The Launch of Just J

Bet you're wondering what the heck the title of this post is all about! Ok, I'll tell you – it's about more literary gadabouting! Last night I attended the book launch of author Colin Frizell's most recent YA book, Just J, which is published by Orca Book Publishers. The event was held at the fabulously cool bookstore Type Books on Queen Street West.

So what's Just J all about? Well, how 'bout I just tell you what's written on the back of the book:

My past is misery; my present, agony; my future, bleak. And it is not just because I'm a thirteen-year-old girl, or because I'm too thin or too tall, or because my hair is red (it's orange, actually – but they call it red).

At thirteen, Jenevieve has some life issues, some death issues and some everything-in-between issues. Her mother is dead, she's an outcast at school, her dad's an idiot and her little brother can be extremely annoying. Aunt Guin, who appears to be a bit "reality challenged," turns up just in time to rescue Jenevieve from a fate worse than death – summer camp.

Sounds like an interesting story is about to begin!

Unfortunately I came a little too late, and missed Colin's reading, but naturally came just in time for cake and beer! (I've got my priorities right, don't you think?) So check this out. Here's the cover of Colin's book:

And here's the cake!

Almost seems a shame to eat it. Almost. Closest I've come so far to literally devouring a book. Yum!

And some shots of the gallery downstairs in Type Books, where the launch was held:

Doesn't Colin look like a happy guy?

And here's a shot of Liam O'Donnell, getting all excited that Colin has signed his book!

Oh, and I must send big fat congrats to Liam,  for winning the Distinguished Achievement Award in the graphic novel category, for his Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Vol 1. Way to go, Liam!

And of course, congratulations to Colin for his wonderful book!

Comments

[Naseem]

Aw...Looks like it was a great time! I wanted to go, but I had cake decorating class.
Congratulations to Colin! :)

[liam]

And what a fine night it was! Great reading, great book and great photos, Patricia. I'll be stealing them when I post about the launch in, oh, about a week's time, knowing my rapid blogging response to these sorts of things.

Great to see you again. Looking forward to seeing your Democracy sketches when I'm back in the city next week.

[liam]

oh yeah! thanks for the congrats on the Max award too. Very pleased indeed.

[Beth]

Still "gadding," huh?
You are having a ball, kiddo!
Hope you're getting inspired...

[Claire Cameron]

That cake is impressive. I love the sound of the book, even dark enough for me.

Hope all went well with the deadline and thank you (very much) for picking up a copy.

[Alyssa]

Hey, great pictures! Thanks for posting about the launch--I'll link to it on the Orca Blog. =)

[Patricia]

Glad to help, Alyssa! It was a wonderful event, and Colin is a smashing fellow.

Hey Orca people – are you looking for any new illustrators? ;)