BOOK NEWS
Incite 2015
Join us for an evening of dazzling prose and dramatic tension with Linden MacIntyre (Punishment) and Michael Christie (If I Fall, If I Die).
FREE!
7:30pm, January 28
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Vancouver-based Fight with a Stick makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf, inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation. Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
Four Canadian titles have been recognized at the Digital Book Awards. Judged by a panel of 18 publishing design and production experts, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in digital literary content.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/01/15/digital-book-awards-recognize-four-canadian-titles/
YOUNG READERS
"The great novels for young readers all explore the same question: How do we respond to an unfair world? For the picture book crowd, unfairness and injustice can be tough topics for discussion." Here are three picture books that do just that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/18/books/review/jane-bahks-junas-jar-and-more.html
NEWS & FEATURES
Chapters is closing its flagship downtown Vancouver location. According to CEO Heather Reisman, "a significant rent increase made it 'untenable' for the store to remain open, but that the company is 'actively pursuing another location to serve the Robson trade area which we fully intend to open in 2015.'"
http://www.quillandquire.com/bookselling-2/2015/01/20/chapters-to-shutter-flagship-vancouver-location/
Are you an animal lover as well as a book lover? Then you might appreciate this project. "Poetic Dogs" is an undertaking of photographer Dan Bannino, which features shelter dogs as famous authors (and raises money for an animal shelter.)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jen-reeder/these-photos-of-shelter-d_b_6452518.html
The University of British Columbia has acquired two rare 19th century novels "that scholars believe may have been written by Oscar Wilde. "The books are examples of early homosexual literature, and only a handful of the first editions exist in the world. The UBC Library bought Teleny (published in 1893) for about C$16,000, and Des Grieux (published in 1899) for about C$23,000."
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/international-book-news/article/65274-canadian-university-acquires-historical-novels-with-oscar-wilde-link.html
What happens when your favourite book follows you? In this piece, Julianna Haubner discusses how Richard Russo's Empire Falls "in a weird and fortuitous way, stalked [her] college and back."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/off-the-shelf-/when-your-favorite-book-f_b_6490376.html
How do telephones figure in literature? In celebration of the centenary of Alexander Graham Bell's transcontinental telephone service, the Guardian has created a "telephones in literature" quiz. Test you know-how here.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/quiz/2015/jan/20/telephones-in-literature-quiz
Which literary figure is overdue for a biography? Thomas Mallon and Ayana Mathis discuss Jonathan Franzen, Thomas Wolfe, Alice Munro, Albert Murray and a few more in this piece for the New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/25/books/review/which-literary-figure-is-overdue-for-a-biography.html
Many of this year's Oscar-nominated films were based on books. Here's the lowdown on 2014 greatest book-to-movie adaptations.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/20/oscar-book-adaptations_n_6489420.html
What are the 21st Century's twelve greatest novels? It's a difficult task, but the BBC has set out to the answer that question. Here's their list.
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20150119-the-21st-centurys-12-best-novels
BOOKS & WRITERS
Canada Reads has just got underway, with several well-known Canadians defending their favourite homegrown books. In this video, Cameron Bailey (Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival) defends Ru, written by the Kim Thúy (who appeared at this past Writers Fest).
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/cameron-bailey-defends-ru-by-kim-thuy.html
Festival author Thomas King's book The Inconvenient Indian is another finalist on Canada Reads this year. Check out Craig Kielburger's defence, here.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/craig-kielburger-defends-the-inconvenient-indian-by-thomas-king.html
In fact, if you missed the whole announcement for the competition's 2015 panelists, you can watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I8pqs-ADvc&feature=youtu.be
Speaking of local literature, there are lots of Canadian books to be excited about this year. Here's a month-by-month detailing of books to watch out for.
http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/books/2015+Canadian+novels+coming+your+year/10696904/story.html
There are also some small press books worth a look. Here are three recommended by The Globe and Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/three-small-press-books-worth-a-read/article22488641/
Miranda July's debut novel, The First Bad Man, "mesmerizes." According to book editor Alexandra Molotkow, July "'describes feelings as plainly as objects'…The latter is absolutely true for The First Bad Man, the story of Cheryl, a grey-haired, emotionally wobbly woman looking for something beyond the mundanity of her everyday life."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/miranda-julys-debut-novel-mesmerizes/article22494682/
In her review of Claudia Rankine's Citizen: An American Lyric, Erica Hunt gets to the real matter at hand: you. "In Claudia Rankine's new collection, Citizen, "you" is used to index, with a restraint that almost hums with tension, race, and racism in America."
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/all-about-you
Of course, racial tension is not unique to America. French writer Michel Houellebecq's novel, Submission, in ensconced in that very subject (even more so after the Charlie Hebdo massacre). But is he a pundit or a provocateur, a progressive or a reactionary? Either way, his new novel is "an adventure."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/pundit-or-provocateur-houellebecqs-new-novel-is-an-adventure/article22491093/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NANCY LEE
Nancy Lee discusses her latest novel, The Age. Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $22 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
TO BUILD A FIRE
A dynamic interdisciplinary performance in which piano, cello, and ukulele music compliments and responds to vital, eclectic literary works. Featuring Christine Fellows, Miriam Toews, and Erik Rutherford. Friday, January 23 at 7:00pm. Gessler Hall, UBC School of Music, 6361 Memorial Road.
HALF OF A YELLOW SUN
The film adaption of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Orange Prize-winning novel, set during Nigeria's bloody Biafran civil war of the late 1960s, makes its Vancouver premiere this month: http://www.thecinematheque.ca/half-of-a-yellow-sun.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kennedy Arbor and Jenni Madison with host Franci Louann. Sunday, January 25 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill.
YOUTH SLAM
Featuring 2014 Youth Slam Grand Slam champion Sebastian Wen. Monday, January 26 at 7:00pm. Cost: $4-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
ERIN MOURE
Author reads from her work. Tuesday, January 27 at 5:00pm. Coach House, Green College, UBC.
A NOVEL IDEA
Janine Alyson Young, author of Hideout Hotel, will be joined by former Caitlin Press publicist, Rebecca Hendry. Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00pm. Gibsons Library, 470 Fletcher Rd. S., Gibsons, BC. More information at 604-886-2130.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
EVANGELINE LILLY
Meet Evangeline Lilly as she reads and signs her new book, The Squickerwonkers. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Chapters Robson, Vancouver. More information at chapters.indigo.com.
IF I FALL, IF I DIE
Launch of Michael Christie's new novel. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Antisocial, 2337 Main Street, Vancouver. For more information and to RSVP, email pkells@penguinrandomhouse.com.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Leah Horlick and Heather Haley with open mic. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
6th annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 43
BOOK NEWS
Incite 2015
Join us for an evening of dazzling prose and dramatic tension with Linden MacIntyre (Punishment) and Michael Christie (If I Fall, If I Die).
FREE!
7:30pm, January 28
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Vancouver-based Fight with a Stick makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf, inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation. Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
David Harsent has won the TS Eliot prize for poetry. His collection, Fire Songs, "plumbs language and emotion with technical brilliance and prophetic power." The £20,000 prize is awarded by the UK's Poetry Book Society to the best collection of new verse in English first published in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/12/david-harsent-wins-ts-eliot-prize-poetry-fire-songs
The shortlist for the RBC Taylor Prize has been announced.
http://www.rbctaylorprize.ca/2015/finalists_15.asp
YOUNG READERS
Philip Pullman has released a new audio-only story that draws from the world of the His Dark Materials trilogy. Lovers of the Golden Compass will enjoy this tale about two art collectors in the 1970s coming into contact with a young Marisa Coulter.
http://www.salon.com/2015/01/12/exclusive_excerpt_listen_to_a_new_golden_compass_story_from_phillip_pullman/
NEWS & FEATURES
This past week's Charlie Hebdo slayings have brought up many questions about free speech and tolerance. In this piece for The New Yorker, the novelist Teju Cole responds.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/unmournable-bodies
Thankfully we won’t have to wait long for David Mitchell’s next book. Slade House, which began as a 280 tweet story, has turned into a fully-fledged novel and will be published this October.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/14/david-mitchell-new-novel-slade-house-autumn
Margaret Atwood is just one of many famous authors protesting changes to the Oxford Junior Dictionary. So-called "natural" words have been replaced with 21st-century terms, with the dropping of "'acorn' and 'buttercup' in favour of 'broadband' and 'cut and paste'" as prime examples.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/13/oxford-junior-dictionary-replacement-natural-words
The Man Booker Prize has modified its longlist availability rules. It has abandoned its former rule "on the availability of print books following the longlist announcement, placing time limits on the eligibility of titles published outside the UK, and defining the term 'publisher' more closely."
http://thebookseller.com/news/man-booker-prize-modifies-longlist-availability-rules
Sales of printed books have fallen by more than 200 million dollars in the last five years. Nielsen BookScan has released new figures that show continuing decline as more and more readers move to ebooks.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/13/sales-printed-books-fell-150m--five-years
Why do we hate clichés? "Clichés are like the old talismans dug up at an archaeological site. They often endure even when the times and places that produced them have passed on." Rivka Galchen and Leslie Jamison discuss, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/books/review/why-do-we-hate-clich.html
Speaking of clichés, our "national" literature can quite often be full of them. In this piece, Pasha Malla presents "27 Thoughts About CanLit," with comments on the Canada Council for the Arts, among other things.
http://www.winnipegreview.com/wp/2015/01/27-thoughts-about-canlit/
Is the Internet killing culture? No, "it's always been hard to make a living in the arts. It still is."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/01/culture_crash_the_killing_of_the_creative_class_reviewed.html
The publishing industry has always played an intermediary role between writers and their readers, navigating the precarious balance between creativity and money. With companies such as Amazon attempting to eliminate these so-called "gatekeepers," here's a piece in praise of publishers who "move units and readers."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/01/longtime_book_editor_daniel_menaker_on_amazon_authors_united_and_the_future.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Miranda July's novel, The First Bad Man, "is like one of those strange mythological creatures that are part one thing, part another—a griffin or a chimera, perhaps, or a sphinx," as well as "an immensely moving portrait of motherhood and what it means to take care of a child." The First Bad Man is July's first novel (she is also a filmmaker and an artist.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/books/miranda-julys-the-first-bad-man.html
Rachel Cusk recently stated that conventional fiction is "fake and embarrassing." Her new novel, Outline, is a sharp break from what she's written before, "a poised and cerebral novel that has little in the way of straightforward plot yet is transfixing in its unruffled awareness of the ways we love and leave each other, and of what it means to listen to other people."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/07/books/outline-rachel-cusks-new-novel.html
What gets lost when English becomes the lingua franca of the Internet, as well as the world? Minae Mizumura's The Fall of Language in the Age of English tackles the subject, and has just been translated into our "tuneless, careless juggernaut" of a language, English.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/01/minae_mizumura_s_the_fall_of_language_in_the_age_of_english_reviewed.html
Jeet Heer's so-called 'Twitter essays' are "multipart riffs on culture, politics and the many unlikely connections between the two." His new book, Sweet Lechery, shows us why he's one of Canada's leading public intellectuals.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/sweet-lechery-shows-us-how-jeet-heer-used-twitter-to-become-one-of-canadas-leading-public-intellectuals/article22380667/
Matt Rader's first collection of short stories, What I Want to Tell Goes Like This, is an exploration, largely, of Vancouver Island's Comox Valley, where the author grew up. It explores its vibrant past through the placement of "historically rooted stories juxtaposed against frequently open-ended contemporary fictions."
http://www.straight.com/life/800266/matt-raders-what-i-want-tell-goes-layered-vibrant-history
Jaguar's Children, by Vancouver author John Vaillant, is "a heavy-duty, appalling saga of Mexico," as well as the author's first novel. Vaillant is already known for The Golden Spruce and The Tiger, both lauded non-fiction books.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Jaguar+Children+unsettling+tale+Mexico+illegals/10716387/story.html
Getting a book published is an arduous path for any author...and a decade-long struggle for more than a few. Here's a new infographic that explores the careers of the world's most successful authors.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/author-career-infographic_n_6465328.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE CRESCENT MOON PROJECT
Join novelist Mark Boyter and singer/songwriter Glenn Chatten for an evening of readings from Mark's newly released book Crescent Moon Over Laos and Glenn's latest CD. Books and CDs will be available for sale. Thursday, January 15 at 7:00pm, free. The Chapel, St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church, Nelson and Burrard. For more information, email mjboyter@yahoo.ca or gchatten@gmail.com.
BEN NUTTALL-SMITH
Author launches his latest book Flying with White Eagle. Thursday, January 15 at 7:30pm. Pelican Rouge Coffee House, 15142 North Bluff Road, White Rock.
THE DAY THAT...
Celebrate Rain City Chronicles 5th birthday party with a fantastic roster of Vancouverites sharing true tales about days that changed their lives. Friday, January 16 at 6:30pm. Tickets: $28. Grandview Legion Hall, 2205 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at raincitychronicles.com.
INTERIOR PASSAGES
Vancouver Launch of Susan McCaslin's memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, and Pam Galloway's volume of poetry, Passing Stranger (both Inanna Publications), Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, the Great Hall, 1825 W. 16th Ave., Vancouver, BC, Sat. Jan. 17, 3:30-5:30pm. Refreshments, cello music, emcee Diane Tucker. Free and open to the public.
KRISTI CHARISH
Local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
VAN SLAM
Featuring spoken word poet and rapper C-Command. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm.Cost: $6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
PAM GALLOWAY AND SUSAN MCCASLIN
Poets reading from their new works (Inanna Publications): Pam's volume of poems, Passing Stranger, and Susan's memoir (Into the Mystic) at the Spoken Ink Series, Burnaby Writers' Society, La Fontana Cafe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby, Tues. Jan. 20, open mic sign up, 7:30p.m., reading at 8pm. Info: bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Kate Braid and Amber Dawn are the featured poets. Wednesday, January 21 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
NOVEL NIGHTS WITH CAROLINE ADDERSON
Book Warehouse hosts their first book club meeting of 2015! Author Caroline Adderson will discuss her latest novel Ellen in Pieces. Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. More information at www.vclr.ca.
