2017

Hear directly from Indigo 's expert book sellers from across the country about this year's picks:

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

"The Hate U Give is incredible. One of the best books I've ever read. Powerful, searing, important and timely. This book should be required reading for Every. Single. Person." - Ameema Saeed, Customer Service Coordinator, Online

2. The Sun & Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

"Rupi Kaur's beautiful writing opened a door into the world of modern poetry for me. I've found inspiration, comfort, and so much of myself in her words." - Cass Doudoumis, Customer Experience Representative

3. Beartown by Fredrik Backman – a Heather's Pick

"Once Beartown has you in its grip, it won't let go. This story of a small town hockey team that is rocked by scandal is equal parts Friday Night Lights and The Best Kind of People." - Krishna Nikhil, Executive Vice-President, Print

4. The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill

"One of the most beautiful and tragic love stories I've ever read. Heather O'Neill's words are like the lyrics to a favourite childhood song that you haven't heard in decades but make you feel nostalgic and a bit melancholic when you hear them again as an adult." - Kristi Reilly, Category Manager, Print

5. Ranger Games: A Story of Soldiers, Family and an Inexplicable Crime by Ben Blum

"An incredibly engaging true story, with more twists and turns than a gripping fiction thriller. Once you start, you won't want to put it down - and once you finish it, you'll want to talk about it with everyone you know." - Brandon Forsyth, Category Manager, Print

6. Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

"Unflinchingly personal, Option B is genuinely moving and above all else, inspiring. Sheryl Sandberg shares the skills we need to grieve our plan A and invest in our ability to create a true option B." - Amanda Gauthier, Category Manager, Print

7. The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of The Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel - a Heather's Pick

"Why live alone? Why choose 27 harsh tent winters off the grid, hiding? It's rare to imagine such extreme behaviour without a Unabomber beard - as something not to fear, and more as nuanced triumph of human ingenuity. I loved it." - Sebastian Hanna, Category Director, Print

8. Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay

"I haven't felt this much about a book in a long time and I don't know if I've ever read anything as honest and raw and moving as this memoir. I have no words for the feelings Hunger stirred in me." - Chelsey Catterall, Associate Category Manager, Print

9. The Child Finder: A Novel by Rene Denfeld

"The vivid descriptions give the reader a feeling of being in the story and the characters will break your heart and give you hope over and over again. I can't stop thinking about this book!" - Jules Cowan-Dewar, Director, Marketing

10. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

"In this elegant retelling of epic myths, Gaiman's storytelling skills bring old Norse tales to life for a modern audience, enthralling readers with the passion, cleverness, and violence inherent in the legends." - Anthony Nijssen, Inventory Analyst, Print

About Indigo Books & Music Inc. Indigo is a publicly traded Canadian company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (IDG). As the largest book, gift and specialty toy retailer in Canada, Indigo operates in all provinces under different banners including Indigo Books & Music; Indigo Books, Gifts, Kids; Indigospirit; Chapters; and Coles. The online channel, indigo .ca, offers a one-stop online shop with a robust selection of books, toys, home décor, stationery, and gifts.

SOURCE Indigo Books & Music Inc.