When my brothers, cousins, and I were little, our grandmother (my dad’s mom) always took us shopping for our birthdays. We would go somewhere for lunch and then hit the mall—usually straight to Toys R Us—for some sweet new swag. One year I told my grandma that I wanted to go to Chapters instead, because I had decided that I wanted books for my birthday—and, well, let’s just say the adults of the family were highly amused. I could’ve picked a new Barbie, some interesting Polly Pockets, maybe a Playmobil set…instead, I opted for some words on paper (confession: not much has changed). While my gift choices where comical considering my age, my parents were also thrilled that I was such an avid reader. I’m pretty sure that my childhood love of books is the only reason I can call myself a writer today. Reading is the best (yes hello I am a dork)!

So let’s celebrate the grand act of ingesting words, shall we? (As I write this in a quiet cafe, the man sitting next to me is deep in in the pages of a book. And he’s almost done! Congratulations, good sir! Finishing a book is such a great feeling! I digress.)

Each April, the Toronto Public Library organizes One Book as part of the Keep Toronto Reading Festival. A book is chosen—this year it’s Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451—that people across the city are encouraged to read and discuss. The book is chosen by library staff, who look for one that, as the website states, “will engage and interest Toronto’s diverse population – and reflect their broad range of interests, reading levels and backgrounds. The book must have interesting themes that make for good discussion. The book must also be easily accessible, in large quantities and in different formats, wherever possible.” So basically, you know it’s going to be a good read.

Part of the discussion takes place on Twitter from April 2 to 19. Called the TTC Book Club, the conversations are meant to get Torontonians excited about books and reading. Twitter answers will be displayed on subway platform screens around the city.

Here are the dates and topics (use the hashtag #OneBookTTC):

Tuesday, April 2: If the library were burning, which book would you save?

Wednesday, April 3: Fahrenheit 451 celebrates the life-changing power of books. Tell us how a book has changed your life.

Friday, April 5: Bradbury is considered the father of sci-fi. Who is your favourite sci-fi and fantasy writer?

Monday, April 8: Is censorship of books ever justified?

Wednesday, April 10: How is reading books important in today’s digital world?

Friday, April 12: What is your favourite dystopian novel?

Monday, April 15: If you had to memorize a single book or risk its extinction, which book would you choose?

Wednesday, April 17: Fahrenheit 451 describes a future where mass entertainment has replaced literary culture. Has this vision come true?

Friday, April 19: If you could pick a future One Book for Toronto to read, which would it be?

Happy reading! And tweeting! And reading tweets! And tweeting reads…?