Calgary author Tyler Hellard turns a new page this year with his novel, Searching for Terry Punchout, which was named as a finalist in CBC’s 25th annual Canada Reads competition.
Searching for Terry Punchout follows fictional sports writer, Adam Macallister, as he returns to
his complicated, small-town life in Nova Scotia. In a last-ditch effort to save his writing career, Adam takes on a Sports Illustrated profile about famous hockey player Terry Punchout — who also happens to be his estranged father. Forced to reconcile with his past, Adam confronts the growing pains of hockey, family and friends.
Hellard (who, full disclosure, is married to Avenue publisher Käthe Lemon) released his debut novel in 2018. It was shortlisted for the 2019 Amazon Canada First Novel Award and the 2019 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize.
Canada Reads, which runs from April 13 to 16, features a panel of five celebrity judges advocating for a book of their choice and eliminating one book each day, until a single title is crowned Canada’s must-read book of the year. Hellard’s novel will be championed by sports analyst and YouTube personality Steve “Dangle” Glynn.
“The first feeling was amazing,” said Hellard, after learning his book was selected for Canada Reads. “It was wonderful.”
This year, the Canada Reads theme is “One Book to Build Bridges.” The debates will highlight stories that connect people, showcasing the power of storytelling through acceptance and growth.
While Hellard is the only local author to make the final cut this year, Canada Reads has a Calgary connection on the judging committee. Tegan Quin of indie pop duo Tegan & Sara will champion Loghan Paylor’s novel The Cure for Drowning. Quin adds to the long list of past well-known Calgary judges, such as former Canadian swimmer Mark Tewksbury and neuroscientist-turned-pastry Chef Said M’Dahoma.
Grab a copy of Searching for Terry Punchout at the Calgary Public Library or order it from your favourite local indie bookstore.
You can tune into Canada Reads through CBC Gem and CBC Radio to watch or listen to the debate unfold.
