Atwood Wows Thunder Bay

I don't think I have ever seen so many people in Chapters. The centre area of the store, which usually contains book-laden tables, was jammed with chairs but the crowd overflowed into the displays on both sides and back to the doors. I estimate about 150 people came to hear the famous author. Many brought their personal copies of The Handmaid's Tale for her to sign and many others purchased a copy on site.

Atwood talked about the her book, emphasizing that the mysogynistic incidents in the story are all based on women's historical experiences. She said that for a long time, she felt that life for women was improving and would continue to do so. She does not believe this any more. Cathy Alex of CBC conducted the interview and at the end, called on several women in the audience to ask questions.

How did this event happen? Seems that the Chapter chain set up a competition among its many stores as to who should host Atwood. Member of Parliament Patti Hadju wrote a letter urging that the Thunder Bay store be awarded the honour. She also sent a video. The sales staff threw themselves into the fray with a video as well. Happily for the local literature lovers, Thunder Bay won. Bravo, Chapters.

I believe this is the first time Chapters has hosted a well known writer.  Judging from the turn out tonight, it should be done more often.