Minelle Mahtani, Chair of the Program in Canadian Studies and GRSJ faculty member was recently invited as an author to speak at two prisons in British Columbia as part of the Book Club for Inmates Programme.
Book Clubs for Inmates (BCFI) is a volunteer-driven registered charity dedicated to fostering empathy, literacy, and community within prisons across Canada. What began in 2008 as a single conversation at Collins Bay Institution has grown into a national network, supported by a diverse board of literary professionals, legal experts, and community leaders. They believe that by providing a space for civil discourse and the exploration of high-quality literature, they can support the successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals and contribute to a more compassionate society.
“Her presence and generosity not only affirmed the humanity of our participants, many of whom feel forgotten by society, but it also offered inspiration and hope for a brighter future.”
Reflecting on Dr. Mahtani’s visit, Tom Best (the Executive Director of BCFI) said, “Book Clubs for Inmates was delighted to welcome Minelle Mahtani to Mission Institution as part of our Author Visit program, to discuss her powerful memoir, May It Have a Happy Ending. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Mahtani for taking time to visit with our book club members and answer their questions about her work. Her presence and generosity not only affirmed the humanity of our participants, many of whom feel forgotten by society, but it also offered inspiration and hope for a brighter future.”
Learn more about Book Clubs for Inmates at www.bookclubsforinmates.com.
