This time of year, we’re reminded of all of the wonderful things homegrown in our province, Ontario. I love bringing what’s fresh and local into my home so why not bring fresh and local homegrown bounty into your book club too? We often overlook the talent in our own backyard. There are amazing authors, novels, and non-fiction books to be found here in Ontario, and looking through the Trillium Book Award finalists list is a great way to start “reading local.”
Oftentimes, it’s not until we see that foil "Trillium Prize" sticker on a book in the local bookstore that we give it a chance. But what does that sticker mean? The Trillium Book Award was established to recognize excellence, support marketing, and foster increased public awareness of the quality and diversity of Ontario authors and their works. It also happens to be the province’s most prestigious award for literature.
Shortly after graduating university in 1992, I picked up that year’s Trillium Prize winner, a literary gem by Michael Ondaatje called The English Patient…and I realized I definitely still had the enthusiasm for reading (it was a genuine concern after four years of reading because I had to!). Some of my favourite books from that time on have been Trillium Prize winners and I look forward to adding a few to my own book club in the next while.
This year, six English and five French books (all books that would be great for your book club) have been shortlisted for the 2015 Trillium Book Award.
The English finalists for the Trillium Book Award are:
A full list of all finalists to consider for your book club can be found on the 2015 Trillium Book Award website.
My book club has a number of opinionated and political members, and I can’t wait to suggest Up Ghost River, Edmund Metatawabin’s memoir. The publisher describes it as “a powerful, raw and eloquent memoir about the abuse that the former First Nations chief endured in residential school in the 1960s, the resulting trauma, and the spirit he rediscovered within himself and his community through traditional spirituality and knowledge.” With last week’s closing ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, this is an emotionally challenging, but critically important and timely book for all Canadians.
Choosing any of these books will give your book club local flavour, but for a true “pick your own” experience, if you’re in the Greater Toronto area, you’re in for a treat. The public is invited to attend a special event on June 16, 2015 where the finalists will read from their nominated works. How often do you get to see and hear amazing authors read directly from their work? This is an opportunity to hear masters speak and one not to be missed.
The free event will be held on June 16, 2015 in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street (doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the readings begin at 7:00 p.m.).
Gather your literary friends or book club members and make a night of it! Click here to reserve your spots!
Feed your family with local goodies, but this season, consider feeding your mind with some local authors or adding a little bit of Ontario to your book club with one (or more!) of the Trillium Book Award finalists.
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC).
www.omdc.on.ca/
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