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Still
Still is the story of Kayla, who lives and works on the streets of Kelowna, Canada, and of Little Zoe, a woman working in the sex trade who is missing. Set in a vibrant and diverse community of people living unhoused, the novel explores sex work, street life, the opioid crisis, what it means to survive, and what it means to find a home—especially in one’s self.
As Kayla—whose past is darker than she tells—searches for her missing friend, she also uncovers much about her own life. The novel delves into both the pain and resiliency of childhood, with flashbacks to Kayla's past with horses and how she came to be on the streets. Kayla also becomes friends with an outreach volunteer struggling with postpartum depression, alcohol abuse, and bipolar—yet who yearns to rekindle her passion for photography and share it with Kayla.
The book considers what home means, how picture-perfect lives are not always what they seem, how different forms of community are possible, and how we can tell the stories that are ourselves. It asks what it means to be missing and what we can—and cannot—go back to. Ultimately, Still is a story of community, friendship, resilience, and hope.
As Kayla—whose past is darker than she tells—searches for her missing friend, she also uncovers much about her own life. The novel delves into both the pain and resiliency of childhood, with flashbacks to Kayla's past with horses and how she came to be on the streets. Kayla also becomes friends with an outreach volunteer struggling with postpartum depression, alcohol abuse, and bipolar—yet who yearns to rekindle her passion for photography and share it with Kayla.
The book considers what home means, how picture-perfect lives are not always what they seem, how different forms of community are possible, and how we can tell the stories that are ourselves. It asks what it means to be missing and what we can—and cannot—go back to. Ultimately, Still is a story of community, friendship, resilience, and hope.
184 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 25, 2025
You must read this excellent debut novel - it’s a beautiful, moving read.
Still is a moving story about Kayla, a young woman dealing with past trauma, living on the streets of Kelowna, British Columbia, who is searching for Little Zoe, her missing friend, another sex trade worker. The story follows Kayla over the course of a week and interweaves chapters from her life before she became unhoused.
Life is hard and cruel for Kayla and the other unhoused people she meets - the city bylaw comes by regularly to move them along, particularly before the spring tourist season. But even as they struggle to survive, a sense of community develops, based on looking out for and helping each other, recognizing their shared humanity. Her friends become Kayla’s found family and, as she searches for Little Zoe, she develops insights into herself and her past trauma and how healing might be possible.
The author sensitively and compassionately handles the subject matter and although the story depicts the harsh lives of the characters, she also infuses the story with hope, finding moments of joy, and resilience. The author also does a great job of “humanizing” Kayla and the other characters - of seeing, as the author says, people as people and not as discarded members often shunned by society.
Other highlights of the novel include the smooth, descriptive writing that paints a vivid picture of the setting, the even pacing, and the authenticity that shines through - the author is a long-time street outreach volunteer in Kelowna.
An excellent debut (!!!) novel that has deservedly been long-listed for the 2025 Canadian Giller Prize. Highly recommend!
Thanks to @joanna.e.cockerline and @ghp_pql for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Still is a moving story about Kayla, a young woman dealing with past trauma, living on the streets of Kelowna, British Columbia, who is searching for Little Zoe, her missing friend, another sex trade worker. The story follows Kayla over the course of a week and interweaves chapters from her life before she became unhoused.
Life is hard and cruel for Kayla and the other unhoused people she meets - the city bylaw comes by regularly to move them along, particularly before the spring tourist season. But even as they struggle to survive, a sense of community develops, based on looking out for and helping each other, recognizing their shared humanity. Her friends become Kayla’s found family and, as she searches for Little Zoe, she develops insights into herself and her past trauma and how healing might be possible.
The author sensitively and compassionately handles the subject matter and although the story depicts the harsh lives of the characters, she also infuses the story with hope, finding moments of joy, and resilience. The author also does a great job of “humanizing” Kayla and the other characters - of seeing, as the author says, people as people and not as discarded members often shunned by society.
Other highlights of the novel include the smooth, descriptive writing that paints a vivid picture of the setting, the even pacing, and the authenticity that shines through - the author is a long-time street outreach volunteer in Kelowna.
An excellent debut (!!!) novel that has deservedly been long-listed for the 2025 Canadian Giller Prize. Highly recommend!
Thanks to @joanna.e.cockerline and @ghp_pql for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
November 15, 2025
Calling on her dual experience as an outreach worker and a creative writing Prof at UBC-O, Joanna Cockerline shines a compassionate light on characters who aren't often centred in novels.
As a new arrival to Kelowna, Kayla finds connection with the diverse community living on the city streets despite the ever present risks of being unhoused, of sex work, the opioid crisis and rcmp and community apathy.
The secondary plot of Kayla's friendship with outreach worker Livia reminds us that addiction does not discriminate. Same issues, better housing.
Debut novel by a Kelowna author and longlisted for the 2025 Giller Prize.
As a new arrival to Kelowna, Kayla finds connection with the diverse community living on the city streets despite the ever present risks of being unhoused, of sex work, the opioid crisis and rcmp and community apathy.
The secondary plot of Kayla's friendship with outreach worker Livia reminds us that addiction does not discriminate. Same issues, better housing.
Debut novel by a Kelowna author and longlisted for the 2025 Giller Prize.
