BOOK NEWS
Special Event
Louise Penny in Conversation with Hal Wake
Tickets for Louise Penny in Conversation with Hal Wake are going fast! Purchase your ticket today and on August 24, come hear Penny read from her newest book, The Nature of the Beast, and answer all your burning questions about Three Pines and Inspector Gamache. Bring a friend and introduce them to this thrilling crime series-they'll thank you!
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine. Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest
Know a young writer? Tell them about our writing contest for BC grades 8-12 students, http://writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
FESTIVALS
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring Camilla Gibb, Alison Pick, Ian Weir, Michael Winter and others. August 13-16, 2015. Sechelt, BC. Information at writersfestival.ca.
Vancouver Queer Film Festival
The 27th Annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival runs Aug 13-23. For details on the full line-up and tickets, click here, http://queerfilmfestival.ca/tickets/.
AWARDS & LISTS
The just-announced 2015 Man Booker longlist features for the first time a Jamaican author, Marlon James, who will be appearing at this year's Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/long-list-for-2015-man-booker-prize-revealed/article25749039/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/long-list-for-2015-man-booker-prize-revealed/article25749039/
The Guardian's Not the Booker Prize longlist has been announced. The newspaper's readers will determine the shortlist.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/27/the-magnificent-70-guardian-not-the-booker-prize-longlist-announced
Naomi Klein has won the 2015 American Book Award for her 2014 title This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. The annual prize celebrates diversity in publishing.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/07/21/naomi-klein-wins-2015-american-book-award/
YOUNG READERS
Ashlyn Anstee's first picture book, Are We There, Yeti?, has just been released. In this interview, the former Vancouverite discusses her recent move, the switch from animation to picture books, inspiration, and diversity in her book.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/07/23/qa-kidlit-author-illustrator-ashlyn-anstee/
NEWS & FEATURES
We've all heard about Canada's two solitudes. In this interview, Joseph Boyden discusses Canada's third: its First Nations peoples, and a new project to "integrate indigenous knowledge" into cultural institutions.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/07/27/qa-joseph-boyden-on-canadas-three-solitudes/
Salman Rushdie is speaking out against censorship in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo massacre. He says that, among other things, "if the attacks against The Satanic Verses had taken place today, these (writers) would not have
defended me."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11759789/Salman-Rushdie-says-he-could-not-depend-on-fellow-writers-for-support-to-write-Satanic-Verses-today.html
A self-publishing machine at a Windsor, Ontario, library has produced more than 10,000 books in three years. "There have been more than 248 individual titles produced, books in English, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and French, and authors from teenagers to writers in their 80s."
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/with-10699-books-printed-windsor-librarys-self-publishing-machine-is-a-hit
Ragtime author E.L. Doctorow has died. A book review of Andrew's Brain (his most recent novel), described Doctorow as "operating in the shadow of the Transcendentalists, ‘a romantic, a true believer — in the myth of America as a shining city, despite its various and ongoing failures to live up to its better self.'"
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-e-l-doctorow-dies-ragtime-author-20150721-story.html
The first printing run of Go Set a Watchman has missing text! Customers who ordered the book online have been promised a new copy, while e-book lovers are thumbing their noses at their paper-reading brethren, thanks to the automatic update-capabilities of digital versions.
http://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-news/go-set-a-watchman-missing-text-debacle-makes-people-switch-to-kindle
What's another great thing about e-books? They can't get stolen! Here's a great little piece on combating book theft in the middle ages.
http://medievalbooks.nl/2015/07/10/chain-chest-curse-combating-book-theft-in-medieval-times/
How does a writing career get launched? If you're Haruki Murakami, it's thanks to baseball!
http://www.openculture.com/2015/07/read-online-haruki-murakamis-new-essay-on-how-a-baseball-game-launched-his-writing-career.html
Speaking of American pastimes, Richard Kreitner has compiled an "obsessively detailed map of American literature's most epic road trips!" It includes "every place-name reference in 12 books about cross-country travel, from Mark Twain's Roughing It (1872) to Cheryl Strayed's Wild (2012), and maps the authors' routes on top of one another."
http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-obsessively-detailed-map-of-american-literatures-most-epic-road-trips
BOOKS & WRITERS
Jane Urquhart's The Night Stages is "a novel of melancholy and missed chances." "Tender" and "meditative," Urquhart's eighth novel contains three narratives, all of which are linked by a night spent by an Englishwoman in a Canadian airport circa 1960.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/27/books/review-jane-urquharts-the-night-stages-a-novel-of-melancholy-and-missed-chances.html
In this week's Out Loud Podcast (published by the New Yorker), David Remnick interviews Ta-Nehisi Coats. He discusses his life, new book, Between the World and Me, and journalism career, here:
http://www.newyorker.com/podcast/out-loud/bonus-ta-nehisi-coates
Susan Musgrave's new book tackles more than poetry…it's also a cookbook! A Taste of Haida Gwaii: Food Gathering and Feasting at the Edge of the World "celebrates through words, photos, and recipes both the cuisine and the community that has become her home."
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/07/20/qa-susan-musgrave-on-her-new-cookbook/
In her second novel, A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara "wanted everything turned up a little too high." She discusses writing in a "fevered" state and "a childhood spent drawing cadavers and waiting in motel rooms" here.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/26/hanya-yanagihara-i-wanted-everything-turned-up-a-little-too-high-interview-a-little-life
An original short story, Two Families, by Sheila Heti, is the subject of this week's Guardian books podcast. In the story, the Canadian author tackles a pretty common problem: "what happens when you don't find your comedian brother funny?"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/audio/2015/jul/27/short-story-two-families-sheila-heti
It's always fun to read about the literary inspirations of well-known authors. The Pleasure of Reading, a "collection in which acclaimed writers explained what first piqued their interest in literature, and what made them continue to do so" has been reissued, 22 years after it was first released. Here's an excerpt, featuring Margaret Atwood and Tom Stoppard.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/goodlife/11730754/My-favourite-books-Sir-Tom-Stoppard-and-Margaret-Atwood.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PATRICK TAYLOR
Join the bestselling author of the Irish Country Series for conversation and a reading from An Irish Country Doctor in Peace and at War. Thursday, August 6 at 2:30pm. Ambleside Park, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
CHINESE CANADIAN AUTHORS' BOOK LAUNCH (in Mandarin)
The Chinese Canadian Writers' Association (CCWA) will have a book launch featuring three books: A History of Global Modern Chinese Literature (3 volumes) by Dr. Sen Ma; Letters Across the Straits by Ya Xian and Yang Jiasheng; and Essays on Chinese Literature by Mr. Jingsheng Ren. Saturday, August 8 at 2:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
DEANNA YOUNG
Author launches her latest book of poetry, House Dreams. Saturday, August 8 at 7:00pm, free. Salt Spring Public Library, Salt Spring Island. More information at saltspring.bc.libraries.coop.
MAGPIE ULYSSES
The Vancouver Poetry House presents Magpie Ulysses at Van Slam. Monday, August 10 at 7:00pm. Cost: $6-$10 sliding scale. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryslam.com.
POETRY IN THE PARK
Featuring Bonnie Nish, Elaine Woo and Deanna Young. Hosted by Lilija Valis. Wednesday, August 12 at 6pm, free. Queen's Park Bandshell, New Westminster. Details at rclas.com.
KILLER CANADIANS
Featuring Barbara Fradkin, E.R. Brown and Sam Wiebe. Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
CAITLIN ROTHER
Author discusses her most recent books including the mystery novel Naked Addiction and true crime books I'll Take Care of You and the upcoming Then No One Can Have Her. Thursday, August 13 at 4:00pm, free. Library Program room, Salt Spring Island Public Library, Salt Spring Island. More information at 250-537-4666.
RICHARD GOODFELLOW
Vancouver author signs his debut thriller novel, Collector of Secrets. Saturday, August 15 at 2:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby.
ROBERT WIERSEMA
The author of Black Features will read from his book, answer questions and sign. Saturday, August 22 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
PLAY ON WORDS
The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) Central Branch is hosting the 2nd annual two day celebration of literary arts in all its diverse forms. August 28 at 12:00pm. Central Courtyard, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
Upcoming
W. JAMES DICKINSON
Local author will read from his book Raptor Night. Friday, September 11 at 4:00pm, free. Salt Spring Island Public Library, Salt Spring Island. More information at saltspring.bc.libraries.coop.
DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Five poets/poetry-lovers/readers/writers bring to life the works of their favourite deceased poets. Each reader will give a brief presentation on the life and work of their chosen poet, followed by a poetry reading. Sunday, September 13 at 3:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at deadpoetslive.com.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Features poets Bren Simmers and Raoul Fernandes. Tuesday, September 15 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at harbourpublishing.com.
KOOTENAY BOOKWEEKEND
The Kootenay Bookweekend will be hosting passionate page-tuners reading and discussing The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, Local Customs by Audrey Thomas and our guest author, Arno Kopecky's book The Oil Man and the Sea. September 18-20, 2015 in Nelson, BC. Registration forms and information at kootenaybookweekend.ca.
EUROPEAN BOOK CLUB
Presents My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. Moderated by Dr. Elisa Segnini. Saturday, September 19 at 3:00pm, free but register at eubookclub.vancouver@gmail.com. Kitsilano Branch, VPL. More information at alliancefrancaise.ca.
COMPLETELY MIXED UP
A display of creativity exploring what it means to be of mixed Asian North American Heritage. Monday, September 21 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Featuring books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 23-27, 2015. Various locations. For complete details, visit wordvancouver.ca.
AUTHORS UNBOUND UNINTERRUPTED
An evening of entertainment and inspiration provided by six local People of the Page: Mauro Azzano, Margo Bates, Kempton Dexter, Pattry Emry, Ron Kearse and Lillja Valis. Monday, September 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Book News Vol. 10 No. 18
BOOK NEWS
Special Event
Louise Penny in Conversation with Hal Wake
Reviewers are already raving about The Nature of the Beast! Library Journal says, "A strong sense of place, a multilayered plot, and well-crafted (and for Penny's fans, familiar) characters combine for a thoughtful, intriguing tale."
Hear Louise Penny read from The Nature of the Beast on August 24th. Proceeds from book sales at the event will go to Paul's Club, a social and recreational day program in Vancouver that helps those living with Early
Onset Dementia. Donations will also be accepted at the event.
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine. Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest
Know a young writer? Tell them about our writing contest for BC grades 8-12 students, http://writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
FESTIVALS
All Nations Festival
All Nations Festival celebrating Coast Salish culture July 23-35 at LaFarge Lake in Coquitlam.. Free fun for the family featuring the indomitable Lee Maracle with sports, concerts, bbq salmon, music and dance and traditional Kids Art Stations. For more info: http://www.allnationsfest.com/.
Vancouver Queer Film Festival
The 27th Annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival runs Aug 13-23. For details on the full line-up and the Scotiabank Super Pass (available until Friday, July 24): http://queerfilmfestival.ca/tickets/
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. August 13-16, 2015. Sechelt, BC. Information at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
Kate Cayley has won the $20,000 Trillium Book Award, which recognizes the best books published each year by Ontario authors. Cayley won for her debut collection of short fiction, How You Were Born.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-kate-cayley-wins-trillium-book-award/article25013613/
The shortlists for the British Fantasy Awards have been revealed. Lavie Tidhar's A Man Lies Dreaming leads the pack.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/21/british-fantasy-awards-shortlists-lavie-tidhar-man-lies-dreaming
YOUNG READERS
The ultimate YA CanLit list has been released. How many have you read? Take a quiz and see the list here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/books100ya.html
Nearly 10 years after Hurricane Katrina, "we can point to numerous stories that grapple with the multifaceted dimensions of this devastating event." Here are a few aimed at kids and young adults.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/kids-in-the-aftermath-katrina-young-adult-fiction/
Here's something no one expected: a new book from Dr. Seuss! What Pet Should I Get is the latest from the long-dead literary legend.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/20/books/review-what-pet-should-i-get-a-new-book-from-dr-seuss.html
NEWS & FEATURES
Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman has knocked EL James' 50 Shades of Grey sequel from the top of the UK book charts. The book has sold over 207,000 copies in the UK since it was released on July 14th.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/21/go-set-a-watchman-knocks-el-jamess-grey-from-top-of-uk-book-charts
Go Set a Watchman's sales are even better in North America. It has sold more than one million copies in the US and Canada.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/20/harper-lee-go-set-a-watchman-1-million-copies
Besides good sales, the triumph of Go Set a Watchman has been this: "The Atticus of To Kill a Mockingbird gave the US something to aspire to. Now, Harper Lee's long-lost companion novel offers a protagonist who could make us look at ourselves anew."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/21/go-set-a-watchman-harper-lee-legacy-civil-rights
What's in a book cover? These unbelievable book covers make the sexism of the publishing industry undeniable.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/this-shocking-book-cover-sums-up-the-sneaky-sexism-of-literary-publishing_55ad4b36e4b0d2ded39faad6
It was Ernest Hemingway's birthday this past week. To celebrate, the CBC is highlighting "five inspiring quotes from the man himself." Check them out here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/07/5-inspiring-quotes-from-ernest-hemingway.html
The CBC has also produced a list for a much more regular type of birthday: your 30th! Here are "30 works of Canadian fiction to read before you're 30."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/07/30-works-of-canadian-fiction-to-read-before-youre-30.html
Book illustrators are launching a social media campaign for cover credit. The aim is to give "illustrators' names front-page credit alongside writers."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11752769/PicturesMeanBusiness-campaign-calls-for-proper-credit-for-book-illustrators.html
Are there literary uses for boredom? Rivka Galchen and Adam Kirsch discuss "whether boring books might serve an interesting purpose" in this week's New York Times' Bookends.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/books/review/are-there-literary-uses-for-boredom.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Quill and Quire has released its 2015 fiction fall preview. Check it out here:
http://www.quillandquire.com/preview/2015/07/20/2015-fall-fiction-preview/1/#search
"Chekhov, unlike 99 percent of us who have admired him, never allowed himself to write autobiographical stories." A new collection highlights stories written by the Russian as a young man.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/what-rubbish-they-publish-anton-chekhov/
Sarah Leipciger's debut novel, The Mountain Can Wait, "captures the beauty of British Columbia." Though she now lives in London, Leipciger's "geographies of the West are rendered here with remarkable finesse."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-sarah-leipcigers-the-mountain-can-wait-captures-the-beauty-of-british-columbia/article25553296/
Helen Humphreys is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In this interview, she discusses her new book The Evening Chorus, the best advice she's ever received, and more.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-helen-humphreys-on-why-she-wrote-her-new-book-the-best-advice-shes-received-and-more/article22829727/
Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me is a "visceral take on being Black in America." "I wanted to make racism tactile, visceral," Coates said in an interview. "Because it is."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/18/books/ta-nehisi-coatess-visceral-take-on-being-black-in-america.html
Forty years ago, most of the world ignored this "culture-hopping" novel by Fran Ross. Readers now have a chance to enjoy Oreo, a "sandwich-cookie of a feminist comic novel," which has been reissued.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/15/books/review-oreo-a-sandwich-cookie-of-a-feminist-comic-novel.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Thursday, July 23 at 5:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
MASHED POETICS
A night of spoken word and music mash-up where we pick a music album, form a cover band, and get poets to write new poems based on the music. Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets: $10. 7 Dining Lounge, 53 West Broadway, Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.
intergen(d)erational call & response
Spoken word performances that challenge and inspire. A collaborative project of Quirk-e (Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders) and Youth 4 A Change. Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
Upcoming
RICHARD GOODFELLOW
Vancouver author signs his debut thriller novel, Collector of Secrets. Saturday, August 15 at 2:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby.
CAITLIN ROTHER
Author discusses her most recent books including the mystery novel Naked Addiction and true crime books I'll Take Care of You and the upcoming Then No One Can Have Her. Thursday, August 13 at 4:00pm, free. Library Program room, Salt Spring Island Public Library, Salt Spring Island. More information at 250-537-4666.
KOOTENAY BOOKWEEKEND
The Kootenay Bookweekend will be hosting passionate page-tuners reading and discussing The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, Local Customs by Audrey Thomas and our guest author, Arno Kopecky's book The Oil Man and the Sea. September 18-20, 2015 in Nelson, BC. Registration forms and information at kootenaybookweekend.ca.
Special Event
Louise Penny in Conversation with Hal Wake
Reviewers are already raving about The Nature of the Beast! Library Journal says, "A strong sense of place, a multilayered plot, and well-crafted (and for Penny's fans, familiar) characters combine for a thoughtful, intriguing tale."
Hear Louise Penny read from The Nature of the Beast on August 24th. Proceeds from book sales at the event will go to Paul's Club, a social and recreational day program in Vancouver that helps those living with Early
Onset Dementia. Donations will also be accepted at the event.
