This April, Canadians are invited to join people from across the country in reading Tatouine by Jean-Christophe Réhel for One eRead Canada. As part of One eRead Canada, hundreds of Canadian libraries will be making Tatouine available as an e-book and e-audiobook without waitlists or holds - both in English and French!
In Tatouine, a young poet daydreams of leaving his suburban life just outside of Montreal and escaping to the fictional Star Wars planet (Tatooine) that inspired the book’s name. This fantasy helps provide an outlet to the boredom he experiences while working minimum-wage jobs or receiving another treatment for cystic fibrosis. Told through the internal monologue of the unnamed poet, the book mixes melancholy and humour to create a vibrant portrait about living with a disability.
Read with Halifax Public Libraries
April 1 through 30, 2023, you'll be able to download Tatouine as an e-book or e-audiobook with no holds, no waitlists, via:
- OverDrive in our catalogue
- The Libby app
- hoopla
- An accessible version of the book will also be available via CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) and NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service)
Join the Conversation
While reading the book, people are encouraged to join the online discussion happening with readers from across the country in the One eRead Canada Facebook group or on Twitter @1eRead_unLivrel.
There will also be two online events scheduled during the month:
- April 19: Translators Katherine Hastings and Peter McCambridge in conversation with CBC’s Shelagh Rogers
- April 25: Jean-Christophe Réhel in conversation with Radio-Canada’s Émilie Perreault.
The Time to Read podcast from the Winnipeg Public Library will be discussing Tatouine for their April episode. The episode will be released on April 7th and will be available to listen to online or through any streaming podcast service.
Tatouine also makes a great pick for book clubs! Use the book club guide to help get the conversation started and learn about the background of the novel.
Not in a book club? Tell your friends and family from across Canada to read the book and meet virtually to share your thoughts.
About One eRead Canada
Launched in 2019, One eRead Canada is an annual initiative by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council to promote digital reading through public libraries, while also raising awareness about issues that libraries face in providing access to e-books and audiobooks.
Read more: Canada’s Public Libraries Call for Fair Digital Pricing with a National eBook Club
Further Reading and Resources - Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic illness caused by an inherited condition that affects the digestive system and lungs. In Canada, over 4,300 people are currently living with cystic fibrosis.
As of 2021, the median age of survival was approximately 57 years, meaning half of the children born with cystic fibrosis today are expected to live beyond 57 years. In 1984, the median age of survival was approximately 25 years. The length and quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis continues to improve over time due to ongoing developments in care, research, and treatment options.
Source: 2021 Annual Data Report – The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry.
A national not-for-profit corporation and one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to improving and lengthening the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada National Advocacy Network
This Facebook group provides a place for members from across Canada to connect with each other, stay informed on advocacy initiatives, stay up to date on important Cystic Fibrosis Canada announcements and to discuss key topics related to government relations and advocacy for people living with cystic fibrosis.
Further Reading and Resources - Anxiety and Depression
Mental and emotional wellness is an important part of health. People with cystic fibrosis, and parents or caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis, are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, or both, compared to the rest of the population. Here are some resources to help support people experiencing anxiety and depression.
Anxiety Canada provides self-help resources, articles, videos, interactive tools, podcasts, and apps for adults, youth, and children living with anxiety.
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention – CASP
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, there are many crisis centres available 24 hours a day to talk to you. Call the helpline listed below or contact your closest crisis center.
- Canadian adults: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight ET)
- Quebec residents: 1-866-277-3553 (24/7)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7) or text CONNECT to 686868
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
With 330 community locations, CMHA is a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada has developed a website dedicated to raising awareness and sharing information about depression. They have a wealth of information available to help identify and manage depression.
