Check out these New West book suggestions

What better way to celebrate Read-a-Book Day than with some amazing New West reads? Whether you’re looking to learn more about the history of New West’s Chinese community, or discover interesting facts about the now-defunct Hollywood Hospital, there’s sure to be a book for everyone on this list.

Is there a book about New West you’ve read and enjoyed? We’ll add it to our list. Email us at [email protected].

Yi Fao Speaking Through Memory: a History of New Westminster’s Chinese Community, 1858-1980

This book by Jim Wolf and Pat Owen looks at Yi Fao: the Chinese name for New Westminster. Yi Fao means “second port,” as the name was chosen because it was the second point of entry to the province (the first at the time was Victoria).

Four families of settlers discuss the memories of their arrival to Yi Fao, along with their experiences and emotions living here.

The Acid Room: the Psychedelic Trials and Tribulations of Hollywood Hospital

A recommendation from New West Anchor reader Trudi, this book did not disappoint. Not only does it cover a sample of the happenings at the Hollywood Hospital, it also talks about psychedelic psychiatry and the musings of former spy and researcher Al “Captain Trips” Hubbard.

While the Hollywood Hospital is long gone, The Acid Room offers a taste of the site’s inner workings and, for the time, groundbreaking work.

The Life and Destruction of Saint Mary’s Hospital

Penned by city councillor and historian Jaimie McEvoy, this book covers the hospital’s founding in 1887 by the Sisters of Providence until its ultimate closure in 2004.

McEvoy looks at the workings of the hospital in the context of the history of BC and, more specifically, New Westminster.

Random Walks: New West from the Street

We recently featured Alan Haig-Brown and his new book in this piece. The award-winning photographer took inspiration from Thailand, where Haig-Brown and his wife would often go on daily walks, snap a photo, and share the picture with friends on Facebook.

When Haig-Brown ended up separated from his wife during the pandemic, he spent his time snapping photos in New West. The photos, which were posted online, caught the eye of a local publisher. The book came out earlier this year and can be purchased at Black Bond Books or Renaissance Books.