NANCY LEE
Nancy Lee discuses her latest novel, The Age. Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $22 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
TO BUILD A FIRE
A dynamic interdisciplinary performance in which piano, cello, and ukulele music compliments and responds to vital, eclectic literary works. Featuring Christine Fellows, Miriam Toews, and Erik Rutherford. Friday, January 23 at 7:00pm. Gessler Hall, UBC School of Music, 6361 Memorial Road.
HALF OF A YELLOW SUN
The film adaption of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Orange Prize-winning novel, set during Nigeria's bloody Biafran civil war of the late 1960s, makes its Vancouver premiere this month: http://www.thecinematheque.ca/half-of-a-yellow-sun.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kennedy Arbor and Jenni Madison with host Franci Louann. Sunday, January 25 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill.
YOUTH SLAM
Featuring 2014 Youth Slam Grand Slam champion Sebastian Wen. Monday, January 26 at 7:00pm. Cost: $4-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
ERIN MOURE
Author reads from her work. Tuesday, January 27 at 5:00pm. Coach House, Green College, UBC.
A NOVEL IDEA
Janine Alyson Young, author of Hideout Hotel, will be joined by former Caitlin Press publicist, Rebecca Hendry. Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00pm. Gibsons Library, 470 Fletcher Rd. S., Gibsons, BC. More information at 604-886-2130.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
EVANGELINE LILLY
Meet Evangeline Lilly as she reads and signs her new book, The Squickerwonkers. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Chapters Robson, Vancouver. More information at chapters.indigo.com.
IF I FALL, IF I DIE
Launch of Michael Christie's new novel. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Antisocial, 2337 Main Street, Vancouver. For more information and to RSVP, email pkells@penguinrandomhouse.com.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Leah Horlick and Heather Haley with open mic. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
6th annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
Incite 2015
Join us for an evening of dazzling prose and dramatic tension with Linden MacIntyre (Punishment) and Michael Christie (If I Fall, If I Die).
FREE!
7:30pm, January 28
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Vancouver-based Fight with a Stick makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf, inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation. Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
David Harsent has won the TS Eliot prize for poetry. His collection, Fire Songs, "plumbs language and emotion with technical brilliance and prophetic power." The £20,000 prize is awarded by the UK's Poetry Book Society to the best collection of new verse in English first published in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/12/david-harsent-wins-ts-eliot-prize-poetry-fire-songs
The shortlist for the RBC Taylor Prize has been announced.
http://www.rbctaylorprize.ca/2015/finalists_15.asp
YOUNG READERS
Philip Pullman has released a new audio-only story that draws from the world of the His Dark Materials trilogy. Lovers of the Golden Compass will enjoy this tale about two art collectors in the 1970s coming into contact with a young Marisa Coulter.
http://www.salon.com/2015/01/12/exclusive_excerpt_listen_to_a_new_golden_compass_story_from_phillip_pullman/
NEWS & FEATURES
This past week's Charlie Hebdo slayings have brought up many questions about free speech and tolerance. In this piece for The New Yorker, the novelist Teju Cole responds.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/unmournable-bodies
Thankfully we won’t have to wait long for David Mitchell’s next book. Slade House, which began as a 280 tweet story, has turned into a fully-fledged novel and will be published this October.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/14/david-mitchell-new-novel-slade-house-autumn
Margaret Atwood is just one of many famous authors protesting changes to the Oxford Junior Dictionary. So-called "natural" words have been replaced with 21st-century terms, with the dropping of "'acorn' and 'buttercup' in favour of 'broadband' and 'cut and paste'" as prime examples.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/13/oxford-junior-dictionary-replacement-natural-words
The Man Booker Prize has modified its longlist availability rules. It has abandoned its former rule "on the availability of print books following the longlist announcement, placing time limits on the eligibility of titles published outside the UK, and defining the term 'publisher' more closely."
http://thebookseller.com/news/man-booker-prize-modifies-longlist-availability-rules
Sales of printed books have fallen by more than 200 million dollars in the last five years. Nielsen BookScan has released new figures that show continuing decline as more and more readers move to ebooks.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/13/sales-printed-books-fell-150m--five-years
Why do we hate clichés? "Clichés are like the old talismans dug up at an archaeological site. They often endure even when the times and places that produced them have passed on." Rivka Galchen and Leslie Jamison discuss, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/books/review/why-do-we-hate-clich.html
Speaking of clichés, our "national" literature can quite often be full of them. In this piece, Pasha Malla presents "27 Thoughts About CanLit," with comments on the Canada Council for the Arts, among other things.
http://www.winnipegreview.com/wp/2015/01/27-thoughts-about-canlit/
Is the Internet killing culture? No, "it's always been hard to make a living in the arts. It still is."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/01/culture_crash_the_killing_of_the_creative_class_reviewed.html
The publishing industry has always played an intermediary role between writers and their readers, navigating the precarious balance between creativity and money. With companies such as Amazon attempting to eliminate these so-called "gatekeepers," here's a piece in praise of publishers who "move units and readers."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/01/longtime_book_editor_daniel_menaker_on_amazon_authors_united_and_the_future.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Miranda July's novel, The First Bad Man, "is like one of those strange mythological creatures that are part one thing, part another—a griffin or a chimera, perhaps, or a sphinx," as well as "an immensely moving portrait of motherhood and what it means to take care of a child." The First Bad Man is July's first novel (she is also a filmmaker and an artist.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/books/miranda-julys-the-first-bad-man.html
Rachel Cusk recently stated that conventional fiction is "fake and embarrassing." Her new novel, Outline, is a sharp break from what she's written before, "a poised and cerebral novel that has little in the way of straightforward plot yet is transfixing in its unruffled awareness of the ways we love and leave each other, and of what it means to listen to other people."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/07/books/outline-rachel-cusks-new-novel.html
What gets lost when English becomes the lingua franca of the Internet, as well as the world? Minae Mizumura's The Fall of Language in the Age of English tackles the subject, and has just been translated into our "tuneless, careless juggernaut" of a language, English.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/01/minae_mizumura_s_the_fall_of_language_in_the_age_of_english_reviewed.html
Jeet Heer's so-called 'Twitter essays' are "multipart riffs on culture, politics and the many unlikely connections between the two." His new book, Sweet Lechery, shows us why he's one of Canada's leading public intellectuals.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/sweet-lechery-shows-us-how-jeet-heer-used-twitter-to-become-one-of-canadas-leading-public-intellectuals/article22380667/
Matt Rader's first collection of short stories, What I Want to Tell Goes Like This, is an exploration, largely, of Vancouver Island's Comox Valley, where the author grew up. It explores its vibrant past through the placement of "historically rooted stories juxtaposed against frequently open-ended contemporary fictions."
http://www.straight.com/life/800266/matt-raders-what-i-want-tell-goes-layered-vibrant-history
Jaguar's Children, by Vancouver author John Vaillant, is "a heavy-duty, appalling saga of Mexico," as well as the author's first novel. Vaillant is already known for The Golden Spruce and The Tiger, both lauded non-fiction books.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Jaguar+Children+unsettling+tale+Mexico+illegals/10716387/story.html
Getting a book published is an arduous path for any author...and a decade-long struggle for more than a few. Here's a new infographic that explores the careers of the world's most successful authors.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/author-career-infographic_n_6465328.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE CRESCENT MOON PROJECT
Join novelist Mark Boyter and singer/songwriter Glenn Chatten for an evening of readings from Mark's newly released book Crescent Moon Over Laos and Glenn's latest CD. Books and CDs will be available for sale. Thursday, January 15 at 7:00pm, free. The Chapel, St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church, Nelson and Burrard. For more information, email mjboyter@yahoo.ca or gchatten@gmail.com.
BEN NUTTALL-SMITH
Author launches his latest book Flying with White Eagle. Thursday, January 15 at 7:30pm. Pelican Rouge Coffee House, 15142 North Bluff Road, White Rock.
THE DAY THAT...
Celebrate Rain City Chronicles 5th birthday party with a fantastic roster of Vancouverites sharing true tales about days that changed their lives. Friday, January 16 at 6:30pm. Tickets: $28. Grandview Legion Hall, 2205 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at raincitychronicles.com.
INTERIOR PASSAGES
Vancouver Launch of Susan McCaslin's memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, and Pam Galloway's volume of poetry, Passing Stranger (both Inanna Publications), Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, the Great Hall, 1825 W. 16th Ave., Vancouver, BC, Sat. Jan. 17, 3:30-5:30pm. Refreshments, cello music, emcee Diane Tucker. Free and open to the public.
KRISTI CHARISH
Local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
VAN SLAM
Featuring spoken word poet and rapper C-Command. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm.Cost: $6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
PAM GALLOWAY AND SUSAN MCCASLIN
Poets reading from their new works (Inanna Publications): Pam's volume of poems, Passing Stranger, and Susan's memoir (Into the Mystic) at the Spoken Ink Series, Burnaby Writers' Society, La Fontana Cafe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby, Tues. Jan. 20, open mic sign up, 7:30p.m., reading at 8pm. Info: bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Kate Braid and Amber Dawn are the featured poets. Wednesday, January 21 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
NOVEL NIGHTS WITH CAROLINE ADDERSON
Book Warehouse hosts their first book club meeting of 2015! Author Caroline Adderson will discuss her latest novel Ellen in Pieces. Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. More information at www.vclr.ca.
NANCY LEE
Nancy Lee discuses her latest novel, The Age. Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $22 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
TO BUILD A FIRE
A dynamic interdisciplinary performance in which piano, cello, and ukulele music compliments and responds to vital, eclectic literary works. Featuring Christine Fellows, Miriam Toews, and Erik Rutherford. Friday, January 23 at 7:00pm. Gessler Hall, UBC School of Music, 6361 Memorial Road.
HALF OF A YELLOW SUN
The film adaption of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Orange Prize-winning novel, set during Nigeria's bloody Biafran civil war of the late 1960s, makes its Vancouver premiere this month: http://www.thecinematheque.ca/half-of-a-yellow-sun.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kennedy Arbor and Jenni Madison with host Franci Louann. Sunday, January 25 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill.
YOUTH SLAM
Featuring 2014 Youth Slam Grand Slam champion Sebastian Wen. Monday, January 26 at 7:00pm. Cost: $4-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
ERIN MOURE
Author reads from her work. Tuesday, January 27 at 5:00pm. Coach House, Green College, UBC.
A NOVEL IDEA
Janine Alyson Young, author of Hideout Hotel, will be joined by former Caitlin Press publicist, Rebecca Hendry. Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00pm. Gibsons Library, 470 Fletcher Rd. S., Gibsons, BC. More information at 604-886-2130.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
EVANGELINE LILLY
Meet Evangeline Lilly as she reads and signs her new book, The Squickerwonkers. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Chapters Robson, Vancouver. More information at chapters.indigo.com.
IF I FALL, IF I DIE
Launch of Michael Christie's new novel. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Antisocial, 2337 Main Street, Vancouver. For more information and to RSVP, email pkells@penguinrandomhouse.com.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Leah Horlick and Heather Haley with open mic. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
6th annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 42
BOOK NEWS
Incite 2015
The first Incite event of 2015 kicks off on January 14 with three brilliant poets. Celebrated Canadian poet Patrick Lane reads from his new collection Washita. He's joined by 2014 Governor General's Award-winner Arleen Pare (Lake of Two Mountains) and newcomer Kayla Czaga (For Your Safety Please Hold On).
FREE!