November 15, 2025
This book taught me a lot. Personally and professionally, I am connected to people who are sex workers and/or unhoused. I needed to learn that there is good in amongst all the struggles, that there is love, kindness, compassion, family and community. I needed to read this book.
September 1, 2025
This was a beautiful, emotionally intense book.
We follow Kayla, who lives and works on the streets of Kelowna. Kayla is looking for her missing friend, Little Zoe.
While we are shown a glimpse of street life, the opioid epidemic, and the gritty reality unhoused people are faced with, we are also shown how strong found family and connection can be. Terrible people and acts are juxtaposed with kindness by those who have little to their name. Despite tackling hard issues, this novel is brimming with hope and resilience.
The author has volunteered extensively with unhoused people in Kelowna.
We follow Kayla, who lives and works on the streets of Kelowna. Kayla is looking for her missing friend, Little Zoe.
While we are shown a glimpse of street life, the opioid epidemic, and the gritty reality unhoused people are faced with, we are also shown how strong found family and connection can be. Terrible people and acts are juxtaposed with kindness by those who have little to their name. Despite tackling hard issues, this novel is brimming with hope and resilience.
The author has volunteered extensively with unhoused people in Kelowna.
December 2, 2025
I couldn't bear for it to end.
The honesty, grit, sadness - it all tells a story about Kayla and her friends on the streets of Kelowna. You can't help but admire their resourcefulness, adaptability, and resilience when faced with so many obstacles.
A fantastic debut novel from Joanna Cockerline. The writing style tells a heartbreaking story with such vivid detail. I couldn't put it down! I can not wait to read what she writes next!
The honesty, grit, sadness - it all tells a story about Kayla and her friends on the streets of Kelowna. You can't help but admire their resourcefulness, adaptability, and resilience when faced with so many obstacles.
A fantastic debut novel from Joanna Cockerline. The writing style tells a heartbreaking story with such vivid detail. I couldn't put it down! I can not wait to read what she writes next!
March 7, 2026
I would like to disclose that I read this book as it was mandatory for my English class at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, and that the professor teaching this class is the author's wife.
This book is also technically on my DNF, and I do not plan on finishing it, however I know the entire plot.
Still was a book that had good intentions, but was executed poorly.
I can see how the author wanted to be a voice of change for those in the homeless community here and in Canada, but the book felt slow, juvenile, and tried to fit in too many aspects of this homeless lifestyle that they got lost or were underexplained.
The main story follows the main character, Kayla, who is concerned about her friend, little Zoey, who is a sex worker that has gone missing. The whole book you are given short stories about Kayla and Zoeys' past, but not enough to make a connection with either character, which made me feel overall disconnected to this book. I also found it very silly that the main character's whole storyline was that she was concerned for her friend who is missing, but never puts the effort in to actually find her, instead just asks the other people living on the streets and calls it a day.
I'd also like to add that the number of characters the author mentions on the streets are far too many, to the point that it was confusing because I thought they would be relevant to the story, but they never were. However, it felt like the author was name-dropping new characters right and left, which made the story crowded and instead of building a community that I cared for within the story, I was often confused or turned off.
In the end, little Zoey was simply a plot device, and we never actually see her. I believe it would've been more effective if we had met this character at the start of the book, built a relationship or some empathy for her, and then she goes missing, rather than hearing about it from the start as if we know who this character is. This way, we truly want to know where she is, want her to get back, etc etc.
I understand this review has been harsh, but I do appreciate and see what this author was trying to achieve; I think she just missed the bar.
This book is also technically on my DNF, and I do not plan on finishing it, however I know the entire plot.
Still was a book that had good intentions, but was executed poorly.
I can see how the author wanted to be a voice of change for those in the homeless community here and in Canada, but the book felt slow, juvenile, and tried to fit in too many aspects of this homeless lifestyle that they got lost or were underexplained.
The main story follows the main character, Kayla, who is concerned about her friend, little Zoey, who is a sex worker that has gone missing. The whole book you are given short stories about Kayla and Zoeys' past, but not enough to make a connection with either character, which made me feel overall disconnected to this book. I also found it very silly that the main character's whole storyline was that she was concerned for her friend who is missing, but never puts the effort in to actually find her, instead just asks the other people living on the streets and calls it a day.
I'd also like to add that the number of characters the author mentions on the streets are far too many, to the point that it was confusing because I thought they would be relevant to the story, but they never were. However, it felt like the author was name-dropping new characters right and left, which made the story crowded and instead of building a community that I cared for within the story, I was often confused or turned off.
In the end, little Zoey was simply a plot device, and we never actually see her. I believe it would've been more effective if we had met this character at the start of the book, built a relationship or some empathy for her, and then she goes missing, rather than hearing about it from the start as if we know who this character is. This way, we truly want to know where she is, want her to get back, etc etc.
I understand this review has been harsh, but I do appreciate and see what this author was trying to achieve; I think she just missed the bar.
September 4, 2025
Still by Joanna Cockerline
Still is a deeply moving and multilayered story that celebrates the humanity and complexity of a community frequently marginalized, ignored and disdained - the unhoused.
The novel is centered on Kayla who flees to Kelowna, and turns to sex work in order to survive. Her story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, interwoven with the disappearance of her best friend, Little Zoe, and the bonds she forms with her street family. While the novel does address the foundational reasons for homelessness (abuse, trauma, addiction, mental health) and the harsh realities of survival on the street, its primary focus is not on trauma - but on connection, found family, hope and resilience.
