Name: Queereads YYC: 'The Death of Vivek Oji'
Start: 2026-02-09T19:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-02-09T21:00:00-07:00
Location: Owl's Nest Books

Queereads YYC's 63rd event will be held February 9th, 2026 @ 7pm! We’ll be discussing 'The Death of Vivek Oji' by Akwaeke Emezi.
Attend this book club in-person at Owl's Nest Books or send us a message to attend via Zoom!
Whether you read the book, didn't finish the book, or didn't start the book, this event is open to anyone interested in a relaxed discussion about the themes and topics explored in the book. We will discuss opinions and/or personal experiences related to the book in a relaxed setting. We try our best to create a comfortable, safe space for the queer community, and if you have any questions or comments we would love to hear from you. Hope to see you there!
*About the book*
"Raised by a distant father and an understanding but overprotective mother, Vivek suffers disorienting blackouts, moments of disconnection between self and surroundings. As adolescence gives way to adulthood, Vivek finds solace in friendships with the warm, boisterous daughters of the Nigerwives, foreign-born women married to Nigerian men.
But Vivek’s closest bond is with Osita, the worldly, high-spirited cousin whose teasing confidence masks a guarded private life. As their relationship deepens—and Osita struggles to understand Vivek’s escalating crisis—the mystery gives way to a heart-stopping act of violence in a moment of exhilarating freedom.
Propulsively readable, teeming with unforgettable characters, The Death of Vivek Oji is a novel of family and friendship that challenges expectations—a dramatic story of loss and transcendence that will move every reader."
Genres (taken from Goodreads): “Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer, Literary Fiction, Africa"
*Accessibility*
Attend this book club in-person at Owl's Nest Books or send us a message to attend via Zoom. This event is held in spoken English, the meeting will be held after store hours so the space will be quiet.
IN-PERSON: There are no steps to get into Owl's Nest Books. There is a single occupancy washroom that is accessible to rolling. Armless folding chairs will be used during the meeting - feel free to bring a sitting cushion if you would prefer the ground. Masking if not enforced but welcome.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the îethka Nakoda Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney), the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Districts 5 and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
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ID: A blue/grey book cover with abstract swooshes of red and pink coming from the top corners and weaving together in the center bottom. The title and author are written in white overtop.