U of G’s annual common reading project – Gryphons Read – celebrates its eighth iteration. This year’s novel is And Then She Fell, by author Alicia Elliott. Alicia is a Mohawk writer and editor living in Brantford, Ontario, and is already well known for her far-reaching voice and contributions as a contemporary Indigenous thinker. Her first book of essays, A Mind Spread Out on the Ground, was a national bestseller in Canada and was nominated for the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, and won the Forest of Reading Evergreen Award.
Alicia Elliott’s debut novel, And Then She Fell, is described as “a mind-bending, gripping novel about Native life, motherhood, and mental health that follows a young Mohawk woman who discovers that the picture-perfect life she always hoped for may have horrifying consequences.” And Then She Fell was named as the Globe and Mail and CBC Best Book of the Year for 2023, and longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Alicia is also the winner of the 48th annual Amazon Canada First Novel Award for 2024.
About Gryphons Read
Gryphons Read is a tradition at the University of Guelph, started by the well-known and well-loved author, U of G Creative Writing faculty Lawrence Hill.
Each year, a book that explores diverse identities and lived experiences, and is authored by a Canadian writer, is selected to be shared and read by the campus community. Gryphons Read hosts the author on campus for a few days in late September where they meet with students, staff, faculty, and community members in various classes and public events.
The program continues to strive with the support from President Charlotte Yates, the Provost’s office, the College of Arts Dean’s office, McLaughlin Library, and Experiential Learning Hub.
Schedule of Events for September 2024:
September 3 to 5 (Orientation Week), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring your U of G ID card and pick up a free copy at the Gryphons Read registration tent beside Raithby House by Branion Plaza (while supplies last).
September 23, 5 to 7 p.m. (Register for your chance at Orientation Week)
Students can have a chance to join us for an intimate dinner and facilitated discussion event with the author, Alicia Elliott. Information on how to sign up to participate in this limited event will be sent to those students who register for Gryphons Read at the Gryphons Read Tent during Orientation Week.
September 24, 7 to 9 p.m.
Main event: Come meet the author, in conversation with Carrianne Leung. All are welcome to attend this free event in the Robert Whitelaw Room, McLaughlin Library. Refreshments will be provided. Register for this public event!
One Book. One Campus. One Community
Gryphons Read is made possible by generous funding from College of Arts, the Library, the Office of the Provost, and with support from the Experiential Learning Hub.
Questions about the Gryphons Read program can be directed to gryphonsread@uoguelph.ca. Visit our website to check out last year’s Gryphons Read selection!
Happy reading!