The 2026 installment of Hamilton Reads concludes this fall, but there’s still time to enjoy the highlighted book, enter the short story contest, and attend an event on campus.
This year’s book, The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse, is by Toronto-based author and McMaster University alumnus and professor Vinh Nguyen. The memoir explores themes of migration, identity, and belonging, creating space for readers to reflect on the diverse experiences that shape communities like Hamilton.
“The response to this year’s book has been tremendous, and it’s particularly special as it was penned by a McMaster alumnus,” said Jeff Mason, innovation and entrepreneurship librarian at the Health Sciences Library and McMaster’s Hamilton Reads co-chair.
The Hamilton Reads program invites the community to read and discuss one selected book each year, often highlighting local voices and stories that reflect the region’s experiences. It is led by Hamilton Public Library, in partnership with McMaster University, Mohawk College, and gritLIT.
Carrie McMullin, knowledge broker manager at the Office of Community Engagement and McMaster’s Hamilton Reads co-chair, added: “We’d love to see the support for Vinh and the book continue here at McMaster through to the end of the campaign.”
Hamilton Reads 2026 fall activities
In-person writing workshop with Vinh Nguyen
Join Vinh Nguyen for a writing workshop on Oct. 20, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main St. W. in downtown Hamilton. Everyone is welcome to attend. Admission is free. Reserve your seat on the event registration webpage for the workshop.
Short story contest
Community members, including McMaster students, staff, and faculty, are invited to participate in the Hamilton Reads short story contest, presented by McMaster University Libraries, the McMaster Office of Community Engagement, Mohawk College Library, and Hamilton Public Library. The deadline is Nov. 1, 2026. Learn more on the Hamilton Reads contest webpage.
Student book club at McMaster
The student book club features three in-person events at Student Success Centre Writing and Academic Skills Hub, room 215, in Mills Memorial Library. Students can attend one, two or all three events:
- Sept. 24, 2026, from 12:30-1:20 p.m. co-facilitation by Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council. Register on the event webpage for the Sept. 24 event.
- Oct. 1, 2026, from 12:30-1:20 p.m. co-facilitation by the McMaster Pride Community Centre. Register on the event webpage for the Oct. 1 event.
- Oct. 8, 2026, from 12:30-1:20 p.m. with a visit from Vinh Nguyen. The club meets at McMaster’s Student Success Centre Writing and Academic Skills Hub, room 215, in Mills Memorial Library. Register on the event webpage for the Oct. 8 event.
Hamilton Reads Finale
Attend a live reading with Hamilton Reads author Vinh Nguyen, in conversation with Kim Echlin, on Nov. 25, 2026, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Public Library West Harbour Branch, 77 Harbourside Way. Winners of the 2026 Hamilton Reads short story contest will also read from their work. Register on the event webpage for the finale.
