Literature
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Little Big Libraries
Reading is the root of most of our interesting thoughts. Once we immerse ourselves in books, especially in children’s titles, we end up creating unfathomable associations inside our brains. Think genius girl who avenges abuse of authority through telekinesis, angry lonely kid who becomes king amongst monsters, or underpants superhero with “wedgie power.” Along the same line, a book exchange initiative, like the Little Free Library, can forge the most incredible connections between people. It was American film director John Waters who famously recommended not sleeping with people who don’t have books; not letting them explore us until they have explored the world of libraries. Although I wouldn’t go as…
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7 Books to Read This Spring, and the Order You Should Read Them In
Blossoms, bees, lilac bushes; spring is about growth—we finally get to watch nature come back to life after the dull ache of winter. With the air smelling of fresh lavender and magnolia trees, and the taste of strawberry banana smoothies on your tongue, how else would you want to spend the warm weather other than with a good book in your hands? Here are the best books to read this spring, and the order you should read them in to fully soak up the atmospheric fervour of the season. The best part? All these reads can be found at Book City on the Danforth (348 Danforth Ave). 1 The Vanishing…
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Discovery and Rediscovery: Books on the Danforth
I have always been a voracious reader, consuming the short stories in grade school textbooks instead of listening in class or staying up into the wee hours of the morning to finish one more chapter. My shelves are full, bowing under the weight of series and single novels, with still more books piling up on the floor as my “to be read” list gets longer. But when I finished my English degree at university, I was burnt out from reading. Working two jobs didn’t help the situation as I had precious little time to do things outside of eating and sleeping. When the pandemic hit Canada and I was laid…
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6 Winter Books for the Seasonal Reader’s Soul
Winter is always the perfect time of year to cozy up next to the fireplace with a hot mug of cocoa and a good book. This past year has required more warmth and comfort than ever before, and not just because of the cold. Due to the continuous spike in COVID-19 cases, many of us have stayed indoors for our health and safety and have picked up new hobbies (or rekindled our love for old ones). Many of us have also found more time to spend with our families. While this may have strengthened bonds, it’s made us lose any time we may have previously had to ourselves. But there…
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4 Self-Improvement Books to Help You Through the Pandemic
Life can be stressful, especially during a global pandemic. While many things are out of our control, like what our future will look like, improving our mental state is always within reach. If you find that your worries are holding you back, reading can actually help you take control of your mental health. Since the pandemic started, you’ve probably spent a lot of time at home with your thoughts. It can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a great opportunity to look within. Take your mental temperature and assess your stress levels head-on! If you spend some time with yourself now, you might be surprised with how you handle future situations. If…
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Alisha Sevigny: Author, Leader, and Mom
Alisha Sevigny is a rising star in the middle-grade fiction world with her new series, The Secrets of the Sands. She is also a yoga instructor and Tarot enthusiast, a wife, a mom, and an instructor/editor for both rookie writers and experienced ones. Anyone that sees this list of attributes applied to one person must immediately think of the Sarah Jessica Parker film, I Don’t Know How She Does It (2011). But, Alisha carries it with grace, enthusiasm, and passion for her work. She sat down with OTD this past week to discuss her experiences as a writer, leader, and mother, and passes on some words of wisdom she has…
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On the Danforth Spring 2020 is here!
To our lovely readers: At this time, the print issue of On the Danforth Spring is distributed across the Danforth to local businesses for free public circulation, but going outside can be a bit difficult at this time. We encourage everyone to follow health advisories and respect the Province’s call for a State of Emergency and self-isolate unless your specific circumstances necessitate otherwise. So how do you find the Spring 2020 issue of On the Danforth if you can’t go out to support your local businesses? Well, we have a treat for you! In addition to releasing or issues in print, On the Danforth will be available online! On the…
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Exclusive Interview with author Mathis Bailey
Mathis Bailey is the published author of Confused Spice (2016) and Brown Sugar and Spice (2019). Born in Detroit, he moved to Toronto to further his education and opportunities and became a strong voice for the Toronto LGBTQ+ community. He is a writer, blogger, foodie, travel junkie, bookseller, and overall fun guy! You can follow him on the following social media platforms: Instagram: @MathisBailey Twitter: @MathisBaileyZ OTD: Can you tell me about your first book Confused Spice? MB: Confused Spice takes place in Toronto and it follows two guys who are confused in life. One is confused about his career path and the other is confused about his religion. They…
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Economic Club of Canada: Fighting for the Canadian Economy
Coming out of Union Station to Front Street West in Toronto, you are greeted by the illustrious Royal York Hotel. Entering the building, you feel the gravity of the building’s history and prestige as a hub not only for travellers, but also the groups, companies, and businesses that choose to use the hotel as a location for their events. No other location could be more fitting for The Economic Club of Canada to host their event, Growing an Economy that Works for Everyone on March 6th, 2020. An event catering towards equality, awareness, and especially the economics of Canadian culture, the arts, and various other industries. The Economic Club of…
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Book Review: We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate or spend some time reflecting on the achievements or cultural significance of why International Women’s Day is important, then look no further than Chimamanda Ngozi’s We Should All Be Feminists. We Should All Be Feminists is a short, 52-paged essay adapted from the excellent TedTalk of the same name that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gave in 2012. While an essay might be off-putting to some, We Should All Be Feminists reads as a conversation. It is filled with stories, observations, and other anecdotal…
