Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
The new branch of The Living Room Bookstore & Café in colonia 5 de diciembre will host the presentation of Toward Beauty: Reigniting a Creative Life on the Camino de Santiago, a new memoir and travelogue from gay Canadian theater director, Dennis Garnhum.
Garnhum, known for his leadership at institutions like the Grand Theatre and Theatre Calgary, chronicles a journey of self-discovery sparked by the sudden, global shutdown of the arts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the world of theatre abruptly closed its doors, Garnhum found himself facing a crisis of confidence and deep despair. His production of Room by bestselling author Emma Donoghue was lost in limbo, and his creative life—which had been defined by his public role—came to a halt.
His response was to seek solitude and renewal on one of the world’s most ancient paths: the Camino de Santiago. Toward Beauty is the story of Garnhum’s solo, 830-kilometer hike along the rugged Northern Way in Spain, which hugs the Atlantic coastline. As he walked from town to town, he confronted and reconciled his life’s contradictions: his identity as a public figure and independent artist; his simultaneous need for conversation and solitude; his Catholic upbringing alongside his life as a gay man.
“After a lifetime of searching for answers, a devastating two-year pandemic, and the journey of a lifetime, I am very proud to widely share my first book, a memoir,” Garnhum explained. “It is my hope that through reading this book, individuals will feel empowered to reach for the life that truly satisfies them, while forming a greater connection with the beauty that is present all around us.”
The book is already garnering high praise for its poignancy and charm. Bestselling author Emma Donoghue describes it as: “A vivid, thoughtful, and openhearted pilgrim’s tale of regeneration, Toward Beauty will charm and move you and make you laugh.”
Event Details
The official launch event will take place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at The Living Room Bookstore & Café (Colombia 1377), offering locals and visitors a chance to hear firsthand about Garnhum’s transformative journey and the insights he gained about creativity, faith, and personal identity. Books will be available for purchase at the event and the author will be signing them.
The book is also available on Amazon (Paperback: $15.95 US / E-book: $8.99 US). For more information on Dennis Garnhum, visit his Facebook page.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
