BOOK NEWS
A Dram Come True
Join us for A Dram Come True, a whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest. A Dram Come True has been the best kept secret of the local single malt scotch scene for 13 years—eagerly anticipated by local scotch aficionados, and a delight for those newly initiated to the world of whisky.
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters in Conversation Podcast
Annabel Lyon's interview with Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters at the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest was lively, intimate and very funny. You can listen to their conversation here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/emma-donoghue-and-sarah-waters-conversation.
Incite 2015
An exploration of the human condition: Susan Juby (Republic of Dirt), Julie Paul (The Pull of the Moon), and Marguerite Pigeon (Some Extremely Boring Drives). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
The Other Press interviewed Susan, Julie and Marguerite earlier this week, http://theotherpress.ca/local-writers-offer-incite-ful-readings-at-vancouver-writers-fest-event/.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 25
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Karyn Freedman has won the BC National Award for non-fiction for her "harrowing" memoir, One Hour in Paris: A True Story of Rape and Recovery. Freedman stated that she "hopes the prize brings more attention to the issue–and spurs government action."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/awards-and-festivals/karyn-freedman-wins-bc-national-award-for-non-fiction/article22990122/
The shortlist for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction has been released. This year, the so-called 'Arabic Booker' shortlist has sidestepped "senior novelists for young and unknown writers from six countries."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/16/international-prize-for-arabic-fiction-2015-shortlist-announced
YOUNG READERS
It's Chinese New Year on Sunday! Chinese Fairy Tale Feasts, by Paul Yee, is an "enchanting collection of fairy tales including original stories and interpretations of Chinese folklore." As a bonus, a simple recipe for a traditional Chinese dish follows each tale.
http://www.bookcentre.ca/library/blogs/meghan/kung_hei_fat_choy_chinese_new_year_2015
NEWS & FEATURES
The Writers Trust of Canada is one of six arts organizations in a competition to win a $25,000 grant from RBC to support programs for emerging artists. If you’d like to help new writers get their careers underway, you can vote here:
http://vote.pollstream.com/PollPopupContent.php?short_link=2959&cb=c3ed45ab4461a1df2cd89b185d7862c5
Margaret Atwood, Jackie Collins, Lemony Snicket and Chuck Wendig are among many authors participating in this year's Twitter Fiction Festival, happening May 11-15, 2015.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/twitter-fiction-festival-attracts-big-authors/99354
The International Publishers Association has condemned last week's shootings in Copenhagen. IPA president Richard Charkin stated "we must stand together in our support for freedom of expression. The horrors of Paris and now Copenhagen must not be allowed to silence opinion, creativity, and debate."
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/publishers-condemn-denmark-shootings
Former US Poet Laureate Philip Levine passed away on Valentine's Day. "Mr. Levine's death is a serious blow for American poetry, in part because he so vividly evoked the drudgery and hardships of working-class life in America, and in part because this didn't pull his poetry down into brackishness."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/books/an-appraisal-the-poet-philip-levine-an-outsider-archiving-the-forgotten.html
Assia Djebar, "a writer and filmmaker who explored the plight of women in the male-centric Arab World", has also died. "I am not a symbol," Djebar once stated. "My only activity consists of writing." She added, "Like many writers, I use my culture and I collect several imaginary worlds."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/14/books/assia-djebar-novelist-who-wrote-about-oppression-of-arab-women-dies-at-78.html
Research in the UK has revealed that the top three most desirable jobs are book-related. Can you guess what they are? Author, librarian and academic!
https://yougov.co.uk/news/2015/02/15/bookish-britain-academic-jobs-are-most-desired/
"In the time of Twitter and Internet comments, it's not hard to find language being used for evil. People take the remarkable human capacity for communication and wield it like a big dumb ax, hacking into anything and anyone they don't like." Wonderfully enough, however, a new study has determined that languages are mostly made of "happy words."
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/02/language-is-biased-toward-happiness/385348/
What does Jon Stewart's departure from The Daily Show mean for the book business? Stewart "made time for books in an era when people were making less time for books than ever before and, more importantly, when it was becoming abundantly clear that most media organizations did not see book coverage—or arts coverage in general—as a priority."
http://www.mhpbooks.com/there-are-no-home-runs-left-what-jon-stewarts-departure-from-the-daily-show-may-mean-for-the-publishing-industry/
Have you ever heard of a library hotel? From the Taj Falknuma Palace in Hyderabad (which houses rare manuscript first editions) to Britain's Gladstone's Library (with 26 bedrooms decorated with literary-themed wallpaper), here's a list of some of the best.
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/hotels/national-libraries-day-from-koh-samui-to-flintshire-the-best-library-hotels-10028170.html
Speaking of libraries, Princeton University's one has inherited a rare book collection worth $300 million. The collection includes a 1455 Gutenberg Bible, an original printing of the Declaration of Independence, a number of musical manuscripts as well as music sketchbooks from Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Schubert and Wagner.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/princeton-inherits-300m-worth-of-rare-books/99190
Scholars have unearthed two letters relating to Jane Austen. They were written by Jane's brother Charles, and are believed to "shed a suggestive and unexpectedly saucy light on the ways her literary reputation was kept alive in the decades after her death in 1817."
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/10/pride-prejudice-prostitutes-and-pickles-scholars-identify-two-new-letters-relating-to-jane-austen/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Haruki Murakami has published a new story in The New Yorker. It's called Kino, and you can read it here:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/kino
In Elliot Ackerman's debut novel, Green on Blue, an Afghan Boy narrates a story of war. It's a fitting subject for Mr. Ackerman, a "decorated veteran who served five tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/books/review-in-green-on-blue-an-afghan-boy-narrates-story-of-war.html
Laura van den Berg's debut novel, Find Me, has been earning "deserved comparisons" to Kazuo Ishiguro and Margaret Atwood. Is she "the best young writer in America?" The literary website Salon thinks so.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/17/laura_van_den_berg_is_the_best_young_writer_in_america/
"Will Daniel Galera's Blood-Drenched Beard be a breakout moment for Brazilian literature?" That's the question the Globe and Mail is asking in this review of Galera's English-language debut, which tackles prosopagnosia, also known as "face blindness."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/will-daniel-galeras-blood-drenched-beard-prove-to-be-a-breakout-moment-for-brazilian-literature/article22835405/
"There is something helpless in being a witness," states 2014 Festival author Lee Maracle in the opening line of her moving new novel, Celia's Song. The book is a "magisterial blend of gritty social realism, First Nations myth, lyrical prose and a commitment to the healing to be found in story and song."
