Will Ferguson

Will Ferguson is an award-winning Canadian novelist and travel writer known for his critically acclaimed fiction and humorous works. He won the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize for his novel "419", which was also nominated for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and a Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Ferguson has earned widespread recognition for his wit, having won the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour a record-tying three times. His literary contributions span multiple genres, including fiction, travelogues, and cultural commentary.

Ferguson's career began with travel writing, inspired by his experiences living abroad. After graduating from York University with a degree in film production and screenwriting, he spent five years in Japan as part of the JET Programme, an experience that informed his first book, "Why I Hate Canadians". He later collaborated with his brother, Ian Ferguson, on the bestselling "How to Be a Canadian". His travel memoirs, such as "Hokkaido Highway Blues" and "Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw", showcase his keen observational humor and insightful cultural reflections. Ferguson has also ventured into fiction with novels like "Happiness", which achieved international success, being translated into 23 languages. His works continue to resonate with readers for their blend of sharp humor and poignant storytelling.
Miranda Abbott Mystery Books (with Ian Ferguson)
# Title Year
1 I Only Read Murder 2023
2 Mystery in the Title 2024
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 Happiness / Generica 2001
2 Spanish Fly / Hustle 2007
3 419 2012
4 The Shoe on the Roof 2017
5 The Finder 2020
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 The Hitchhiker's Guide to Japan 1998
2 Hokkaido Highway Blues / Hitching Rides with Buddha 1998
3 I Was a Teenage Katima-Victim: A Canadian Odyssey 1998
4 Why I Hate Canadians 1999
5 Bastards & Boneheads: Canada’s Glorious Leaders, Past and Present 1999
6 The Girlfriend's Guide to Hockey / Clueless About Hockey (With: Teena Spencer, Bruce Spencer) 1999
7 Canadian History for Dummies 2000
8 How to Be a Canadian (With: Ian Ferguson) 2003
9 Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw: Travels in Search of Canada 2004
10 Beyond Belfast: A 560 Mile Journey Across Northern Ireland On Sore Feet 2009
11 Coal Dust Kisses: A Christmas Memoir 2010
12 Canadian Pie 2011
13 Road Trip Rwanda: A Journey Into the New Heart of Africa 2015
Will Ferguson Anthologies
# Title Year
1 The Penguin Anthology of Canadian Humour 2007