The fantastic Ibi Kaslik is back with a follow-up to her stunning debut novel, Skinny (a book that cracked the New York Times best sellers list for two consecutive weeks earlier this year—no small feat for a young Canadian writer). Kaslik's latest offering, The Angel Riots (Penguin Books), is the fictional chronicle of two up-and-coming Montreal bands, and speculation has already surfaced that the author (who, while in high school, was in a band with Emily Haines) drew inspiration for the novel from her real-life time spent with musicians. Perhaps this wouldn't be a point of interest if said musicians hadn't eventually ended up in bands like Stars and Broken Social Scene. Torontoist suggests you forget Kaslik's musical past (and any potential scandal via the fictionalizing of sordid details) and simply enjoy the book for what it is—an engaging and entertaining rock novel from a brilliant, innovative young author. As per usual, Kaslik creates a narrative that is both accessible and beautiful, and refreshingly, something that both literature and music lovers can enjoy. On Tuesday, April 1 join Kaslik and Apostle of Hustle at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom for the launch. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Bright and early that same day, you can head to Ben McNally Books and join John Steffler, Poet Laureate for Canada, in celebrating the launch of National Poetry Month. Beginning at 9 a.m., the event will also feature a question-and-answer session moderated by Globe and Mail Books editor, Martin Levin. The shortlists for the Gerald Lampert Award and the Pat Lowther Award will also be announced.

Speaking of awards, the first of April is also the long-awaited date of the 7th Annual Writers' Trust Awards, where $123,000 in prize money is handed out to writers in a variety of categories. Stay tuned for Torontoist's report on all of this year's winners.

Full listings after the fold.

Toronto Literary Listings: March 25-April 2

Tuesday, March 25

Exile Editions presents the launch of The Selected Gwendolyn MacEwen. Dora Keogh Irish Pub (14 Danforth Avenue). 7:15 p.m. Free.

The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Jeff Latosik, Ariel Platt, and Pier Giorgio Di Cicco. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, March 26

Comics Industry Night presents the launch of Negative Burn #17 and The Comic Eye. Victory Café (581 Markham Street). 7:00 p.m. Free.

This Is Not A Reading Series presents Mariko and Jillian Tamaki launching Skim. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Thursday, March 27

Ben McNally Books presents Kristyn Dunnion and Big Big Sky. Kristyn will also have her latest video playing on computers throughout the store. Ben McNally Books (366 Bay Street). 6:00 p.m. Free.

Monday, March 31

Sumach Press launches Nila Gupta's The Sherpa & Other Fictions. Victory Café (581 Markham Street). 7:00 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, April 1

Launch of National Poetry Month. Ben McNally Books (366 Bay Street). 9:00 a.m. Free.

This Is Not a Reading Series presents Ibi Kaslik launching The Angel Riots, featuring Apostle of Hustle. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Stan Dragland reads from his new novel, The Drowned Lands. Supermarket (268 Augusta Avenue). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, April 2

Coach House Books presents NicholBack: A Tribute to bpNichol. Supermarket (268 Augusta Avenue). 8:00 p.m. Free.

Photo of Ibi Kaslik courtesy of Penguin Canada.