By  S. Lily Luong Do.
Special to The Dialog

Have you ever seen the 1989 movie the Dead Poet’s Society featuring comedian Robin Williams?

No? Well, you really should.

Why? He is portrayed as a teacher who works at a renowned preparatory school that challenges the status quo by teaching poetry, ripping out pages of textbooks and grandstanding on tables and chairs.

He teaches his students about life and literacy just as the International Festival of Authors in Toronto is expected to do at the Harbourfront Centre.

The only difference is that in place of Robin Williams are successful writers and authors. The festival started in 1974 and was an incorporated not-for profit by 1986.

The festival takes place between Oct. 18-28, with high-profile events being held: PEN Canada Benefit (Oct. 18), Governor Generals Literacy Award (Oct. 22), Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize Finalists (Oct. 24) and most renowned, the Scotiabank Giller Prize Finalists (Oct. 27).