Read all together!
The 2024 Perth County Reads title is ... Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor! Copies of the book are available through all PCIN library locations, in physical and digital format as well as in book club kits.
COLD by Drew Hayden Taylor
A tragic plane crash that leaves two women stranded and fighting for their lives kicks off this sweeping and hilarious novel from award-winning writer Drew Hayden Taylor that blends thriller, murder mystery, and horror with humour and spectacle.
Elmore Trent is a professor of Indigenous studies who finds himself entangled in an affair that's ruining his marriage; Paul North plays in the IHL (Indigenous Hockey League), struggling to keep up with the game that's passing him by; Detective Ruby Birch is chasing a string of gruesome murders, with clues that conspicuously lead her to both Elmore and Paul. And then there's Fabiola Halan, former journalist-turned-author and famed survivor of a plane crash that sparked a nationwide tour promoting her book.
What starts off as a series of subtle connections between isolated characters quickly takes a menacing turn, as it becomes increasingly clear that someone—or something—is hunting them all.
Taking tropes from the murder mystery, police procedural, thriller, and horror genres, Drew Hayden Taylor weaves a pulse-pounding and propulsive narrative with an intricate cast of characters, while never losing the ability to make you laugh.
About the Author, Drew Hayden Taylor
Drew Hayden Taylor has done many things, most of which he is proud of. An Ojibway from the Curve Lake First Nations in Ontario, he has worn many hats in his career, from performing stand-up comedy at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., to being Artistic Director of Canada’s premiere Native theatre company, Native Earth Performing Arts.
Taylor has been an award-winning playwright (with over 100 productions of his work), a journalist/columnist (appearing regularly in several Canadian newspapers, magazines, and news networks), short story writer, novelist, television scriptwriter, and has worked on over twenty documentaries exploring the Native experience including the popular Searching for Winnetou. His documentary series on APTN, Going Native, is in its third year.
As an author of thirty-four books, he looks forward to finding out where his imagination will take him next.
Perth County Reads Events
There are a variety of events surrounding Perth County Reads across Perth County this Fall. All programs are open to all residents of Perth County. Be sure to check details for locations and any registration requirements.
Meet the Author, Drew Hayden Taylor
Read the book, meet the author! Award-winning Drew Hayden Taylor will be in Perth County, November 1 and 2 to read from Cold.
November 1, 2024, 2:30pm | Listowel Public Library |Details - Registration or drop-in
November 1, 2024, 7pm | St. Marys Public Library @ Pyramid Recreation Centre | Drop-in
November 2, 2024, 3pm | Stratford-Perth Museum | Details and Registration or drop-in
Cold Community Book Talk
Join us as we gather to discuss our thoughts, feelings and opinion on Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor. Drop-by.
October 12, 2024, 11am | West Perth Public Library | Details
October 29, 2024, 6pm | Listowel Public Library | Details
Indigenous Horror
Dr. June Scudeler is a professor specializing in Indigenous horror writing and film, and will survey the genre to help us understand where our Perth County Reads pick, Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor, fits in.
October 9, 2024, 7pm | Virtual or Stratford Public Library | Details and Registration or speak to Pam at WPPL
The Tournament
Join us for a screening of the short film "The Tournament" by the National Film Board of Canada. The Tournament covers a weekend sledge hockey tournament comprised of teams across the US and Canada, focusing on the end-to-end action of the Manitoba Sledgehammers. Drop-by.
October 17, 2024, 11am | West Perth Public Library | Details
Aspens Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary Open Barn
Visit the critically endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses and learn the story of the dramatic rescue of the last remaining four mares in 1977 and what is happening with the breed today. Drop-by
October 19, 1-4pm | Aspens Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary (in partnership with Perth East Public Library | Location
A Not-So-Scary Ghost Story
Things are getting spooky around the library! Join for a family-friendly evening of ghost stories, complete with puppets, sound effects, and more. Drop-by.
October 22, 2024, 6pm | Listowel Public Library | Details
Wilderness Survival Skills
Join foraging expert, Martin, and teachers from the Owl's Nest Holistic Alternative School, Carla and Jenn, as we gather for an interactive wilderness program. Drop-by.
October 26, 2024, 11am | Listowel Public Library | Details
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