7:30pm, January 14
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Vancouver-based Fight with a Stick makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf, inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation. Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
Emma Healey has been awarded the Costa First Novel Prize. Her book, Elizabeth is Missing, was inspired by her grandmother's dementia.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/05/costa-first-novel-prize-2014-emma-healey-elizabeth-healey
Kate Saunders has won the Costa Children's Book Award for Five Children on the Western Front. The award-winning book takes up the story of E. Nesbit's classic tale Five Children and It.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/jan/05/kate-saunders-costa-childrens-book-award-five-children-on-the-western-front
YOUNG READERS
Please Mr. Panda is just one of several new children's books worth checking out this week. You can see wonderful illustrations, previews and mini reviews, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2014/12/31/books/review/31childrens-6.html
NEWS & FEATURES
What are your New Year's resolutions? In this article, ten authors, including John Vaillant and Andrew Pyper, make their resolutions.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/i-hereby-resolveauthors-share-their-writerly-resolutions-for-2015/article22264102/
Speaking of resolutions, Mark Zuckerberg has shocked the world with his low-tech goal for the New Year: read a new book every other week. According to Zuckerberg, "books allow you to fully explore a topic and immerse yourself in a deeper way than most media today. I'm looking forward to shifting more of my media diet towards reading books."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amitchowdhry/2015/01/05/mark-zuckerberg-book-club/
Submissions are now being accepted for this year's CBC Creative Nonfiction prize (http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/literaryprizes/nonfiction/)! To help get you motivated, here are 10 inspiring quotes by great nonfiction writers.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2015/01/10-inspiring-quotes-by-great-nonfiction-writers.html
How do aesthetics and reading interact? Franck Bohbot, a French photographer currently living in New York, recently created a project called "House of Books," which documents the most beautiful libraries in the world.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/most-beautiful-libraries_n_6391600.html
HaHaruki Murakami is "so notoriously reclusive that nobody knows for sure where in the world he lives, and he has joked about biting fans who get too close." He's dropping the veil this spring, when he'll be giving readers personal advice on any topic they choose. Questions will be accepted from January 15th to the 31st on a special page called Murakami's Place.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/author-haruki-murakami-to-give-readers-personal-advice-on-any-topic-1.2890935
"It may call itself a town," wrote Neil Gaiman in American Gods, "but unless it's got a bookstore it knows it's not fooling a soul." Here's a "different kind of book tour," a list of the best bookstores to visit in the US.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-different-kind-of-book-tour-1419635258
BOOKS & WRITERS
It's the New Year, and with that comes new books. Here's the Globe and Mail's list of the "50 most anticipated books of 2015 (the first half, anyway)."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-50-most-anticipated-books-of-2015-the-first-half-anyway/article22273982/
The TV adaptation of Lawrence Hill's Book of Negroes has just premiered on CBC. In this interview, Hill "shares some of the secrets to his success–including why you should write what you don't know."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/lawrence-hill-treats-all-his-writing-as-one-large-mural/article22275786/
"I would like to say I write every day (and I certainly tell other people they should!)," states Margaret Atwood in a recent interview with the LA Times, "but I have to admit I don't always do it. I try to write at least something, even if it's a letter or a to-do list, or a Reddit AMA." She discusses her reading and writing habits, negative reviews and more, here:
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-margaret-atwood-charming-reddit-ama-20141231-story.html
William Gibson is an author known for "eerily prescient" works, which, thanks to the "dizzying" pace of technological advancement, feature futuristic elements that have already become realized. "Unfortunately for all of us, the grimmer the vision, the more vividly realized those moments of foresight have become, which bodes ill for the world if Gibson's latest work is imbued with similar prescience."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-peripheral-back-to-the-future-with-william-gibson/article22193577/
When Eimear McBride began writing A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing, she "didn't want to write like [James] Joyce...What Joyce did was point me in the direction I wanted to go in." She discusses that, and her upcoming novel, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-eimear-mcbrides-sense-of-direction-is-fully-formed/article22212907/
What's the best advice Kathleen Winter ever got? "Smash a manuscript against the wall like breaking a vase, and start again."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-best-advice-author-kathleen-winter-ever-got-smash-a-manuscript-against-the-wall-like-breaking-a-vase-and-start-again/article22163571/
Honeydew is Edith Pearlman's fifth short story collection, as well as the first to be released by a major publishing house. After five decades of writing short stories (some 200 for small literary magazines), she has finally, at age 78, got her big break.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/03/books/edith-pearlmans-new-book-is-honeydew.html
More than one hundred years after publishing its landmark Greeks and Romans classics collection, Harvard University Press is doing "the same for the far more vast and dizzyingly diverse classical literature of India, in what some are calling one of the most complex scholarly publishing projects ever undertaken."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/03/books/murty-classical-library-catalogs-indian-literature.html
Algerian author Kamel Daoud's debut novel "reaped glowing international reviews, literary honors and then, suddenly, demands for his public execution." Called Meursault, Counter-Investigation, it's a retelling of Albert Camus's classic The Stranger.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/05/books/an-algerian-author-fights-back-against-a-fatwa.html
Haruki Murakami's latest novel, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his Years of Pilgrimage, is the subject of this week's Digested Read podcast (produced by the Guardian.) According to die-hard fan Dale Berning, "Murakami's deadpan prose will never lose its lustre."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/audio/2015/jan/01/haruki-murakami-colorless-tsukuru-digested-read-books-podcast-2015
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWS READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio at SFU presents poet Linda King, author of Dream Street Details. Thursday, January 8 at 8:00 pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More info at http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/events/2015/01/tws-reading-series1.html.
GUNG HAGGIS FAT CHOY WORLD POETRY
Features Kathy Figueroa, Steven Duncan and Joe MacDonald. Saturday, January 10 at 1:00pm, free. Britannia branch, VPL. More information at worldpoetry.ca.
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, January 11 at 3:00pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at deadpoetslive.com.
BLOOD ON THE MOON
Author Ruth Kozak presents her latest historical fiction novel. With special guest Manolis Agilizakis. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm. Hellenic Community Centre, Vancouver.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Phinder Dulai and Nilofar Shidmehr with open mic. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
WOWPS FINALS
Nine female identified poets from Vancouver will be going head to head to see which one of them will represent Vancouver at the Women of the World Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm. Cost: $6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More info at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
THE CRESCENT MOON PROJECT
Join novelist Mark Boyter and singer/songwriter Glenn Chatten for an evening of readings from Mark's newly released book Crescent Moon Over Laos and Glenn's latest CD. Books and CDs will be available for sale. Thursday, January 15 at 7:00pm, free. The Chapel, St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church, Nelson and Burrard. For more information, email mjboyter@yahoo.ca or gchatten@gmail.com.
BEN NUTTALL-SMITH
Author launches his latest book Flying with White Eagle. Thursday, January 15 at 7:30pm. Pelican Rouge Coffee House, 15142 North Bluff Road, White Rock.
THE DAY THAT...
Celebrate Rain City Chronicles 5th birthday party with a fantastic roster of Vancouverites sharing true tales about days that changed their lives. Friday, January 16 at 6:30pm. Tickets: $28. Grandview Legion Hall, 2205 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at raincitychronicles.com.
INTERIOR PASSAGES
Vancouver Launch of Susan McCaslin's memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, and Pam Galloway's volume of poetry, Passing Stranger (both Inanna Publications), Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, the Great Hall, 1825 W. 16th Ave., Vancouver, BC, Sat. Jan. 17, 3:30-5:30pm. Refreshments, cello music, emcee Diane Tucker. Free and open to the public.
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
VAN SLAM
Featuring spoken word poet and rapper C-Command. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm.Cost: $6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
PAM GALLOWAY AND SUSAN MCCASLIN
Poets reading from their new works (Inanna Publications): Pam's volume of poems, Passing Stranger, and Susan's memoir (Into the Mystic) at the Spoken Ink Series, Burnaby Writers' Society, La Fontana Cafe, 101-3701 East Hastings, North Burnaby (NE corner of Boundary and Hastings), Tues. Jan. 20, open mic sign up, 7:30p.m., reading at 8pm. Info: bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Kate Braid and Amber Dawn are the featured poets. Wednesday, January 21 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
NOVEL NIGHTS WITH CAROLINE ADDERSON
Book Warehouse hosts their first book club meeting of 2015! Author Caroline Adderson will discuss her latest novel Ellen in Pieces. Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. Free to Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable members and students. More information at www.vclr.ca.
HALF OF A YELLOW SUN
The film adaption of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Orange Prize-winning novel, set during Nigeria's bloody Biafran civil war of the late 1960s, makes its Vancouver premiere this month: http://www.thecinematheque.ca/half-of-a-yellow-sun.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kennedy Arbor and Jenni Madison with host Franci Louann. Sunday, January 25 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill.
YOUTH SLAM
Featuring 2014 Youth Slam Grand Slam champion Sebastian Wen. Monday, January 26 at 7:00pm. Cost: $4-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
ERIN MOURE
Author reads from her work. Tuesday, January 27 at 5:00pm. Coach House, Green College, UBC.
A NOVEL IDEA
Janine Alyson Young, author of Hideout Hotel, will be joined by former Caitlin Press publicist, Rebecca Hendry. Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00pm. Gibsons Library, 470 Fletcher Rd. S., Gibsons, BC. More information at 604-886-2130.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
EVANGELINE LILLY
Meet Evangeline Lilly as she reads and signs her new book, The Squickerwonkers. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Chapters Robson, Vancouver. More information at chapters.indigo.com.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
6th annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
Incite 2015
The first Incite event of 2015 kicks off on January 14 with three brilliant poets. Celebrated Canadian poet Patrick Lane reads from his new collection Washita. He's joined by 2014 Governor General's Award-winner Arleen Pare (Lake of Two Mountains) and newcomer Kayla Czaga (For Your Safety Please Hold On).
FREE!
7:30pm, January 14
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Vancouver-based Fight with a Stick makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf, inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation. Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
Emma Healey has been awarded the Costa First Novel Prize. Her book, Elizabeth is Missing, was inspired by her grandmother's dementia.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/05/costa-first-novel-prize-2014-emma-healey-elizabeth-healey
Kate Saunders has won the Costa Children's Book Award for Five Children on the Western Front. The award-winning book takes up the story of E. Nesbit's classic tale Five Children and It.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/jan/05/kate-saunders-costa-childrens-book-award-five-children-on-the-western-front
YOUNG READERS
Please Mr. Panda is just one of several new children's books worth checking out this week. You can see wonderful illustrations, previews and mini reviews, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2014/12/31/books/review/31childrens-6.html
NEWS & FEATURES
What are your New Year's resolutions? In this article, ten authors, including John Vaillant and Andrew Pyper, make their resolutions.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/i-hereby-resolveauthors-share-their-writerly-resolutions-for-2015/article22264102/
Speaking of resolutions, Mark Zuckerberg has shocked the world with his low-tech goal for the New Year: read a new book every other week. According to Zuckerberg, "books allow you to fully explore a topic and immerse yourself in a deeper way than most media today. I'm looking forward to shifting more of my media diet towards reading books."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amitchowdhry/2015/01/05/mark-zuckerberg-book-club/
Submissions are now being accepted for this year's CBC Creative Nonfiction prize (http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/literaryprizes/nonfiction/)! To help get you motivated, here are 10 inspiring quotes by great nonfiction writers.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2015/01/10-inspiring-quotes-by-great-nonfiction-writers.html
How do aesthetics and reading interact? Franck Bohbot, a French photographer currently living in New York, recently created a project called "House of Books," which documents the most beautiful libraries in the world.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/most-beautiful-libraries_n_6391600.html
HaHaruki Murakami is "so notoriously reclusive that nobody knows for sure where in the world he lives, and he has joked about biting fans who get too close." He's dropping the veil this spring, when he'll be giving readers personal advice on any topic they choose. Questions will be accepted from January 15th to the 31st on a special page called Murakami's Place.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/author-haruki-murakami-to-give-readers-personal-advice-on-any-topic-1.2890935
"It may call itself a town," wrote Neil Gaiman in American Gods, "but unless it's got a bookstore it knows it's not fooling a soul." Here's a "different kind of book tour," a list of the best bookstores to visit in the US.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-different-kind-of-book-tour-1419635258
BOOKS & WRITERS
It's the New Year, and with that comes new books. Here's the Globe and Mail's list of the "50 most anticipated books of 2015 (the first half, anyway)."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-50-most-anticipated-books-of-2015-the-first-half-anyway/article22273982/
The TV adaptation of Lawrence Hill's Book of Negroes has just premiered on CBC. In this interview, Hill "shares some of the secrets to his success–including why you should write what you don't know."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/lawrence-hill-treats-all-his-writing-as-one-large-mural/article22275786/
"I would like to say I write every day (and I certainly tell other people they should!)," states Margaret Atwood in a recent interview with the LA Times, "but I have to admit I don't always do it. I try to write at least something, even if it's a letter or a to-do list, or a Reddit AMA." She discusses her reading and writing habits, negative reviews and more, here:
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-margaret-atwood-charming-reddit-ama-20141231-story.html
William Gibson is an author known for "eerily prescient" works, which, thanks to the "dizzying" pace of technological advancement, feature futuristic elements that have already become realized. "Unfortunately for all of us, the grimmer the vision, the more vividly realized those moments of foresight have become, which bodes ill for the world if Gibson's latest work is imbued with similar prescience."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-peripheral-back-to-the-future-with-william-gibson/article22193577/
When Eimear McBride began writing A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing, she "didn't want to write like [James] Joyce...What Joyce did was point me in the direction I wanted to go in." She discusses that, and her upcoming novel, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-eimear-mcbrides-sense-of-direction-is-fully-formed/article22212907/
What's the best advice Kathleen Winter ever got? "Smash a manuscript against the wall like breaking a vase, and start again."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-best-advice-author-kathleen-winter-ever-got-smash-a-manuscript-against-the-wall-like-breaking-a-vase-and-start-again/article22163571/
Honeydew is Edith Pearlman's fifth short story collection, as well as the first to be released by a major publishing house. After five decades of writing short stories (some 200 for small literary magazines), she has finally, at age 78, got her big break.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/03/books/edith-pearlmans-new-book-is-honeydew.html
More than one hundred years after publishing its landmark Greeks and Romans classics collection, Harvard University Press is doing "the same for the far more vast and dizzyingly diverse classical literature of India, in what some are calling one of the most complex scholarly publishing projects ever undertaken."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/03/books/murty-classical-library-catalogs-indian-literature.html
Algerian author Kamel Daoud's debut novel "reaped glowing international reviews, literary honors and then, suddenly, demands for his public execution." Called Meursault, Counter-Investigation, it's a retelling of Albert Camus's classic The Stranger.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/05/books/an-algerian-author-fights-back-against-a-fatwa.html
Haruki Murakami's latest novel, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his Years of Pilgrimage, is the subject of this week's Digested Read podcast (produced by the Guardian.) According to die-hard fan Dale Berning, "Murakami's deadpan prose will never lose its lustre."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/audio/2015/jan/01/haruki-murakami-colorless-tsukuru-digested-read-books-podcast-2015
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWS READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio at SFU presents poet Linda King, author of Dream Street Details. Thursday, January 8 at 8:00 pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More info at http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/events/2015/01/tws-reading-series1.html.
GUNG HAGGIS FAT CHOY WORLD POETRY
Features Kathy Figueroa, Steven Duncan and Joe MacDonald. Saturday, January 10 at 1:00pm, free. Britannia branch, VPL. More information at worldpoetry.ca.
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, January 11 at 3:00pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at deadpoetslive.com.
BLOOD ON THE MOON
Author Ruth Kozak presents her latest historical fiction novel. With special guest Manolis Agilizakis. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm. Hellenic Community Centre, Vancouver.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Phinder Dulai and Nilofar Shidmehr with open mic. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
WOWPS FINALS
Nine female identified poets from Vancouver will be going head to head to see which one of them will represent Vancouver at the Women of the World Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm. Cost: $6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More info at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
THE CRESCENT MOON PROJECT
Join novelist Mark Boyter and singer/songwriter Glenn Chatten for an evening of readings from Mark's newly released book Crescent Moon Over Laos and Glenn's latest CD. Books and CDs will be available for sale. Thursday, January 15 at 7:00pm, free. The Chapel, St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church, Nelson and Burrard. For more information, email mjboyter@yahoo.ca or gchatten@gmail.com.
