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LitTO: October 16–24
Photo by Word Freak
So, the shortlist for the Giller Prize is out. And whether you think it’s rigged or based on talent, we still have to wonder: who’s it going to be?
Aside from that, the 28th International Festival of Authors officially kicks off tomorrow evening with a PEN Canada benefit event, featuring Margaret Atwood in conversation with Ian Rankin. And if you don’t have any tickets, well, you’re out of luck, as the event is sold out. Not to worry, though; there are still a ton of events left to attend over the next eleven days, and Torontoist is sure you’ll find something to satisfy all your literary cravings. For better or for worse, Torontoist has opted out from listing all the events that are a part of IFOA, as the gigantic list of events is better navigated through their full schedule. Be aware that some events are even free, so keep an eye out!
If it so happens that you have some free time during the frenzy of IFOA next week, perhaps you’d like to give a warm welcome to historical fiction author Pauline Gedge, who is coming to the Royal Ontario Museum on October 22 as a part of the Canadian book tour for the release of her novel The Twice Born (which Torontoist is currently mulling over).
And finally, on the slightly smaller side of things, both Pedlar Press and Coach House Books have their fall book launches lined up next week. (You can expect some book reviews to begin popping up on Torontoist in the not-so-distant future.)
Full listing details after the fold.
Toronto Literary Listings: October 16–24
Tuesday, October 16
ART BAR POETRY SERIES presents Dionne Brand, Thomas Joachim Kingston, and Jacob Scheier. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m. Free.
BOOK LAUNCH: GAY MONOLOGUES AND SCENES: AN ANTHOLOGY edited by Sky Gilbert. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West). 8 p.m.
CANADA COUNCIL HERITAGE SERIES continues its series Degrees of Nowhere: A Geography of Canadian Writing, with Shyam Selvadura. Deer Park Branch (60 Palmerston Avenue). 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 17
UPTOWN AUTHOR SERIES presents a reading by Claire Cameron, writer of The Line Painter. North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street, Auditorium). 7 p.m. Free. Call to register at 416-395-5639.
UPTOWN AUTHOR SERIES presents Nicolas Dickner, author of Nikolski, and Marie-Hélène Poitras, author of Soudain le minotaure, who will discuss their books and answer questions. The event will be in French. North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street, Room 1). 7 p.m. Free. Call to register at 416-395-5639.
THE CRIME WRITERS OF CANADA launch their new anthology, Blood on the Holly, a collection of 24 Christmas crime stories ranging from dark to light-hearted and hilarious, edited by Caro Soles. Contributors include Peter Robinson, Rosemary Aubert, Linwood Barclay, Ed Hoch, Maureen Jennings, Mary Jane Maffini, Rick Mofina, Dennis Richard Murphy and Peter Sellers. Light refreshments will be served. Sleuth of Baker Street (1600 Bayview Avenue). 6–7:30 p.m. www.sleuthofbakerstreet.com.
DIAMOND CHERRY READING SERIES welcomes Lara Solnicki, Clara Blackwood, and George Ellenbogen. The evening features an open mic and the monthly contest. It’s Not A Deli (986 Queen Street West). 8 p.m. PWYC.
DRAFT READING SERIES presents a night of inter/action! Art, poetry, music and dance, featuring Lynn Harrigan and Scott McGregor Moore of dreamSTATE, poet Ronna Bloom and pianist Peter Dick, poet Susan L. Helwig with projections by Felix Chakirov, and Steven McCabe with guitarist Paul Sanderson and dancer Preethi Gopinath. Labspace Studio (276 Carlaw Avenue, Suite 202). 7:30 p.m. $5. [email protected].
CANADA COUNCIL HERITAGE SERIES continues its series Degrees of Nowhere: A Geography of Canadian Writing, with Kagiso Lesego Molope. Parliment Branch (60 Palmerston Avenue). 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 18
KAREN HINES, acclaimed playwright behind The Pochsy Plays and Hello … Hello stars in York University’s Canadian Writers in Person reading series. York University, Accolade West Building (Room 206). 7 p.m. Free.
TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY presents readings by Stephen Marche and Elyse Friedman, to be followed by a discussion with BookTV host Rachel Harry. Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street, Main Floor Stage). 7 p.m. Free.
ALBERT DUMONT, storyteller, poet, and community activist, will give a lecture entitled “Aboriginal Narrative” at the Canadian Authors Association monthly meeting. Northern District Library (40 Orchard View Boulevard, Room 200). 7–9 p.m. Free.
Friday, October 19
SINAN ANTOON will read from his book, I’jaam: An Iraqi Rhapsody. This event is co-sponsored by Toronto Women’s Bookstore and City Lights Publishers. Toronto Women’s Bookstore (73 Harbord Street). 7 p.m. Free.
Saturday, October 20
TAKING THE PLUNGE AS A FREELANCE EDITOR is a seminar presented by the Editors’ Association of Canada, Toronto Branch. Northrop Frye Hall (73 Queen’s Park Crescent East, Room 332). 9–5 p.m. $140 for members/$180 for non-members, call 416-975-5528 or visit www.editors.ca to register.
Monday, October 22
PAULINE GEDGE, author of The Twice Born, will be interviewed by Gayle Gibson, followed by a brief reading, question and answer period, and a book signing. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park). 7 p.m. $16 for public/$13 for ROM members. www.rom.on.ca/programs or call 416-586-5797.
Tuesday, October 23
PEDLAR PRESS launches its fall titles with authors Stan Rogal, Michael Blouin, and Jacob Wren. Supermarket (268 Augusta Avenue). 7:30 p.m. Free. 416-534-2011.
ART BAR POETRY SERIES presents Russell Thornton, Michael Lee Rattigan, and Zoe Whittall. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West)., 8 p.m. Free.
THIS IS NOT A READING SERIES presents Astrid Young, half-sister to Neil Young, who will offer an intimate look at the rock icon in her memoir, Being Young. She will discuss her life, career, and her celebrity sibling with ethnomusicologist Professor Rob Bowman. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, October 24
COACH HOUSE LAUNCHES most of its fall titles at the Coach House Fall Launch, featuring readings by Jessica Westhead, Cara Hedley, Darren Wershler-Henry, David McGimpsey, Sarah Lang, and Greg MacArthur. Stones Place (1255 Queen Street West). 8 p.m. Free.