The prices go up on April 1, 2022.

It’s no joke! So don’t put it off any more: choose the cheap and free books you’ve been meaning to get. 

Why is the sale over?

When the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago, I made my books either free or really cheap, to the lowest price allowable by various e-book retailers. In the grand scheme of things, even as a contribution to helping out in the pandemic, it was not a huge thing. But when we were facing long periods of isolation with little else to do but read, I thought it would be something I could do. 

I also thought the pandemic and the isolation would not last this long. “A year, max,” I remember thinking. 

Well… 

A couple of months ago, I realized that I had to define the offer better. So I decided that I would declare, for myself at any rate, that the pandemic would be over when 80 percent of the population was fully vaccinated, and hospitalization due to COVID-19 was no longer impinging on the health care system’s ability to take care of the full range of needs.

I’m happy to say that Canada crossed the vaccination threshold in February, with slightly more than 80 percent of the total population having received at least two doses. 

Over the past two years, readers have downloaded more than 10,000 of my books, either free or at 99 cents (US). 

If you’ve been meaning to do so yourself, you have just over a week to do so. Prices will go up to $2.99 to $4.99 for e-books, and over $20 (all U.S. prices) for paperbacks, as of April 1, 2022.

Check out the full list of books, with descriptions and samples.

The pandemic is over?

While COVID hospitalizations in Canada are still high, it seems the health system is starting to respond to other concerns now, too. 

And around the world, restrictions are easing: masks, proof of vaccination, limits on gatherings—all these are falling away, even though there are troubling signs. Outbreaks in China, rising infections in Europe, increased virus load in wastewater. Ottawa public health just declared we’re in the beginning of a new wave. 

And while governments are no longer requiring masks in many settings, every doctor I’ve heard has recommended wearing them in public for at least a few more weeks. I know I will, and I will continue to support businesses and others that continue to ask for masks and proof of vaccination. 

That’s my choice. I support your right to make your own choices. 

So choose the books you want to save money on now!