Reading may be a solitary act, but LitFest: Edmonton’s Nonfiction Festival (October 12–22) pulls you out of your reading chair by bringing some of the biggest names in nonfiction to the city. With readings, panels, and events on food, music, art, politics, and more, there’s a book and an event for any interest.
Get ready to engage with talented wordsmiths and maybe pick up a new read (or get a favourite signed). If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amazing line-up, we’ve listed a few of our must-catch authors here:
1) Payam Akhavan | Oct 15 | 1 pm
Payam Akhavan is a renowned United Nations prosecutor and human rights scholar. His timely and passionate work of memoir and history, In Search of a Better World, addresses the effects of political cynicism and public apathy on human rights issues. This event is presented in partnership with the Edmonton chapter of Amnesty International.
Metro Cinema | 8712-109 St.
2) Scaachi Koul | Oct 16 | 7 pm
The witty Scaachi Koul is a culture writer for BuzzFeed and the author of One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter. A daughter of Indian immigrants, Koul uses her hilarious collection of essays to tackle what life was like growing up in Canada, “a land of ice and casual racism.” If you’re a fan of Mindy Kaling, Jenny Lawson, and Roxane Gay, you won’t want to miss this.
MacEwan University, Triffo Theatre | 11110-104 Ave.
3) Michael Adams | Oct 17 | 7 pm
Michael Adams is a respected commentator on public affairs and the author of six books about public attitudes and social values in Canada and the United States. His latest book, Could It Happen Here? Canada in the Age of Trump and Brexit, examines Canada and Canadians in light of recent political events.
Art Gallery of Alberta | 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.
4) Britt Wray | Oct 17 | 7 pm
Radio broadcaster and writer Britt Wray is a PhD candidate in Science Communication with a Focus on Synthetic Biology. Her book, Rise of the Necrofauna, delves into the labs and minds of scientists seeking to revive extinct species, such as the wooly mammoth.
*Wray will also engage in a free noon-hour talk about the Ethics of De-Extinction on Oct 17 at the CBC Centre Stage.*
Royal Alberta Museum Theatre | 12845-102 Ave.
5) Tanya Talaga | Oct 20 | 7 pm
Tanya Talaga is a journalist for the Toronto Star and has been nominated five times for the Governor General’s Michener Award in public service journalism. Her work, Seven Fallen Feathers, examines the racism and human rights violations against Indigenous communities through the history of a small northern Canadian city.
MacEwan University, Allard Hall | 11110-104 Ave.
