Get your read on this summer.

The Newmarket Public Library and yorkregion.com have launched a book club event for residents 18 and older, called Newmarket Reads. The program is designed to promote literacy and the joy of reading.

It is a process of elimination, beginning with six novels by Canadian authors, five of which will be voted off after discussion and debate by readers.

“People have this notion that Canadian books are boring,” community services librarian Jennifer Leveridge said.

“We picked the six most talked about.”

The Canadian titles include Carol Shields’ The Stone Diaries, Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, Douglas Coupland’s Generation X, Anne Michaels’ Fugitive Pieces, Mordecai Richler’s Barney’s Version and Rohinton Mistry’s Such a Long Journey.

“People just don’t discuss books like they used to,” she added. “This contest is a neat way to start those discussions again.”

Residents will be invited to read each novel in the next four months and share their thoughts through the online discussion forum and book-talk sessions at the library.

Online reading guides are posted on yorkregion.com  for participants, featuring information on each of the books, awards, summary, information on the authors and discussion questions to keep in mind while reading.

Participants will be eligible to win weekly prizes and will be entered automatically in the grand prize draw.

“It’s a great way to keep your brain running throughout the summer,” said Mrs. Leveridge.

“You need to keep it going so you don’t lose any skills during the vacation months.”

The contest started July 1 and runs to Nov. 5.

For more information, visit Newmarket Reads online.