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine. Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest
Know a young writer? Tell them about our writing contest for BC grades 8-12 students, http://writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
FESTIVALS
All Nations Festival
All Nations Festival celebrating Coast Salish culture July 23-35 at LaFarge Lake in Coquitlam.. Free fun for the family featuring the indomitable Lee Maracle with sports, concerts, bbq salmon, music and dance and traditional Kids Art Stations. For more info: http://www.allnationsfest.com/.
Vancouver Queer Film Festival
The 27th Annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival runs Aug 13-23. For details on the full line-up and the Scotiabank Super Pass (available until Friday, July 24): http://queerfilmfestival.ca/tickets/
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. August 13-16, 2015. Sechelt, BC. Information at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
Kate Cayley has won the $20,000 Trillium Book Award, which recognizes the best books published each year by Ontario authors. Cayley won for her debut collection of short fiction, How You Were Born.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-kate-cayley-wins-trillium-book-award/article25013613/
The shortlists for the British Fantasy Awards have been revealed. Lavie Tidhar's A Man Lies Dreaming leads the pack.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/21/british-fantasy-awards-shortlists-lavie-tidhar-man-lies-dreaming
YOUNG READERS
The ultimate YA CanLit list has been released. How many have you read? Take a quiz and see the list here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/books100ya.html
Nearly 10 years after Hurricane Katrina, "we can point to numerous stories that grapple with the multifaceted dimensions of this devastating event." Here are a few aimed at kids and young adults.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/kids-in-the-aftermath-katrina-young-adult-fiction/
Here's something no one expected: a new book from Dr. Seuss! What Pet Should I Get is the latest from the long-dead literary legend.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/20/books/review-what-pet-should-i-get-a-new-book-from-dr-seuss.html
NEWS & FEATURES
Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman has knocked EL James' 50 Shades of Grey sequel from the top of the UK book charts. The book has sold over 207,000 copies in the UK since it was released on July 14th.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/21/go-set-a-watchman-knocks-el-jamess-grey-from-top-of-uk-book-charts
Go Set a Watchman's sales are even better in North America. It has sold more than one million copies in the US and Canada.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/20/harper-lee-go-set-a-watchman-1-million-copies
Besides good sales, the triumph of Go Set a Watchman has been this: "The Atticus of To Kill a Mockingbird gave the US something to aspire to. Now, Harper Lee's long-lost companion novel offers a protagonist who could make us look at ourselves anew."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/21/go-set-a-watchman-harper-lee-legacy-civil-rights
What's in a book cover? These unbelievable book covers make the sexism of the publishing industry undeniable.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/this-shocking-book-cover-sums-up-the-sneaky-sexism-of-literary-publishing_55ad4b36e4b0d2ded39faad6
It was Ernest Hemingway's birthday this past week. To celebrate, the CBC is highlighting "five inspiring quotes from the man himself." Check them out here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/07/5-inspiring-quotes-from-ernest-hemingway.html
The CBC has also produced a list for a much more regular type of birthday: your 30th! Here are "30 works of Canadian fiction to read before you're 30."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/07/30-works-of-canadian-fiction-to-read-before-youre-30.html
Book illustrators are launching a social media campaign for cover credit. The aim is to give "illustrators' names front-page credit alongside writers."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11752769/PicturesMeanBusiness-campaign-calls-for-proper-credit-for-book-illustrators.html
Are there literary uses for boredom? Rivka Galchen and Adam Kirsch discuss "whether boring books might serve an interesting purpose" in this week's New York Times' Bookends.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/books/review/are-there-literary-uses-for-boredom.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Quill and Quire has released its 2015 fiction fall preview. Check it out here:
http://www.quillandquire.com/preview/2015/07/20/2015-fall-fiction-preview/1/#search
"Chekhov, unlike 99 percent of us who have admired him, never allowed himself to write autobiographical stories." A new collection highlights stories written by the Russian as a young man.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/what-rubbish-they-publish-anton-chekhov/
Sarah Leipciger's debut novel, The Mountain Can Wait, "captures the beauty of British Columbia." Though she now lives in London, Leipciger's "geographies of the West are rendered here with remarkable finesse."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-sarah-leipcigers-the-mountain-can-wait-captures-the-beauty-of-british-columbia/article25553296/
Helen Humphreys is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In this interview, she discusses her new book The Evening Chorus, the best advice she's ever received, and more.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-helen-humphreys-on-why-she-wrote-her-new-book-the-best-advice-shes-received-and-more/article22829727/
Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me is a "visceral take on being Black in America." "I wanted to make racism tactile, visceral," Coates said in an interview. "Because it is."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/18/books/ta-nehisi-coatess-visceral-take-on-being-black-in-america.html
Forty years ago, most of the world ignored this "culture-hopping" novel by Fran Ross. Readers now have a chance to enjoy Oreo, a "sandwich-cookie of a feminist comic novel," which has been reissued.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/15/books/review-oreo-a-sandwich-cookie-of-a-feminist-comic-novel.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Thursday, July 23 at 5:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
MASHED POETICS
A night of spoken word and music mash-up where we pick a music album, form a cover band, and get poets to write new poems based on the music. Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets: $10. 7 Dining Lounge, 53 West Broadway, Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.
intergen(d)erational call & response
Spoken word performances that challenge and inspire. A collaborative project of Quirk-e (Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders) and Youth 4 A Change. Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
Upcoming
RICHARD GOODFELLOW
Vancouver author signs his debut thriller novel, Collector of Secrets. Saturday, August 15 at 2:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby.
CAITLIN ROTHER
Author discusses her most recent books including the mystery novel Naked Addiction and true crime books I'll Take Care of You and the upcoming Then No One Can Have Her. Thursday, August 13 at 4:00pm, free. Library Program room, Salt Spring Island Public Library, Salt Spring Island. More information at 250-537-4666.
KOOTENAY BOOKWEEKEND
The Kootenay Bookweekend will be hosting passionate page-tuners reading and discussing The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, Local Customs by Audrey Thomas and our guest author, Arno Kopecky's book The Oil Man and the Sea. September 18-20, 2015 in Nelson, BC. Registration forms and information at kootenaybookweekend.ca.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Book News Vol. 10 No. 17
BOOK NEWS
Special Event
Louise Penny in conversation with Hal Wake
Count down the days to our event with Louise Penny with 'The Real Places of Three Pines' (gamacheseries.com), a series of bi-monthly blog posts about locations from each of the Inspector Gamache novels. Discover the inspiration behind the Hadley House from A Fatal Grace, the general store from The Brutal Telling, the monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups from The Beautiful Mystery and more!
After you've explored Three Pines, head on over to our website to purchase a ticket for our event so you can be among the first to hear Louise discuss her latest book, The Nature of the Beast, with Hal Wake on August 24th.
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine. Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest
Know a young writer? Tell them about our writing contest for BC grades 8-12 students, http://writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
FESTIVALS
Indian Summer Festival's #ISFIdeas Series presents a hot double bill: 5x15 features five brilliant local and international storytellers (Naresh Fernandes, Amber Dawn, Meeru Dhalwala, Patrick Stewart and Jagdeep Mangat) and Taj Mahal Foxtrot evokes 1930s Bombay, when American jazz musicians met Indian artists, and brought swing to the streets of India. Details at indiansummerfest.ca.
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. August 13-16, 2015. Sechelt, BC. Information at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
Emily Carroll and Jillian and Mariko Tamaki have won the 2015 Eisner Awards. The former for best short story, while the latter two were awarded the prize for best graphic novel.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/07/14/jillian-and-mariko-tamaki-emily-carroll-win-2015-eisner-awards/
YOUNG READERS
Here are three new picture books worth checking out: The Princess and the Pony, by Kate Beaton, Float, by Daniel Miyares, and InvisiBill, by Maureen Fergus. The first turns the idea of "cute" on its head, the second is a celebration of "play," and the last is about how family can make you invisible.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-a-trio-of-new-picture-books-by-kate-beaton-daniel-miyares-and-maureen-fergus/article25251312/
NEWS & FEATURES
Nominations are still open for the 2015 City of Vancouver Mayor's Arts Awards. Deadline has been extended to Friday, July 17.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/2015/5/29/nominations-open-for-the-2015-city-of-vancouver-mayors-arts-awards
Harper Lee is all over the news this week, with her new (old) novel Go Set a Watchman finally being released. Now, her lawyer is suggesting that she may have written a third novel.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/13/harper-lee-third-novel-lawyer-tonja-carter
When is a bestseller not a bestseller? The New York Times had omitted Ted Cruz's colouring book from its bestseller list after accusations of bulk purchasing.