Cockerline vividly portrays the strength, resilience and tenderness within the relationships of unhoused communities and the development of found family that they’ve been missing. She offers glimpses into lives often dismissed: their hopes, dreams, relationships, and small moments of joy. The reader witnesses powerful acts of generosity and quiet kindnesses that are beautiful and poignant, as well as the pain when you feel yourself disappearing and becoming invisible within society. The novel challenges the narrative that unhoused people are a problem to solve or hide rather than human beings to be seen.
The novel provocatively offers a parallel storyline of an outreach volunteer who befriends Kayla, and struggles with her own addiction and mental health issues. Powerfully underscoring that the only differences between the housed and unhoused may be access to resources.
This book will change how you see the panhandler on the corner and the tent city you drive past. As someone who volunteers weekly handing out food to unhoused people, I can say this novel captures their reality with honesty and compassion. Still is a must read - one that invites us to see, understand and act with empathy.
Still is a deeply moving and multilayered story that celebrates the humanity and complexity of a community frequently marginalized, ignored and disdained - the unhoused.
The novel is centered on Kayla who flees to Kelowna, and turns to sex work in order to survive. Her story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, interwoven with the disappearance of her best friend, Little Zoe, and the bonds she forms with her street family. While the novel does address the foundational reasons for homelessness (abuse, trauma, addiction, mental health) and the harsh realities of survival on the street, its primary focus is not on trauma - but on connection, found family, hope and resilience.
Cockerline vividly portrays the strength, resilience and tenderness within the relationships of unhoused communities and the development of found family that they’ve been missing. She offers glimpses into lives often dismissed: their hopes, dreams, relationships, and small moments of joy. The reader witnesses powerful acts of generosity and quiet kindnesses that are beautiful and poignant, as well as the pain when you feel yourself disappearing and becoming invisible within society. The novel challenges the narrative that unhoused people are a problem to solve or hide rather than human beings to be seen.
The novel provocatively offers a parallel storyline of an outreach volunteer who befriends Kayla, and struggles with her own addiction and mental health issues. Powerfully underscoring that the only differences between the housed and unhoused may be access to resources.
This book will change how you see the panhandler on the corner and the tent city you drive past. As someone who volunteers weekly handing out food to unhoused people, I can say this novel captures their reality with honesty and compassion. Still is a must read - one that invites us to see, understand and act with empathy.
October 17, 2025
I received this review copy from River Street Writing in exchange for a fair review.
A powerhouse of Canadian contemporary fiction, Still tackles two complex topics: sex work and homelessness in a thoughtful, compassionate way while framing it within a sombre story of female friendship.
This book was on the longlist for the Giller prize, and the others must be really good, given this one didn’t make it to the shortlist! I thought this book was excellent.
The main character, Kayla, a sex worker living on the streets of Kelowna, who is such a complex person. She is the prime example of why we shouldn’t judge sex workers or the unhoused. And while a lot of reasons why people become one or both of these things are rooted in similar causes - abuse, addiction, broken homes - Kayla’s story is also about other things, which are revealed to us as the story unfolds.
One of the most honest and raw aspects of the novel is how the sex work is addressed. We see Kayla accept jobs and are sometimes told how those unfold, but Kayla is never shamed or vilified in the narrative. And while there are moments of fear and concern, there are also times when she speaks of feeling empowered or even finds her work just work. Sex work is so often looked down on, but a great deal of that is rooted in misogyny. And while young people being coerced into it is a major problem, this is not that story, but one of a woman who panics and finds herself needing to take up sex work to survive.
The other characters help to give the story a bit of colour. While the story is not a happy one and contains some trigger warning content, there are moments of lightness, of joy, of love. The side characters not only round out the cast but are sometimes funny and also the way they help Kayla despite their own troubles shows the depths of humanity’s compassion for one another.
The story is, at its very basic, a mystery - about Kayla trying to find out what happened to her friend Zoe, but calling it such is doing it a disservice. It’s more a deep look into what life is like on the streets - the hardships, the connections, the friendships, and the tragedies. It, above all, huminizes a people we often try to deliberately overlook.
An excellent novel.
A powerhouse of Canadian contemporary fiction, Still tackles two complex topics: sex work and homelessness in a thoughtful, compassionate way while framing it within a sombre story of female friendship.
This book was on the longlist for the Giller prize, and the others must be really good, given this one didn’t make it to the shortlist! I thought this book was excellent.
The main character, Kayla, a sex worker living on the streets of Kelowna, who is such a complex person. She is the prime example of why we shouldn’t judge sex workers or the unhoused. And while a lot of reasons why people become one or both of these things are rooted in similar causes - abuse, addiction, broken homes - Kayla’s story is also about other things, which are revealed to us as the story unfolds.
One of the most honest and raw aspects of the novel is how the sex work is addressed. We see Kayla accept jobs and are sometimes told how those unfold, but Kayla is never shamed or vilified in the narrative. And while there are moments of fear and concern, there are also times when she speaks of feeling empowered or even finds her work just work. Sex work is so often looked down on, but a great deal of that is rooted in misogyny. And while young people being coerced into it is a major problem, this is not that story, but one of a woman who panics and finds herself needing to take up sex work to survive.