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Maracle+Celia+Song+well+worth+hearing/10812459/story.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
MARK FORSYTHE
The White Rock History Club is hosting the co-author of From the West Coast to the Western Front. Monday, February 23 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 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.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
Upcoming
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 47
BOOK NEWS
A Dram Come True
Join us for A Dram Come True, a whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest. A Dram Come True has been the best kept secret of the local single malt scotch scene for 13 years—eagerly anticipated by local scotch aficionados, and a delight for those newly initiated to the world of whisky.
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft Manor
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Ann-Marie MacDonald Podcast
Our latest audio from the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest features actor, playwright, broadcaster and author Ann-Marie MacDonald in conversation with Jerry Wasserman. This sold out event was a highlight of the festival. "We need our stories. MacDonald says. "Remember who we are. Remember where we came from."
Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/ann-marie-macdonald.
Incite 2015
An exploration of the human condition: Susan Juby (The Republic of Dirt), Julie Paul (The Pull of the Moon), and Marguerite Pigeon (Some Extremely Boring Drives). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 25
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Miriam Toews has been shortlisted for the Folio Prize. In its second year, the prize is open to international authors of English-language fiction published in the United Kingdom. Colm Tóibín, who also appeared at the 2014 Writers Fest, made the cut as well.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/folio-fiction-prize-shortlist-includes-canada-s-miriam-toews-others-1.2227440
The Writers' Union of Canada has named the winner of its 2015 Freedom to Read Award: Ron Brown, founder of the prize. The award aims to recognize "advocacy on behalf of free expression in Canada."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/02/09/2015-freedom-to-read-award-goes-to-prizes-founder-ron-brown/
Malala Yousafzai's audiobook, I Am Malala, has won the Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/i-am-malala-audiobook-wins-grammy/98788
The 2015 Carnegie Medal longlist has also been revealed. You can discover it, in pictures, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/feb/10/carnegie-medal-longlist-2015
YOUNG READERS
"Are stories with wishes in them still popular today?" This articles explores the "'if only...' in children's books and discovers it's as important to be careful what you wish for now as it ever was."
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/09/best-childrens-books-with-wishes-book-doctor
NEWS & FEATURES
British author Hilary Mantel has received a Damehood for her "services to literature." The honour is fitting for a writer who specializes in royal intrigue. Her novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, which both won the Booker Prize, chronicle "the machinations" of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to Henry VIII.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-hilary-mantel-is-made-a-dame-20150206-story.html
Margaret Atwood recently visited West Point for "a frank conversation of gender, politics and oppression." The catalyst for discussion was her dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, required reading for first-year cadets.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/08/margaret_atwood_visits_west_point_for_a_frank_conversation_on_gender_politics_and_oppression/
Do you like a little coffee with your morning read? Here's a list called "Beans and Books: Coffee and Book Pairing Recommendations." Of course the pumpkin spice latte has many things in common with James Patterson's novels...it's the same reason why Gary Shteyngart should always be read while sipping "shade-grown, fair-trade, carbon-free Organic Peruvian!"
http://bookriot.com/2015/02/05/beans-books-coffee-book-pairing-recommendations/
What's the fiction writer's most critical task? According to Nick Harkaway, naming characters. "Very often, the name comes with the character, along with of a sense of who they are and what they do...All names are masks, as well as identifiers."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jan/29/name-christen-literary-character-nick-harkaway-tigerman
A new survey has revealed that a mere 54% of Americans read any book last year, whether print or digital. "Poetry saw the sharpest decline in readership of any 'literary genre,' falling from 12% to just 6.7%."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/just-54-americans-read-book-last-year-says-nea/
Americans don't read translated fiction either, claims Daily Beast author Bill Morris. "Like many of us after Patrick Modiano won the Nobel Prize for Literature last fall, Morris was struck by the scarcity of his books to be found in English translation – only a few of his thirty some works."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/asked-dont-americans-read-translated-fiction/
Speaking of all things south of the border, "crime, homelessness and crumbling infrastructure are still a problem in almost every part of America, but two cities have recently cracked down on one of the country's biggest problems: small community libraries where residents can share books." Apparently those little free libraries are on the wrong side of the law.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-little-free-libraries-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-law-20150204-story.html
Back here in Canada, Quill and Quire is launching a survey to find out "what is the most underrated CanLit title?" You can answer the question here. The most popular response will be published in April's 80th anniversary issue.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2015/02/05/survey-what-is-the-most-underrated-canlit-title/
What's your book's "love DNA?" Just in time for Valentine's Day, here's an infographic that measures romance in classic novels.
http://electricliterature.com/infographic-love-dna-of-classic-novels/
On that note, "Christian Grey may lure millions of moviegoers into theaters on Valentine's Day, but not everyone's a fan of the fictional billionaire and the story he's helping to tell." In the wake of Fifty Shades of Grey's film adaptation, a grassroots organization is urging people to donate to women's shelters instead.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/05/activists-fifty-shades_n_6621840.html
In more positive women's news, here's a profile of "seven women in the book industry who are encouraging diversity." The list, which features Canadian-based women, includes Silvia Moreno-Garcia, who appeared at the 2013 Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.quillandquire.com/omni/imprinting-change-seven-women-in-the-book-industry-who-are-encouraging-diversity/1/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Kelowna author Alix Hawley's new novel, All True Not a Lie in It, is a fictionalization of the life of Daniel Boone. "I've always struggled with first-person," states Hawley in this interview with Quill and Quire. "But I gritted my teeth and gave it a try. When the voice came to me, I realized, 'Yeah, this is how it needs to be.'"
