By Serina L. Masood
This year, the annual Algonquin Reads event takes on Terry Fallis’s The Best Laid Plans. The novel takes Fallis’s own experience on the Hill and speaks to a world of politics that people don’t often know about.
When the reader first meets Dan Addison, he has just landed into a pile of manure. Not a great start to another day in Ottawa.
Addison works on Parliament Hill where at this particular point in his life, he is fed up with politics and the antics that happen within the halls of the federal politics.
Helena Merriam, a professor with the school of health and community studies is one of the people behind the Algonquin Reads program.
“The program while encouraging reading is a way to engage students and faculty. It opens up a dialogue and with events like the author reading and book binding workshops, and gives students a chance to meet people they may not have otherwise.” said Merriam.
“It’s a book that appeals to students because it’s funny, it gives an insight into politics and it’s local. It’s set in Ottawa so when reading it, people will recognize ‘Oh I know where that is,’ so I think it gives students a deeper connection to the book.” she said.
Fallis came to the College earlier this year for an author reading as part of the Algonquin Reads program. Over 100 students turned out for the event.
This year, students the Algonquin Reads contest give students the chance to write a short story, a critical essay, a poem, a play, artwork or video inspired by The Best Laid Plans and win $150.
“What the judges really look for is creativity and connection.” Merriam said. “We want to create a community of readers and with the contests, author readings and workshops, we can do it.”