The other characters help to give the story a bit of colour. While the story is not a happy one and contains some trigger warning content, there are moments of lightness, of joy, of love. The side characters not only round out the cast but are sometimes funny and also the way they help Kayla despite their own troubles shows the depths of humanity’s compassion for one another.
The story is, at its very basic, a mystery - about Kayla trying to find out what happened to her friend Zoe, but calling it such is doing it a disservice. It’s more a deep look into what life is like on the streets - the hardships, the connections, the friendships, and the tragedies. It, above all, huminizes a people we often try to deliberately overlook.
An excellent novel.
August 24, 2025
Set in Kelowna, British Columbia, Still follows the story of a sex worker navigating life on the streets amid the opioid crisis. Through her perspective, we glimpse the harsh realities of addiction, poverty, and survival while also uncovering themes of resilience, found family, and hope. This isn’t just a story of hardship, it’s a story about the human need for connection, even in the most unforgiving circumstances.
What struck me most about Still is its unflinching honesty and compassion. Joanna Cockerline paints a vivid portrait of life on the margins—raw, gritty, yet deeply human. The book beautifully captures the idea that family isn’t always defined by blood but by the people who stand beside you when you have nothing left.
I loved the diversity of the characters, each with their own backstory, struggles, and resilience. The writing balances heartbreak with hope, giving space for moments of light even in the darkest corners. It also offers a poignant commentary on the opioid crisis and the social systems that fail so many, without ever losing sight of the individuals at its core.
If you appreciate character-driven narratives that explore social issues with empathy and depth, this book is for you. Perfect for readers of literary fiction, those interested in stories about resilience, and anyone who values nuanced portrayals of marginalized voices.
What struck me most about Still is its unflinching honesty and compassion. Joanna Cockerline paints a vivid portrait of life on the margins—raw, gritty, yet deeply human. The book beautifully captures the idea that family isn’t always defined by blood but by the people who stand beside you when you have nothing left.
I loved the diversity of the characters, each with their own backstory, struggles, and resilience. The writing balances heartbreak with hope, giving space for moments of light even in the darkest corners. It also offers a poignant commentary on the opioid crisis and the social systems that fail so many, without ever losing sight of the individuals at its core.
If you appreciate character-driven narratives that explore social issues with empathy and depth, this book is for you. Perfect for readers of literary fiction, those interested in stories about resilience, and anyone who values nuanced portrayals of marginalized voices.
September 10, 2025
Still
Still by Joanna Cockerline is hands down one of my favourite books! It is powerful and moving, and really touched my soul. Yet I am struggling to write my review. I can’t seem to find the right words to express my thoughts and feelings on this phenomenally written masterpiece. That being said, I will try, but honestly, I think you just need to read this book to experience it all. To connect with the story, the characters and environment.
Still follows the life of Kayla, a teen sex worker who lives on the city streets of Kelowna, BC. Kayla grew up in a dysfunctional home in Ontario, and was subjected to unthinkable abuse. At the age of 16 Kayla leaves her abusive home life behind and moves to a farm where she lives and takes care of horses. But when the unthinkable happens Kayla must once again flee and leave her life and troubled past behind. However once she arrives in Kelowna, with no money nor shelter, Kayla turns to the streets and sex worker to survive.
Ironically, living in the streets of Kelowna, Kayla finally finds true friendships, connections and a sense of family. Kayla forms an instant connection with Little Zoe. The two young women look out for one another as they work the streets. But when Little Zoe goes missing Kayla is determined to find her. What transpires is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story of friendship, chosen family, loyalty, resilience, and a glimpse into the opioid crisis, sex work and the unhoused community in Kelowna.
While a work of fiction the story reads more like a memoir and that is perhaps because the author is very involved in the unhoused community. Still reminds me of the memoir From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle. Which also shows the incredible resilience of those who face seemingly insurmountable challenges and abuse yet fight to survive and have hope for a better future.
Joanna Cockerline is a very gifted and talented writer. Her words were poetic, impactful and beautiful. She was able to write in a way that made the reader feel the emotion and connections and visualize the city streets and alleyways of Kelowna.
Still by Joanna Cockerline is hands down one of my favourite books! It is powerful and moving, and really touched my soul. Yet I am struggling to write my review. I can’t seem to find the right words to express my thoughts and feelings on this phenomenally written masterpiece. That being said, I will try, but honestly, I think you just need to read this book to experience it all. To connect with the story, the characters and environment.
Still follows the life of Kayla, a teen sex worker who lives on the city streets of Kelowna, BC. Kayla grew up in a dysfunctional home in Ontario, and was subjected to unthinkable abuse. At the age of 16 Kayla leaves her abusive home life behind and moves to a farm where she lives and takes care of horses. But when the unthinkable happens Kayla must once again flee and leave her life and troubled past behind. However once she arrives in Kelowna, with no money nor shelter, Kayla turns to the streets and sex worker to survive.
Ironically, living in the streets of Kelowna, Kayla finally finds true friendships, connections and a sense of family. Kayla forms an instant connection with Little Zoe. The two young women look out for one another as they work the streets. But when Little Zoe goes missing Kayla is determined to find her. What transpires is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story of friendship, chosen family, loyalty, resilience, and a glimpse into the opioid crisis, sex work and the unhoused community in Kelowna.