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/alix-hawley-on-fictionalizing-the-life-of-frontiersman-daniel-boone/
What's fact and what's fiction? In this piece, Vancouver writer Michael Christie discusses "the art of good, and bad, memoir writing, and the interplay between fact and fabrication." His new book, a novel, is called If I Fall, If I Die.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-art-of-good-and-bad-memoir-writing-and-the-interplay-between-fact-and-fabrication-by-a-fiction-writer-10036313.html
Harper Lee is "hurt and humiliated" that people believe she was "duped" into releasing her new book, Go Set a Watchman. "She is a very strong, independent and wise woman who should be enjoying the discovery of her long lost novel," states her lawyer and friend Tonja Carter. "Instead, she is having to defend her own credibility and decision making."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11399306/Harper-Lee-hurt-and-humiliated-by-speculation-she-was-duped-into-releasing-new-book.html
Actor David Duchovny has written his first novel. As it turns out, it's not your standard Hollywood literary debut—he actually "comes from a family of writers and majored in English at Princeton." Funnily enough, he also something to say about Vancouver.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/10/i_would_rather_my_child_see_a_pig_circumcised_than_a_deers_mom_getting_killed_david_duchovny_on_his_madcap_fairy_tale_holy_cow/
In Amanda Filipacchi's novel, The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty, "a beautiful woman disguises herself as repulsive and tests men in bars." The book is "partly a meditation of the power of beauty, partly a roiling mystery."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/amanda_filipacchi_s_the_unfortunate_importance_of_beauty_reviewed.html
Nick Hornby has always been known for so-called lad's lit, the "bard of young men perennially stuck in place." His new novel, Funny Girl, instead features a woman "who's constantly hungry for more." He's interviewed here:
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/nick_hornby_interview_about_funny_girl_wild_and_television.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
CANOE CROSSINGS
Join author Sanford Osler for an illustrated lecture based on his latest book, Canoe Crossings: Understanding the Craft that Helped Shape British Columbia. Hear about local canoe stories and people, including tales of sailing canoes that crossed the Pacific. Thursday, February 12 at 6:00pm. TK Gallery, Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave., Vancouver. More information and tickets here, http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canoe-crossings-tickets-15602186560.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
WORLD POETRY
Celebrate Black History Month with a book launch for Roger Blenman's new book Dead'er featuring a reading by Adelene da Soul Poet. Hosted by Ariadne Sawyer and Russell Dior. Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm. Britannia Branch, VPL.
DR. GEORGE BAXTER-HOLDER
Author of Food Sex and God will be reading and autographing his new book. Monday, February 16 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor talks about his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk about her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
MARK FORSYTHE
The White Rock History Club is hosting the co-author of From the West Coast to the Western Front. Monday, February 23 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 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
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
A Dram Come True
Join us for A Dram Come True, a whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest. A Dram Come True has been the best kept secret of the local single malt scotch scene for 13 years—eagerly anticipated by local scotch aficionados, and a delight for those newly initiated to the world of whisky.
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft Manor
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Ann-Marie MacDonald Podcast
Our latest audio from the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest features actor, playwright, broadcaster and author Ann-Marie MacDonald in conversation with Jerry Wasserman. This sold out event was a highlight of the festival. "We need our stories. MacDonald says. "Remember who we are. Remember where we came from."
Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/ann-marie-macdonald.
Incite 2015
An exploration of the human condition: Susan Juby (The Republic of Dirt), Julie Paul (The Pull of the Moon), and Marguerite Pigeon (Some Extremely Boring Drives). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 25
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Miriam Toews has been shortlisted for the Folio Prize. In its second year, the prize is open to international authors of English-language fiction published in the United Kingdom. Colm Tóibín, who also appeared at the 2014 Writers Fest, made the cut as well.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/folio-fiction-prize-shortlist-includes-canada-s-miriam-toews-others-1.2227440
The Writers' Union of Canada has named the winner of its 2015 Freedom to Read Award: Ron Brown, founder of the prize. The award aims to recognize "advocacy on behalf of free expression in Canada."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/02/09/2015-freedom-to-read-award-goes-to-prizes-founder-ron-brown/
Malala Yousafzai's audiobook, I Am Malala, has won the Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/i-am-malala-audiobook-wins-grammy/98788
The 2015 Carnegie Medal longlist has also been revealed. You can discover it, in pictures, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/feb/10/carnegie-medal-longlist-2015
YOUNG READERS
"Are stories with wishes in them still popular today?" This articles explores the "'if only...' in children's books and discovers it's as important to be careful what you wish for now as it ever was."
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/09/best-childrens-books-with-wishes-book-doctor
NEWS & FEATURES
British author Hilary Mantel has received a Damehood for her "services to literature." The honour is fitting for a writer who specializes in royal intrigue. Her novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, which both won the Booker Prize, chronicle "the machinations" of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to Henry VIII.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-hilary-mantel-is-made-a-dame-20150206-story.html
Margaret Atwood recently visited West Point for "a frank conversation of gender, politics and oppression." The catalyst for discussion was her dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, required reading for first-year cadets.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/08/margaret_atwood_visits_west_point_for_a_frank_conversation_on_gender_politics_and_oppression/
Do you like a little coffee with your morning read? Here's a list called "Beans and Books: Coffee and Book Pairing Recommendations." Of course the pumpkin spice latte has many things in common with James Patterson's novels...it's the same reason why Gary Shteyngart should always be read while sipping "shade-grown, fair-trade, carbon-free Organic Peruvian!"
