If you love meeting talented writers, like to listen to some of CanLit’s rising stars read from their books, or just want to be a part of a dynamic and popular discussion of literature, be sure to attend the 13th edition of Canadian Writers in Person Lecture series, which debuts Tuesday at 7pm at 206 Accolade West Building on the Keele campus.
“The series is open to the York community, as well as members of the public, and makes for the best Tuesday night date I can think of,” says York humanities Professor Gail Vanstone. “Where else are you going to hear some of Canada’s most exciting literary figures for free other than attending the Canadian Writers in Person Lecture series.”
The series features 11 Canadian authors who will present their work, respond to questions from the audience and sign books. All readings are part of a degree credit course on Canadian literary culture offered by the Culture & Expression Program in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. You don’t have to enrol in the course to attend the readings.
This year features an eclectic mix of new and established writers.
Author Zoe Whittall has been called “…the cockiest, brashest, funniest, toughest, most life-affirming, elegant, scruffy, no-holds-barred writer to emerge from Montreal since Mordecai Richler…” by The Globe and Mail willkick off the reading series on Tuesday. She will read from the Lambda award-winning Holding Still For As Long As Possible. Award-winning poet Karen Solie will present her collection of poetry, Pigeon.
Don McKay has published 10 previous works of poetry and is the winner of several awards, including the 2011 Griffin Poetry Award and two Governor General’s Literary Awards for Poetry. He will read from his newest collection, Paradoxides. James Bartleman, a Canadian diplomat, author and the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (2002 to 2007), will read from his compelling debut novel, As Long as the Rivers Flow, which explores the consequences of Canada’s residential school system. York alumna Suzanne Desrochers returns to her alma mater to read from her bestselling novel, Bride of New France, a rich and imaginative novel about a young French woman who must survive the harsh landscape of the new world.
Suzette Mayr is the author of four novels. She will read from Monoceros, which was long listed for the 2011 Scotiabank Giller Prize. The Perfect Order of Things is the title of Canadian journalist David Gilmour’s book. It speaks to a man’s journey back in time to reexamine those critical moments that created him. York Professor and poet Patricia Keeney will read from First Woman, a collection of poetry that continues her personal journeys inward and across the world.
Renowned Canadian writer Esi Edugyan will read from her award-winning novel, Half Blood Blues, an electric, heart-breaking story about music, race, love and loyalty. It won the 2011 Scotiabank Giller Prize for Fiction and was shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker Prize. Patrick deWitt will read from his second book, The Sisters Brothers, which was also shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker Prize, the 2011 Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize and the 2011 Governor General’s Award for Fiction (English language).
Irish born playwright, author and literary historian Emma Donaghue will read from her bestselling novel Room, which won the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. Room was shortlisted for the 2010 Man Booker Prize and the 2010 Governor General’s Literary Awards and was the winner of the 2010 Irish Book Award.
For more details and the complete schedule of writers’ appearances, visit the Canadian Writers in Person website or contact Professor Gail Vanstone at ext. 33957.