While a work of fiction the story reads more like a memoir and that is perhaps because the author is very involved in the unhoused community. Still reminds me of the memoir From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle. Which also shows the incredible resilience of those who face seemingly insurmountable challenges and abuse yet fight to survive and have hope for a better future.
Joanna Cockerline is a very gifted and talented writer. Her words were poetic, impactful and beautiful. She was able to write in a way that made the reader feel the emotion and connections and visualize the city streets and alleyways of Kelowna.
November 15, 2025
This felt predictable and trite. Set up a mystery and never solve it for the sake of the main character's growth. I'm mad about that. Little Zoe was the only character I was interested in and she was just a plot device. Glad her presence through absence helped Kayla find her bootstraps.
The writing comes across as juvenile at several points.
I did not enjoy this and it was only determination to complete the Giller Longlist that got me through it.
The writing comes across as juvenile at several points.
I did not enjoy this and it was only determination to complete the Giller Longlist that got me through it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2026
🍁🇨🇦—This debut novel is set in Kelowna B.C. and is the story of a group of Kelowna’s un-housed along Leon Avenue—some with substance use disorders, and some in the sex trade.
We first meet and get to know the main character, Kayla. Once she’s living on the streets of Kelowna, the story gets moving when, due to certain things that have come to light, she gets an uneasy feeling that her best friend—Little Zoe, also in the sex trade—has gone missing. The majority of the book takes place over just a few days, concentrated on the various characters and on Kayla’s quest to spread the word about Zoe so “many eyes” can look out for her. During this time, we learn, through flashbacks, about Kayla’s history and how she ended up where she is. But her search for Little Zoe inadvertently becomes something of a search for herself.
It’s a very interesting and eye-opening look at sex trade workers and the un-housed in this West Coast Canadian town which, I believe, likely mirrors most other mid-sized Canadian towns. Joanna Cockerline—the author and the outreach worker—ensures her characters are given agency to make their own choices and to shape and control their own lives. This is one author who absolutely writes what she knows!
Still was longlisted for the 2025 Giller Prize and, this evening, the author was interviewed (via Zoom) by fellow author, Kevin Chong, for the Giller Book Club, which celebrates and highlights the books and their authors from the previous year’s longlist. She spoke about the book and viewers were able to ask questions. Joanna is quite an interesting character in her own right! She lives in Kelowna and, for many years, has been volunteering as an Outreach Worker on these same Kelowna streets. Two years ago, however, the organization she was with closed their doors. As Joanna knew very well how much the organization meant to the town’s unhoused population, she and a friend started their own outreach unit and, to this day, she continues to visit and assist those in need. It probably wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to guess that some of the book's characters may be at least a little bit reminiscent of the people she’s come to know and love over the years.
It’s a great story—somewhat intense at times—that I’m sure most of you would like. It might actually open your eyes to the unfortunate situations these people regularly must face. I think it's an important book, and I highly recommend it.
4 “Families–are–Built–on–Love–not–Genes” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
We first meet and get to know the main character, Kayla. Once she’s living on the streets of Kelowna, the story gets moving when, due to certain things that have come to light, she gets an uneasy feeling that her best friend—Little Zoe, also in the sex trade—has gone missing. The majority of the book takes place over just a few days, concentrated on the various characters and on Kayla’s quest to spread the word about Zoe so “many eyes” can look out for her. During this time, we learn, through flashbacks, about Kayla’s history and how she ended up where she is. But her search for Little Zoe inadvertently becomes something of a search for herself.
It’s a very interesting and eye-opening look at sex trade workers and the un-housed in this West Coast Canadian town which, I believe, likely mirrors most other mid-sized Canadian towns. Joanna Cockerline—the author and the outreach worker—ensures her characters are given agency to make their own choices and to shape and control their own lives. This is one author who absolutely writes what she knows!
Still was longlisted for the 2025 Giller Prize and, this evening, the author was interviewed (via Zoom) by fellow author, Kevin Chong, for the Giller Book Club, which celebrates and highlights the books and their authors from the previous year’s longlist. She spoke about the book and viewers were able to ask questions. Joanna is quite an interesting character in her own right! She lives in Kelowna and, for many years, has been volunteering as an Outreach Worker on these same Kelowna streets. Two years ago, however, the organization she was with closed their doors. As Joanna knew very well how much the organization meant to the town’s unhoused population, she and a friend started their own outreach unit and, to this day, she continues to visit and assist those in need. It probably wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to guess that some of the book's characters may be at least a little bit reminiscent of the people she’s come to know and love over the years.
It’s a great story—somewhat intense at times—that I’m sure most of you would like. It might actually open your eyes to the unfortunate situations these people regularly must face. I think it's an important book, and I highly recommend it.
4 “Families–are–Built–on–Love–not–Genes” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 13, 2026
Kayla has been living on the streets since she arrived in Kelowna, BC. The first person to welcome her and help her find her way was Little Zoe. Together they've kept an eye on each other and ensured they survive each day. Only one day Little Zoe doesn't return, and Kayla does everything in her power to find the woman who was a piece of sunshine in a dark, dark world.
*****
This book surprised me. I expected a dark and heavy ambience throughout, with desperate people struggling to get through each day. Instead this was a story of hope, and resilience. It highlighted a community that was vibrant, caring and nonjudgmental. Despite addiction, loss, trauma and mental health issues, they drew together to keep each other safe. Sharing food, warmth, information and trust, the street community came to life in these pages with a wholehearted lack of criticism as to how and why they were unhoused.
