Experience the Book

Explore Consolation's themes and issues. Engage with a walking tour, book club talks and discussion panels featuring Toronto's leaders, thinkers and innovators.

Read an annotated chapter from Consolation

Download Walking Tour

Walk the streets of Consolation, with our tour narrated by author Michael Redhill. Download our walking tour and see 11 historic sites through the eyes of Jem Hallam, as they would have appeared in the 1850's. Toronto Public Library would like to thank Heritage Toronto for their collaboration on this project, as well as CBC Radio for recording it.

Read CBC's One Book Blog

CBC reporter Mike Wise blogs about Consolation. Throughout February, read Mike's thoughts on our One Book events and more.

Read spacing's One Book blog

Throughout February, six spacing magazine writers and editors will post excerpts from the book that take place in a specific geographic location and then explore what is there now, what has disappeared and how the location is different than it was described in Consolation.

Consolation Book Talk

Journalism professor and book lover Suanne Kelman presents an in-depth look at Consolation.

  • Thurs., Feb. 7, 2 p.m.
  • Brentwood Branch
  • More...

Consolation Book Talk

Journalism professor and book lover Suanne Kelman presents an in-depth look at Consolation.

  • Thurs., Feb. 7, 7 p.m.
  • Beaches Branch
  • More...

Lost City

Writers, preservationists and developers debate Toronto's past and future. Featuring former Toronto mayor Barbara Hall, Toronto Star columnist Christopher Hume, Matthew Blackett, editor of spacing, and developer Brad J. Lamb. Moderated by Matt Galloway.

  • Mon., Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
  • St. Lawrence Hall
  • More...

Consolation Book Talk

Journalism professor and book lover Suanne Kelman presents an in-depth look at Consolation.

  • Tues., Feb. 12, 7 p.m.
  • Don Mills Branch
  • More...

First Days

A panel of immigrant writers discuss their early days in Toronto and share memories of the hope, bewilderment and loneliness of arriving in a new city. Featuring Robin Maharaj, Shyam Selvadurai and Goran Simic. Moderated by Mary Ito.

  • Wed., Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
  • Parkdale Branch
  • More...

In the Footsteps of the Black Victorians – A Walking Tour

Discover Black History in Toronto by walking through parts of Old York where African-Canadians carved a community through struggle and triumph.

  • Sat., Feb. 16, 1 p.m.
  • Mackenzie House at St. Lawrence Market
  • More...

Consolation Book Talk

Journalism professor and book lover Suanne Kelman presents an in-depth look at Consolation.

  • Fri., Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m.
  • Agincourt Branch
  • More...

Consolation Book Club Chat

Join library staff as they lead a discussion of Consolation.

  • Tues., Feb. 26, 2 p.m.
  • Barbara Frum Branch
  • More...