Event Recap: Mona Awad launches "13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl"

Last Thursday (March 8) we had the pleasure of hosting distinguished Montreal writer Mona Awad for the release of her debut novel 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl. With an introduction by Derek Webster (founder and former editor-in-chief of Maisonneuve Magazine), 13 Ways brought in a packed crowd complete with Awad’s friends, former mentors, and people in search of a good book.

Taking to the stage first was Webster, who spoke not only of Awad’s talent, beauty, and tact, but of her time as an intern at Maisonneuve magazine. Citing 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird as the part of the inspiration for the book’s format and title, Webster gave praise to the book’s sense of selfawareness, its layers, and general complexity. Concluding that Awad is a writer to keep an eye on, Webster let us know that her eye for detail and general “essence” are a force to be reckoned with.

Coming on shortly afterwards was Awad herself, who thanked Webster as well as others who have supported her along the way, such as Matthew Fox, Mikhael Iossel, Matrix Magazine, and Cosmonauts Avenue. Reading from 13 Ways, Awad chose her chapter “The Von Furstenburg and I,” which tells the story of protagonist Lizzie as she attempts to buy the dress of her dreams, while being confronted by a passive-aggressive store clerk. Awad ended the evening with a short Q&A period followed by a book-signing. 

Thank you again to Mona Awad and Derek Webster for a wonderful evening! For information on the next event, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and keep an eye on our newsletter!