Kayla was an interesting lead. Her view was naive and openhearted, and the author did justice to a dyslexic, high school dropout that had to make whatever choice she could to survive in an upbringing that had her prey to the worst kinds of predators. Her dark past was unveiled slowly, as we also saw her embrace her community, work the streets, and find common ground with everyone she crossed paths with. She's brave because she has no choice but to be, but she's also a victim to her upbringing and her current situation, and her choices and insight very much felt like a 19 year old on the run.
All in all, this was an intriguing and quick-paced novel that had me burning through it in one sitting. I loved how non-judgmental and genuine the story was approached, and that it doesn't wrap up with every end neatly tied off, but still has a message of hope in this slice of life.
*****
I was sent a complimentary reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This book surprised me. I expected a dark and heavy ambience throughout, with desperate people struggling to get through each day. Instead this was a story of hope, and resilience. It highlighted a community that was vibrant, caring and nonjudgmental. Despite addiction, loss, trauma and mental health issues, they drew together to keep each other safe. Sharing food, warmth, information and trust, the street community came to life in these pages with a wholehearted lack of criticism as to how and why they were unhoused.
Kayla was an interesting lead. Her view was naive and openhearted, and the author did justice to a dyslexic, high school dropout that had to make whatever choice she could to survive in an upbringing that had her prey to the worst kinds of predators. Her dark past was unveiled slowly, as we also saw her embrace her community, work the streets, and find common ground with everyone she crossed paths with. She's brave because she has no choice but to be, but she's also a victim to her upbringing and her current situation, and her choices and insight very much felt like a 19 year old on the run.
All in all, this was an intriguing and quick-paced novel that had me burning through it in one sitting. I loved how non-judgmental and genuine the story was approached, and that it doesn't wrap up with every end neatly tied off, but still has a message of hope in this slice of life.
*****
I was sent a complimentary reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2026
Wow. This book is a lot. But it's hauntingly beautiful. Despite being a rather short book, it took me a couple of weeks to finish reading it. It is a very emotionally heavy read. Some parts were so upsetting to read that I needed to take breaks because they hit too close to home.
This is not like any book I've read before. It's raw, it's real. The characters in this book seem like actual people. Making the story surround characters who are homeless, sex workers, and addicts is a bold choice. But the writing in this book did it so well. These characters are flawed, this isn't a story about a hero, an anti-hero, or a villain. The characters aren't placed on a moral pedestal, they are presented as they are, good and bad. They are victims who refuse to allow that to be their most defining quality.
As a Canadian, this book also resonated with me for how honest its depiction of Canadian life is. For many, this is what life in Canada is like. It's an ugly truth, but shying away from the truth because it is unsightly is to be a coward. This book captures it all, the ugly, the decay, the darkness of it all. But it also captures the blooming beauty that slips through the cracks of darkness even when the lowest points in life have been met. This is a story about perseverance and empathy above all else.
I felt really touched by the writing in this book, its impact was strong. I think this would be a great book for older teens to read to widen their scope of the world. I had to read Go Ask Alice in grade 11 English, but I honestly think this book is a far better choice when seeking out mature themes. It's realistic and very socially relevant to today's world. It's not really a happy story, but then again neither is life in general.
This is not like any book I've read before. It's raw, it's real. The characters in this book seem like actual people. Making the story surround characters who are homeless, sex workers, and addicts is a bold choice. But the writing in this book did it so well. These characters are flawed, this isn't a story about a hero, an anti-hero, or a villain. The characters aren't placed on a moral pedestal, they are presented as they are, good and bad. They are victims who refuse to allow that to be their most defining quality.
As a Canadian, this book also resonated with me for how honest its depiction of Canadian life is. For many, this is what life in Canada is like. It's an ugly truth, but shying away from the truth because it is unsightly is to be a coward. This book captures it all, the ugly, the decay, the darkness of it all. But it also captures the blooming beauty that slips through the cracks of darkness even when the lowest points in life have been met. This is a story about perseverance and empathy above all else.
I felt really touched by the writing in this book, its impact was strong. I think this would be a great book for older teens to read to widen their scope of the world. I had to read Go Ask Alice in grade 11 English, but I honestly think this book is a far better choice when seeking out mature themes. It's realistic and very socially relevant to today's world. It's not really a happy story, but then again neither is life in general.
March 12, 2026
This was an engaging read, and I appreciate its local setting. This book made me confront how I see (or don't see) the unhoused population in my community. It made me think more about individuals experiencing homelessness and how trauma is so much at the core of their daily lives. Not only are all of the characters on the street because of past trauma, but they continue to be re-traumatized by street life -- whether it is bylaw doing a sweep, drug overdose deaths, being "invisible," or gentrification making it difficult to build lasting community.
With that said, I think that this story could have used a bit heavier of a hand when it comes to editing. There were parts that were repetitive, where the author used similar or almost the exact same wording to evoke imagery (a specific example that comes to mind is when Kayla visits the shelter that Little Zoe is staying at; both times specifically mention a shiny gold skirt on a hanger that is duct-taped to a wall). For me, this did not feel purposeful or like it added to the plot or theme in a meaningful way.
