Each year, CBC’s Canada Reads program sparks discussion and debate. At stake is the one book every Canadian should read. Each book is defended by a passionate champion. Author Heather O’Neill’s Lullabies for Little Criminals won in 2007 and this year, she participated as a panelist championing The Future by Catherine Leroux, translated by Susan Ouriou. O’Neill is the first person ever to win Canada Reads both as a chosen author and as a panelist.  

The Future is a thought-provoking novel set in an alternate history of Detroit. It was first published in French as L’Avenir.  As Heather O’Neill described the book, “Leroux reverses the dystopian genre and makes it into the idea that disaster can actually herald change.”  Copies of this book as well as other Canada Reads picks are available at the library.

The books championed in Canada Reads experience a great uptick in popularity. The contest offers a great way to discover Canadian titles.

Although Canada Reads has come to an end for this year, the book-debating excitement is just getting started in Prince Edward County. The annual County Reads debate takes place April 18. Names of the defenders and their books are top secret — but I can promise you, the County Reads debate is sure to be a memorable evening. Tickets are $10 and available at any branch of the library.

Last year, Andrew Janikowski took home the championship for Operation Angus by Terry Fallis. Dominique Jones, MaryAnn Farrell and Holly Kent also picked favourites, and the audience had their work cut out for them in selecting a winner.  Moderator Ken Murray ensures every presenter has equal time to promote their title by asking the presenters thought-provoking questions.

At the library, we’re always looking for new avenues for conversation around books. Library patron Karen Overbye has been leading an Amnesty International book club. For March/April, the group is discussing Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.  It’s a quick read that will keep you turning pages and is packed with potential for discussion on issues of race,  the publishing industry — and how far the heroine will go to get the success she thinks she deserves.  New members are welcome. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Picton Branch Library. You can reach Karen at kareneoverbye@gmail.com or visit amnestybookclub.ca to see the list of selected titles.