BEN NUTTALL-SMITH
Author launches his latest book Flying with White Eagle. Thursday, January 15 at 7:30pm. Pelican Rouge Coffee House, 15142 North Bluff Road, White Rock.
THE DAY THAT...
Celebrate Rain City Chronicles 5th birthday party with a fantastic roster of Vancouverites sharing true tales about days that changed their lives. Friday, January 16 at 6:30pm. Tickets: $28. Grandview Legion Hall, 2205 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at raincitychronicles.com.
INTERIOR PASSAGES
Vancouver Launch of Susan McCaslin's memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, and Pam Galloway's volume of poetry, Passing Stranger (both Inanna Publications), Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, the Great Hall, 1825 W. 16th Ave., Vancouver, BC, Sat. Jan. 17, 3:30-5:30pm. Refreshments, cello music, emcee Diane Tucker. Free and open to the public.
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
VAN SLAM
Featuring spoken word poet and rapper C-Command. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm.Cost: $6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
PAM GALLOWAY AND SUSAN MCCASLIN
Poets reading from their new works (Inanna Publications): Pam's volume of poems, Passing Stranger, and Susan's memoir (Into the Mystic) at the Spoken Ink Series, Burnaby Writers' Society, La Fontana Cafe, 101-3701 East Hastings, North Burnaby (NE corner of Boundary and Hastings), Tues. Jan. 20, open mic sign up, 7:30p.m., reading at 8pm. Info: bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Kate Braid and Amber Dawn are the featured poets. Wednesday, January 21 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
NOVEL NIGHTS WITH CAROLINE ADDERSON
Book Warehouse hosts their first book club meeting of 2015! Author Caroline Adderson will discuss her latest novel Ellen in Pieces. Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. Free to Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable members and students. More information at www.vclr.ca.
HALF OF A YELLOW SUN
The film adaption of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Orange Prize-winning novel, set during Nigeria's bloody Biafran civil war of the late 1960s, makes its Vancouver premiere this month: http://www.thecinematheque.ca/half-of-a-yellow-sun.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kennedy Arbor and Jenni Madison with host Franci Louann. Sunday, January 25 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill.
YOUTH SLAM
Featuring 2014 Youth Slam Grand Slam champion Sebastian Wen. Monday, January 26 at 7:00pm. Cost: $4-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
ERIN MOURE
Author reads from her work. Tuesday, January 27 at 5:00pm. Coach House, Green College, UBC.
A NOVEL IDEA
Janine Alyson Young, author of Hideout Hotel, will be joined by former Caitlin Press publicist, Rebecca Hendry. Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00pm. Gibsons Library, 470 Fletcher Rd. S., Gibsons, BC. More information at 604-886-2130.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
EVANGELINE LILLY
Meet Evangeline Lilly as she reads and signs her new book, The Squickerwonkers. Thursday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Chapters Robson, Vancouver. More information at chapters.indigo.com.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
6th annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Book News Vol. 9 No. 41
BOOK NEWS
Miriam Toews Podcast
Miriam Toews's appearance at the 2014 Festival was a highlight and received rave reviews. Listen to a recording of her sold out solo event here, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/intimate-evening-miriam-toews.
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Local theatre innovators Alex Lazaridis Ferguson and Steven Hill have formed a new company, Fight with a Stick, which makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf. Inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation, Steppenwolf has been specially staged for the Russian Hall. The audience is seated before a bank of mirrors: somewhere within the reflection, a story begins.
Steppenwolf
February 4–8
Russian Hall
Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
The nominations for this year's Folio Prize are in. The prize is given to an English-language book of fiction published in the UK, though the authors can be from any country. Among the 80 chosen are David Mitchell's The Bone Clocks and The Zone of Interest by Martin Amis.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/15/folio-prize-2015-80-titles
YOUNG READERS
Are your teenagers looking for something to read in the New Year? Here are the 13 most anticipated YA novels of 2015.
http://www.bustle.com/articles/52695-13-of-the-most-anticipated-ya-novels-of-2015-aka-what-you-need-to-be-reading
NEWS & FEATURES
Should writers respond to their critics? According to James Parker, "No, no, a thousand times no."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/books/review/should-writers-respond-to-their-critics.html?_r=0
The book business has a "diversity problem." How do we address this? Here are six ways to improve diversity in book publishing.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/65043-got-diversity-six-hacks-that-address-book-industry-diversity-21st-century-style.html
"Culture" is Mirriam-Webster's word of the year. "Merriam-Webster based its pick and nine runners-up on significant increases in lookups this year over last on Merriam-Webster.com, along with notable, often culture-driven—if you will—spikes of concentrated interest."
http://news.yahoo.com/merriam-webster-names-culture-word-082532788.html
"One cannot have too large a party." That's just one of many quotes "to live life by" assembled by The Guardian for Jane Austen Day.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/dec/16/jane-austen-in-quotes-30-tips-for-a-successful-life
"You'd think teenagers would shun traditional print books for e-readers. But the latest survey says that's not true." As it turns out, teens prefer the printed page to ebooks.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/dec/16/teens-ebooks-ereaders-survey
CBC is set to adapt Ian Hamilton's Ava Lee series. Hamilton, who appeared at this year's Writers Fest, based the series on his experience as a businessman in Asia.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2014/12/cbc-to-adapt-ian-hamiltons-ava-lee-mystery-series.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Are you looking for last minute gift ideas? Here's the CBC's roundup of "our favourite Canadian books of the year."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/bestbooks2014/index.html
There are also many great books this year that haven't been as publicized in the press. Here are "27 great books you never heard about—but should've."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/12/underrated_books_overlooked_fiction_nonfiction_and_comics_of_2014.html
Over a long career, Albanian novelist Ismail Kadare has "canvassed the historical and linguistic territory" of his language through essays, poetry and more than forty novels. His 1978 novel, Twilight of the Eastern Gods, has finally been translated into English, an autobiographical bildungroman set in "the procrustean warp of a Soviet communism that is international, polyglot, industrialized, but artistically inert."
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/albania-prophet-surveillance-state
"I think most metaphors divert you from what it is you ought to be looking at," states Richard Ford in this interview with the LA Review of Books. He discusses his newest book, Let Me Be Frank With You, along with his own life, hurricanes, the old South and more, here:
http://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/decommissioned-words-interview-richard-ford
Is "confessional" writing self-indulgent? Afaa Michael Weaver doesn't think so. "He has been exploring the intersection of the personal and the public for 30 years in poetry, and in his most recent work, shows the possibilities for spiritual growth and healing in the very subjects that are often considered 'shameful.'" His newest book is called City of Eternal Spring.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/essay/convergence-personal-political-spiritual-poetry-afaa-michael-weavers-plum-flower-trilogy
Fifty writers, artists and thinkers have come together to create a new anthology in support of First Nations women. Called Kwe: Standing With Our Sisters, it is edited by Joseph Boyden.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2014/12/joseph-boyden-edits-new-anthology-highlighting-plight-of-first-nations-women.html
"Are you there, readers?" Judy Blume has written a new book for grown-ups. Called In the Unlikely Event, it's her first book for adults in 15 years.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-new-judy-blume-novel-for-adults-coming-in-june-20141215-story.html
Ashley Little's new book, Anatomy of a Girl Gang, was inspired by discoveries she made about "the fascinating world of all-girl gangs—the rarest alliance in all of gang culture." Set in Vancouver, it's a multiple-perspective story of five teenage girls "who seek solace in each other while terrorizing the city." Little is interviewed, here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2014/12/ashley-little-how-i-wrote-anatomy-of-a-girl-gang.html
Andrew Steeves, the editor and print master at Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press has written a book. Smoke Proofs: Essays on Liteary Publishing, Printing and Typography "offers an introductory lesson on the history of print publishing that doubles as a CanLit call to arms, urging both publishers and readers to expect the best from each other."
http://www.quillandquire.com/digital-publishing-and-technology/2014/12/16/gaspereau-presss-andrew-steeves-on-publishing-and-typography/
In her new book, How Not to Write, Lisa Carver gives writers an important piece of advice: get rejected! Check out an excerpt, here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/12/the-sunday-rumpus-essay-get-rejected/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DYLAN THOMAS: RETURN JOURNEY
starring Bob Kingdom and directed by Anthony Hopkins. The Cultch presents the farewell tour of this legendary hit production, specially conceived as one of the flagship performances for the centenary celebrations of Dylan Thomas. Playing now until December 21. Information at http://thecultch.com/events/dylan-thomas-return-journey/. Tickets from $19.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday event-all open mic with host, Candice James, Poet Laureate of New Westminster. Sunday, December 21 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
YOUTH POETRY SLAM
Another qualifying slam to make the youth slam playoffs in March or 2015. Monday, December 22 at 8:00pm. Cost: $4/$6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday all open mic session with host, Sho Wiley. Sunday, December 28 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
Upcoming
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Phinder Dulai and Nilofar Shidmehr with open mic. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. Free to Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable members and students. More information at www.vclr.ca.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
Miriam Toews Podcast
Miriam Toews's appearance at the 2014 Festival was a highlight and received rave reviews. Listen to a recording of her sold out solo event here, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/intimate-evening-miriam-toews.
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Local theatre innovators Alex Lazaridis Ferguson and Steven Hill have formed a new company, Fight with a Stick, which makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf. Inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation, Steppenwolf has been specially staged for the Russian Hall. The audience is seated before a bank of mirrors: somewhere within the reflection, a story begins.
Steppenwolf
February 4–8
Russian Hall
Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
The nominations for this year's Folio Prize are in. The prize is given to an English-language book of fiction published in the UK, though the authors can be from any country. Among the 80 chosen are David Mitchell's The Bone Clocks and The Zone of Interest by Martin Amis.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/15/folio-prize-2015-80-titles
YOUNG READERS
Are your teenagers looking for something to read in the New Year? Here are the 13 most anticipated YA novels of 2015.
http://www.bustle.com/articles/52695-13-of-the-most-anticipated-ya-novels-of-2015-aka-what-you-need-to-be-reading
NEWS & FEATURES
Should writers respond to their critics? According to James Parker, "No, no, a thousand times no."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/books/review/should-writers-respond-to-their-critics.html?_r=0
The book business has a "diversity problem." How do we address this? Here are six ways to improve diversity in book publishing.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/65043-got-diversity-six-hacks-that-address-book-industry-diversity-21st-century-style.html
"Culture" is Mirriam-Webster's word of the year. "Merriam-Webster based its pick and nine runners-up on significant increases in lookups this year over last on Merriam-Webster.com, along with notable, often culture-driven—if you will—spikes of concentrated interest."
http://news.yahoo.com/merriam-webster-names-culture-word-082532788.html
"One cannot have too large a party." That's just one of many quotes "to live life by" assembled by The Guardian for Jane Austen Day.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/dec/16/jane-austen-in-quotes-30-tips-for-a-successful-life
"You'd think teenagers would shun traditional print books for e-readers. But the latest survey says that's not true." As it turns out, teens prefer the printed page to ebooks.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/dec/16/teens-ebooks-ereaders-survey
CBC is set to adapt Ian Hamilton's Ava Lee series. Hamilton, who appeared at this year's Writers Fest, based the series on his experience as a businessman in Asia.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2014/12/cbc-to-adapt-ian-hamiltons-ava-lee-mystery-series.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Are you looking for last minute gift ideas? Here's the CBC's roundup of "our favourite Canadian books of the year."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/bestbooks2014/index.html
There are also many great books this year that haven't been as publicized in the press. Here are "27 great books you never heard about—but should've."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/12/underrated_books_overlooked_fiction_nonfiction_and_comics_of_2014.html
Over a long career, Albanian novelist Ismail Kadare has "canvassed the historical and linguistic territory" of his language through essays, poetry and more than forty novels. His 1978 novel, Twilight of the Eastern Gods, has finally been translated into English, an autobiographical bildungroman set in "the procrustean warp of a Soviet communism that is international, polyglot, industrialized, but artistically inert."
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/albania-prophet-surveillance-state
"I think most metaphors divert you from what it is you ought to be looking at," states Richard Ford in this interview with the LA Review of Books. He discusses his newest book, Let Me Be Frank With You, along with his own life, hurricanes, the old South and more, here:
http://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/decommissioned-words-interview-richard-ford
Is "confessional" writing self-indulgent? Afaa Michael Weaver doesn't think so. "He has been exploring the intersection of the personal and the public for 30 years in poetry, and in his most recent work, shows the possibilities for spiritual growth and healing in the very subjects that are often considered 'shameful.'" His newest book is called City of Eternal Spring.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/essay/convergence-personal-political-spiritual-poetry-afaa-michael-weavers-plum-flower-trilogy
Fifty writers, artists and thinkers have come together to create a new anthology in support of First Nations women. Called Kwe: Standing With Our Sisters, it is edited by Joseph Boyden.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2014/12/joseph-boyden-edits-new-anthology-highlighting-plight-of-first-nations-women.html
"Are you there, readers?" Judy Blume has written a new book for grown-ups. Called In the Unlikely Event, it's her first book for adults in 15 years.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-new-judy-blume-novel-for-adults-coming-in-june-20141215-story.html
Ashley Little's new book, Anatomy of a Girl Gang, was inspired by discoveries she made about "the fascinating world of all-girl gangs—the rarest alliance in all of gang culture." Set in Vancouver, it's a multiple-perspective story of five teenage girls "who seek solace in each other while terrorizing the city." Little is interviewed, here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2014/12/ashley-little-how-i-wrote-anatomy-of-a-girl-gang.html
Andrew Steeves, the editor and print master at Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press has written a book. Smoke Proofs: Essays on Liteary Publishing, Printing and Typography "offers an introductory lesson on the history of print publishing that doubles as a CanLit call to arms, urging both publishers and readers to expect the best from each other."
http://www.quillandquire.com/digital-publishing-and-technology/2014/12/16/gaspereau-presss-andrew-steeves-on-publishing-and-typography/
In her new book, How Not to Write, Lisa Carver gives writers an important piece of advice: get rejected! Check out an excerpt, here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/12/the-sunday-rumpus-essay-get-rejected/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DYLAN THOMAS: RETURN JOURNEY
starring Bob Kingdom and directed by Anthony Hopkins. The Cultch presents the farewell tour of this legendary hit production, specially conceived as one of the flagship performances for the centenary celebrations of Dylan Thomas. Playing now until December 21. Information at http://thecultch.com/events/dylan-thomas-return-journey/. Tickets from $19.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday event-all open mic with host, Candice James, Poet Laureate of New Westminster. Sunday, December 21 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
YOUTH POETRY SLAM
Another qualifying slam to make the youth slam playoffs in March or 2015. Monday, December 22 at 8:00pm. Cost: $4/$6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday all open mic session with host, Sho Wiley. Sunday, December 28 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
Upcoming
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Phinder Dulai and Nilofar Shidmehr with open mic. Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. Free to Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable members and students. More information at www.vclr.ca.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Book News Vol. 9 No. 40
BOOK NEWS
Thomas King Podcast
Thomas King's appearance at the 2014 Festival was a highlight and received rave reviews. Listen to a recording of his sold out solo event here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/thomas-king.
