John Stiles Coming To Ithaca

Jarod Palmer is a 32-year-old Toronto writer waiting for his big break—though a small one will do. Haunted by his story of tragic teenage sweethearts in smalltown Nova Scotia—featuring the unforgettable Lana Banana—Jarod is infected by the ancient mariner’s curse on all young unpublished novelists to “tell the tale.”Taking the Stairs is fast-moving, risky and infectiously fun. This novel by acclaimed writer John Stiles, follows the path of Jarod Palmer through the bustling streets of Toronto as he endures odd jobs that pay the rent while trying also trying to finish his first novel. This is the story of Jarod Palmer’s self-discovery— a coming-of-age for the soon-to-be-evicted. It’s the perfect book for anyone who’s ever found themselves an elevator-ride away from their dreams.John Stiles was born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. His debut novel, The Insolent Boy, received acclaim in Canada and the US. He was written two collections of poetry: Scouts Are Cancelled: The Annapolis Valley Poems (2002) and Creamsicle Stick Shivs (2006). John’s writing has appeared in numerous journals and magazines such as Pagitica, The Literary Review of Canada, Storyteller Magazine, TaddleCreek and the anthology The IV Lounge Reader. John’s documentaries have appeared on Much Music and in International film festivals across Canada. He currently lives in London, UK. A documentary film about his struggles as a writer (strongly resembling Taking the Stairs) is currently on the festival circuit; it has appeared at Toronto’s Hot Docs and won the Atlantic Film Festival’s top documentary prize.