Alanna talks with Krista Sarginson and Will Gourley about books that greatly influenced them as teens which were, coincidentally, both books by Canadian author Timothy Findley. Krista and Will share their circuitous journeys to teaching and the indelible impressions of edgy Canadian literature. Challenging power structures and the constructs of gender and love, Findley’s influence helped our two guests be critical, suspicious and even subversive. We also try to find middle school books that stir us to see those outlying perspectives.

Shoutouts to the bygone years of OAC (grade 13), professor Warren Hartman at Brock University, Mr. O’Hanley at Father Henry Carr SS in Etobicoke, ON, and Mrs. Simpson at St. Mark High School in Manotick, ON