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Local theatre innovators Alex Lazaridis Ferguson and Steven Hill have formed a new company, Fight with a Stick, which makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf. Inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation, Steppenwolf has been specially staged for the Russian Hall. The audience is seated before a bank of mirrors: somewhere within the reflection, a story begins.
Steppenwolf
February 4–8
Russian Hall
Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
Richard Flanagan, winner of this year's Booker Prize, has also been awarded Australia's Prime Minister's Literary Award for The Narrow Road to the Deep North. What's even more interesting, however, is what he's doing with his $40,000 prize money: donating it to an Indigenous literacy charity.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/09/richard-flanagan-donating-40000-prize-indigenous-literacy
The longlist for the $25,000 RBC Taylor Prize, recognizing excellence in Canadian literary non-fiction, has been announced.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/12/10/2015-rbc-taylor-prize-longlist-revealed/
YOUNG READERS
What were the best books of 2014 for children? Jillian and Mariko Tamaki's This One Summer makes the top of Quill and Quire's list. Mariko appeared at this year's Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.quillandquire.com/books-year/2014/12/02/kidlit-books-of-the-year-2014/
NEWS & FEATURES
This week, Patrick Modiano accepted the Nobel Prize in literature. You can read a summary of his speech, and click on a link to the full text, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/09/patrick-modiano-nobel-prize-literature-future-acceptance-speech
A long-lost Dylan Thomas notebook is heading home to Wales. Swansea University bought the book, containing "drafts of some of Thomas's most challenging poems," in a recent auction.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/09/dylan-thomas-notebook-auction-swansea-university-wales
Many of this year's most exciting novels have been "distinctly un-novelistic, featuring protagonists who share many biographical details (and sometime names) with the authors, and substituting the messiness of experience for conventional plots. Such ‘novels from life'…reflect the authors' exasperation with fictional artifice." What does this mean for the future of fiction?
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/novels-detractors
The New York Times Book Review's 100 Notable Books list is an end-of-year favourite for readers and book professionals alike. Laura Miller recently went through two decades' worth of the list and discovered "how the most anxiety-inducing of year-end books lists has reflected the changing publishing landscape."
http://www.salon.com/2014/12/05/from_hefty_histories_to_chick_lit_what_i_learned_from_reading_two_decades_worth_of_nyt_notable_books_lists/
George Orwell may have died 65 years ago, but interest in the man "is accelerating and expanding practically daily". "His phrases are on our lips, his ideas are in our heads, his warnings have come true. How did this happen?"
http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/features/robert-butler/orwells-world?page=full
Writers in the UK are rejoicing! A high court judge has ruled against the embargo that prevents books from being sent to prisoners. The ruling as been hailed as "the halting of an iniquitous and draconian ban" and a "rare victory for common sense."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/05/writers-ruling-prison-books-ban-jk-rowling-ian-mcewan-philip-pullman
An unpublished work by Raymond Chandler has been discovered in the Library of Congress. The Princess and the Pedlar, a comic opera, was found almost 100 years after it was initially registered!
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/02/raymond-chandler-libretto-library-congress
What does it mean to "find your voice" as a writer? Sometimes being original isn't as great as it sounds. "For most folks, if you're going to be successful, it's best to find that your own voice is similar to the voice of someone on the prescribed list of folks who found a good voice before you."
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/11/finding-your-voice-as-a-writer-overrated/382946/
Should bookstore and libraries be integrated? "Integrating bookstores into libraries would help both survive, particularly in underserved communities."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2014/12/deborah-emin-integrating-libraries-bookstores-theory/
#Readwomen2014 was the year's most talked-about literary hashtag, introducing many readers to great writing by women. But where do we go from here?
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/dec/08/readwomen2014-year-discoveries-writing-campaign
BOOKS & WRITERS
The Holiday Season is upon us, and so, best-of-2014 book lists proliferate! In this one, five designers pick their favourite covers of the year.
http://www.quillandquire.com/books-year/2014/12/04/five-designers-pick-their-favourite-covers-of-the-year/
If you're asking Saint Nick for books this year, look no further than this list for great ideas! Here they are, the best stocking-filler books of 2014!
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/04/best-stocking-filler-books-2014
And one more: The Globe and Mail's "75 book ideas for Christmas, for everyone on your list (and we mean everyone)." That includes explorers, aspiring chefs, kids, shutterbugs, art lovers, design junkies, green thumbs, fashionistas and more!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/holiday-guide/gift-guides-shopping/75-book-ideas-for-christmas-for-everyone-on-your-list-and-we-mean-everyone/article21973347/
John Ralston Saul's latest book, The Comeback, is "a must-read for all Canadians." It is an examination of Canada's relationship with its aboriginal peoples, and the justice that must be restored to them.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-comeback-despite-shortcomings-john-ralston-sauls-latest-is-a-must-read-for-all-canadians/article21971090/
Marcello Di Cintio's Song of the Caged Bird: Words as Resistance in Palestine is a book that examines the role of literature in Palestinian society. It chronicles a month in which the author served as a creative non-fiction instructor in a Palestinian village near Ramallah.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/marcello-di-cintios-new-journey/
Emily St. John Mandel wrote her fourth novel, Station Eleven, as "a love letter in the form of a requiem." She's interviewed here.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/why-emily-st-john-mandels-wrote-her-new-book-i-think-of-it-as-a-love-letter-in-the-form-of-a-requiem/article21971241/
If you didn't get a chance to check out Bruce Cockburn at his special event for this year's Writers Fest, here's the Globe and Mail's review. "This is not your standard rock and roll memoir," Cockburn writes in the opening. His words are "the accumulations of an intricate and self-aware man."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/rumours-of-glory-bruce-cockburns-memoir-proves-hes-as-fierce-in-print-as-on-stage/article21971629/
Sarah Waters also attended this year's Writers Fest. Her novel, The Paying Guests, is "an exploration of illicit love, marriage and class in post-First World War London." In this interview, she takes us on a tour of the London Library in St. James Square (and her own life!)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/reinventing-well-worn-periods-of-history-with-paying-guests/article21971566/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DYLAN THOMAS: RETURN JOURNEY
starring Bob Kingdom and directed by Anthony Hopkins. The Cultch presents the farewell tour of this legendary hit production, specially conceived as one of the flagship performances for the centenary celebrations of Dylan Thomas. Playing now until December 21. Information at http://thecultch.com/events/dylan-thomas-return-journey/. Tickets from $19.
A ROCK FELL ON THE MOON
Join author and environmental commentator Ben Parfitt as he celebrates his wife and fellow author Alicia Priest's first book. Thursday, December 11 at 7:00pm, free. Central branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street.
THE CORPSE WITH THE PLATINUM HAIR
Author Cathy Ace signs her latest mystery novel. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
WORLD POETRY INTERCULTURAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Hosts Ariadne Sawyer MA and Russell Dior Benederio. Features Rosario Arias, Jaz Gill, Marzeah Wahidi, Anita Aguirre Nieveras, Una Bruhns. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Britannia branch, VPL, 1661 Napier.
JILL BARBER
Join singer-songwriter as she reads from her newest children's book, Music is for Everyone! Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More informatin at emackinnon@nimbus.ca.
POETIC JUSTICE
Featuring Sonja Grgar and Franci Louann. Host: Renee Saklikar. Sunday, December 14 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
SAY WHA?! NO LIMITS EDITION
A literary/comedy show where funny people read from the worst books they can find. Hosted by Sara Bynoe, featuring: Travis Dudfield, Jeff Gladstone, David C. Jones, and Tara Travis. Sunday, December 14 at 7:30pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.
WINNING THE WAR
Author Mark Zuehlke offers an insightful, informative journey back to February and March 1945 when our nation's soldiers launched one of the Second World War's most important offensives in his new book Forgotten Victory: First
Canadian Army and the Cruel Winter of 1944-45. Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK
Author Melia McClure reads from her novel The Delphi Room. Tuesday, December 16 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Jacqueline Turner and Changming Yuan are the featured poets. Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday event-all open mic with host, Candice James, Poet Laureate of New Westminster. Sunday, December 21 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
YOUTH POETRY SLAM
Another qualifying slam to make the youth slam playoffs in March or 2015. Monday, December 22 at 8:00pm. Cost: $4/$6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday all open mic session with host, Sho Wiley. Sunday, December 28 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
Upcoming
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. Free to Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable members and students. More information at www.vclr.ca.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
Thomas King Podcast
Thomas King's appearance at the 2014 Festival was a highlight and received rave reviews. Listen to a recording of his sold out solo event here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/thomas-king.
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
Festivals Around Town
PuSh Festival January 20-February 8
PuSh presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. Local theatre innovators Alex Lazaridis Ferguson and Steven Hill have formed a new company, Fight with a Stick, which makes its debut at PuSh with Steppenwolf. Inspired by Herman Hesse's 1927 novel of self-reflection and transformation, Steppenwolf has been specially staged for the Russian Hall. The audience is seated before a bank of mirrors: somewhere within the reflection, a story begins.
Steppenwolf
February 4–8
Russian Hall
Tickets/info: http://pushfestival.ca/shows/steppenwolf/
AWARDS & LISTS
Richard Flanagan, winner of this year's Booker Prize, has also been awarded Australia's Prime Minister's Literary Award for The Narrow Road to the Deep North. What's even more interesting, however, is what he's doing with his $40,000 prize money: donating it to an Indigenous literacy charity.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/09/richard-flanagan-donating-40000-prize-indigenous-literacy
The longlist for the $25,000 RBC Taylor Prize, recognizing excellence in Canadian literary non-fiction, has been announced.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/12/10/2015-rbc-taylor-prize-longlist-revealed/
YOUNG READERS
What were the best books of 2014 for children? Jillian and Mariko Tamaki's This One Summer makes the top of Quill and Quire's list. Mariko appeared at this year's Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.quillandquire.com/books-year/2014/12/02/kidlit-books-of-the-year-2014/
NEWS & FEATURES
This week, Patrick Modiano accepted the Nobel Prize in literature. You can read a summary of his speech, and click on a link to the full text, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/09/patrick-modiano-nobel-prize-literature-future-acceptance-speech
A long-lost Dylan Thomas notebook is heading home to Wales. Swansea University bought the book, containing "drafts of some of Thomas's most challenging poems," in a recent auction.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/09/dylan-thomas-notebook-auction-swansea-university-wales
Many of this year's most exciting novels have been "distinctly un-novelistic, featuring protagonists who share many biographical details (and sometime names) with the authors, and substituting the messiness of experience for conventional plots. Such ‘novels from life'…reflect the authors' exasperation with fictional artifice." What does this mean for the future of fiction?
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/novels-detractors
The New York Times Book Review's 100 Notable Books list is an end-of-year favourite for readers and book professionals alike. Laura Miller recently went through two decades' worth of the list and discovered "how the most anxiety-inducing of year-end books lists has reflected the changing publishing landscape."
http://www.salon.com/2014/12/05/from_hefty_histories_to_chick_lit_what_i_learned_from_reading_two_decades_worth_of_nyt_notable_books_lists/
George Orwell may have died 65 years ago, but interest in the man "is accelerating and expanding practically daily". "His phrases are on our lips, his ideas are in our heads, his warnings have come true. How did this happen?"
http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/features/robert-butler/orwells-world?page=full
Writers in the UK are rejoicing! A high court judge has ruled against the embargo that prevents books from being sent to prisoners. The ruling as been hailed as "the halting of an iniquitous and draconian ban" and a "rare victory for common sense."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/05/writers-ruling-prison-books-ban-jk-rowling-ian-mcewan-philip-pullman
An unpublished work by Raymond Chandler has been discovered in the Library of Congress. The Princess and the Pedlar, a comic opera, was found almost 100 years after it was initially registered!
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/02/raymond-chandler-libretto-library-congress
What does it mean to "find your voice" as a writer? Sometimes being original isn't as great as it sounds. "For most folks, if you're going to be successful, it's best to find that your own voice is similar to the voice of someone on the prescribed list of folks who found a good voice before you."
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/11/finding-your-voice-as-a-writer-overrated/382946/
Should bookstore and libraries be integrated? "Integrating bookstores into libraries would help both survive, particularly in underserved communities."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2014/12/deborah-emin-integrating-libraries-bookstores-theory/
#Readwomen2014 was the year's most talked-about literary hashtag, introducing many readers to great writing by women. But where do we go from here?
