August @ Librairie Phoenix

Summer socials, thank yous and (re)introductions.

Author

Librairie Phoenix
August 01, 2025

This month at Librairie Phoenix we are slowing the pace, browsing our summer reads, and feeling grateful for the folks who gave us such a warm welcome in July! Let’s get into it →

Great ways to join us at Librairie Phoenix this month (More event details below):

  • Tarot & Oracle Readings with Aurora North! Saturday August 2nd

  • Photography workshop with Cat Myth Sunday August 3rd

  • Check out the New Art Exhibit featuring the Artist LaFey Sunday August 5th

  • Participate in the Silent Book Club (reading with company, no pressure to speak) Wednesday from 2pm-4pm

  • Share or listen to music and poetry at the EUPHONIC open mic (welcoming special guests ‘The Pudding Chomeur’) August 15th

  • Join the Charismagic Lab & The Bookstore Social August 17th!

  • Watch a movie with Cinema Phoenix August 21st

  • Come see artists drawing live in front of Librairie Phoenix (an initiative of Notre-dame-des-Art) afternoon of the 22nd

  • Stay for a comedy show with Aseem evening of August 22nd

  • Drawing meet up 4pm-6pm August 28th

  • We have another Charismagic Lab & Bookstore Social August 28th

  • Check out the Sharon Bijoux pop-up shop August 30th!

We have many many books on meditation and spiritual teachings. Asking deep questions about life? Come browse our philosophy, spirituality, religion and social analysis sections.

an work of art by Lafey

Art by Lafey (Felicia Fitzpatrick) has been using this name to sign her art since 1999. She studied digital imaging and studio arts as well as landscape design. A mixed media artist she enjoys including beads, string, fabric, and other objects to create depth and texture to an otherwise flat canvas surface. LaFey draws portraits of famous people who inspire her; mainly musicians but not exclusively. Her art could be described as pop art without the use of bold colours instead preferring a washed out subdued palette as well as aged paper. You’ll be able to see her artwork exhibited at Librairie Phoenix throughout August.

Books We’re Loving Lately:

“Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown (Psychology)

“Better Living Through Birding” by Christian Cooper (Nature / lgbtqia+ memoir)

“How To Survive History” by Cody Cassidy (Funny history)

“Victory. Stand. Raising My Fist For Justice” by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile (Graphic Memoir)

“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” (Parenting)

🌟 Spotlight On New Arrivals:

Local author Eleni Marino’s memoir (Available in French and English)

Phoenix’s reading recommendations this month:

  1. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (Contemporary Fiction) by Gabrielle Zevin

  2. Blink: The Power Of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell (Psychology/Sociology)

  3. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice (Dystopian Thriller - Canadian author)

  4. Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue state Russia and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth by Rachel Maddow (History & Politics)

  5. A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway (Classical Literary Fiction)

  6. Life of Pi by Yann Martel (Classical Literature, Magical Realism - Canadian Author)

  7. We, the Others: Allophones, Immigrants and Belonging in Canada by Toula Drimonis (Sociology / Politics)

This month come in for some laughs with the Book ‘em Comedy show featuring Aseem (Aseem’s standup comedy facebook page) 8pm - Friday, August 22nd 2025 - 90 minute show. Tickets are available now, get them while they are hot and $10 when you buy them at Librairie Phoenix - $15 online.

(Re)introducing Raven & Paradise!

At some point in July I realized I’ve been so busy focused on making Phoenix welcoming that I forgot I am part of the welcoming committee. So here it goes: I am a Montrealer who has travelled much of Canada and lived most of my life on the west coast. I have been an artist, community/event organizer, writer, musician, massage therapist, arts and music impresario most of my life. My grandparents and mother were also Montrealers. I lived in Montreal when I was very young, but moved to British Columbia for my formative educational years, returning to Montreal in 2012. I have been working in NDG since 2016 and calling it my home since 2018. I am very grateful for the warm welcome Paradise and I have received, since I have taken up caring for Phoenix Books. This community is wonderful!

Raven

Paradise is very friendly and loves people, other animals and of course enjoys being close to me. She has been my buddy for 4 years. I will bring Paradise to Librairie Phoenix with me only occasionally. She will not be a constant bookstore cat for those who are afraid of or allergic to cats.

Notebooks with a Story – Discover the unique charm of Indian Knick Knacks notebooks, also available now at Librairie Phoenix! Each notebook is crafted from recycled handmade paper, with its own incredible story — some made from old firecracker and tobacco wrappers, some bound by the blind, others created using traditional tie-and-dye or paper weaving techniques. There are many more and you can explore the full collection, plus more beautiful fabric creations, just next door to Phoenix Bookstore at 5924 Sherbrooke West. If you want to write, find a notebook or journal that is right for you! 📚🌿

Phoenix Events In August

Starting hot!

(Tomorrow !) Aug. 2nd - Aurora returns for tarot & mediumship readings, Saturday, sign up day of at Phoenix or message Aurora via the event page to RSVP.

Aug. 3rd - Photography workshop with Cat Myth (Send me a message if you would be interested in more skill building workshops on photography or any other subject.)

Wednesdays August 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th - from 2pm-4 pm join the Silent Book Club for a relaxing space to read, to browse books and cool off. Come as you are. No pressure to socialize.

CHIMERA Open Mic (has been postponed)

Aug. 15th - EUPHONIC musical and performance poetry open mic, bring your words and your rhythm! Sign-up starts at 6 pm. Featuring the Pudding Chomeur

August 17th - The Charismagic Lab is facilitating another round of social skill building workshops and Bookstore Socials this month, join us for sips, deep discussions and socializing.

Aug. 21st - Cinema Phoenix will likely showcase Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”

Aug. 22nd - Notre-Dame-Des-Arts is sharing some of their talent with Phoenix and we will be hosting two young artists doing some live drawing out front on the sidewalk afternoon of the 22nd - and if the weather is not good, we will host them on the 24th.

Aug. 22nd The Book’em Comedy Show Featuring Aseem starts at 8pm, buy your tickets in advance online ($15) or in Phoenix ($10). Please be mindful that only Librairie Phoenix and Aseem are selling tickets. Please do not purchase from 3rd parties as we cannot guarantee authenticity.

August - As you may have noticed, we are increasing labeling, communications and posts in French. While we remain a mostly English bookstore featuring a smaller selection books in a few languages, we’re committed to inclusivity and accessibility. While we are striving to make French a priority and be compliant with regulations of the Office of French Language, we also want to continue to be multi-lingual and as accessible to as many people as possible. If you see ways we can be of service or communicate more effectively in the language of your preference, let us know.

August 28th - We’re drawing upon some new inspirations and continuing the drawing meetup from 4-6 pm on Thursday.

August 28th Amy Zhou returns with another Charismagic Lab & Bookstore Social from 6-8pm

August 30th - Bijoux Par Sharon - will be sharing her art in a jewellery pop-up shop inside Phoenix afternoon of the 30th

All for now! In warmth & illumination, Raven