Words teach, entertain, provoke thought, provide insight, and help to give our lives meaning. Through Fall Feast of Words, the Strathcona County Library celebrates the importance of the written word and brings it to life by hosting a series of authors in conversation. Join us to connect with other readers, learn about how writers write, and celebrate stories.

David A. Robertson’s newest book is an accessible, friendly guide for all Canadians, inspiring readers to learn how small attainable actions toward reconciliation can make a difference. The idea is simple: 52 small, meaningful acts of reconciliation, one per week, for a year. We’re thrilled to have David, a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner and a member of Norway House Cree Nation, join us via Zoom for an inspiring dialogue about our collective efforts to build a reconciled country.

Amanda Peters’ debut collection of short fiction describes the Indigenous experience through an astonishingly wide spectrum in time and place – from contact with the first European settlers to the forced removal of Indigenous children, to the present-day fight for the right to clean water. We’re delighted to have Amanda, author of the award-winning novel The Berry Pickers, join us for an intimate evening of conversation about grief and joy, trauma and resilience.

Deborah Willis’ darkly humorous and timely debut novel braids reality TV and the climate crisis with billionaire-sponsored space travel. The protagonist, Amber, enters a reality TV contest whose winners will be the first permanent couple on Mars. As she gets closer to her goal of leaving the planet, Amber’s long-time boyfriend Kevin has to reckon with the possibility of being left behind. We’re excited to welcome Deborah to the library for a thought-provoking discussion about what we’re willing to do to find meaning in our lives.

Jessica Waite’s life was turned upside down by her husband’s sudden death, followed quickly by the discovery of shocking secrets about their life together. This deeply moving memoir is written with surprising wit and an even more surprising compassion, as Waite comes to a fragile acceptance of her husband’s messy humanity. We’re delighted to welcome Jessica to the library for an intimate evening of conversation about mourning and mental health, loss and forgiveness.
Books by This Year's Authors
More Fall Feast
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Read more of this comment about Girlfriend on MarsWaiting for the Long Night Moon is a collection of short fiction that explores Indigenous experience through varied characters and across many different…
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The Widow's Guide to Dead Bastards
Jessica Waite's memoir about what happens after her husband unexpectedly dies is a very thoughtful tale of the complications of grief. It turns out he…
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