http://bookriot.com/2015/02/05/beans-books-coffee-book-pairing-recommendations/
What's the fiction writer's most critical task? According to Nick Harkaway, naming characters. "Very often, the name comes with the character, along with of a sense of who they are and what they do...All names are masks, as well as identifiers."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jan/29/name-christen-literary-character-nick-harkaway-tigerman
A new survey has revealed that a mere 54% of Americans read any book last year, whether print or digital. "Poetry saw the sharpest decline in readership of any 'literary genre,' falling from 12% to just 6.7%."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/just-54-americans-read-book-last-year-says-nea/
Americans don't read translated fiction either, claims Daily Beast author Bill Morris. "Like many of us after Patrick Modiano won the Nobel Prize for Literature last fall, Morris was struck by the scarcity of his books to be found in English translation – only a few of his thirty some works."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/asked-dont-americans-read-translated-fiction/
Speaking of all things south of the border, "crime, homelessness and crumbling infrastructure are still a problem in almost every part of America, but two cities have recently cracked down on one of the country's biggest problems: small community libraries where residents can share books." Apparently those little free libraries are on the wrong side of the law.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-little-free-libraries-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-law-20150204-story.html
Back here in Canada, Quill and Quire is launching a survey to find out "what is the most underrated CanLit title?" You can answer the question here. The most popular response will be published in April's 80th anniversary issue.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2015/02/05/survey-what-is-the-most-underrated-canlit-title/
What's your book's "love DNA?" Just in time for Valentine's Day, here's an infographic that measures romance in classic novels.
http://electricliterature.com/infographic-love-dna-of-classic-novels/
On that note, "Christian Grey may lure millions of moviegoers into theaters on Valentine's Day, but not everyone's a fan of the fictional billionaire and the story he's helping to tell." In the wake of Fifty Shades of Grey's film adaptation, a grassroots organization is urging people to donate to women's shelters instead.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/05/activists-fifty-shades_n_6621840.html
In more positive women's news, here's a profile of "seven women in the book industry who are encouraging diversity." The list, which features Canadian-based women, includes Silvia Moreno-Garcia, who appeared at the 2013 Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.quillandquire.com/omni/imprinting-change-seven-women-in-the-book-industry-who-are-encouraging-diversity/1/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Kelowna author Alix Hawley's new novel, All True Not a Lie in It, is a fictionalization of the life of Daniel Boone. "I've always struggled with first-person," states Hawley in this interview with Quill and Quire. "But I gritted my teeth and gave it a try. When the voice came to me, I realized, 'Yeah, this is how it needs to be.'"
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/alix-hawley-on-fictionalizing-the-life-of-frontiersman-daniel-boone/
What's fact and what's fiction? In this piece, Vancouver writer Michael Christie discusses "the art of good, and bad, memoir writing, and the interplay between fact and fabrication." His new book, a novel, is called If I Fall, If I Die.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-art-of-good-and-bad-memoir-writing-and-the-interplay-between-fact-and-fabrication-by-a-fiction-writer-10036313.html
Harper Lee is "hurt and humiliated" that people believe she was "duped" into releasing her new book, Go Set a Watchman. "She is a very strong, independent and wise woman who should be enjoying the discovery of her long lost novel," states her lawyer and friend Tonja Carter. "Instead, she is having to defend her own credibility and decision making."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11399306/Harper-Lee-hurt-and-humiliated-by-speculation-she-was-duped-into-releasing-new-book.html
Actor David Duchovny has written his first novel. As it turns out, it's not your standard Hollywood literary debut—he actually "comes from a family of writers and majored in English at Princeton." Funnily enough, he also something to say about Vancouver.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/10/i_would_rather_my_child_see_a_pig_circumcised_than_a_deers_mom_getting_killed_david_duchovny_on_his_madcap_fairy_tale_holy_cow/
In Amanda Filipacchi's novel, The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty, "a beautiful woman disguises herself as repulsive and tests men in bars." The book is "partly a meditation of the power of beauty, partly a roiling mystery."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/amanda_filipacchi_s_the_unfortunate_importance_of_beauty_reviewed.html
Nick Hornby has always been known for so-called lad's lit, the "bard of young men perennially stuck in place." His new novel, Funny Girl, instead features a woman "who's constantly hungry for more." He's interviewed here:
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/nick_hornby_interview_about_funny_girl_wild_and_television.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
CANOE CROSSINGS
Join author Sanford Osler for an illustrated lecture based on his latest book, Canoe Crossings: Understanding the Craft that Helped Shape British Columbia. Hear about local canoe stories and people, including tales of sailing canoes that crossed the Pacific. Thursday, February 12 at 6:00pm. TK Gallery, Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave., Vancouver. More information and tickets here, http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canoe-crossings-tickets-15602186560.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
WORLD POETRY
Celebrate Black History Month with a book launch for Roger Blenman's new book Dead'er featuring a reading by Adelene da Soul Poet. Hosted by Ariadne Sawyer and Russell Dior. Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm. Britannia Branch, VPL.
DR. GEORGE BAXTER-HOLDER
Author of Food Sex and God will be reading and autographing his new book. Monday, February 16 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor talks about his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk about her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
MARK FORSYTHE
The White Rock History Club is hosting the co-author of From the West Coast to the Western Front. Monday, February 23 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 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
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 46
BOOK NEWS
Waking from the American Dream Podcast
Exciting voices from a new generation of American writers. Joshua Ferris, Cristina Henríquez and Matthew Thomas talk with John Freeman about the meaning of life, love and truth, and the demise of the American Dream. Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/waking-american-dream.
