Reuniting with Strangers

Join us on Tuesday October 8th at 7pm, for a fascinating conversation on the impacts of separation and reunification many families deal with, with a focus on Filipino communities. Author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio will share her debut novel, Reuniting with Strangers, with you along with her experience as a community worker supporting with over 1200 Filipino youth.

Using a mix of humour and heart, Jennilee will share her journey from the settlement sector to the publishing world, and lead a discussion geared towards community-minded readers and aspiring writers. Reuniting with Strangers connects closely with the theme of TEKA LANG because the book was created due to a need for self-care under the pressures of frontline work.

Reuniting with Strangers, which was longlisted for Canada Reads 2024, named one of CBC's Best Books of 2023, and was a finalist for the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award and the 2024 Toronto Book Awards.

A fascinating conversation you don't want to miss! We will also share Filipino childhood snacks mentioned in the book.

Readers are encouraged to read the whole novel before this session. If you are short on time, readers can focus on Chapters 1, 7, 8, and 9. Reuniting with Strangers is available in print and e-book at the Toronto Public Library, independent bookstores such as Queen Books, and more retailers.