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/07/when-is-a-bestseller-not-a-bestseller-when-the-nyt-says-so/
The mayor of Venice has officially banned books in schools that "include themes of homosexuality and disability." As a result, Venetian libraries are up in arms, with many librarians encouraging people to read banned titles.
http://www.mhpbooks.com/mayor-of-venice-bans-gay-friendly-childrens-books/
Chris Hadfield has penned an ode to the "delightful impossibility" of Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles. Check it out, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/chris-hadfield-pens-an-ode-to-the-delightful-impossibility-of-ray-bradburys-martian-chronicles/article25414257/
Do you re-read books? Nabokov once claimed that "there is no reading, only rereading!" Here's Tim Parks' take on the matter.
http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2015/jul/11/rereading-unlocking-the-mind/
Charles Dickens' notes have revealed previously unknown identities of short-story authors, including Wilkie Collins and Lewis Carroll. "The find also gives insight into Dickens' nepotism, showing that he used his weekly magazine All the Year Round to publish three articles of dubious quality by his then teenage sons, Frank and Sydney."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/charles-dickens-notes-solve-the-mystery-of-unidentified-victorian-authors-10384128.html
Is the author pseudonym passé? "It's two years since JK Rowling's 'Robert Galbraith' revelation, yet the only literary disguise of late has been Erika Leonard masquerading as EL James. Could the nom de plume be a thing of the past?"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jul/10/demise-pseudonyms-books?CMP=twt_books-gdnbooks
The U.S. Authors Guild is fighting low ebook royalties. "As authors struggle with ever-diminishing profits on their work, the Guild said the time has come for publishers to change their e-book royalty rate."
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/67433-authors-guild-slams-inadequate-e-book-royalty.html
What are the consequences of our cultural obsession with newness? That's the question asked in this week's New York Times' Bookends. Siddhartha Deb and Anna Holmes discuss.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/19/books/review/what-are-the-consequences-of-our-cultural-obsession-with-newness.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
The first reviews of Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee's second novel, have come out. Here's The Guardian's take on the book, which they call "more complex" than To Kill a Mockbird, but "less compelling."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/12/go-set-a-watchman-review-harper-lee-to-kill-a-mockingbird
Canada's largest public art project has been documented in a new book called Art for War and Peace. The Sampson-Matthews silkscreen project was "a patriotic endeavor during WWII," spurring the printing of paintings that featured Canadian landscapes by the likes of Emily Carr and the Group of Seven.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-s-largest-public-art-project-documented-in-new-book-art-for-war-and-peace-1.3140814
A new book, Meanwhile There Are Letters, is about mutual reawakening. In this case, the reawakening was between two famous authors: Eudora Welty, maven of Southern letters, and Ross Macdonald, a best-selling crime writer!
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/14/books/review-eudora-welty-and-ross-macdonald-conjoined-by-a-torrent-of-words.html
Despite what its title might imply, Poetry is Useless, by Anders Nilsen, isn't anti-poetry. Along with Marc Bell's Stroppy (also reviewed here), it's a book of cartoons with a very literary (and poetic) bent!
http://www.straight.com/life/487776/marc-bell-and-anders-nilsen-poetry-and-world-making
In this piece, Jade Colbert looks at new work by Martine Delvaux, Jocelyn Saucier and Suzanne Leblanc. Among the subjects tackled: female coming-of-age stories, familial love, growing up in Quebec, and what it might be like to be the sister of a 19th-century philosopher.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-jade-colbert-looks-at-new-work-by-martine-delvaux-jocelyne-saucier-and-suzanne-leblanc/article25414158/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DRUNK DIAL
Open Circles presents a night of poetry and other performances. Featuring Sydney McNeill, Kristel Saan, Ole Vezina, Curtis Aucoin and Cara Seccafien. Open mic sign up still available by emailing iamresonantbellworld@gmail.com. Sunday, July 19 at 8:00pm. The Media Club, 695 Cambie Street, Vancouver.
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Thursday, July 23 at 5:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
MASHED POETICS
A night of spoken word and music mash-up where we pick a music album, form a cover band, and get poets to write new poems based on the music. Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets: $10. 7 Dining Lounge, 53 West Broadway, Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.
intergen(d)erational call & response
Spoken word performances that challenge and inspire. A collaborative project of Quirk-e (Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders) and Youth 4 A Change. Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
Upcoming
RICHARD GOODFELLOW
Vancouver author signs his debut thriller novel, Collector of Secrets. Saturday, August 15 at 2:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby.
KOOTENAY BOOKWEEKEND
The Kootenay Bookweekend will be hosting passionate page-tuners reading and discussing The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, Local Customs by Audrey Thomas and our guest author, Arno Kopecky's book The Oil Man and the Sea. September 18-20, 2015 in Nelson, BC. Registration forms and information at kootenaybookweekend.ca.
Special Event
Louise Penny in conversation with Hal Wake
Count down the days to our event with Louise Penny with 'The Real Places of Three Pines' (gamacheseries.com), a series of bi-monthly blog posts about locations from each of the Inspector Gamache novels. Discover the inspiration behind the Hadley House from A Fatal Grace, the general store from The Brutal Telling, the monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups from The Beautiful Mystery and more!
After you've explored Three Pines, head on over to our website to purchase a ticket for our event so you can be among the first to hear Louise discuss her latest book, The Nature of the Beast, with Hal Wake on August 24th.
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine. Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest
Know a young writer? Tell them about our writing contest for BC grades 8-12 students, http://writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
FESTIVALS
Indian Summer Festival's #ISFIdeas Series presents a hot double bill: 5x15 features five brilliant local and international storytellers (Naresh Fernandes, Amber Dawn, Meeru Dhalwala, Patrick Stewart and Jagdeep Mangat) and Taj Mahal Foxtrot evokes 1930s Bombay, when American jazz musicians met Indian artists, and brought swing to the streets of India. Details at indiansummerfest.ca.
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. August 13-16, 2015. Sechelt, BC. Information at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
Emily Carroll and Jillian and Mariko Tamaki have won the 2015 Eisner Awards. The former for best short story, while the latter two were awarded the prize for best graphic novel.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/07/14/jillian-and-mariko-tamaki-emily-carroll-win-2015-eisner-awards/
YOUNG READERS
Here are three new picture books worth checking out: The Princess and the Pony, by Kate Beaton, Float, by Daniel Miyares, and InvisiBill, by Maureen Fergus. The first turns the idea of "cute" on its head, the second is a celebration of "play," and the last is about how family can make you invisible.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-a-trio-of-new-picture-books-by-kate-beaton-daniel-miyares-and-maureen-fergus/article25251312/
NEWS & FEATURES
Nominations are still open for the 2015 City of Vancouver Mayor's Arts Awards. Deadline has been extended to Friday, July 17.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/2015/5/29/nominations-open-for-the-2015-city-of-vancouver-mayors-arts-awards
Harper Lee is all over the news this week, with her new (old) novel Go Set a Watchman finally being released. Now, her lawyer is suggesting that she may have written a third novel.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/13/harper-lee-third-novel-lawyer-tonja-carter
When is a bestseller not a bestseller? The New York Times had omitted Ted Cruz's colouring book from its bestseller list after accusations of bulk purchasing.
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/07/when-is-a-bestseller-not-a-bestseller-when-the-nyt-says-so/
The mayor of Venice has officially banned books in schools that "include themes of homosexuality and disability." As a result, Venetian libraries are up in arms, with many librarians encouraging people to read banned titles.
http://www.mhpbooks.com/mayor-of-venice-bans-gay-friendly-childrens-books/
Chris Hadfield has penned an ode to the "delightful impossibility" of Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles. Check it out, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/chris-hadfield-pens-an-ode-to-the-delightful-impossibility-of-ray-bradburys-martian-chronicles/article25414257/
Do you re-read books? Nabokov once claimed that "there is no reading, only rereading!" Here's Tim Parks' take on the matter.
http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2015/jul/11/rereading-unlocking-the-mind/
Charles Dickens' notes have revealed previously unknown identities of short-story authors, including Wilkie Collins and Lewis Carroll. "The find also gives insight into Dickens' nepotism, showing that he used his weekly magazine All the Year Round to publish three articles of dubious quality by his then teenage sons, Frank and Sydney."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/charles-dickens-notes-solve-the-mystery-of-unidentified-victorian-authors-10384128.html
Is the author pseudonym passé? "It's two years since JK Rowling's 'Robert Galbraith' revelation, yet the only literary disguise of late has been Erika Leonard masquerading as EL James. Could the nom de plume be a thing of the past?"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jul/10/demise-pseudonyms-books?CMP=twt_books-gdnbooks
The U.S. Authors Guild is fighting low ebook royalties. "As authors struggle with ever-diminishing profits on their work, the Guild said the time has come for publishers to change their e-book royalty rate."
