The Literati: Having An Affair

Every Tuesday afternoon, Torontoist rounds up the city's literary news, including book deals, events, local sales, author happenings, and insider information from the book industry.

It's no secret that fall is the season of the book fair and festival. First we were enjoying the last of the summer sunshine at Word On The Street, and then we took in the crowds at another fantastic (albeit sweaty and for some of us, drunken) Canzine. This weekend the Small Press Book Fair returns for the second of two annual events, this time with a brand new format. Prompted by libation-loving fair patrons who requested "a boisterous, party atmosphere," Saturday's "Small Press Affair" is a nighttime mini-fair with special guests, entertainment, the usual vendors, and, well, beer. With the spring fair slated for May 30, 2009, at the Miles Nadal JCC, the idea is that this smaller event will help to accommodate the needs of all small pressers. And after some of the controversy that's hit the TSPBF (and the small press community in general), accommodating everyone's needs sounds like wise practice. Saturday's fair kicks off at 6 p.m. at The Tranzac Club, and features performances by Craig Henry, Ian Burgham, David Clink, and Sandra Kasturi. As for the controversy that continues to haunt the fair and the scene in general (it seems to come up over cocktails—and more often with more cocktails), Torontoist can only hope that time heals all wounds.

The now defunct I.V. Lounge Reading Series has gotten back on the horse and happily evolved into Pivot Readings, a bi-weekly event at The Press Club. This Wednesday's edition features Sandra Alland, Sally Cooper, and Fraser Sutherland. Things kick off at 8 p.m. but Torontoist suggests you get there early—the last event was standing room only.

Finally, the International Festival of Authors continues all this week. One obvious highlight is the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize Readings on Wednesday evening in the Brigantine Room at Harbourfront. Certainly giving you the most bang for your buck, this $15 ticket features readings by Rivka Galchen, Rawi Hage, Lee Henderson, Patrick Lane, and Miriam Toews.

Photo of the spring Small Press Book Fair by Bill Smith.