A big week for big prizes -

The nominees for the Governor General Awards are announced this morning from the Nicholas Hoare bookstore. (And they have a reading at the IFOA).

Orhan Pamuk wins the Nobel Prize for literature. There's some discussion as to the possible political motivation for the prize, but no one's saying it ain't good writin'.

Kiran Desai wins the Booker Prize - the youngest woman ever to win (the first since Atwood's Blind Assassin). Her mum's been shortlisted thrice, but it's the daughter who wins. Do you think mum's proud or a little irritated? She'll be at the IFOA, too, by the way.

Events this week -

Monday the 16th Natalie MacLean heads to the U of T Bookstore reading series with her Red, White, and Drunk All Over. Teach those undergrads what they're imbibing in such quantities. 7p. (41 Wilcox).

Tuesday, the go-getter authors of Getting to Maybe head to the MaRS Centre (101 College St, suite 100). The book's a kind of how-to for optimistic do-gooders. 11a.

The IFOA begins Wednesday. I'll see you at the M&S shindig, right? In case you missed it - check out my guide if you don't know who to see or where to go.

On the 18th and 19th, Marisa Acocella Marchetta appears at the Brassaii for ReThink Breast Cancer, with her graphic novel/memoir Cancer Vixen. 6:30p both nights. This is also the launch of the 'Breast Friends' photo exhibit.

Friday sees the PEN Canada benefit at the IFOA (again, you'll be there, right?) Some of my favourite authors will be there. (ahem, Miriam Toews).

More goodies next week. And keep an eye out for my special IFOA podcast - bibliophiles unite. (Hopefully I'll have a better slogan by the time I post...)