David Chilton and Kevin O'Leary of Dragon's Den

With 600 literary enthusiasts in attendance at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on February 6th, the 9th annual Book Lover’s Ball celebrated 60 Canadian authors including books by politicians Michael Ignatieff and Olivia Chow. Other highlights included L. Marie Adeline (S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared), Steven Galloway (The Cellist of Sarajevo) and Neil Pasricha (The Book of Awesome).

I was actually most excited to meet Kevin Kwan. Be ready for more news about his upcoming film based on his “Crazy Rich Asians”. The right to the film were nabbed last year by Color Force, the same producers of the Hunger Games.

Kevin Kwan, author of "Crazy Rich Asians" with his publicist

Kevin Kwan, author of “Crazy Rich Asians” with his publicist

The reception included bites designed by Food Network’s Lynn Crawford, a large silent auction with items up for grabs including the “Adopt-a-Branch” fundraising program.

And as always, the entertainment was book-themed with five chapters each based on a novel by bestselling authors Jason Mott, Steven Galloway, Kamal Al-Solaylee, Eva Stachniak and Suzanne Collins. Infused with an eclectic mix of mime, slam poetry, archery, music and fashion.

The fashion show this year was inspired by the novel “Empress of the Night” by Eva Stachniak which will be released on March 2014. Here is the trailer for the novel which was also shown.

“A thriving Library depends on more than government funding to meet the needs of all its users,” said Heather Rumball, President of Toronto Public Library Foundation. “The generous support of The Book Lover’s Ball authors and attendees alike enables the Foundation to continue to enhance Library programs and resources that enrich both our city and individual lives.”

At this year’s Book Lover’s Ball, the TPL Foundation announced the Library’s 2014 selection for One Book: “The Cellist of Sarajevo” by Steven Galloway. One Book is a book club that features engaging programs surrounding the featured book – part of Toronto Public Library’s annual Keep Toronto Reading Festival.

Also, over $25,000 was raised through the auction, $58,000 through the Adopt -a-Branch program including a $25,000 matching donation from TD Bank Group.

For more info about the Book Lover’s Ball visit www.bookloversball.ca

SEE ALSO

Hush-Hush-Library-Party-BestofToronto-2013-021

Photos from the first ever Hush Hush party in a library

Book Lover’s Ball 2013

Highlights of the auto show (CIAS)
In Photos: The Paws for the Cause 2014 party

Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net