Incite 2015
New fiction from John Vaillant (The Jaguar's Children), Marianne Apostolides (Sophrosyne) and Alix Halwey (All True Not a Lie in It). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 11
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
AWARDS & LISTS
The American Library Association has announced the winners of its 2015 Book and Media awards, including the prestigious Ralph Caldecott Medals. Two Canadian artists earned Caldecott Honors: Jillian Tamaki for This One Summer (created with Writers Fest author Mariko Tamaki), and Jon Klassen for Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/02/03/jillian-tamaki-jon-klassen-receive-2015-caldecott-honors/
Man Booker Prize winner Anne Enright has been named Ireland's first Laureate for Fiction. Enright is known for her family saga called The Gathering.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11379773/anne-enright-ireland-first-fiction-laureate.html
The Crossover, a novel-in-verse about twin brothers who are basketball stars, has won the Newbery medal. The Newbery is the highest honour for children's literature in the United States.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/kwame-alexander-newbery-medal-dan-santat-caldecott
YOUNG READERS
Gordon Korman wrote his first book when he was twelve, "kicking off a career as a popular author of more than 60 books for middle-grade and young-adult readers." His newest is called Masterminds, and he's interviewed here,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-gordon-korman-always-hears-you-were-my-dads-favourite-author-when-he-was-my-age/article22720761/
NEWS & FEATURES
Award-winning Vancouver poet Elise Partridge has died of cancer. "The spectre of illness hangs over The Exiles' Gallery," her third collection, which is set to be published in April.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/award-winning-bc-poet-elisa-partridge-dies/article22752206/
The Thorn Birds author Colleen McCullough died last week at the age of 77. Her obituary in The Australian, which focused on her physical appearance, has spawned a social media backlash and a wave of parodies.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11379636/myozobituary-fans-mock-sexist-obituary-for-novelist-Colleen-McCullough.html
Roger Hargreaves' iconic Mr. Men and Little Miss books are coming to the big screen. "Hargreaves first introduced the world to his colourful characters in 1971 with his first book Mr. Tickle. He created new characters up until his death in 1988, including Mr. Sneeze, Mr. Mean, Mr. Dizzy, Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Sunshine and Little Miss Trouble."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/mr-men-and-little-miss-books-coming-to-big-screen.html
Who are your favourite "baddies" in books? "From Charles Dickens to Stephen King, fiction offers plenty of troubled children–but Anthony Burgess's teenage narrator is in a league of his own." Here's The Guardian's profile of Alex from A Clockwork Orange.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/feb/03/baddies-in-books-alex-a-clockwork-orange-anthony-burgess
Speaking of bad boys, this week marks the 101st birthday of William S. Burroughs. To celebrate, here's a list of things you might not know about the Beat Generation renegade.
http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/23472/1/things-you-might-not-know-about-william-s-burroughs
How does a typeface get lost? "Between August 1916 and January 1917 Cobden-Sanderson, a printer and bookbinder, dropped more than a tonne of metal printing type" into the Thames River. Now, almost 100 years later, the typeface has been revived digitally.
http://www.casualoptimist.com/blog/2015/01/28/the-doves-type-revival/
"Being a playwright in Canada is like being an ice sculptor: you are a practitioner of an obscure art form that is ephemeral, impractical as a career choice, misunderstood, romantic." In this piece for Quill and Quire, playwright Hanna Moscovitch discusses the necessity of publishing theatre works.
http://www.quillandquire.com/opinion/2015/01/30/playwright-hannah-moscovitch-on-the-necessity-to-publish-theatre-works/
Michael Bourne recently used a single sentence from Anthony Doerr's bestselling novel, All the Light You Cannot See, to demonstrate Doerr's mastery of narrative. The exercise got him wondering: "If I looked at the same line—the first sentence of the fifth paragraph on page 40—in other books, would it offer the same window onto the author's style?"
http://www.themillions.com/2015/01/the-page-40-test.html
Is book reviewing a public service or an art? In this week's edition of the New York Times' Bookends, James Parker and Anna Holmes take on the book review.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/books/review/is-book-reviewing-a-public-service-or-an-art.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Harper Lee is set to publish a new novel in July. Called Go Set a Watchman, it's a follow-up to her iconic 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The manuscript was written in the mid-1950s, and thought lost.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/02/03/harper-lee-to-publish-new-novel-in-july/
Milan Kundera's first novel in more than a decade is also set to be published in English this year. Faber will release Kundera's The Festival of Insignificance, translated from the original French by Linda Asher, on June 18th. The short work was first published in Italy in 2013, and has since topped charts in Italy, Spain and France.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/milan-kundera-new-novel-the-festival-of-insignificance
Penguin Canada has acquired Canadian rights to the next book in Stieg Larsson's best-selling Millennium series. "Written by Swedish crime writer David Lagercrantz, What Doesn't Kill Us will receive a different title for North America, as was the case with the first and third books in the series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest)."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/01/28/penguin-canada-to-publish-continuation-of-stieg-larssons-millenium-trilogy/
"My curiosity has always leaned to the north," states Steve Himmer in this interview. His new book is called Fram, "part spy thriller, part Arctic exploration story, part meditation on work, and mostly something completely new—as Will Wiles calls it, ‘a miniature bureaucratic epic somewhere between David Foster Wallace and Jules Verne.'"
http://electricliterature.com/my-curiosity-has-always-leaned-to-the-north-a-conversation-with-steve-himmer-author-of-fram/
Here are two short story collections that converge on the themes of crime and punishment: The Martini Shot by George Pelecanos, and Cover Before Striking, by Priscila Uppal. "Pelecanos restricts his formal canvas to the crime genre, whereas Uppal is much more profligate, preferring to range among different styles and approaches." Both authors have appeared at the Vancouver Writers Fest!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/crime-and-punishment-two-short-story-collections-converge-on-a-theme/article22721356/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
INTO THE MYSTIC
Susan McCaslin will be launching her new mixed-genre memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, at The Fort Gallery's First Thursday Arts Evening, 9048 Glover Rd., Fort Langley, Thursday, February 5, 7-9 pm, with local visual artists in the Full Circle Alumni Show (Susan J. Falk, Suzanne Northcott, Donna Usher, Myrna Pfeifer, Nancy Crawford, Betty Spackman and others). Contact: Emma Pavey at fortgallery@hotmail.com.
THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Candie Tanaka, Graham J. Darling, Kelly Ryan, Yaana Dancer, Alyson Quinn, Meharoona Ghani, Joanne Betzler, and Carleigh Baker. Thursday, February 5 at 8:00pm, admission by donation. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 778-782-8000.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor in discussion of his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk of her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Upcoming
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of Adrian, an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear Canadian writers share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis, and Sam Wiebe. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Waking from the American Dream Podcast
Exciting voices from a new generation of American writers. Joshua Ferris, Cristina Henríquez and Matthew Thomas talk with John Freeman about the meaning of life, love and truth, and the demise of the American Dream. Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/waking-american-dream.