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/67433-authors-guild-slams-inadequate-e-book-royalty.html
What are the consequences of our cultural obsession with newness? That's the question asked in this week's New York Times' Bookends. Siddhartha Deb and Anna Holmes discuss.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/19/books/review/what-are-the-consequences-of-our-cultural-obsession-with-newness.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
The first reviews of Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee's second novel, have come out. Here's The Guardian's take on the book, which they call "more complex" than To Kill a Mockbird, but "less compelling."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/12/go-set-a-watchman-review-harper-lee-to-kill-a-mockingbird
Canada's largest public art project has been documented in a new book called Art for War and Peace. The Sampson-Matthews silkscreen project was "a patriotic endeavor during WWII," spurring the printing of paintings that featured Canadian landscapes by the likes of Emily Carr and the Group of Seven.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-s-largest-public-art-project-documented-in-new-book-art-for-war-and-peace-1.3140814
A new book, Meanwhile There Are Letters, is about mutual reawakening. In this case, the reawakening was between two famous authors: Eudora Welty, maven of Southern letters, and Ross Macdonald, a best-selling crime writer!
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/14/books/review-eudora-welty-and-ross-macdonald-conjoined-by-a-torrent-of-words.html
Despite what its title might imply, Poetry is Useless, by Anders Nilsen, isn't anti-poetry. Along with Marc Bell's Stroppy (also reviewed here), it's a book of cartoons with a very literary (and poetic) bent!
http://www.straight.com/life/487776/marc-bell-and-anders-nilsen-poetry-and-world-making
In this piece, Jade Colbert looks at new work by Martine Delvaux, Jocelyn Saucier and Suzanne Leblanc. Among the subjects tackled: female coming-of-age stories, familial love, growing up in Quebec, and what it might be like to be the sister of a 19th-century philosopher.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-jade-colbert-looks-at-new-work-by-martine-delvaux-jocelyne-saucier-and-suzanne-leblanc/article25414158/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DRUNK DIAL
Open Circles presents a night of poetry and other performances. Featuring Sydney McNeill, Kristel Saan, Ole Vezina, Curtis Aucoin and Cara Seccafien. Open mic sign up still available by emailing iamresonantbellworld@gmail.com. Sunday, July 19 at 8:00pm. The Media Club, 695 Cambie Street, Vancouver.
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Thursday, July 23 at 5:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
MASHED POETICS
A night of spoken word and music mash-up where we pick a music album, form a cover band, and get poets to write new poems based on the music. Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets: $10. 7 Dining Lounge, 53 West Broadway, Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.
intergen(d)erational call & response
Spoken word performances that challenge and inspire. A collaborative project of Quirk-e (Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders) and Youth 4 A Change. Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
Upcoming
RICHARD GOODFELLOW
Vancouver author signs his debut thriller novel, Collector of Secrets. Saturday, August 15 at 2:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby.
KOOTENAY BOOKWEEKEND
The Kootenay Bookweekend will be hosting passionate page-tuners reading and discussing The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, Local Customs by Audrey Thomas and our guest author, Arno Kopecky's book The Oil Man and the Sea. September 18-20, 2015 in Nelson, BC. Registration forms and information at kootenaybookweekend.ca.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Book News Vol. 10 No. 16
BOOK NEWS
Special Event
Louise Penny in conversation with Hal Wake
Tickets are going fast for our special event with Louise Penny, August 24th. Louise is kicking off her multi-city book tour for her new book with our event in Vancouver, so you'll be among the very first to hear her read from
The Nature of the Beast!
Kirkus Reviews calls The Nature of the Beast "a mystery with global scope and consequences... What makes this story most magical... is the perfect reminder of the dark side of human nature, but that side does not always win out. Penny is an expert at pulling away the surface of her characters to expose their deeper-and often ugly-layers, always doing so with a direct but compassionate hand."
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine.
Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest
AWARDS & LISTS
The Man Booker International Prize and the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize have merged. The new £50,000 award will be given to a work of literary fiction translated into English.
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/man-booker-306625
Lawrence Hill has been appointed to the Order of Canada for "his writing representing black history in Canada and for his charitable efforts to help girls and women in Africa through the Aminata Fund, named for The Book of Negroes protagonist." His newest novel, The Illegal, is due in September.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/07/02/lawrence-hill-among-writers-honoured-with-order-of-canada/
The winners of the 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction & Nonfiction have been announced. Anthony Doerr and Bryan Stevenson won for All the Light We Cannot See, and Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.
http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/carnegieadult
YOUNG READERS
What are the best autobiographies for children and teenagers? Here's a great list.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/jul/06/malala-bear-grylls-autobiographies-for-children-and-teenagers
NEWS & FEATURES
Jamie Reid, a Vancouver poet and community activist, has died. Reid was a co-founder of the TISH poetry movement at UBC, along with future Poets Laureate George Bowering and Fred Wah.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vancouver+writer+activist+fought+justice+decency/11183686/story.html#ixzz3fFZZKTOS
Attention Harper Lee fans! The Wall Street Journal will be previewing the first chapter of Lee's Go Set A Watchman on July 10th.
http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/06/go-set-a-watchman-first-chapter-online
Speaking of which, Go Set a Watchman may have been discovered years earlier than reported. A new account of its "discovery" has appeared, raising questions about "whether the book was lost and accidentally recovered, and about why Ms. Lee would not have sought to publish it earlier."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/books/harper-lee-go-set-a-watchman-may-have-been-found-earlier-than-thought.html
British novelist Louise Doughty is calling out publishers for "short-termism" that overlooks excellent authors. If things continue as they are, the next Hilary Mantel could "slip through our fingers."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/louise-doughty-novelist-warns-uk-publishers-that-their-shorttermism-could-see-the-next-hilary-mantel-slip-through-our-fingers-10359068.html
Is classic literature inherently "boring?" It shouldn't have to be, claims Leila Roy in this piece for Book Riot. Here's a great list of page-turner classics.
http://bookriot.com/2015/06/29/just-old-doesnt-mean-boring-experiencing-literary-classics-pageturners/
J.K. Rowling has announced a new chapter in the Harry Potter saga: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—a play detailing the "'untold part' of the wizard's young life." The play will be performed next summer.
http://flavorwire.com/524997/j-k-rowling-announces-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-a-play-detailing-the-untold-part-of-the-story
Do moralists make bad novelists? In this week's New York Times' Bookends, Alice Gregory and Pankaj Mishra discuss "whether moral preoccupations have a place in good fiction."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/books/review/do-moralists-make-bad-novelists.html
Poetic justice is being served. "The owner of the humble garden tool that inspired William Carlos Williams's classic poem 'The Red Wheelbarrow' is finally getting his due!"
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/07/books/the-secret-of-william-carlos-williamss-the-red-wheelbarrow.html
The Vancouver Public Library and CWILL BC have announced the books selected for the first installation of the Reading Lights, an initiative to feature books on lamp posts around Vancouver.
https://cwillbc.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/announcing-reading-lights-2015-selected-books/
Nominations are still open for the 2015 City of Vancouver Mayor's Arts Awards. Deadline has been extended to Friday, July 17.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/2015/5/29/nominations-open-for-the-2015-city-of-vancouver-mayors-arts-awards
BOOKS & WRITERS
A Year of Marvellous Ways, by Sarah Winman, is a strong effort that shows "a poetic attention to image and metaphor." Set in 1947, its protagonist (named Marvellous Ways) is a 90-year-old woman who lives alone in a trailer in rural Cornwall.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/06/20/a-year-of-marvellous-ways-by-sarah-winman-review.html
The Invaders, by Karolina Waclawiak, is a "sad ballad of suburbia." Described as "Connecticut noir," it "revises Cheever and Updike by making women the avatars of the delights and terrors of upper middle class life."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/07/the-invaders-karolina-waclawiak-review-sad-ballad-suburbia
Multitudinous Heart is a newly translated book of poetry by Carlos Drummond de Andrade. Translated by Richard Zenith, the book includes "samples from every phase of the revered Brazilian poet's career."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/books/review-multitudinous-heart-newly-translated-poetry-by-carlos-drummond-de-andrade.html
Tom Sperlinger's Romeo and Juliet in Palestine is an "illuminating look at the wider role of education." The book describes the author's time teaching English literature to students in the West Bank.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/05/romeo-and-juliet-in-palestine-review-tom-sperlinger
Popular in Britain and "difficult to categorize", David Constantine has now made his North American debut with "style and conviction." His short story collection is called In Another Country.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/06/17/in-another-country-by-david-constantine-review.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MICHAEL KUSUGAK
Celebrate Nunavut Day with an inspiring, interactive storytelling session and discussion with Inuit storyteller and author Michael Kusugak. Thursday, July 9 at 5:30pm. Vancouver Maritime Museum. More information and to reserve tickets, http://vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/event/nunavut-day-perfect-story.
