For some, reading is a solitary event. For others, it can be a social and celebratory endeavour.
North Shore Reads, a free initiative brought by the North Shore libraries that encourages local residents to connect over one book, has become a hotly anticipated annual event by those of the latter category.
The third instalment of the event, taking place virtually this evening, sees author Brett Popplewell join Globe and Mail journalist and fellow author Marsha Lederman in delving into Popplewell’s 2023 national bestseller Outsider: An Old Man, a Mountain and the Search for a Hidden Past.
Popplewell will talk about his six-year journey to uncover the extraordinary life of Dag Aabye, an extreme skier and endurance runner renowned for his participation in the gruelling 125-kilometre Canadian Death Race.
Outsider takes readers on a journey through Aabye’s unique life, navigating his mysterious origins during the Second World War, his rise to fame as the world’s first extreme skier, and his eventual retreat into the wilderness.
“Community members are invited to join this dynamic conversation that transcends borders, embracing the universal themes of resilience, adventure, and the human spirit, said North Vancouver City Library’s CJ Pentland.
Pentland said the program is designed to offer a free shared literary experience that goes beyond the standard stories, allowing local readers to explore diverse perspectives and “connect on a deeper level.”
Shared experiences, like a virtual book club, are essential for building knowledge, understanding and “a sense of belonging,” he added.
NVDPL librarian Vanessa Bedford Gill said one of the reasons why North Shore Reads has become such a beloved community program is because it has turned the solo act of reading into something collective and shared.
“Reading by nature can be a solitary experience, but programs like North Shore Reads highlight the connecting power of libraries, being able to bring people together through books,” she said. “When we read the same book together, even with our diverse perspectives and feelings, it’s like we’re all on the same page.”
The free event takes place virtually Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Community members can register online at this link.
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