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/dec/08/readwomen2014-year-discoveries-writing-campaign
BOOKS & WRITERS
The Holiday Season is upon us, and so, best-of-2014 book lists proliferate! In this one, five designers pick their favourite covers of the year.
http://www.quillandquire.com/books-year/2014/12/04/five-designers-pick-their-favourite-covers-of-the-year/
If you're asking Saint Nick for books this year, look no further than this list for great ideas! Here they are, the best stocking-filler books of 2014!
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/04/best-stocking-filler-books-2014
And one more: The Globe and Mail's "75 book ideas for Christmas, for everyone on your list (and we mean everyone)." That includes explorers, aspiring chefs, kids, shutterbugs, art lovers, design junkies, green thumbs, fashionistas and more!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/holiday-guide/gift-guides-shopping/75-book-ideas-for-christmas-for-everyone-on-your-list-and-we-mean-everyone/article21973347/
John Ralston Saul's latest book, The Comeback, is "a must-read for all Canadians." It is an examination of Canada's relationship with its aboriginal peoples, and the justice that must be restored to them.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-comeback-despite-shortcomings-john-ralston-sauls-latest-is-a-must-read-for-all-canadians/article21971090/
Marcello Di Cintio's Song of the Caged Bird: Words as Resistance in Palestine is a book that examines the role of literature in Palestinian society. It chronicles a month in which the author served as a creative non-fiction instructor in a Palestinian village near Ramallah.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/marcello-di-cintios-new-journey/
Emily St. John Mandel wrote her fourth novel, Station Eleven, as "a love letter in the form of a requiem." She's interviewed here.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/why-emily-st-john-mandels-wrote-her-new-book-i-think-of-it-as-a-love-letter-in-the-form-of-a-requiem/article21971241/
If you didn't get a chance to check out Bruce Cockburn at his special event for this year's Writers Fest, here's the Globe and Mail's review. "This is not your standard rock and roll memoir," Cockburn writes in the opening. His words are "the accumulations of an intricate and self-aware man."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/rumours-of-glory-bruce-cockburns-memoir-proves-hes-as-fierce-in-print-as-on-stage/article21971629/
Sarah Waters also attended this year's Writers Fest. Her novel, The Paying Guests, is "an exploration of illicit love, marriage and class in post-First World War London." In this interview, she takes us on a tour of the London Library in St. James Square (and her own life!)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/reinventing-well-worn-periods-of-history-with-paying-guests/article21971566/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DYLAN THOMAS: RETURN JOURNEY
starring Bob Kingdom and directed by Anthony Hopkins. The Cultch presents the farewell tour of this legendary hit production, specially conceived as one of the flagship performances for the centenary celebrations of Dylan Thomas. Playing now until December 21. Information at http://thecultch.com/events/dylan-thomas-return-journey/. Tickets from $19.
A ROCK FELL ON THE MOON
Join author and environmental commentator Ben Parfitt as he celebrates his wife and fellow author Alicia Priest's first book. Thursday, December 11 at 7:00pm, free. Central branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street.
THE CORPSE WITH THE PLATINUM HAIR
Author Cathy Ace signs her latest mystery novel. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
WORLD POETRY INTERCULTURAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Hosts Ariadne Sawyer MA and Russell Dior Benederio. Features Rosario Arias, Jaz Gill, Marzeah Wahidi, Anita Aguirre Nieveras, Una Bruhns. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Britannia branch, VPL, 1661 Napier.
JILL BARBER
Join singer-songwriter as she reads from her newest children's book, Music is for Everyone! Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More informatin at emackinnon@nimbus.ca.
POETIC JUSTICE
Featuring Sonja Grgar and Franci Louann. Host: Renee Saklikar. Sunday, December 14 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
SAY WHA?! NO LIMITS EDITION
A literary/comedy show where funny people read from the worst books they can find. Hosted by Sara Bynoe, featuring: Travis Dudfield, Jeff Gladstone, David C. Jones, and Tara Travis. Sunday, December 14 at 7:30pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.
WINNING THE WAR
Author Mark Zuehlke offers an insightful, informative journey back to February and March 1945 when our nation's soldiers launched one of the Second World War's most important offensives in his new book Forgotten Victory: First
Canadian Army and the Cruel Winter of 1944-45. Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK
Author Melia McClure reads from her novel The Delphi Room. Tuesday, December 16 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Jacqueline Turner and Changming Yuan are the featured poets. Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday event-all open mic with host, Candice James, Poet Laureate of New Westminster. Sunday, December 21 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
YOUTH POETRY SLAM
Another qualifying slam to make the youth slam playoffs in March or 2015. Monday, December 22 at 8:00pm. Cost: $4/$6-$10. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial.
POETIC JUSTICE
Poetic Justice special holiday all open mic session with host, Sho Wiley. Sunday, December 28 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
Upcoming
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Featuring award winning B.C. authors and illustrators with guest speaker Kit Pearson winner of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. A wine and cheese event on January 21 from 7-9pm at Creekside Community Centre. Free to Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable members and students. More information at www.vclr.ca.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Book News Vol. 9 No. 39
BOOK NEWS
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
AWARDS & LISTS
The 2015 International Impac Dublin literary award's 142-book longlist has been announced. JK Rowling's alter ego made the cut, as did 49 novels in translation, nominated by libraries in 114 cities and 39 countries. But some think the prize is still not as international as it should be.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/nov/27/impac-prize-global-literature-parochial-africa-south-america
YOUNG READERS
Which famous literary character "stands up for things" and is "not afraid of going to the top and giving them a hard stare?" You'll never guess who it is...Paddington Bear! Michael Bond, author of the Paddington stories is interviewed, here,
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/28/michael-bond-author-paddington-bear-interview-books-television-film
Sarah Ellis' Outside In is "a wonderful, unique story about love and beauty." She recently appeared at the Writers Fest to discuss her new book, but if you didn't get the chance to see her, here's The Globe and Mail's review.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/three-young-adult-fiction-reads-worth-checking-out/article21704035/
NEWS & FEATURES
Mark Strand, former US Poet Laureate, died this week. "Death was arguably Strand's great theme—few poets have written more acutely or more movingly about the chasm at the end of life."
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/11/29/mark-strand-1934-2014/
While he may have been known for works that plumbed the depths of America, Mark Strand's background was actually very international. In fact, he was born in Canada.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/nyregion/mark-strand-80-dies-pulitzer-winning-poet-laureate.html
Speaking of all things international, China has banned wordplay in an "attempt at pun control." Chinese officials claim that "casual alteration of idioms risks nothing less than ‘cultural and linguistic chaos', despite their common usage."
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/28/china-media-watchdog-bans-wordplay-puns
A Christmas campaign to boycott Amazon is underway. A group called Amazon Anonymous is claiming that Amazon doesn't pay their workers a living wage, takes money from local businesses, and avoids taxes. They have worked with Ethical Consumer magazine to provide a guide to alternative retailers for those pledging to boycott Amazon.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/01/amazon-christmas-boycott-campaign-amazon-anonymous
Are book publishers blockbustering themselves into oblivion? "Several recent acquisitions by big American publishing houses, mostly for debut novels, [have] involved payouts of more than $1-million. That's right–debut novels."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/are-book-publishers-blockbustering-themselves-into-oblivion/article21834263/
Here's a new way to look at the Russian literary canon: through an infographic of misery! As Tolstoy wrote, "every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/11/25/books/review/30infographic.html
A new survey claims that readers prefer authors of their own sex. Despite 2014 being dubbed as "the year of reading women," male authors still accounted for 90% of men's 50 most-read titles this year.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/25/readers-prefer-authors-own-sex-goodreads-survey
And on that note, can you actually distinguish between prose written by a man or woman? Here's a quiz to find out.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11255397/Quiz-Did-a-man-or-a-woman-write-this-book.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
What were the best books of 2014? Here are recommendations from many different writers, including Margaret Atwood, Naomi Klein and the Writers Fest's own Eimear McBride.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/29/-sp-writers-pick-best-books-2014
Another group of writers set out to answer that question too! This particular batch includes suggestions by Writers Fest author Colm Tóibín and Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/01/-sp-writers-pick-best-books-2014-part-2
Slate has also released its best-of list. Columnists, editors and bloggers pick their favourite books of 2014.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/11/best_books_2014_slate_staff_recommendations.html
Last but not least, here's President Obama's indie bookstore haul! "To celebrate Small Business Saturday, President Obama and his daughters went to Politics & Prose and bought 17 books."
http://electricliterature.com/president-obamas-bookstore-haul/
What's the greatest advice author Sarah Waters ever received? "It's the re-writing that counts."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-best-advice-author-sarah-waters-ever-got-its-the-re-writing-that-counts/article21833871/
Jessie Burton, author of The Miniaturist, has been lauded for writing a book that contains "strong women." "I was not conscious of having a strong female lead, it just came naturally," she says. "Very few male novelists get asked: 'You've put some really strong males in your book, why is that?' Or: 'You've got a lot of men in your book'."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/01/jessie-burton-frustrated-strong-women-still-considered-novelty-fiction
Fairy tales might be "tales as old as time," but they have a history too! Maria Warner's Once Upon a Time explains just that.
http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/once-upon-a-time-a-short-history-of-fairy-tale-by-marina-warner-1.2010599
Claudia Rankin's new book of poetry, Citizen: An American Lyric, "has achieved something that eludes much modern poetry: urgency," featuring references to Trayvon Martin and stop-and-frisk policies, among other things. It was also a finalist for this year's National Book Award in poetry.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/29/books/claudia-rankine-on-citizen-and-racial-politics.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE ACTIVE FICTION PROJECT
A real life "choose your own adventure" walking tour, where public space meets literary fiction with (very) short stories that are 'hidden' in public spaces for readers to discover as they walk through the neighborhood. Starting point: Go to Main & 28th and look around the planters outside the art shop. On now through December 7. More information at the following: web: activefictionproject.com; twitter: @activefic; facebook: facebook.com/activefictionproject.
POETRY O'CLOCK
Readings featuring Helen Guri, visiting from Toronto, and great local poets Gillian Jerome, Alex Leslie and Cecily Nicholson. Thursday, December 4 at 7:00pm. People's Co-Op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Margreet Dietz, Nilofar Shidmehr, Laura Cuthbert, Bruce Rice, Nikki Hillman, Karen J Lee, Patrik Sampler, and George K. Ilsley. Thursday, December 4 a 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at learn@sfu.ca.
USED BOOK CHRISTMAS SALE
Looking for a special gift for someone on your holiday shopping list? Browse a great selection of gently used children's and adult books, CDs and DVDs. December 4-6, 2014 from 10am to 5pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
ALCUIN SOCIETY
An exhibition showcasing some of the finest book designs in Canada in appreciation of beautifully produced books. December 5 to January 21. Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall, UBC.
SHEILA NICKOLS
Author signs her new book Looking Back at Maple Ridge. Friday, December 5 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
SUSAN MCCASLIN
Author will be reading from The Disarmed Heart at the Planet Earth Poetry Series with Dvora Levin, Hillside Coffee and Tea, 1633 Hillside, Victoria, B.C., Friday Dec. 5, 2014, 7:30-9 pm.
MIKE MCCARDELL
Author will sign copies of his newest book Cardboard Ocean. Saturday, December 6 at 11:00am. Coles Bookstore, Seven Oaks Mall, Abbotsford.
CRIME WRITERS PANEL
Three local authors explain what goes into writing believable murder mysteries and thrillers, and answer all the questions that you're just dying to ask. Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm, registration appreciated. Terry Fox Library.
POETIC JUSTICE READING SERIES
Debut poets Elaine Woo and Kayla Czaga present their new books. Sunday, December 7 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
EVE LAZARUS
Author of Sensational Vancouver will be in store promoting this gorgeous local history book. Monday, December 8 at 7:00pm. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
ROSEMARY GEORGESON
Coast Salish and Dene storyteller Rosemary Georgeson explores cross-cultural connections between First Nation and non-First Nation cultures. Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00pm. West Point Grey branch, 4480 10th Ave. W. More information at 604-665-3982.
A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION WITH POETRY AND MUSIC
Celebrate the solstice with local poets and musicians at a fundraiser for kids in need. Features Evelyn Lau, Christopher Levenson, Bonnie Nish, Rob Taylor, Diane Tucker, Fiona Tinwei Lam, and musical performers Fraser Union, Christina Kent, Samuel Louis, and Bob Walker. Wednesday, December 10, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
THE CORPSE WITH THE PLATINUM HAIR
Author Cathy Ace signs her latest mystery novel. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
JILL BARBER
Join singer-songwriter as she reads from her newest children's book, Music is for Everyone! Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More informatin at emackinnon@nimbus.ca.
WINNING THE WAR
Author Mark Zuehlke offers an insightful, informative journey back to February and March 1945 when our nation's soldiers launched one of the Second World War's most important offensives in his new book Forgotten Victory: First
Canadian Army and the Cruel Winter of 1944-45. Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
Upcoming
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Jacqueline Turner and Changming Yuan are the featured poets. Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
AWARDS & LISTS
The 2015 International Impac Dublin literary award's 142-book longlist has been announced. JK Rowling's alter ego made the cut, as did 49 novels in translation, nominated by libraries in 114 cities and 39 countries. But some think the prize is still not as international as it should be.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/nov/27/impac-prize-global-literature-parochial-africa-south-america
YOUNG READERS
Which famous literary character "stands up for things" and is "not afraid of going to the top and giving them a hard stare?" You'll never guess who it is...Paddington Bear! Michael Bond, author of the Paddington stories is interviewed, here,
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/28/michael-bond-author-paddington-bear-interview-books-television-film
Sarah Ellis' Outside In is "a wonderful, unique story about love and beauty." She recently appeared at the Writers Fest to discuss her new book, but if you didn't get the chance to see her, here's The Globe and Mail's review.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/three-young-adult-fiction-reads-worth-checking-out/article21704035/
NEWS & FEATURES
Mark Strand, former US Poet Laureate, died this week. "Death was arguably Strand's great theme—few poets have written more acutely or more movingly about the chasm at the end of life."