Incite 2015
New fiction from John Vaillant (The Jaguar's Children), Marianne Apostolides (Sophrosyne) and Alix Halwey (All True Not a Lie in It). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 11
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
AWARDS & LISTS
The American Library Association has announced the winners of its 2015 Book and Media awards, including the prestigious Ralph Caldecott Medals. Two Canadian artists earned Caldecott Honors: Jillian Tamaki for This One Summer (created with Writers Fest author Mariko Tamaki), and Jon Klassen for Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/02/03/jillian-tamaki-jon-klassen-receive-2015-caldecott-honors/
Man Booker Prize winner Anne Enright has been named Ireland's first Laureate for Fiction. Enright is known for her family saga called The Gathering.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11379773/anne-enright-ireland-first-fiction-laureate.html
The Crossover, a novel-in-verse about twin brothers who are basketball stars, has won the Newbery medal. The Newbery is the highest honour for children's literature in the United States.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/kwame-alexander-newbery-medal-dan-santat-caldecott
YOUNG READERS
Gordon Korman wrote his first book when he was twelve, "kicking off a career as a popular author of more than 60 books for middle-grade and young-adult readers." His newest is called Masterminds, and he's interviewed here,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-gordon-korman-always-hears-you-were-my-dads-favourite-author-when-he-was-my-age/article22720761/
NEWS & FEATURES
Award-winning Vancouver poet Elise Partridge has died of cancer. "The spectre of illness hangs over The Exiles' Gallery," her third collection, which is set to be published in April.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/award-winning-bc-poet-elisa-partridge-dies/article22752206/
The Thorn Birds author Colleen McCullough died last week at the age of 77. Her obituary in The Australian, which focused on her physical appearance, has spawned a social media backlash and a wave of parodies.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11379636/myozobituary-fans-mock-sexist-obituary-for-novelist-Colleen-McCullough.html
Roger Hargreaves' iconic Mr. Men and Little Miss books are coming to the big screen. "Hargreaves first introduced the world to his colourful characters in 1971 with his first book Mr. Tickle. He created new characters up until his death in 1988, including Mr. Sneeze, Mr. Mean, Mr. Dizzy, Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Sunshine and Little Miss Trouble."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/mr-men-and-little-miss-books-coming-to-big-screen.html
Who are your favourite "baddies" in books? "From Charles Dickens to Stephen King, fiction offers plenty of troubled children–but Anthony Burgess's teenage narrator is in a league of his own." Here's The Guardian's profile of Alex from A Clockwork Orange.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/feb/03/baddies-in-books-alex-a-clockwork-orange-anthony-burgess
Speaking of bad boys, this week marks the 101st birthday of William S. Burroughs. To celebrate, here's a list of things you might not know about the Beat Generation renegade.
http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/23472/1/things-you-might-not-know-about-william-s-burroughs
How does a typeface get lost? "Between August 1916 and January 1917 Cobden-Sanderson, a printer and bookbinder, dropped more than a tonne of metal printing type" into the Thames River. Now, almost 100 years later, the typeface has been revived digitally.
http://www.casualoptimist.com/blog/2015/01/28/the-doves-type-revival/
"Being a playwright in Canada is like being an ice sculptor: you are a practitioner of an obscure art form that is ephemeral, impractical as a career choice, misunderstood, romantic." In this piece for Quill and Quire, playwright Hanna Moscovitch discusses the necessity of publishing theatre works.
http://www.quillandquire.com/opinion/2015/01/30/playwright-hannah-moscovitch-on-the-necessity-to-publish-theatre-works/
Michael Bourne recently used a single sentence from Anthony Doerr's bestselling novel, All the Light You Cannot See, to demonstrate Doerr's mastery of narrative. The exercise got him wondering: "If I looked at the same line—the first sentence of the fifth paragraph on page 40—in other books, would it offer the same window onto the author's style?"
http://www.themillions.com/2015/01/the-page-40-test.html
Is book reviewing a public service or an art? In this week's edition of the New York Times' Bookends, James Parker and Anna Holmes take on the book review.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/books/review/is-book-reviewing-a-public-service-or-an-art.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Harper Lee is set to publish a new novel in July. Called Go Set a Watchman, it's a follow-up to her iconic 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The manuscript was written in the mid-1950s, and thought lost.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/02/03/harper-lee-to-publish-new-novel-in-july/
Milan Kundera's first novel in more than a decade is also set to be published in English this year. Faber will release Kundera's The Festival of Insignificance, translated from the original French by Linda Asher, on June 18th. The short work was first published in Italy in 2013, and has since topped charts in Italy, Spain and France.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/milan-kundera-new-novel-the-festival-of-insignificance
Penguin Canada has acquired Canadian rights to the next book in Stieg Larsson's best-selling Millennium series. "Written by Swedish crime writer David Lagercrantz, What Doesn't Kill Us will receive a different title for North America, as was the case with the first and third books in the series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest)."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/01/28/penguin-canada-to-publish-continuation-of-stieg-larssons-millenium-trilogy/
"My curiosity has always leaned to the north," states Steve Himmer in this interview. His new book is called Fram, "part spy thriller, part Arctic exploration story, part meditation on work, and mostly something completely new—as Will Wiles calls it, ‘a miniature bureaucratic epic somewhere between David Foster Wallace and Jules Verne.'"
http://electricliterature.com/my-curiosity-has-always-leaned-to-the-north-a-conversation-with-steve-himmer-author-of-fram/
Here are two short story collections that converge on the themes of crime and punishment: The Martini Shot by George Pelecanos, and Cover Before Striking, by Priscila Uppal. "Pelecanos restricts his formal canvas to the crime genre, whereas Uppal is much more profligate, preferring to range among different styles and approaches." Both authors have appeared at the Vancouver Writers Fest!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/crime-and-punishment-two-short-story-collections-converge-on-a-theme/article22721356/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
INTO THE MYSTIC
Susan McCaslin will be launching her new mixed-genre memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, at The Fort Gallery's First Thursday Arts Evening, 9048 Glover Rd., Fort Langley, Thursday, February 5, 7-9 pm, with local visual artists in the Full Circle Alumni Show (Susan J. Falk, Suzanne Northcott, Donna Usher, Myrna Pfeifer, Nancy Crawford, Betty Spackman and others). Contact: Emma Pavey at fortgallery@hotmail.com.
THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Candie Tanaka, Graham J. Darling, Kelly Ryan, Yaana Dancer, Alyson Quinn, Meharoona Ghani, Joanne Betzler, and Carleigh Baker. Thursday, February 5 at 8:00pm, admission by donation. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 778-782-8000.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor in discussion of his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk of her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Upcoming
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of Adrian, an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear Canadian writers share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis, and Sam Wiebe. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 45
BOOK NEWS
Tim Winton Podcast
Tim Winton's appearance at the 2014 Festival was a highlight and received rave reviews. Listen to a recording of his interview with Hal Wake. Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/tim-winton.
Incite 2015
New fiction from John Vaillant (The Jaguar's Children), Marianne Apostolides (Sophrosyne) and Alix Halwey (All True Not a Lie in It). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 11
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
The winners of the 2014 ReLit Award have been announced. The awards honour the best titles released by Canadian indie publishers.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/01/27/relit-award-winners-announced/
Helen Macdonald has won the 2014 Costa book award for H is for Hawk, a "haunting" book that explores grief, love and nature. It tells the story of a Cambridge historian, illustrator and naturalist who tries to overcome her grief by training "the most untameable of raptors, the goshawk."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/27/costa-book-award-helen-macdonald-h-is-for-hawk-win
The finalists for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize have been named. The prize celebrates political writing.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/shaughnessy-cohen-prize-finalists-announced/article22648737/
YOUNG READERS
January 27th was Family Literacy Day. In honour of this, the CBC released a wonderful list of fifteen kids' books to watch out for in 2015. Check it out here,
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/15-kids-books-top-watch-out-for-in-2015.html
Here are three young adult books also worth a read. The first is fantastical, the second political (set against the backdrop of the Oka Crisis), and the third one "a story that can't be told enough times."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/three-young-adult-books-worth-a-read/article22606778
NEWS & FEATURES
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the world's most iconic bookstores? In this interview, Stacey Lewis talks about City Lights, the San Francisco landmark.
http://entropymag.org/city-lights-books/
Nevermind bookstores. What about book clubs? Here's how to be the best book club member!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/26/book-club-etiquette_n_6534016.html
A copyright quirk has left James Bond up for grabs in Canada. "As of Jan. 1, the original writings of Fleming, a former British naval intelligence agent who published 12 novels and nine stories featuring 007 between 1952 and 1966, have entered the public domain. That's because Canada's view of copyright is that it extends for 50 years after the death of a writer."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/copyright-change-leaves-james-bond-up-for-grabs-in-canada/article22606770/
How much is a book worth? For $294,038 you can get one that self-destructs in 24 hours...plus dinner with the author James Patterson. It's apparently "an experience that will blow your mind. Hopefully, not literally."
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-james-patterson-exploding-book-20150121-story.html
Women are "in danger of being over-identified with the sex in their books" stated Sarah Waters recently at the Jaipur Literature Festival. She appeared alongside Nicholson Baker, Deepti Kapoor and Hanif Kuerishi to discuss "contemporary writers' struggles with sex, and radical Islam's obsession with pleasure."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jan/23/sex-a-political-issue-at-the-jaipur-literature-festival
Speaking of women and writing, here are a few reasons why Virginia Woolf "should be your feminist role model."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/25/virginia-woolf-feminist_n_6534258.html?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000031=
BOOKS & WRITERS
In his new collection, The Second Sex, Michael Robbins "refuses to represent the poet's world as a cloistered private library." In this interview, he talks to Anahid Nersessian, whose forthcoming work of literary philosophy, Utopia, Limited: Romanticism and Adjustment, provides for great conversation.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/conversation-friends
John Vaillant's The Jaguar's Children is an intense and sharply focused story about the dangers of illegal border crossings. It's also Vaillant's first novel after publishing several very-well received nonfiction books.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/a-novel-debut-for-john-vaillant/article22555331/
Does making art have to be lonely? No, says Lena Dunham in this interview with the LA Review of Books. Dunham is the creator of the TV series Girls (whose protagonist is currently attending the Iowa Writers Workshop), as well as the author of Not That Kind of Girl, a memoir.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/ongoing-autobiography-slightly-younger-self/
If you live anywhere east or north of Vancouver, here's a good list for you: Best Snow Day Reads, featuring nineteen page-turners to enjoy while snowed in.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/26/best-snow-day-reads_n_6550272.html
Raziel Reid's first novel, When Everything Feels like the Movies, is currently up for Canada Reads (and won a Governor General's Literary Award last November). However, "more than sixteen hundred people-including some well known writers-are petitioning to have the award revoked, calling the book, which is written for a young adult audience, "vulgar, offensive and graphic." Reid defends his book here,
http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/features/2015/01/26/author-raziel-reid-defend-his-edgy-debut-novel-from-critics-who-want-him-stripped-of-gg-award/
Family Furnishings: Selected Stories, 1995-2014 is a collection that gathers the best of Alice Munro's more recent writing. The book is a "fine and timely follow-up to Alice Munro's winning of the 2013 Nobel Prize," as well as a sequel of sorts to 1996's Selected Stories.
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2015/feb/05/alice-munros-magic/
Peter Carey's new book, Amnesia, "thrives in its relentless political inquiry." It's a tale that "does sometimes dwell in the dark corners of the Web, it is ultimately less concerned with computer codes than their moral counterparts…it isn't really a story about hackers, but rather one about politics and the complicated legacies left for the children of the Internet by their boomer forebears."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/peter-carey-takes-a-look-at-the-dark-recesses-of-the-web/article22603763/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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.
CAROL SHABEN
Author reads from her book, Into The Abyss, a dramatic account of a plane crash with only four survivors. Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00pm. New Westminster Public Library. For more information and to register, phone 604-527-4667.
WAYDE COMPTON
Reading by Vancouver poet, fiction writer, critic, editor and teacher. Wednesday, February 4 at 12:30pm, free. Room 7100, Special Collections, WAC Bennett Library, SFU Burnaby. More information at http://www.lib.sfu.ca/node/13053.
THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Candie Tanaka, Graham J. Darling, Kelly Ryan, Yaana Dancer, Alyson Quinn, Meharoona Ghani, Joanne Betzler, and Carleigh Baker. Thursday, February 5 at 8:00pm, admission by donation. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 778-782-8000.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
Upcoming
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk of her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HEATHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of Adrian, an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
ALL MY PUNY SORROWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Tim Winton Podcast
Tim Winton's appearance at the 2014 Festival was a highlight and received rave reviews. Listen to a recording of his interview with Hal Wake. Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/tim-winton.
Incite 2015
New fiction from John Vaillant (The Jaguar's Children), Marianne Apostolides (Sophrosyne) and Alix Halwey (All True Not a Lie in It). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 11
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
The winners of the 2014 ReLit Award have been announced. The awards honour the best titles released by Canadian indie publishers.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/01/27/relit-award-winners-announced/
Helen Macdonald has won the 2014 Costa book award for H is for Hawk, a "haunting" book that explores grief, love and nature. It tells the story of a Cambridge historian, illustrator and naturalist who tries to overcome her grief by training "the most untameable of raptors, the goshawk."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/27/costa-book-award-helen-macdonald-h-is-for-hawk-win
The finalists for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize have been named. The prize celebrates political writing.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/shaughnessy-cohen-prize-finalists-announced/article22648737/
YOUNG READERS
January 27th was Family Literacy Day. In honour of this, the CBC released a wonderful list of fifteen kids' books to watch out for in 2015. Check it out here,
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/15-kids-books-top-watch-out-for-in-2015.html
Here are three young adult books also worth a read. The first is fantastical, the second political (set against the backdrop of the Oka Crisis), and the third one "a story that can't be told enough times."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/three-young-adult-books-worth-a-read/article22606778
NEWS & FEATURES
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the world's most iconic bookstores? In this interview, Stacey Lewis talks about City Lights, the San Francisco landmark.
http://entropymag.org/city-lights-books/
Nevermind bookstores. What about book clubs? Here's how to be the best book club member!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/26/book-club-etiquette_n_6534016.html
A copyright quirk has left James Bond up for grabs in Canada. "As of Jan. 1, the original writings of Fleming, a former British naval intelligence agent who published 12 novels and nine stories featuring 007 between 1952 and 1966, have entered the public domain. That's because Canada's view of copyright is that it extends for 50 years after the death of a writer."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/copyright-change-leaves-james-bond-up-for-grabs-in-canada/article22606770/
How much is a book worth? For $294,038 you can get one that self-destructs in 24 hours...plus dinner with the author James Patterson. It's apparently "an experience that will blow your mind. Hopefully, not literally."
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-james-patterson-exploding-book-20150121-story.html
Women are "in danger of being over-identified with the sex in their books" stated Sarah Waters recently at the Jaipur Literature Festival. She appeared alongside Nicholson Baker, Deepti Kapoor and Hanif Kuerishi to discuss "contemporary writers' struggles with sex, and radical Islam's obsession with pleasure."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jan/23/sex-a-political-issue-at-the-jaipur-literature-festival
Speaking of women and writing, here are a few reasons why Virginia Woolf "should be your feminist role model."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/25/virginia-woolf-feminist_n_6534258.html?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000031=
BOOKS & WRITERS
In his new collection, The Second Sex, Michael Robbins "refuses to represent the poet's world as a cloistered private library." In this interview, he talks to Anahid Nersessian, whose forthcoming work of literary philosophy, Utopia, Limited: Romanticism and Adjustment, provides for great conversation.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/conversation-friends
John Vaillant's The Jaguar's Children is an intense and sharply focused story about the dangers of illegal border crossings. It's also Vaillant's first novel after publishing several very-well received nonfiction books.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/a-novel-debut-for-john-vaillant/article22555331/
Does making art have to be lonely? No, says Lena Dunham in this interview with the LA Review of Books. Dunham is the creator of the TV series Girls (whose protagonist is currently attending the Iowa Writers Workshop), as well as the author of Not That Kind of Girl, a memoir.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/ongoing-autobiography-slightly-younger-self/
If you live anywhere east or north of Vancouver, here's a good list for you: Best Snow Day Reads, featuring nineteen page-turners to enjoy while snowed in.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/26/best-snow-day-reads_n_6550272.html
Raziel Reid's first novel, When Everything Feels like the Movies, is currently up for Canada Reads (and won a Governor General's Literary Award last November). However, "more than sixteen hundred people-including some well known writers-are petitioning to have the award revoked, calling the book, which is written for a young adult audience, "vulgar, offensive and graphic." Reid defends his book here,
http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/features/2015/01/26/author-raziel-reid-defend-his-edgy-debut-novel-from-critics-who-want-him-stripped-of-gg-award/
Family Furnishings: Selected Stories, 1995-2014 is a collection that gathers the best of Alice Munro's more recent writing. The book is a "fine and timely follow-up to Alice Munro's winning of the 2013 Nobel Prize," as well as a sequel of sorts to 1996's Selected Stories.
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2015/feb/05/alice-munros-magic/
Peter Carey's new book, Amnesia, "thrives in its relentless political inquiry." It's a tale that "does sometimes dwell in the dark corners of the Web, it is ultimately less concerned with computer codes than their moral counterparts…it isn't really a story about hackers, but rather one about politics and the complicated legacies left for the children of the Internet by their boomer forebears."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/peter-carey-takes-a-look-at-the-dark-recesses-of-the-web/article22603763/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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.
CAROL SHABEN
Author reads from her book, Into The Abyss, a dramatic account of a plane crash with only four survivors. Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00pm. New Westminster Public Library. For more information and to register, phone 604-527-4667.
WAYDE COMPTON
Reading by Vancouver poet, fiction writer, critic, editor and teacher. Wednesday, February 4 at 12:30pm, free. Room 7100, Special Collections, WAC Bennett Library, SFU Burnaby. More information at http://www.lib.sfu.ca/node/13053.
THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Candie Tanaka, Graham J. Darling, Kelly Ryan, Yaana Dancer, Alyson Quinn, Meharoona Ghani, Joanne Betzler, and Carleigh Baker. Thursday, February 5 at 8:00pm, admission by donation. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 778-782-8000.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
Upcoming
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk of her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HEATHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of Adrian, an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
ALL MY PUNY SORROWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 44
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.
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 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.
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