HANNAH - A Look Inside (Part One)
DEBUT NOVEL OUT 12.12.2025
Îyâ Mnathka (Yamnuska). Photo by JON-PAUL KHOURI (Copyright ©️ 2025. All rights reserved.)
HANNAH is the debut novel by Calgary born author JON-PAUL KHOURI. The novel will be released on December 12th. A Live Reading will be held at the Fish Creek Public Library on December 10th in Calgary.
Book Description: Hannah, a 19 year-old dancer, leaves her prairie home in the night to escape the life she is living, and the patterns she fears will keep her from realizing the dream she had for herself as a child. She arrives in Montreal and soon finds herself enrolled in dance classes, and living through the coldest winter in nearly 30 years. When Hannah’s teacher calls her to her purpose, she is confronted by the unsettling reality that there is a missing person inside of her—without whom—a life of purpose is unattainable. Hannah journey’s deep within to begin gathering the bones of her life—that she will need to sing over—if ever she is to heal the wounds caused by the separation from her mother at birth, the loss of her teacher as she was just coming of age, and the tragic death of her brother, Charlie. When she is reminded of a promise that she made to herself when she was 11 years-old, she embarks on a journey across the country—arriving on Vancouver Island to hike the Lifesaving Trail—in search of her purpose and the place where ‘wild woman sings over the bones.’
HANNAH is at once utterly unique and instantly recognizable—in its resonant themes that deal with the mystery of life and death, and of the longing for one’s star. Through characters and relationships that are richly drawn, the book explores the need for family, home, and belonging—and speaks to the redemptive power of love; the power to heal deep wounds through nature, listening, and through the alchemy of storytelling. HANNAH invites the reader on a journey of self-discovery and to realize the purpose that you find there.
Related Genres: Literary Fiction; Fiction; Coming of Age
Product Details: Paperback; 5.25” x 8”; 280 pages
Extract from HANNAH by JON-PAUL KHOURI (Copyright ©️ 2025. All rights reserved.)
HANNAH - Book Release & Live Reading
December 10, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm | Fish Creek Public Library | Calgary, AB
To celebrate the release of HANNAH, the debut novel from Calgary born author JON-PAUL KHOURI, a live reading will be held at the Fish Creek Public Library on December 10th in Calgary. Jon-Paul will discuss the book and share readings of the text, followed by an audience Q&A. Coffee, tea, and treats will be served. Seating is limited, so please RSVP your seats today.