Maurice Vellekoop. Image credit: @torontolibrary
The 2024 Toronto Book Award for I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together, published by Random House Canada has been reportedly awarded to Maurice Vellekoop.
Announced last night at the Toronto Reference Library in partnership with the Toronto Public Library (TPL). I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together is the first graphic novel to win the Toronto Book Award.
“Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Book Awards…Congratulations to Maurice Vellekoop…graphic novel I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together…coming-of-age story about a queer artist in 1970s Toronto,” Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library said.
Praising I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together, The 2024 Toronto Book Awards jury pays a tribute not only to love but to longing as a cogent exploration of desire.
With vulnerability and humour, and with a blend of insight and richly-illustrated scenes, Vellekoop’s memoir explores his journey to live authentically within a traditional family and the often-intimidating Toronto arts scene of the 1980s and ‘90s.
With a 35 year career in international editorial and advertising art, zine and comic publications and art exhibitions, Vellekoop was born in Toronto in 1964 and graduated from Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University).
I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together marks his debut as an author.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to accept the 2024 Toronto Book Award during the 50th anniversary year. Thanks to the City of Toronto staff for their work to continue promoting, defending and celebrating books,” said Maurice Vellekoop, 2024 Toronto Book Award winner.
I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together was chosen from a list of finalists that included:
- Reuniting with Strangers by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio (Douglas & Mcintyre)
- The Roosting Box by Kristen Den Hartog (Goose Lane)
- The Rasmussen Papers by Connie Gault (Thistledown Press)
- The Suicide Magnet by Paul McLaughlin (Dundurn)
TPL has created a reading list of the 2024 Toronto Book Awards shortlisted titles, available on the TPL website.
The 2024 jury, comprised of past winners or finalists, includes authors Desmond Cole, Anthony De Sa, Jane Farrow, Rabindranath Maharaj and Kerri Sakamoto.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Book Awards, established in 1974 to celebrate books of literary merit that are inspired by Toronto. The award provides $15,000 in total prize money, with $10,000 for the winner and $1,000 for each finalist.
Reflecting the creativity and diversity of the city’s literary community, 116 submissions received this year by the Toronto Book Awards.