I can imagine the challenges that come with writing a book of this nature, because the realities of homelessness, sex work, and the opioid epidemic mean that anyone writing a work of fiction need to find a balance between realism and voyeurism. However, I think that the characters and plot overall needed more development. As a whole, this novel feels very surface-level and careful. A worthwhile read, but a 2.5 - 3 star one for me.
With that said, I think that this story could have used a bit heavier of a hand when it comes to editing. There were parts that were repetitive, where the author used similar or almost the exact same wording to evoke imagery (a specific example that comes to mind is when Kayla visits the shelter that Little Zoe is staying at; both times specifically mention a shiny gold skirt on a hanger that is duct-taped to a wall). For me, this did not feel purposeful or like it added to the plot or theme in a meaningful way.
I can imagine the challenges that come with writing a book of this nature, because the realities of homelessness, sex work, and the opioid epidemic mean that anyone writing a work of fiction need to find a balance between realism and voyeurism. However, I think that the characters and plot overall needed more development. As a whole, this novel feels very surface-level and careful. A worthwhile read, but a 2.5 - 3 star one for me.
September 14, 2025
A couple favourite quotes from this stunning story of a young person on the streets of Kelowna, finding her way, found family, strength, trauma, and resilience:
“Pain is not a pissing contest. Just because I’ve had things rough doesn’t mean I can’t be there for someone else. It means I can be. Because I know how much that matters.”
“Eventually we found a medication, but with the meds came a numbness. I lost the brightness I’d once known, any spark. They let me function. I could go through the motions of daily life. But where did I go?”
Readers will find quotes like this throughout. I dare you not to cry at least once.
As I said in a previous post, Still by Joanna Cockerline (and gifted by The Porcupine’s Press and River Street Writing) does not hide the ugly side of life living unhoused and sex work. The terrible sleep from being cold or on alert, the trauma many of the folks come from, the way that johns treat sex workers like something to be used and abused. But the focus here is on the companionship, cooperation, generosity, and courage of people living this way and by those who dedicate some of their life to helping.
In a book under 200 pages, Cockerline has managed to introduce us to some of the many people in these communities, share their strengths, while also building tension and empathy.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of Still in exchange for my honest opinions. Still is available now.
“Pain is not a pissing contest. Just because I’ve had things rough doesn’t mean I can’t be there for someone else. It means I can be. Because I know how much that matters.”
“Eventually we found a medication, but with the meds came a numbness. I lost the brightness I’d once known, any spark. They let me function. I could go through the motions of daily life. But where did I go?”
Readers will find quotes like this throughout. I dare you not to cry at least once.
As I said in a previous post, Still by Joanna Cockerline (and gifted by The Porcupine’s Press and River Street Writing) does not hide the ugly side of life living unhoused and sex work. The terrible sleep from being cold or on alert, the trauma many of the folks come from, the way that johns treat sex workers like something to be used and abused. But the focus here is on the companionship, cooperation, generosity, and courage of people living this way and by those who dedicate some of their life to helping.
In a book under 200 pages, Cockerline has managed to introduce us to some of the many people in these communities, share their strengths, while also building tension and empathy.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of Still in exchange for my honest opinions. Still is available now.
November 28, 2025
Just finished Still by Joanna Cockerline, a fantastic debut novel that can’t be missed.
Set in Kelowna, BC, it follows Kayla, a young woman living on the streets and searching for her missing friend, Little Zoe, another sex trade worker. Over the course of a week, we see Kayla’s story unfold, how she became unhoused, what survival looks like day to day, and what it means to keep hope alive in a world that keeps pushing you to the margins.
This is a novel that celebrates and uplifts the voices we rarely hear. The author��s writing is rich and compassionate, capturing both the harshness of street life and the beauty that exists within it. There are found families, quiet acts of care, and resilience that refuses to fade.
The author is a long-time street outreach volunteer, and that lived experience shows in every detail. The authenticity and empathy in her storytelling make the characters feel heartbreakingly real.
It is about a community that hardly ever finds its place in most of the books we read—people living in tents, parks, or alleys. Wounded souls who look out for one another and show up when it matters most. The book is a testament to their kinship and humanity.
Still is unforgettable and deeply poignant, a story that makes you rethink the world around you with compassion and hope. Long-listed for the 2025 Giller Prize, it’s a well-deserved recognition for an exceptional debut.
This one is going to stay with me for a long time.
Set in Kelowna, BC, it follows Kayla, a young woman living on the streets and searching for her missing friend, Little Zoe, another sex trade worker. Over the course of a week, we see Kayla’s story unfold, how she became unhoused, what survival looks like day to day, and what it means to keep hope alive in a world that keeps pushing you to the margins.
This is a novel that celebrates and uplifts the voices we rarely hear. The author��s writing is rich and compassionate, capturing both the harshness of street life and the beauty that exists within it. There are found families, quiet acts of care, and resilience that refuses to fade.
The author is a long-time street outreach volunteer, and that lived experience shows in every detail. The authenticity and empathy in her storytelling make the characters feel heartbreakingly real.
It is about a community that hardly ever finds its place in most of the books we read—people living in tents, parks, or alleys. Wounded souls who look out for one another and show up when it matters most. The book is a testament to their kinship and humanity.
