Michael Christie is one of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary authors, known for his lush prose, intricate plotting, and deep environmental themes. From his award-winning short story collection The Beggar’s Garden to the sweeping generational saga Greenwood, Christie has earned comparisons to authors like David Mitchell, Richard Powers, and Barbara Kingsolver. If you’ve just discovered him (or you’re a longtime fan looking to read everything in order), this complete Michael Christie books-in-order guide will help you navigate his bibliography the smart way.
List of Michael Christie’s Books in Publication Order
Michael Christie, the acclaimed Canadian author, has published a focused body of work consisting primarily of standalone novels and one short story collection. He does not write multi-book series, so there are no interconnected “series” to order in that traditional sense. Below is a comprehensive table listing all his major fiction works in publication order, based on verified sources as of November 2025. This includes his debut collection and subsequent novels. (Note: Children’s books under his name, like Olive the Orphan Reindeer from 2001, appear to be attributed to a different Michael Christie and are excluded here.)
| Publication Year | Title | Type | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Beggar’s Garden | Short Story Collection | Nine interconnected stories exploring lives in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside; it won the City of Vancouver Book Award. |
| 2015 | If I Fall, If I Die | Standalone Novel | A coming-of-age tale of an agoraphobic boy venturing into the world; longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. |
| 2019 | Greenwood | Standalone Novel | A multi-generational epic structured like tree rings, blending family secrets and environmental themes; winner of the Arthur Ellis Award and longlisted for the Giller Prize. |
Michael Christie Books in Publication Order
Here’s every book Michael Christie has published to date, listed chronologically with quick insights to help you decide where to start.
- The Beggar’s Garden (Short Story Collection, 2011)
- Christie’s debut and instant classic
- Winner of the City of Vancouver Book Award
- Nine interconnected stories set mostly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
- Perfect starting point if you love Alice Munro or George Saunders
- Why read it first? Many of the themes (addiction, class, human connection) resurface in his later novels.
- If I Fall, If I Die (Novel, 2015)
- A heartbreaking coming-of-age story about Will, an agoraphobic boy who hasn’t left his house in years
- Shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize
- Blends mystery, skateboarding culture, and mental health with stunning emotional depth
- Often described as “Stand By Me meets Room.”
- Greenwood (Novel, 2019)
- His masterpiece and international breakthrough
- A multi-generational epic that moves from 2038 back to 1908 and forward again, all tied together by trees
- Winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel
- Longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize
- Compared to Cloud Atlas and The Overstory
- Warning: You will never look at a tree (or a lie) the same way again.
- The Beggar’s Garden – Expanded Edition (2021)
- Re-release with one additional story (“Goodbye Porkpie Hat”)
- Only necessary if you’re a completist; the original 2011 edition is still widely available.
Recommended Reading Orders
Option 1: Publication Order (Most Popular Choice)
Just follow the list above: The Beggar’s Garden → If I Fall, If I Die → Greenwood. This lets you watch Christie’s style evolve from razor-sharp short fiction to ambitious, century-spanning novels.
Option 2: Start with the “Best” Book First
Many readers (and critics) recommend diving straight into Greenwood—it’s his most acclaimed and accessible work. Then circle back to the earlier books to see how he honed his craft.
Option 3: Themed Journey
- Want environmental fiction? → Greenwood
- Love coming-of-age stories or mental health narratives? → If I Fall, If I Die
- Crave masterful short stories? → The Beggar’s Garden
What’s Next for Michael Christie?
As of 2025, Christie has been quietly working on his fourth book—rumored to explore climate grief and family secrets once again (though no official title or release date has been announced). Follow him on Instagram (@michaelchristiewriter) or subscribe to his rare but beautiful newsletter for updates.
Final Verdict: Where Should You Start?
If you only read one Michael Christie book in your life, make it Greenwood—it’s a modern Canadian classic. If you want the full experience and to witness a brilliant writer finding his voice, begin with The Beggar’s Garden and savor the journey.
Happy reading—you’re about to fall hard for one of the best authors writing today.
📚 Bonus Tip: Pair Greenwood with a walk in an old-growth forest. You’ll thank me later.
Which Michael Christie book are you picking up first? Drop your choice in the comments—I’d love to know! 👇
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