The 2008 Canada Reads was the inspiration for a Grand Adventure on a recent winter day. I set off with Laureen Bawden and her unflappable four-month old daughter Olivia for a series of book discussions held in appropriate locales.

First stop: Allen Gardens Conservatory, Toronto
Stepping into the humid air of the greenhouse was a great relief from the sharp cold outside. After several minutes of waiting for my glasses to defog, we walked around the greenhouse, then settled in for a good talk about Icefields. Sure, it would perhaps have been more appropriate for us to hold this talk in a windswept icy field, but the longing for warmth won out. Several scenes in the book did take place in a greenhouse; and the contrast between our tropical indoor setting and the frigid outdoors was an excellent inspiration for discussing the contrasting themes in the book.

Next stop: Riverdale Farm
We had planned to discuss Brown Girl in the Ring in the Simpson House, the setting for Ti-Jeanne and Mami’s house, but it was under renovation. A kind-hearted volunteer offered to let us take a quick stroll through, but became flustered when we ran into a woman obviously in charge and she quickly shooed us out, abandoning us on a front porch. As we lifted Olivia and her stroller over the snowdrifts, we decided to take a peek in the Necropolis Chapel across the street. It was very beautiful but much too sanctified for a potentially raucous book talk. We then decided to combine the discussion of Brown Girl in the Ring and that of Not Wanted on the Voyage in the nearby barn. Our decision was validated when we were met at the barn door by a very friendly and wise cat. We immediately began to call him Mottyl, a name he did not appear to find objectionable. Surrounded by prize-winning cows and goats who seemed genuinely puzzled by a large rubber ball hanging in their pen, we enjoyed atmospheric discussions about the two books.

Third stop: Papillon, a Toronto French restaurant
Of course we talked about Tales from the Fifteenth District in the French restaurant. Olivia continued to be a most congenial companion, waking up only long enough to nurse and be charming to all those around her. Our discussion was enhanced by the excellent French onion soup, salads and desserts and our proximity to the large French country fireplace.

Final stop: We planned to stop at a hockey arena to discuss King Leary, but ran out of time.
Instead, we began the talk as we drove past the Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Our chat lasted all through one of Toronto’s traffic jams and almost all the way back to Oakville. This most excellent adventure was a terrific way to hold our Canada Reads discussion. The settings certainly added to the day and gave us a focus. Laureen and I have participated in Canada Reads for a few years (and may I modestly add that I have predicted the winning novel two years in a row). While it has always been enjoyable, this year we are both anticipating Canada Reads week with an extra degree of enthusiasm thanks to our travellin’ book discussion.