Still is unforgettable and deeply poignant, a story that makes you rethink the world around you with compassion and hope. Long-listed for the 2025 Giller Prize, it’s a well-deserved recognition for an exceptional debut.
This one is going to stay with me for a long time.
March 12, 2026
This is the only work of sx wrk fiction I’ve ever read that I feel properly captures the nuances of sx wrk and doesn’t delve into the territory of trauma porn. The characters are written as 3 dimensional people, with histories, feelings, hopes, dreams, good days, bad days, regular days even where they go about simply existing like the rest of us. Any traumatic events are mostly alluded to, leaving out the civilian fantasies of violence done unto sx wrkers so often plaguing other works of sx wrk fiction (examples of these books would be “Night Crawling” “The Wolf Den” “Broughtupsy” “Lucky Red” etc.)
I really get the sense that the author has done the work and truly cares for the community she serves.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 were for the combination of frequent errors in the editing (a word too many left out here and there), and the way the prose seems to wax increasingly more poetic as we get into the final (seemingly redundant) chapters. I do however appreciate the way the story doesn’t try to force a happy ending nor does it leave everyone in tragedy. Everyone is simply existing, doing their best at the end the way we all are - unhoused or housed, sx wrker or civilian.
Highly recommend to everyone, we’ve needed this book for a long time.
I really get the sense that the author has done the work and truly cares for the community she serves.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 were for the combination of frequent errors in the editing (a word too many left out here and there), and the way the prose seems to wax increasingly more poetic as we get into the final (seemingly redundant) chapters. I do however appreciate the way the story doesn’t try to force a happy ending nor does it leave everyone in tragedy. Everyone is simply existing, doing their best at the end the way we all are - unhoused or housed, sx wrker or civilian.
Highly recommend to everyone, we’ve needed this book for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
Still is the story of Kayla who lives and works on the streets of Kelowna. Her friend, Little Zoe, goes missing. Kayla searches for her friend. This is a look at life on the streets, what its like being unhoused and working in the sex trade. Mix in drugs and its a fight for survival. Those on the streets form a community of their own trying to look after each other while struggling themselves. Kayla searches for Little Zoe while trying to look after herself.
A moving story, a well written look at those marginalized .
A moving story, a well written look at those marginalized .
January 7, 2026
Moving and passionate
The book reads like a documentary. A well researched documentary where characters come alive and show the reader their way of life in this unhoused community. The writer paints a community united in their various hustles. Joanna keeps you glued to the book as you keep moving not knowing what to find yet yearning to find out what happens. Kayla takes you through her life from her mum’s house to the streets and with flashbacks to the road that takes her there. It’s satisfying to read.
The book reads like a documentary. A well researched documentary where characters come alive and show the reader their way of life in this unhoused community. The writer paints a community united in their various hustles. Joanna keeps you glued to the book as you keep moving not knowing what to find yet yearning to find out what happens. Kayla takes you through her life from her mum’s house to the streets and with flashbacks to the road that takes her there. It’s satisfying to read.
September 3, 2025
Still is an unforgettable and inspiring novel that I highly recommend. As an avid reader of many Canada Reads books, this is on the level of the best. Compelling, mysterious, gritty, and above all else, human. It takes you into the world of the streets and of the main character of Kayla, who lives on them and is searching for her missing friend and fellow sex worker. I couldn't put it down. This book, and the feeling of hope it offers, will stay with me for a long time.
October 10, 2025
This was such a good read. I read this one in two sittings. It was a profound story that moved me and made me feel for the characters. It really drove home how hard living on the streets is, the opiate crisis, living rough and the kind of lasting relationships people make in order to survive. This was a beautiful story about finding yourself and I'm definitely keeping this one on my shelf for a reread in the future.
January 6, 2026
I finished this today and found it genuinely hard to put down. The book is engaging and thought-provoking throughout, though it does begin to lag toward the end, lingering longer than necessary after the core argument has been clearly made. That repetition feels rooted in the author’s enthusiasm and passion for the subject, even if it slightly softens the impact of the conclusion. Overall, a compelling and rewarding read.
March 23, 2026
This book was heartbreaking and sad but had many moments of amazing hope and beauty of the human nature of people. This book was so well written I was yearning for more about all the characters in this story. I wasn't going to finish this book because of some of the harsh realities but I'm glad I did as the author also brought out the true beauty of some of the most vulnerable people.
November 5, 2025
A great short story on the increasing issues in Canada of homelessness & addiction. For anyone whom these issues have affected this is worth a read. These are complex issues with no easy fixes entrenched in trauma, mental illness, lack of support, rising costs, judgement to name a few.
January 7, 2026
A good choice for starting a new year. Extra points for being set where I'm from. Not a perfect book technically, but I hope lots of people read Still for its thoughtful, non-judgmental look at people not often depicted in CanLit — unhoused folks and sex workers in a small BC city.
September 2, 2025
A well-researched, emotionally evocative, and brilliant account of life on the streets of Kelowna, BC and what it means to have a home. Could not recommend enough!
October 17, 2025
An amazing story. It felt real and gives insight into the lives of those in the story and what their life is really like. Highly recommend this book.
November 10, 2025
It was a decent story. However, there are some aspects that kept me from loving it, the main one being, I had trouble connecting with the MC. I kept wishing the book had been written in first person.
December 13, 2025
3.5 for the character's stories and the fact that it's local.
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