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IFOA XXX: The Preview Edition
Illustration by Sasha Plotnikova/Torontoist.
Book season is well and firmly upon us. Like the changing colours of the leaves and the rediscovery of the scarves in the back of your closet, the sudden surge of literary prizes and the annual return of the International Festival of Authors signal that autumn is decidedly here. And it makes sense, really: what better way to combat the chill than with a pile of books that keep you safely indoors?
The IFOA has shifted direction in the last few years, branching out from its roots as a celebration of literary fiction and growing to encompass non-fiction, genre writing, graphic novels, and even a stand-up comedy routine. Torontoist will be providing daily coverage of the festival, which runs from October 21 to 31, both here and on our new satellite site: books.torontoist.com. In the meantime, we thought we’d give you early notice on the events that are selling fastest, so you can snag tickets to your must-sees before they’re all gone. (You’re welcome!)
At the top of everyone’s list is Alice Munro, whose appearance opening night is the hottest ticket at the festival. So hot, in fact, that you can’t get one—they sold out long ago. (We are torn: on the one hand, yay for book events selling out; on the other, we don’t have a ticket either.) All other events have tickets still available, but a few are poised to reach capacity soon and you’d best get crackin’ if you want in. If you’re hoping to see Orhan Pamuk (October 22), Garrison Keillor (October 22), the Paul Quarrington tribute (October 24), John Irving (October 25), or the Giller Prize finalists (October 31), we have it on good authority that you should buy your tickets soon.
We’re also excited to tell you that Penguin is our exclusive partner for the IFOA. What does that mean for you? Heaps of signed books, exclusive access to authors, and tickets to IFOA events. Keep an eye on our goodie-laden TorontoList newsletter for details on how to land yourself some fun literary freebies.
Until next week, dear readers!