THE EVER AFTER
Indian Summer Festival and The Banff Centre present Padma Viswanathan and Jaspreet Singh, two of Canada’s most brilliant literary stars, venture into territory people most often wander alone. Friday, July 10 at 6:00pm. Tickets: $15/$20. SFU's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. More information at indiansummerfest.ca.
IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT
Part of the Indian Summer Festival, a panel featuring a group of writers linked by the fact that they once drove (or still drive) taxis. Friday, July 10 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $15. More information at indiansummerfest.ca.
DEAD POETS READING SERIES
On Sunday July 12th from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Alice MacKay room of the VPL Central Branch, the Dead Poets Reading Series will present the following program: ee cumming read by DN Simmers, Lauris Edmond, read by Christine Hayvice, John Keats, read by Matthew Henley, Robert Lowell, read by Christopher Levenson and P.K. Page read by Ruth Daniell.
Admission is free and readings start on time. For further information visit www.deadpoetslive.com.
VAN SLAM
Vancouver poetry house presents feature poet, Cynthia French. Monday, July 13 at 7:00pm. Cost: $6-$10 sliding scale. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Thursday, July 23 at 5:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
MASHED POETICS
A night of spoken word and music mash-up where we pick a music album, form a cover band, and get poets to write new poems based on the music. Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets: $10. 7 Dining Lounge, 53 West Broadway, Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.
intergen(d)erational call & response
Spoken word performances that challenge and inspire. A collaborative project of Quirk-e (Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders) and Youth 4 A Change. Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
SUNSHINE COAST FESTIVAL OF THE WRITTEN ARTS
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. August 13-16, 2015. Sechelt, BC. Information at writersfestival.ca.
Special Event
Louise Penny in conversation with Hal Wake
Tickets are going fast for our special event with Louise Penny, August 24th. Louise is kicking off her multi-city book tour for her new book with our event in Vancouver, so you'll be among the very first to hear her read from
The Nature of the Beast!
Kirkus Reviews calls The Nature of the Beast "a mystery with global scope and consequences... What makes this story most magical... is the perfect reminder of the dark side of human nature, but that side does not always win out. Penny is an expert at pulling away the surface of her characters to expose their deeper-and often ugly-layers, always doing so with a direct but compassionate hand."
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine.
Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest
AWARDS & LISTS
The Man Booker International Prize and the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize have merged. The new £50,000 award will be given to a work of literary fiction translated into English.
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/man-booker-306625
Lawrence Hill has been appointed to the Order of Canada for "his writing representing black history in Canada and for his charitable efforts to help girls and women in Africa through the Aminata Fund, named for The Book of Negroes protagonist." His newest novel, The Illegal, is due in September.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/07/02/lawrence-hill-among-writers-honoured-with-order-of-canada/
The winners of the 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction & Nonfiction have been announced. Anthony Doerr and Bryan Stevenson won for All the Light We Cannot See, and Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.
http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/carnegieadult
YOUNG READERS
What are the best autobiographies for children and teenagers? Here's a great list.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/jul/06/malala-bear-grylls-autobiographies-for-children-and-teenagers
NEWS & FEATURES
Jamie Reid, a Vancouver poet and community activist, has died. Reid was a co-founder of the TISH poetry movement at UBC, along with future Poets Laureate George Bowering and Fred Wah.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vancouver+writer+activist+fought+justice+decency/11183686/story.html#ixzz3fFZZKTOS
Attention Harper Lee fans! The Wall Street Journal will be previewing the first chapter of Lee's Go Set A Watchman on July 10th.
http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/06/go-set-a-watchman-first-chapter-online
Speaking of which, Go Set a Watchman may have been discovered years earlier than reported. A new account of its "discovery" has appeared, raising questions about "whether the book was lost and accidentally recovered, and about why Ms. Lee would not have sought to publish it earlier."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/books/harper-lee-go-set-a-watchman-may-have-been-found-earlier-than-thought.html
British novelist Louise Doughty is calling out publishers for "short-termism" that overlooks excellent authors. If things continue as they are, the next Hilary Mantel could "slip through our fingers."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/louise-doughty-novelist-warns-uk-publishers-that-their-shorttermism-could-see-the-next-hilary-mantel-slip-through-our-fingers-10359068.html
Is classic literature inherently "boring?" It shouldn't have to be, claims Leila Roy in this piece for Book Riot. Here's a great list of page-turner classics.
http://bookriot.com/2015/06/29/just-old-doesnt-mean-boring-experiencing-literary-classics-pageturners/
J.K. Rowling has announced a new chapter in the Harry Potter saga: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—a play detailing the "'untold part' of the wizard's young life." The play will be performed next summer.
http://flavorwire.com/524997/j-k-rowling-announces-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-a-play-detailing-the-untold-part-of-the-story
Do moralists make bad novelists? In this week's New York Times' Bookends, Alice Gregory and Pankaj Mishra discuss "whether moral preoccupations have a place in good fiction."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/books/review/do-moralists-make-bad-novelists.html
Poetic justice is being served. "The owner of the humble garden tool that inspired William Carlos Williams's classic poem 'The Red Wheelbarrow' is finally getting his due!"
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/07/books/the-secret-of-william-carlos-williamss-the-red-wheelbarrow.html
The Vancouver Public Library and CWILL BC have announced the books selected for the first installation of the Reading Lights, an initiative to feature books on lamp posts around Vancouver.
https://cwillbc.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/announcing-reading-lights-2015-selected-books/
Nominations are still open for the 2015 City of Vancouver Mayor's Arts Awards. Deadline has been extended to Friday, July 17.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/2015/5/29/nominations-open-for-the-2015-city-of-vancouver-mayors-arts-awards
BOOKS & WRITERS
A Year of Marvellous Ways, by Sarah Winman, is a strong effort that shows "a poetic attention to image and metaphor." Set in 1947, its protagonist (named Marvellous Ways) is a 90-year-old woman who lives alone in a trailer in rural Cornwall.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/06/20/a-year-of-marvellous-ways-by-sarah-winman-review.html
The Invaders, by Karolina Waclawiak, is a "sad ballad of suburbia." Described as "Connecticut noir," it "revises Cheever and Updike by making women the avatars of the delights and terrors of upper middle class life."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/07/the-invaders-karolina-waclawiak-review-sad-ballad-suburbia
Multitudinous Heart is a newly translated book of poetry by Carlos Drummond de Andrade. Translated by Richard Zenith, the book includes "samples from every phase of the revered Brazilian poet's career."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/books/review-multitudinous-heart-newly-translated-poetry-by-carlos-drummond-de-andrade.html
Tom Sperlinger's Romeo and Juliet in Palestine is an "illuminating look at the wider role of education." The book describes the author's time teaching English literature to students in the West Bank.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/05/romeo-and-juliet-in-palestine-review-tom-sperlinger
Popular in Britain and "difficult to categorize", David Constantine has now made his North American debut with "style and conviction." His short story collection is called In Another Country.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/06/17/in-another-country-by-david-constantine-review.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MICHAEL KUSUGAK
Celebrate Nunavut Day with an inspiring, interactive storytelling session and discussion with Inuit storyteller and author Michael Kusugak. Thursday, July 9 at 5:30pm. Vancouver Maritime Museum. More information and to reserve tickets, http://vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/event/nunavut-day-perfect-story.
THE EVER AFTER
Indian Summer Festival and The Banff Centre present Padma Viswanathan and Jaspreet Singh, two of Canada’s most brilliant literary stars, venture into territory people most often wander alone. Friday, July 10 at 6:00pm. Tickets: $15/$20. SFU's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. More information at indiansummerfest.ca.
IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT
Part of the Indian Summer Festival, a panel featuring a group of writers linked by the fact that they once drove (or still drive) taxis. Friday, July 10 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $15. More information at indiansummerfest.ca.
