When award-winning Canadian author Joseph Boyden was told that his highly acclaimed book, Three Day Road, had been selected for the inaugural Trent Reads, he was honoured. And when the opportunity came to return to Trent to perform a public reading as a wrap-up to the new initiative, he jumped at the chance and even had his publicist rearrange his busy schedule to make it happen.

When asked about his thoughts on the Trent Reads initiative, Mr. Boyden replied: “It’s an amazing way, the simplest and best way to bring a community together. I remember when I was a freshman at York, there were no initiatives like this, but I wish there had been.” As for having his book selected, he said with a smile, “I would like to be selected for a decade of Trent Reads.”

Many first year students who participated in Trent Reads made up the audience of nearly 200 that came out to hear from the authors. Morgan Gates and Courtney Buck, two first-year History students from Gananoque, Ontario were especially excited to be in attendance.

“This is a very exciting part of university,” Ms. Gates said in reference to having the chance to meet the author of a book they just read. “Some of my friends at other universities are kind of jealous.”

Both Ms. Gates and Ms. Buck agreed that participating in Trent Reads 2008 was a very positive experience. “It is such a great icebreaker,” Ms. Buck said. ”It gives you a common ground for discussion, and good starting point for conversation. For me, it also got rid of my anxiety for my first seminar. I felt really prepared.”

The two new students were among the many that stayed after the event to enjoy a light reception and to have their copies of Three Day Road and Mr. Boyden’s most recent novel, Through Black Spruce, signed by the author.

Photos:
1. Joseph Boyden reads from his new book Through Black Spruce
2. Authors Joseph and Amanda Boyden (middle) pose with Trent ISW staff involved in Trent Reads