Colson Whitehead: Cool Machine

Schedule

Wed Aug 05 2026 at 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC-04:00
Location

Bram & Bluma Appel Salon | Toronto, ON

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Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Colson Whitehead discusses the magnificent final volume of his Harlem Trilogy.
About this Event

Cool Machine returns us to the world of successful business owner/master fence Ray Carney as he gambles on one last heist to support his beloved wife, but finds himself entangled with a legendary criminal mastermind.

Still haunted by his inability to save his cousin Freddie years earlier, Carney comes out of retirement to team up with friend and partner in crime, Pepper, for a chance to rescue Freddie’s son from the violent forces of the city, even if it means risking the safety and security he’s spent decades building for his family.

With his trademark pitch-perfect prose, Whitehead magnificently brings to life 1980s New York, painting a portrait of a city and a family in transition.

Colson Whitehead speaks with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about Cool Machine and the journey of bringing his acclaimed, bestselling trilogy to its triumphant conclusion.

Q&A and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

About this event’s guests:

Colson Whitehead

Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Read more:

Cool Machine

Crook Manifesto

Harlem Shuffle

Son of Elsewhere

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PLAN YOUR VISIT:

Location: Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), 2nd floor

Time: Doors open 6:00pm, Event starts 7:00pm.

Tickets: Free registration required.

Ticket policy: We oversell these events to ensure that the greatest number of people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets guaranteed until 6:45pm or until capacity is reached. Seating first come, first served.

Accessibility: TPL is committed to accessibility. If you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation for this event, please contact [email protected] or 416-393-7099 at least three weeks prior to the event.

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This event is part of our signature Salon Series, where we host local and international authors, artists and thinkers in conversation about their new books and big ideas.

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Information Collection Notice: The personal information on this form is collected by the Toronto Public Library under the Public Libraries Act, sections 20(a), 20(c), and 20(d). The information will only be used for event and program registration, delivery and evaluation. Registrants may be contacted to fill out a brief survey following the program. Questions about how the library handles your information can be directed to Answerline staff at [email protected], 416-397-5981, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4W 2G8.


Agenda

🕑: 06:00 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Main Event: Colson Whitehead in conversation
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Where is it happening?

Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, Toronto, Canada

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

CAD 0.00

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Toronto Public Library
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