Souvankham Thammavongsa: Pick a Colour

PLEASE NOTE: Pre-booked tickets for this event are sold out, but we will be running a rush line on the day of the event. Any spots that become available from unused tickets will be opened to the rush line on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6:45pm.

Award-winning poet Souvankham Thammavongsa discusses her revelatory new novel about a nail salon owner navigating dual identities, in conversation with host Steve Paikin.

Pick a Colour follows Ning, a retired boxer and nail salon owner, over a single day as she buffs and polishes the nails of the privileged clients who don't even know her true name. As the day's work grinds on, the friction between Ning's two identities—as anonymous manicurist and brilliant observer of her own circumstances—will gather electric and crackling force, and at last demand a reckoning with the way the world of privilege looks at a woman like Ning.

Souvankham Thammavongsa shares her intimate and razor-sharp new book about love, loneliness and the working life.

Question and answer session and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

Ticket registration for this event is required: Free tickets for this event are available to book via Eventbrite.

About this event’s guests:

Souvankham Thammavongsa

Steve Paikin

Read more:

Pick a Colour

How to Pronounce Knife

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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 make sure that most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are guaranteed until 6:45pm or until capacity is reached. Any remaining space will be opened up to the rush line beginning at 6:45pm.

Bar: Beer/wine available for purchase (debit/credit only).

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.

Info: Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. We'll have a bar with a selection of beer and wine, as well as snacks, available to purchase.

Info: Souvankham Thammavongsa discusses her new novel with host Steve Paikin.

Info: Souvankham Thammavongsa signs copies of her books. Books are available for purchase at the event from a local bookseller.

Host or Publisher Toronto Public Library