DEAD POETS READING SERIES
On Sunday July 12th from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Alice MacKay room of the VPL Central Branch, the Dead Poets Reading Series will present the following program: ee cumming read by DN Simmers, Lauris Edmond, read by Christine Hayvice, John Keats, read by Matthew Henley, Robert Lowell, read by Christopher Levenson and P.K. Page read by Ruth Daniell.
Admission is free and readings start on time. For further information visit www.deadpoetslive.com.
VAN SLAM
Vancouver poetry house presents feature poet, Cynthia French. Monday, July 13 at 7:00pm. Cost: $6-$10 sliding scale. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Thursday, July 23 at 5:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
MASHED POETICS
A night of spoken word and music mash-up where we pick a music album, form a cover band, and get poets to write new poems based on the music. Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets: $10. 7 Dining Lounge, 53 West Broadway, Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.
intergen(d)erational call & response
Spoken word performances that challenge and inspire. A collaborative project of Quirk-e (Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders) and Youth 4 A Change. Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
SUNSHINE COAST FESTIVAL OF THE WRITTEN ARTS
Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. August 13-16, 2015. Sechelt, BC. Information at writersfestival.ca.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Book News Vol. 10 No. 15
BOOK NEWS
Special Event
Louise Penny in conversation with Hal Wake
Tickets are still on sale for our special event with Louise Penny, August 24th 2015. Louise will be discussing the 11th book in her Inspector Gamache series, The Nature of the Beast, with Hal Wake.
Set in the dark and mysterious village of Three Pines, Quebec, The Nature of the Beast follows Armand and Reine-Marie Gamache as they investigate the disappearance of a nine year old boy.
Want a sneak peek of the novel? An Excerpt from the thrilling first chapter is available online:
http://gamacheseries.com/the-nature-of-the-beast/excerpt/
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
AWARDS & LISTS
M.G. Vassanji has won the 2015 Molson Prize. The prize, administered by the Canadian Council for the Arts, recognizes "distinguished members of the arts and social-science communities in Canada for long-term contributions to their field."
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/06/29/m-g-vassanji-wins-2015-molson-prize/
The finalists for the 2015 Alberta Book Publishing Awards have been announced. The awards recognize excellence in book design, illustration, academic scholarship, fiction, non-fiction, poetry and more.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/06/25/2015-alberta-book-publishing-awards-finalists-announced/
YOUNG READERS
Little Red Henry, by Linda Urban, is a "refreshing new picture book" in which a little boy finds independence, despite his hovering family. The goal of the book is clear: "A vision of a saner landscape of parenting, where imagined disasters don't lurk in every independent move a child makes and children are allowed to become competent actors in the physical world."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/books/review/a-cure-for-hovering.html
NEWS & FEATURES
Dave Godfrey, writer and founder of House of Anansi press, has died. He was a pioneer in Canadian Literature, pursuing modernism, energized by "the idea of a vibrant, living national literature that could stand as a bulwark against the encroachment of American cultural hegemony."
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/06/25/modernism-has-come-to-canada-the-enduring-legacy-of-dave-godfrey/
Margaret Atwood has agreed to yet another new and very different project. She will be contributing cartoons to The Secret Loves of Geek Girls anthology.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/25/margaret-atwood-writes-cartoon-strip-for-geek-girl-anthology
A library in Charleston, South Carolina, has been renamed in honour of one of this past month's church shooting victims. Known as "a librarian's librarian," Cynthia Graham Hurd (after whom the library was named) also happened to be the manager of that particular branch.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/26/charleston-library-renamed-in-honour-of-shooting-victim
It was George Orwell's birthday last week. To celebrate, the CBC has gathered a collection of features that "further explore Orwell's work and why it continues to be relevant today."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/george-orwell-a-tribute.html
Is there an overabundance of memoirs? "Europeans don't buy memoirs," Kate Gale was told on her first trip to Frankfurt. She asked why, and got "a series of answers none of which added up. 'We're narcissists too,' one French publisher told [her], 'Just not as much as Americans.'"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-gale/who-cares-about-your-life_b_7674386.html
How does one get "generation YouTube" reading books? "Publishers understandably want to cash-in on those with huge online followings, but they're missing a trick by ignoring book lovers in favour of gamers and fashionistas."
http://www.theguardian.com/media/commentisfree/2015/jun/29/youtube-blogging-books-publishing-zoella-pewdiepie-abookutopia-thebooktuber
BOOKS & WRITERS
Louis de Bernières' new book, Dust That Falls From Dreams, is his eighth novel. It was inspired by the story of his grandmother's first fiancé, who died of his wounds during the First World War. De Bernières is interviewed here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/28/louis-de-bernieres-dust-that-falls-from-dreams-interview
Wimbledon has begun so here's a list of "smashing reads," a "celebration of tennis in literature!"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jun/29/game-set-smashing-reads-for-wimbledon
Pride events are also ramping up from coast to coast. Here's the CBC's take on the best new books by LGBT authors.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/06/celebrate-pride-this-summer-with-great-lgbt-reads.html
Set during one long hot summer in the 1970s, Tim Lott's "extremely likeable" The Last Summer of the Water Strider is both a coming-of-age story and "a snapshot of the end of an era." When a young man's mother unexpectedly dies, he's sent to live with his uncle, a hippie whose home is a riverboat.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/27/the-last-summer-of-the-water-strider-tim-lott-review-novel
Speaking of summer...has malaise set in yet? If you're bored, here are "25 great literary series to replace your TV habit this summer...instead of binge-watching something old on Netflix, why not binge-read a great book series?"
http://flavorwire.com/523165/25-great-literary-series-to-replace-your-tv-habit-this-summer
Mislaid/The Wallcreeper, by Nell Zink, is "prodigiously intelligent and odd." Nonetheless, "the originality of the US author's celebrated ornithological debut is also evident in her second, equally striking, novel."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/26/mislaid-the-wallcreeper-nell-zink-review-novels
In May, Vancouver's Anvil Press published the final book by Quebec author Nelly Arcan to be translated into English. Called Breakneck, it shows "why she's one of the best writers Canada has ever produced."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-nelly-arcans-breakneck-shows-why-shes-one-of-the-best-writers-canada-has-ever-produced/article25143354/
The Guardian newspaper's poem of the week is Song, by Tzu-Yeh. Translated by Arthur Waley, it's "a flirtatious fourth-century confession of a young woman's passion" that "is vivid, sharp and sensual."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jun/29/poem-of-the-week-song-by-tzu-yeh-tr-arthur-waley
Annie Freud has finally "embraced the family name." After a lifetime of avoidance, she published her first collection of poetry in 2007, and now has written a third, called The Remains. She discusses her life, work and newfound familial acceptance, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/27/annie-freud-interview-why-ive-finally-embraced-the-family-name
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWS READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio at SFU presents celebrated crime writer E.R. Brown, author of the Edgar nominated novel Almost Criminal. Also on the playbill, a diverse line-up of talented writers in all genres. Thursday, July 2 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.
TRACEY LINDBERG
Book launch of the author's new book, Birdie. Friday, July 3 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street.
CHUNQING WANG
Author will talk about life in her ancestral village of Yibancun in Shanxi Province, China and read from her book, You May as Well Sing, Brother. Saturday, July 4 at 2pm. Brighouse branch, Richmond Public Library. More information and sign up at yourlibrary.ca.
VAN SLAM
Vancouver poetry house presents featured poet, Ayda. Monday, July 6 at 7:00pm. Cost: $6-$10 sliding scale. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
A TASTE OF HAIDA GWAII
Susan Musgrave and Stephen Reid talk about their literary work and the lives that inspire it, and to promote Susan's upcoming cookbook, A Taste of Haida Gwaii. Monday, July 6 at 7:30pm, free. Floral & Hardy Edible Plants, 688 E. Hastings, Vancouver.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Kevin Spenst and Jennifer Zlim plus open mic. Wednesday, July 8 at 7pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. More information at
www.pandorascollective.com.
CHEVY STEVENS
Author presents her latest work, Those Girls. Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00pm. Central library, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
MICHAEL KUSUGAK
Celebrate Nunavut Day with an inspiring, interactive storytelling session and discussion with Inuit storyteller and author Michael Kusugak. Thursday, July 9 at 5:30pm. Vancouver Maritime Museum. More information and to reserve tickets, http://vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/event/nunavut-day-perfect-story.
