One Book, One Milton

“A cause for celebration. . . . Rice has created not only a compulsive narrative, but, perhaps more significantly, a compelling world, rooted in both the traditions of the Anishinaabe and the ashes of late-stage capitalism. It’s a powerful, tour de force accomplishment which will leave readers hoping for a third book.” — Toronto Star

“Moon of the Turning Leaves is the second novel Mr. Rice has set in this world, after 2018’s Moon of the Crusted Snow, but this book can be read on its own. . . . [Rice’s] attention to the material culture of the future Anishinaabe people is particular and impressive.” — The Wall Street Journal

Twelve years after the lights go out . . . An epic journey to a forgotten homeland

Moon of the Turning Leaves is Waubgeshig Rice’s exhilarating return to the world first explored in the phenomenal breakout bestseller Moon of        the Crusted Snow: a brooding story of survival, resilience, Indigenous identity, and rebirth.

In the years since a mysterious cataclysm caused a permanent blackout that toppled infrastructure and thrust the world into anarchy, Evan Whitesky has led his community in remote northern Canada off the rez and into the bush, where they’ve been rekindling their Anishinaabe traditions, isolated from the outside world. As new generations are born, and others come of age in a world after everything, Evan’s people are stronger than ever. But resources around their new settlement are drying up, and elders warn that they cannot stay indefinitely.

Evan and his teenaged daughter, Nangohns, are chosen to lead a scouting party on a months-long trip down to their traditional home on the shores of Lake Huron—to seek new beginnings, and discover what kind of life—and what danger—still exists in the lands to the south.

The Milton Public Library was honoured to welcome Academy® Award-winning screenwriter and acclaimed actor and director, Sarah Polley for their 2023 One Book, One Milton event on Thursday, October 26th.

The sold-out crowd of 500 were treated with an interview hosted by Eleanor Wachtel, as Sarah discussed her #1 National Bestseller, Run Towards the Danger, a collection of six personal essays that delve into aspects of her life and career.

The book is the winner of the 2022 Toronto Book Award, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and was named the Most-Anticipated Book of 2022 by Entertainment Weekly, Lit Hub, and AV Club.

Kanta Kapoor, MPL’s interim Chief Librarian, commenced the evening by expressing her thoughts on the significance of One Book, One Milton: “Now in its tenth year, One Book, One Milton remains MPL’s signature annual program. Over the past decade, we have had the privilege of hosting some of Canada’s most illustrious authors. Sarah Polley’s inclusion in this distinguished list is a matter of great honor.”

Notably, the event was graced by the presence of the Mayor of Milton, Gordon Krantz, underlining the event’s importance for the local community.

Sarah Polley conveyed her gratitude for being designated as the One Book One Milton author for 2023: “I am so honored and excited to be part of the One Book One Milton event. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Milton Public Library.”

Inclusivity marked the event, as members of the deaf community were welcomed with the presence of ASL interpreters. Following the interview, a dynamic Q&A session provided a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pose questions to Sarah Polley, gaining insight into her experiences as a successful figure.

One event attendee shared their appreciation: “It’s truly exceptional to have someone of Sarah Polley’s caliber, an Oscar winner, visit our community here in Milton. We were fortunate to have her tonight and hear her thoughts on her remarkable journey. Our gratitude goes to the Milton Public Library for uniting us all.”

Concluding the evening, attendees had the privilege of engaging in a personal interaction with Sarah Polley during a book signing session.