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/11/29/mark-strand-1934-2014/
While he may have been known for works that plumbed the depths of America, Mark Strand's background was actually very international. In fact, he was born in Canada.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/nyregion/mark-strand-80-dies-pulitzer-winning-poet-laureate.html
Speaking of all things international, China has banned wordplay in an "attempt at pun control." Chinese officials claim that "casual alteration of idioms risks nothing less than ‘cultural and linguistic chaos', despite their common usage."
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/28/china-media-watchdog-bans-wordplay-puns
A Christmas campaign to boycott Amazon is underway. A group called Amazon Anonymous is claiming that Amazon doesn't pay their workers a living wage, takes money from local businesses, and avoids taxes. They have worked with Ethical Consumer magazine to provide a guide to alternative retailers for those pledging to boycott Amazon.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/01/amazon-christmas-boycott-campaign-amazon-anonymous
Are book publishers blockbustering themselves into oblivion? "Several recent acquisitions by big American publishing houses, mostly for debut novels, [have] involved payouts of more than $1-million. That's right–debut novels."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/are-book-publishers-blockbustering-themselves-into-oblivion/article21834263/
Here's a new way to look at the Russian literary canon: through an infographic of misery! As Tolstoy wrote, "every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/11/25/books/review/30infographic.html
A new survey claims that readers prefer authors of their own sex. Despite 2014 being dubbed as "the year of reading women," male authors still accounted for 90% of men's 50 most-read titles this year.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/25/readers-prefer-authors-own-sex-goodreads-survey
And on that note, can you actually distinguish between prose written by a man or woman? Here's a quiz to find out.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11255397/Quiz-Did-a-man-or-a-woman-write-this-book.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
What were the best books of 2014? Here are recommendations from many different writers, including Margaret Atwood, Naomi Klein and the Writers Fest's own Eimear McBride.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/29/-sp-writers-pick-best-books-2014
Another group of writers set out to answer that question too! This particular batch includes suggestions by Writers Fest author Colm Tóibín and Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/01/-sp-writers-pick-best-books-2014-part-2
Slate has also released its best-of list. Columnists, editors and bloggers pick their favourite books of 2014.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/11/best_books_2014_slate_staff_recommendations.html
Last but not least, here's President Obama's indie bookstore haul! "To celebrate Small Business Saturday, President Obama and his daughters went to Politics & Prose and bought 17 books."
http://electricliterature.com/president-obamas-bookstore-haul/
What's the greatest advice author Sarah Waters ever received? "It's the re-writing that counts."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-best-advice-author-sarah-waters-ever-got-its-the-re-writing-that-counts/article21833871/
Jessie Burton, author of The Miniaturist, has been lauded for writing a book that contains "strong women." "I was not conscious of having a strong female lead, it just came naturally," she says. "Very few male novelists get asked: 'You've put some really strong males in your book, why is that?' Or: 'You've got a lot of men in your book'."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/01/jessie-burton-frustrated-strong-women-still-considered-novelty-fiction
Fairy tales might be "tales as old as time," but they have a history too! Maria Warner's Once Upon a Time explains just that.
http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/once-upon-a-time-a-short-history-of-fairy-tale-by-marina-warner-1.2010599
Claudia Rankin's new book of poetry, Citizen: An American Lyric, "has achieved something that eludes much modern poetry: urgency," featuring references to Trayvon Martin and stop-and-frisk policies, among other things. It was also a finalist for this year's National Book Award in poetry.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/29/books/claudia-rankine-on-citizen-and-racial-politics.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE ACTIVE FICTION PROJECT
A real life "choose your own adventure" walking tour, where public space meets literary fiction with (very) short stories that are 'hidden' in public spaces for readers to discover as they walk through the neighborhood. Starting point: Go to Main & 28th and look around the planters outside the art shop. On now through December 7. More information at the following: web: activefictionproject.com; twitter: @activefic; facebook: facebook.com/activefictionproject.
POETRY O'CLOCK
Readings featuring Helen Guri, visiting from Toronto, and great local poets Gillian Jerome, Alex Leslie and Cecily Nicholson. Thursday, December 4 at 7:00pm. People's Co-Op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Margreet Dietz, Nilofar Shidmehr, Laura Cuthbert, Bruce Rice, Nikki Hillman, Karen J Lee, Patrik Sampler, and George K. Ilsley. Thursday, December 4 a 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at learn@sfu.ca.
USED BOOK CHRISTMAS SALE
Looking for a special gift for someone on your holiday shopping list? Browse a great selection of gently used children's and adult books, CDs and DVDs. December 4-6, 2014 from 10am to 5pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
ALCUIN SOCIETY
An exhibition showcasing some of the finest book designs in Canada in appreciation of beautifully produced books. December 5 to January 21. Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall, UBC.
SHEILA NICKOLS
Author signs her new book Looking Back at Maple Ridge. Friday, December 5 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
SUSAN MCCASLIN
Author will be reading from The Disarmed Heart at the Planet Earth Poetry Series with Dvora Levin, Hillside Coffee and Tea, 1633 Hillside, Victoria, B.C., Friday Dec. 5, 2014, 7:30-9 pm.
MIKE MCCARDELL
Author will sign copies of his newest book Cardboard Ocean. Saturday, December 6 at 11:00am. Coles Bookstore, Seven Oaks Mall, Abbotsford.
CRIME WRITERS PANEL
Three local authors explain what goes into writing believable murder mysteries and thrillers, and answer all the questions that you're just dying to ask. Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm, registration appreciated. Terry Fox Library.
POETIC JUSTICE READING SERIES
Debut poets Elaine Woo and Kayla Czaga present their new books. Sunday, December 7 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
EVE LAZARUS
Author of Sensational Vancouver will be in store promoting this gorgeous local history book. Monday, December 8 at 7:00pm. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
ROSEMARY GEORGESON
Coast Salish and Dene storyteller Rosemary Georgeson explores cross-cultural connections between First Nation and non-First Nation cultures. Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00pm. West Point Grey branch, 4480 10th Ave. W. More information at 604-665-3982.
A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION WITH POETRY AND MUSIC
Celebrate the solstice with local poets and musicians at a fundraiser for kids in need. Features Evelyn Lau, Christopher Levenson, Bonnie Nish, Rob Taylor, Diane Tucker, Fiona Tinwei Lam, and musical performers Fraser Union, Christina Kent, Samuel Louis, and Bob Walker. Wednesday, December 10, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
THE CORPSE WITH THE PLATINUM HAIR
Author Cathy Ace signs her latest mystery novel. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
JILL BARBER
Join singer-songwriter as she reads from her newest children's book, Music is for Everyone! Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More informatin at emackinnon@nimbus.ca.
WINNING THE WAR
Author Mark Zuehlke offers an insightful, informative journey back to February and March 1945 when our nation's soldiers launched one of the Second World War's most important offensives in his new book Forgotten Victory: First
Canadian Army and the Cruel Winter of 1944-45. Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
Upcoming
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Jacqueline Turner and Changming Yuan are the featured poets. Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
KRISTI CHARISH
local debut author Kristi Charish launches her new book Owl and the Japanese Circus. Monday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-331-3603.
SOME SORT OF LIFE
Naomi Waken, Nanaimo's first Poet Laureate, shares her latest novel, Some Sort of Life. Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Book News Vol. 9 No. 38
BOOK NEWS
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
AWARDS & LISTS
The longlist has been announced for the 19th International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, a prize worth €100,000. Eleven Canadian titles made the cut!
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/11/24/2015-dublin-literary-award-longlist-includes-11-canadian-titles/
Vancouver writer Christine Leclerc has won the bpNichol Chapbook Award for Oilywood. The $4,000 prize recognizes the best poetry chapbook published in Canada the previous year.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/11/24/christine-leclerc-wins-2014-bpnichol-chapbook-award/
Gary Bass has won the seventh annual Cundill Prize in Historical Literature for The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger, and a Forgotten Genocide. "The $75,000 U.S. award is the world's richest international prize for a non-fiction work, recognizing a book that has 'a profound literary, social, and academic impact in the area of history.'"
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/11/21/gary-bass-wins-2014-cundill-prize-in-historical-literature/
YOUNG READERS
Last week, Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. In this interview, she discusses the racist gaffe which marred her appearance at the awards, "swimming against the tide in a white industry and how her own story is entwined with that of America."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/25/jacqueline-woodson-national-book-awards-invisible
NEWS & FEATURES
The writer PD James, who charted the transformations of British life through bestselling crime fiction starring the detective Adam Dalgliesh, has died aged 94.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/27/pd-james-detective-fiction-dies-aged-94-detective-adam-dalgliesh
Literary tourism is on the rise, including in Canada! Here's a guide to Toronto's stores, sites and events for the literary-minded.
http://bookriot.com/2014/11/23/literary-tourism-toronto/
Winnie the Pooh has been barred from a Polish playground because of his "dubious sexuality" and "inappropriate" clothing. According to one local council member, Pooh "is half naked which is wholly inappropriate for children. [Poland's fictional bear] is dressed from head to toe, unlike Pooh who is only dressed from the waist up."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/winnie-the-pooh-banned-from-polish-playground-for-being-an-inappropriate-hermaphrodite-9872278.html
There's a young adult fiction boom going on in the Arab world. "The boom in young adult fiction has left the Arab publishing world playing catch-up, as authors try to compete with Twilight and The Hunger Games without breaking cultural taboos."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/nov/21/ya-fiction-arab-world-young-adu
A shooting at Florida State University has resulted in unusual publicity for books: they saved one student's life, literally. "His backpack full of books stopped a bullet...he only realized hours later the gunman had tried to shoot him when he found a bullet among the now-shredded books he had checked out of the library. The Oxford Context of Wyclif's Thought caught the slug."
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fsu-student-jason-derfuss-saved-book-bag-campus-shooting-n252536
It's a tough time to be an anti-heroine! "Monstrous men are more than welcome in serious fiction, but create an unlikeable female character and you're in for trouble."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/nov/17/readers-anti-hero-anti-heroines-fiction
What's an "authorism?" They're words coined by authors that have entered the wider language. Here are top ten words invented by writers.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/19/top-10-words-invented-writers-authorisms
The rhythms of overheard speech vary from language to language. What's English's rhythm? "English is a great language for writing headlines, and tweets, but also for hearing haiku."
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/11/18/overheard-haiku/
Why do people write on bathroom walls? It's been a human pattern for centuries. "The Roman poet Martial, who lived in the first century AD, totally zinged a rival writer with the suggestion that if he wanted to get published, he should go find a bathroom wall."
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/11/behind-the-writing-on-the-stalls/383016/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Let Me Be Frank With You is Richard Ford's fourth work of fiction chronicling the life of Frank Bascombe, hero of his novels The Sportswriter, Independence Day, and The Lay of the Land. He's interviewed by Deborah Treisman, here:
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/living-frank-bascombe-interview-richard-ford
The protagonists of Julie Lawson Timmer's debut novel, Five Days Left, make up two very different families. One consists of a single mother recently diagnosed with Huntington's disease, and the other is a pair of foster parents who must make a difficult decision when their charge's biological mother suddenly dies. Timmer is interviewed here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/11/the-rumpus-interview-with-julie-lawson-timmer/
This year marks the 30th year anniversary of Roch Carrier's The Hockey Sweater. Now, Carrier's interest in the history of Canada's French-English divide has resulted in a new book: Montcalm and Wolfe: Two Men Who Forever Changed the Course of History.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/roch-carrier-revisits-history-closer-to-home/article21734237/
The Guardian newspaper recently hosted a webchat with Vancouver writer William Gibson. The author of Neuromancer and a new novel, called The Peripheral, answered readers' questions– "from AI to the influence of Blade Runner in our belief in the future to why he didn't predict cellphones."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/live/2014/nov/21/william-gibson-webchat-post-your-questions-now
Speaking of webchats, the Rumpus Poetry Book Club also recently organized a discussion online. You can see their chat with Michael Bazzett, author of You Must Remember This, here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/11/the-rumpus-poetry-book-club-chat-with-michael-bazzett/
Are you a fan of Spoken Word? Here's an interesting collection of readings put together by the National Park Service.
http://www.nps.gov/safr/photosmultimedia/spoken-word.htm
Published authors are being invited to apply for the 2015-2016 Haig-Brown House Writer in Residence position. Complete details here:
http://www.haig-brown.bc.ca/writer-residence.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DAVID ZIEROTH
Book launch of the authors new collection of poems, Albrecht Durer and Me. Thursday, November 27 at 7:00pm, free. Capilano Library, 3045 Highland Blvd., North Vancouver. For more information and to register, call 604-987-4471.
GRAHAM GOOD
Author reads from his forthcoming translated poetry collection Goethe's Poems. Also reading, Jim Christie from his new poetry collection The Big Thirst. Friday, November 28 at 6:00pm. Cottage Bistro.
TOFINO & CLAYOQUOT SOUND: A HISTORY
Authors Margaret Horsfield and Ian Kennedy sign copies of their new book. Saturday, November 29 at 2:00pm. Russell Books, 734 Fort Street, Victoria.
SHORE TO SHORE
Author Suzanne Fournier launches her new book. Saturday, November 29 at 2:00pm. Bill Reid Gallery for Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby St., Vancouver.
AN EVENING WITH SOME OF VANCOUVER'S FAVOURITE QUEER WRITERS
Join Rachel Rose, Nat Marshik, Alan Woo, Esther McPhee and Brett Josef Grubisic as they read from their latest work. Hosted by Amber Dawn. Amber Dawn also leads the largest queer free-writing group exercise of all time! Tweet your #queerpoem to @PlenitudeMag and it will be read on stage. Saturday, November 29th. Doors at 8pm, starts at 8:30pm, at Cafe Deux Soleils. $10 at the door includes two print issues of Plenitude Magazine. For details, join the event on Facebook, facebook.com/events/742453355843036/.
