HAMILTON, ON – Nov 20, 2020 – When Waubgeshig Rice’s dystopian novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, launched in April as Hamilton Public Library’s 2020 Hamilton Reads title, life as we knew it changed drastically.

There are several parallels in the story with the current state of pandemic life. In Rice’s book, panic and unease ensue in communities far and near as people adjust and readjust to changing routines and habits. Maintaining order amid this chaos is a challenge. Compliance is tested at every effort to maintain control.

Rice had hoped his book would prompt discussion and encourage people to look at themselves, their communities and positive ways to move forward.

The timing seems right for renewed discussion about the ways we deal with life in a time of COVID-19, as we grapple with the second wave of the deadly virus.

Join Rice in an online, live presentation and discussion about his book and more on Saturday November 28 at 2pm at hpl.ca. He is joined by fellow authors, Cherie Dimaline and McMaster University/HPL Writer-in-eResidence, Janet Marie Rogers.

Rice is also available for media interviews. Please contact HPL’s Communications Manager, Shelley McKay to arrange a chat.

Facts and Figures:

• Moon of the Crusted Snow was chosen as the one book everyone in Hamilton should read in April 2020.
• It was checked out more than 1,822 times since it was launched.
• It was also HPL’s No. 1 borrowed eBook this year.
• It was discussed in more than a dozen online book clubs over the past eight months.
• More than 244 badges were earned by participants in HPL’s Hamilton Reads challenge.
• Hamilton Reads related programs and artist studio tours, were viewed on HPL’s YouTube channel 727 times.