Terry Fallis: An End in Itself

Bestselling and beloved author Terry Fallis visits KPL to discuss his eleventh novel, An End in Itself. In conversation with Mike Farwell. What if novelists were the new rock stars? Malcolm Forde is a novelist who's made peace with the modest life of a working writer—half-empty book events, glowing reviews that don't sell books, and the quiet satisfaction of a good sentence. But after falling asleep while writing late one December night, Malcolm wakes up in a world that looks very much like his own . . . except everything has changed. Writers are now global celebrities, lit tours fill stadiums, and he's suddenly rich, adored, and world-famous. As Malcolm is swept into a surreal whirlwind of fame—including private jets, red carpets, and rabid fans—he starts to lose touch with the quiet, solitary art that once gave his life meaning and purpose. An End in Itself is a wry, thoughtful, and deeply human satire that interrogates our obsession with celebrity and success while celebrating the enduring power of the written word. --- Presented in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada. Audience Q&A and book signing to follow. Books will be available to purchase onsite from Words Worth Books. About the Author TERRY FALLIS grew up in Toronto and earned an engineering degree from McMaster University. Drawn to politics at an early age, he worked for cabinet ministers in Ottawa and at Queen’s Park. His first novel, The Best Laid Plans, began as a podcast, then was self-published, won the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, was re-published by McClelland & Stewart to great reviews, was crowned the 2011 winner of CBC’s Canada Reads as “the essential Canadian novel of the decade,” and was adapted as a CBC Television series and a stage musical. His next two novels, The High Road and Up and Down, were finalists for the Leacock Medal, and in 2015, he won the prize a second time, for his fourth book, No Relation. His other novels, Poles Apart (a Leacock Medal finalist), One Brother Shy, Albatross, Operation Angus, A New Season, and The Marionette, were all national bestsellers. A skilled public speaker, he lives in Toronto with his wife, and blogs at www.terryfallis.com. Ticket Policy We oversell these events to ensure that the greatest number of people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets guaranteed until 6:45pm or until capacity is reached. Seating first come, first served. Accessibility at Kitchener Public Library Kitchener Public Library has assistive listening devices available for library program participants who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Please call or email us if you would like more information on this equipment, or to request to use it in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. Phone 519-743-0271 or email [email protected]. This program is made possible through the support of the City of Kitchener.