MOSS-HAIRED GIRL
3-Day novel winning manuscript Moss-Haired Girl: The Confessions of a Circus Performer, A Novella by R.H. Slansky, will be launched in book form as will new issues of Geist and subTerrain. Saturday, November 29 at 8:00pm, free. The Brickhouse, 730 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at info@anvilpress.com.
TURBULENT TALES
Award-winning journalist and author Carol Shaben joins Edmonton's Historian Laureate, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail to launch her new book, Polar Winds: A Century of Flying the North. Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00pm. Billy Bishop Legion, 1407 Laburnum St., Vancouver.
ON MALICE
Author Ken Babstock launches his new collection. Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, Main Street, Vancouver.
FIONNCARA MACEOIN
Author reads from her new collection of poetry, Not the First Thing I've Missed. Tuesday, December 2 at 12:00 noon. The Paperhound Bookshop, 344 West Pender Street, Vancouver.
ECHOES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Join author and historian Robert "Lucky" Budd and CBC's Sheryl MacKay to celebrate the release of his latest book. Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, Main Street, Vancouver.
POETRY O'CLOCK
Readings featuring Helen Guri, visiting from Toronto, and great local poets Gillian Jerome, Alex Leslie and Cecily Nicholson. Thursday, December 4 at 7:00pm. People's Co-Op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
USED BOOK CHRISTMAS SALE
Looking for a special gift for someone on your holiday shopping list? Browse a great selection of gently used children's and adult books, CDs and DVDs. December 4-6, 2014 from 10am to 5pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
SHEILA NICKOLS
Author signs her new book Looking Back at Maple Ridge. Friday, December 5 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
SUSAN MCCASLIN
Author will be reading from The Disarmed Heart at the Planet Earth Poetry Series with Dvora Levin, Hillside Coffee and Tea, 1633 Hillside, Victoria, B.C., Friday Dec. 5, 2014, 7:30-9 pm.
MIKE MCCARDELL
Author will sign copies of his newest book Cardboard Ocean. Saturday, December 6 at 11:00am. Coles Bookstore, Seven Oaks Mall, Abbotsford.
CRIME WRITERS PANEL
Three local authors explain what goes into writing believable murder mysteries and thrillers, and answer all the questions that you're just dying to ask. Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm, registration appreciated. Terry Fox Library.
POETIC JUSTICE READING SERIES
Debut poets Elaine Woo and Kayla Czaga present their new books. Sunday, December 7 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION WITH POETRY AND MUSIC
Celebrate the solstice with local poets and musicians at a fundraiser for kids in need. Features Evelyn Lau, Christopher Levenson, Bonnie Nish, Rob Taylor, Diane Tucker, Fiona Tinwei Lam, and musical performers Fraser Union, Christina Kent, Samuel Louis, and Bob Walker. Wednesday, December 10, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
Upcoming
THE CORPSE WITH THE PLATINUM HAIR
Author Cathy Ace signs her latest mystery novel. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
JILL BARBER
Join singer-songwriter as she reads from her newest children's book, Music is for Everyone! Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More informatin at emackinnon@nimbus.ca.
WINNING THE WAR
Author Mark Zuehlke offers an insightful, informative journey back to February and March 1945 when our nation's soldiers launched one of the Second World War's most important offensives in his new book Forgotten Victory: First
Canadian Army and the Cruel Winter of 1944-45. Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Readings by Jacqueline Turner and Changming Yuan. Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 noon. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre Campus, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. More information at https://www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/upcoming-events/lunch-poems/readings/2014/17Dec2014.html.
Holiday Giving
Looking for a special gift for the book-lovers on your list? Look no further! The VWF has gift ideas to bring joy to readers of all persuasions, from gift certificates to memberships.
http://writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/perfect-gifts-book-lovers
AWARDS & LISTS
The longlist has been announced for the 19th International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, a prize worth €100,000. Eleven Canadian titles made the cut!
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/11/24/2015-dublin-literary-award-longlist-includes-11-canadian-titles/
Vancouver writer Christine Leclerc has won the bpNichol Chapbook Award for Oilywood. The $4,000 prize recognizes the best poetry chapbook published in Canada the previous year.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/11/24/christine-leclerc-wins-2014-bpnichol-chapbook-award/
Gary Bass has won the seventh annual Cundill Prize in Historical Literature for The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger, and a Forgotten Genocide. "The $75,000 U.S. award is the world's richest international prize for a non-fiction work, recognizing a book that has 'a profound literary, social, and academic impact in the area of history.'"
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/11/21/gary-bass-wins-2014-cundill-prize-in-historical-literature/
YOUNG READERS
Last week, Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. In this interview, she discusses the racist gaffe which marred her appearance at the awards, "swimming against the tide in a white industry and how her own story is entwined with that of America."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/25/jacqueline-woodson-national-book-awards-invisible
NEWS & FEATURES
The writer PD James, who charted the transformations of British life through bestselling crime fiction starring the detective Adam Dalgliesh, has died aged 94.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/27/pd-james-detective-fiction-dies-aged-94-detective-adam-dalgliesh
Literary tourism is on the rise, including in Canada! Here's a guide to Toronto's stores, sites and events for the literary-minded.
http://bookriot.com/2014/11/23/literary-tourism-toronto/
Winnie the Pooh has been barred from a Polish playground because of his "dubious sexuality" and "inappropriate" clothing. According to one local council member, Pooh "is half naked which is wholly inappropriate for children. [Poland's fictional bear] is dressed from head to toe, unlike Pooh who is only dressed from the waist up."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/winnie-the-pooh-banned-from-polish-playground-for-being-an-inappropriate-hermaphrodite-9872278.html
There's a young adult fiction boom going on in the Arab world. "The boom in young adult fiction has left the Arab publishing world playing catch-up, as authors try to compete with Twilight and The Hunger Games without breaking cultural taboos."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/nov/21/ya-fiction-arab-world-young-adu
A shooting at Florida State University has resulted in unusual publicity for books: they saved one student's life, literally. "His backpack full of books stopped a bullet...he only realized hours later the gunman had tried to shoot him when he found a bullet among the now-shredded books he had checked out of the library. The Oxford Context of Wyclif's Thought caught the slug."
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fsu-student-jason-derfuss-saved-book-bag-campus-shooting-n252536
It's a tough time to be an anti-heroine! "Monstrous men are more than welcome in serious fiction, but create an unlikeable female character and you're in for trouble."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/nov/17/readers-anti-hero-anti-heroines-fiction
What's an "authorism?" They're words coined by authors that have entered the wider language. Here are top ten words invented by writers.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/19/top-10-words-invented-writers-authorisms
The rhythms of overheard speech vary from language to language. What's English's rhythm? "English is a great language for writing headlines, and tweets, but also for hearing haiku."
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/11/18/overheard-haiku/
Why do people write on bathroom walls? It's been a human pattern for centuries. "The Roman poet Martial, who lived in the first century AD, totally zinged a rival writer with the suggestion that if he wanted to get published, he should go find a bathroom wall."
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/11/behind-the-writing-on-the-stalls/383016/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Let Me Be Frank With You is Richard Ford's fourth work of fiction chronicling the life of Frank Bascombe, hero of his novels The Sportswriter, Independence Day, and The Lay of the Land. He's interviewed by Deborah Treisman, here:
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/living-frank-bascombe-interview-richard-ford
The protagonists of Julie Lawson Timmer's debut novel, Five Days Left, make up two very different families. One consists of a single mother recently diagnosed with Huntington's disease, and the other is a pair of foster parents who must make a difficult decision when their charge's biological mother suddenly dies. Timmer is interviewed here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/11/the-rumpus-interview-with-julie-lawson-timmer/
This year marks the 30th year anniversary of Roch Carrier's The Hockey Sweater. Now, Carrier's interest in the history of Canada's French-English divide has resulted in a new book: Montcalm and Wolfe: Two Men Who Forever Changed the Course of History.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/roch-carrier-revisits-history-closer-to-home/article21734237/
The Guardian newspaper recently hosted a webchat with Vancouver writer William Gibson. The author of Neuromancer and a new novel, called The Peripheral, answered readers' questions– "from AI to the influence of Blade Runner in our belief in the future to why he didn't predict cellphones."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/live/2014/nov/21/william-gibson-webchat-post-your-questions-now
Speaking of webchats, the Rumpus Poetry Book Club also recently organized a discussion online. You can see their chat with Michael Bazzett, author of You Must Remember This, here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/11/the-rumpus-poetry-book-club-chat-with-michael-bazzett/
Are you a fan of Spoken Word? Here's an interesting collection of readings put together by the National Park Service.
http://www.nps.gov/safr/photosmultimedia/spoken-word.htm
Published authors are being invited to apply for the 2015-2016 Haig-Brown House Writer in Residence position. Complete details here:
http://www.haig-brown.bc.ca/writer-residence.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DAVID ZIEROTH
Book launch of the authors new collection of poems, Albrecht Durer and Me. Thursday, November 27 at 7:00pm, free. Capilano Library, 3045 Highland Blvd., North Vancouver. For more information and to register, call 604-987-4471.
GRAHAM GOOD
Author reads from his forthcoming translated poetry collection Goethe's Poems. Also reading, Jim Christie from his new poetry collection The Big Thirst. Friday, November 28 at 6:00pm. Cottage Bistro.
TOFINO & CLAYOQUOT SOUND: A HISTORY
Authors Margaret Horsfield and Ian Kennedy sign copies of their new book. Saturday, November 29 at 2:00pm. Russell Books, 734 Fort Street, Victoria.
SHORE TO SHORE
Author Suzanne Fournier launches her new book. Saturday, November 29 at 2:00pm. Bill Reid Gallery for Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby St., Vancouver.
AN EVENING WITH SOME OF VANCOUVER'S FAVOURITE QUEER WRITERS
Join Rachel Rose, Nat Marshik, Alan Woo, Esther McPhee and Brett Josef Grubisic as they read from their latest work. Hosted by Amber Dawn. Amber Dawn also leads the largest queer free-writing group exercise of all time! Tweet your #queerpoem to @PlenitudeMag and it will be read on stage. Saturday, November 29th. Doors at 8pm, starts at 8:30pm, at Cafe Deux Soleils. $10 at the door includes two print issues of Plenitude Magazine. For details, join the event on Facebook, facebook.com/events/742453355843036/.
MOSS-HAIRED GIRL
3-Day novel winning manuscript Moss-Haired Girl: The Confessions of a Circus Performer, A Novella by R.H. Slansky, will be launched in book form as will new issues of Geist and subTerrain. Saturday, November 29 at 8:00pm, free. The Brickhouse, 730 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at info@anvilpress.com.
TURBULENT TALES
Award-winning journalist and author Carol Shaben joins Edmonton's Historian Laureate, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail to launch her new book, Polar Winds: A Century of Flying the North. Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00pm. Billy Bishop Legion, 1407 Laburnum St., Vancouver.
ON MALICE
Author Ken Babstock launches his new collection. Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, Main Street, Vancouver.
FIONNCARA MACEOIN
Author reads from her new collection of poetry, Not the First Thing I've Missed. Tuesday, December 2 at 12:00 noon. The Paperhound Bookshop, 344 West Pender Street, Vancouver.
ECHOES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Join author and historian Robert "Lucky" Budd and CBC's Sheryl MacKay to celebrate the release of his latest book. Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, Main Street, Vancouver.
POETRY O'CLOCK
Readings featuring Helen Guri, visiting from Toronto, and great local poets Gillian Jerome, Alex Leslie and Cecily Nicholson. Thursday, December 4 at 7:00pm. People's Co-Op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
USED BOOK CHRISTMAS SALE
Looking for a special gift for someone on your holiday shopping list? Browse a great selection of gently used children's and adult books, CDs and DVDs. December 4-6, 2014 from 10am to 5pm. Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
SHEILA NICKOLS
Author signs her new book Looking Back at Maple Ridge. Friday, December 5 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
SUSAN MCCASLIN
Author will be reading from The Disarmed Heart at the Planet Earth Poetry Series with Dvora Levin, Hillside Coffee and Tea, 1633 Hillside, Victoria, B.C., Friday Dec. 5, 2014, 7:30-9 pm.
MIKE MCCARDELL
Author will sign copies of his newest book Cardboard Ocean. Saturday, December 6 at 11:00am. Coles Bookstore, Seven Oaks Mall, Abbotsford.
CRIME WRITERS PANEL
Three local authors explain what goes into writing believable murder mysteries and thrillers, and answer all the questions that you're just dying to ask. Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm, registration appreciated. Terry Fox Library.
POETIC JUSTICE READING SERIES
Debut poets Elaine Woo and Kayla Czaga present their new books. Sunday, December 7 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION WITH POETRY AND MUSIC
Celebrate the solstice with local poets and musicians at a fundraiser for kids in need. Features Evelyn Lau, Christopher Levenson, Bonnie Nish, Rob Taylor, Diane Tucker, Fiona Tinwei Lam, and musical performers Fraser Union, Christina Kent, Samuel Louis, and Bob Walker. Wednesday, December 10, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
Upcoming
THE CORPSE WITH THE PLATINUM HAIR
Author Cathy Ace signs her latest mystery novel. Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at 604-463-8624.
JILL BARBER
Join singer-songwriter as she reads from her newest children's book, Music is for Everyone! Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More informatin at emackinnon@nimbus.ca.
WINNING THE WAR
Author Mark Zuehlke offers an insightful, informative journey back to February and March 1945 when our nation's soldiers launched one of the Second World War's most important offensives in his new book Forgotten Victory: First
Canadian Army and the Cruel Winter of 1944-45. Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00pm. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Readings by Jacqueline Turner and Changming Yuan. Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 noon. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre Campus, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. More information at https://www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/upcoming-events/lunch-poems/readings/2014/17Dec2014.html.
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