DEAD POETS READING SERIES
On Sunday July 12th from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Alice MacKay room of the VPL Central Branch, the Dead Poets Reading Series will present the following program: ee cumming read by DN Simmers, Lauris Edmond, read by Christine Hayvice, John Keats, read by Matthew Henley, Robert Lowell, read by Christopher Levenson and P.K. Page read by Ruth Daniell.
Admission is free and readings start on time. For further information visit www.deadpoetslive.com.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Saturday, July 25 at 2:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
Special Event
Louise Penny in conversation with Hal Wake
Tickets are still on sale for our special event with Louise Penny, August 24th 2015. Louise will be discussing the 11th book in her Inspector Gamache series, The Nature of the Beast, with Hal Wake.
Set in the dark and mysterious village of Three Pines, Quebec, The Nature of the Beast follows Armand and Reine-Marie Gamache as they investigate the disappearance of a nine year old boy.
Want a sneak peek of the novel? An Excerpt from the thrilling first chapter is available online:
http://gamacheseries.com/the-nature-of-the-beast/excerpt/
Monday, August 24 at 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street
Details and to purchase tickets, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louise-penny.
AWARDS & LISTS
M.G. Vassanji has won the 2015 Molson Prize. The prize, administered by the Canadian Council for the Arts, recognizes "distinguished members of the arts and social-science communities in Canada for long-term contributions to their field."
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/06/29/m-g-vassanji-wins-2015-molson-prize/
The finalists for the 2015 Alberta Book Publishing Awards have been announced. The awards recognize excellence in book design, illustration, academic scholarship, fiction, non-fiction, poetry and more.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/06/25/2015-alberta-book-publishing-awards-finalists-announced/
YOUNG READERS
Little Red Henry, by Linda Urban, is a "refreshing new picture book" in which a little boy finds independence, despite his hovering family. The goal of the book is clear: "A vision of a saner landscape of parenting, where imagined disasters don't lurk in every independent move a child makes and children are allowed to become competent actors in the physical world."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/books/review/a-cure-for-hovering.html
NEWS & FEATURES
Dave Godfrey, writer and founder of House of Anansi press, has died. He was a pioneer in Canadian Literature, pursuing modernism, energized by "the idea of a vibrant, living national literature that could stand as a bulwark against the encroachment of American cultural hegemony."
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/06/25/modernism-has-come-to-canada-the-enduring-legacy-of-dave-godfrey/
Margaret Atwood has agreed to yet another new and very different project. She will be contributing cartoons to The Secret Loves of Geek Girls anthology.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/25/margaret-atwood-writes-cartoon-strip-for-geek-girl-anthology
A library in Charleston, South Carolina, has been renamed in honour of one of this past month's church shooting victims. Known as "a librarian's librarian," Cynthia Graham Hurd (after whom the library was named) also happened to be the manager of that particular branch.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/26/charleston-library-renamed-in-honour-of-shooting-victim
It was George Orwell's birthday last week. To celebrate, the CBC has gathered a collection of features that "further explore Orwell's work and why it continues to be relevant today."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/george-orwell-a-tribute.html
Is there an overabundance of memoirs? "Europeans don't buy memoirs," Kate Gale was told on her first trip to Frankfurt. She asked why, and got "a series of answers none of which added up. 'We're narcissists too,' one French publisher told [her], 'Just not as much as Americans.'"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-gale/who-cares-about-your-life_b_7674386.html
How does one get "generation YouTube" reading books? "Publishers understandably want to cash-in on those with huge online followings, but they're missing a trick by ignoring book lovers in favour of gamers and fashionistas."
http://www.theguardian.com/media/commentisfree/2015/jun/29/youtube-blogging-books-publishing-zoella-pewdiepie-abookutopia-thebooktuber
BOOKS & WRITERS
Louis de Bernières' new book, Dust That Falls From Dreams, is his eighth novel. It was inspired by the story of his grandmother's first fiancé, who died of his wounds during the First World War. De Bernières is interviewed here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/28/louis-de-bernieres-dust-that-falls-from-dreams-interview
Wimbledon has begun so here's a list of "smashing reads," a "celebration of tennis in literature!"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jun/29/game-set-smashing-reads-for-wimbledon
Pride events are also ramping up from coast to coast. Here's the CBC's take on the best new books by LGBT authors.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/06/celebrate-pride-this-summer-with-great-lgbt-reads.html
Set during one long hot summer in the 1970s, Tim Lott's "extremely likeable" The Last Summer of the Water Strider is both a coming-of-age story and "a snapshot of the end of an era." When a young man's mother unexpectedly dies, he's sent to live with his uncle, a hippie whose home is a riverboat.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/27/the-last-summer-of-the-water-strider-tim-lott-review-novel
Speaking of summer...has malaise set in yet? If you're bored, here are "25 great literary series to replace your TV habit this summer...instead of binge-watching something old on Netflix, why not binge-read a great book series?"
http://flavorwire.com/523165/25-great-literary-series-to-replace-your-tv-habit-this-summer
Mislaid/The Wallcreeper, by Nell Zink, is "prodigiously intelligent and odd." Nonetheless, "the originality of the US author's celebrated ornithological debut is also evident in her second, equally striking, novel."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/26/mislaid-the-wallcreeper-nell-zink-review-novels
In May, Vancouver's Anvil Press published the final book by Quebec author Nelly Arcan to be translated into English. Called Breakneck, it shows "why she's one of the best writers Canada has ever produced."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-nelly-arcans-breakneck-shows-why-shes-one-of-the-best-writers-canada-has-ever-produced/article25143354/
The Guardian newspaper's poem of the week is Song, by Tzu-Yeh. Translated by Arthur Waley, it's "a flirtatious fourth-century confession of a young woman's passion" that "is vivid, sharp and sensual."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jun/29/poem-of-the-week-song-by-tzu-yeh-tr-arthur-waley
Annie Freud has finally "embraced the family name." After a lifetime of avoidance, she published her first collection of poetry in 2007, and now has written a third, called The Remains. She discusses her life, work and newfound familial acceptance, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/27/annie-freud-interview-why-ive-finally-embraced-the-family-name
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWS READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio at SFU presents celebrated crime writer E.R. Brown, author of the Edgar nominated novel Almost Criminal. Also on the playbill, a diverse line-up of talented writers in all genres. Thursday, July 2 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.
TRACEY LINDBERG
Book launch of the author's new book, Birdie. Friday, July 3 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street.
CHUNQING WANG
Author will talk about life in her ancestral village of Yibancun in Shanxi Province, China and read from her book, You May as Well Sing, Brother. Saturday, July 4 at 2pm. Brighouse branch, Richmond Public Library. More information and sign up at yourlibrary.ca.
VAN SLAM
Vancouver poetry house presents featured poet, Ayda. Monday, July 6 at 7:00pm. Cost: $6-$10 sliding scale. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
A TASTE OF HAIDA GWAII
Susan Musgrave and Stephen Reid talk about their literary work and the lives that inspire it, and to promote Susan's upcoming cookbook, A Taste of Haida Gwaii. Monday, July 6 at 7:30pm, free. Floral & Hardy Edible Plants, 688 E. Hastings, Vancouver.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Kevin Spenst and Jennifer Zlim plus open mic. Wednesday, July 8 at 7pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. More information at
www.pandorascollective.com.
CHEVY STEVENS
Author presents her latest work, Those Girls. Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00pm. Central library, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
MICHAEL KUSUGAK
Celebrate Nunavut Day with an inspiring, interactive storytelling session and discussion with Inuit storyteller and author Michael Kusugak. Thursday, July 9 at 5:30pm. Vancouver Maritime Museum. More information and to reserve tickets, http://vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/event/nunavut-day-perfect-story.
DEAD POETS READING SERIES
On Sunday July 12th from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Alice MacKay room of the VPL Central Branch, the Dead Poets Reading Series will present the following program: ee cumming read by DN Simmers, Lauris Edmond, read by Christine Hayvice, John Keats, read by Matthew Henley, Robert Lowell, read by Christopher Levenson and P.K. Page read by Ruth Daniell.
Admission is free and readings start on time. For further information visit www.deadpoetslive.com.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Steve Noyes, Bren Simmers and Carmelo Militano plus open mic. Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KATHERINE FAWCETT
Author reads from Little Washer of Sorrows. Saturday, July 25 at 2:00pm. Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 Mc Phillips Ave., Salt Spring Island.
KARA STANLEY
Author reads from her acclaimed new memoir, "Fallen: A Trauma, A Marriage, and the Transformative Power of Music." Followed by live music by her husband, Simon Paradis, performing with Joe Stanton as roots duo Stanton Paradis. Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library. More information at gvpl.ca.
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