BOOK NEWS
2012 Festival - Hal's Picks
One of the things I am proudest of at the Festival is the quality of our on-stage conversations and there are more than a few to choose from this year, so I will just mention two.
Chan Koonchung's novel is an incisive political satire that has been officially banned in China, yet it has been read by millions in his homeland, and published around the world. Charles Foran, our interviewer has lived in China and has described Chan's novel as "not only essential reading, it is urgent". (event 59)
Dennis Lee is perhaps best known for his children's books Alligator Pie and Garbage Delight, but over his long and illustrious career he was won a Governor-General's Award for poetry, written for Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock, edited some of CanLit's most important fiction and accomplished a dozen other literary feats. Brad Cran, former Poet Laureate of Vancouver will bring his experience as a poet and his love of Dennis's work to this important conversation. (event 74)
Tickets for all the 2012 Festival events are selling fast. Visit our website for a full overview. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.
UPCOMING EVENT
Literati Gala
A fundraising dinner in support of the Festival’s Spreading the Word education program. Hosted by Gloria Macarenko.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Reception: 6:00 pm; Dinner: 7:30 pm
Tickets: $175
Call 604-681-6330 ext 109 or book online.
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the twenty-third installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Land of Plenty" from 2011 featuring Peter Behrens, Clark Blaise and Ling Zhang. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
The 2012 City of Vancouver Book Award has been presented to W.H. New for his collection of poetry titled YVR. New, a literary commentator and former University of B.C. teacher, has also received the 2012 Mayor's Arts Award for Literary Arts.
http://www.straight.com/article-785476/vancouver/vancouver-poet-wh-new-wins-civic-book-award-yvr
The Writers' Trust of Canada has revealed its 2012 shortlist for two fiction prizes—the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize for best novel or short story collection and the Writers' Trust of Canada/McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize for new and developing talent.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/19/writers-trust-nominees.html
The shortlist for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction has been announced.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/25/hilary-weston-prize.html
Sadiqa de Meijer is this year's winner of the CBC's Canada Writes poetry award. Her work Great Aunt Unmarried was selected from more than 2,300 poems and landed the Kingston, Ont., writer a $6,000 prize from the Canada Council for the Arts. The poem will be published in the October edition of enRoute Magazine and on the Canada Writes website.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1261827--sadiqa-de-meijer-wins-cbc-poetry-prize
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS
Martine Noël-Maw's Les fantômes de Spiritwood (one of two books written in collabortion with French Immersion students) tells of a group of young people who take refuge in an abandoned school. To help pass the time, they tell stories scary enough to scare the pants off them! However, Ethan and his friends soon learn that ghosts sometimes like to tell their own stories. Age 12 and over. (events 3, 17, 38)
http://www.saskpublishers.sk.ca/products-page/books-2/fantomes-de-spiritwood-les/
Kenneth Oppel's This Dark Endeavour grips you right from the first page, writes Craig Foster, age 12. The prequel to Mary Shelley's gothic classic Frankenstein, this book delivers the thrills, no matter how old you are, says Foster. Age 12 and over.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/12/16/book-review-this-dark-endeavour-by-kenneth-oppel/
In Susin Nielsen's The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, thirteen-year-old Henry's happy, ordinary life comes to an abrupt halt when his older brother, Jesse, picks up their father's hunting rifle and leaves the house one morning. What follows shatters Henry's family. Initially reluctant, Henry follows advice that he keep a journal. Soon he confides in it at all hours of the day and night.
Henry's journal entries are infused with humour and provide a riveting read about a family in turmoil. (events 1, 15)
http://www.fabbityfabbookreviews.com/2012/09/review-reluctant-journal-of-henry-k.html?spref=fb
Meet Richard Scrimger's Bunny (short for Bernard) O'Toole—mentally slow, physically strong and fast—the observant, nonjudgmental narrator of this convoluted but enjoyable fable of Toronto gang life recorded in believable, phonetically spelled prose. Age 10 to 14. (events 5, 35)
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/richard-scrimger/ink-me/
2012 Festival Authors
Vincent Lam's The Headmaster's Wager is a sharp departure from Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures, based on Lam's own experience as an emergency room physician. This new work is based on Lam's family history, especially his larger-than-life grandfather William Lin: a gambler, drinker, and philanderer (four wives and at least eight children). The juxtaposition between the tragic figure who brought his family grief and shame and the heroic exploits the old man hinted at is captivating, writes David Sax.
http://walrusmagazine.com/articles/2012.06-profile-risky-saigon/
Junot Diaz's new collection, This Is How You Lose Her, brings back Yunior, who narrated several of the stories in Díaz's first collection, Drown, and parts of his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Yunior is a gorgeously full-blown character. It just seems lame not to refer to him as Díaz's alter ego, so conspicuously do their biographies overlap, writes Leah Hager Cohen.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/books/review/this-is-how-you-lose-her-by-junot-diaz.html?pagewanted=all
The Sweet Girl, like The Golden Mean, is set in the last half of the fourth century BC, when Athens has lost its greatness. Aristotle's family is part of the new ruling class, feared and privileged. Aristotle and his wife had a daughter, Pythias, whom history has not treated generously, but she fends for herself as best she can. Ultimately, she frees her slaves and happily decides to become a biology teacher. Her father–in fiction, at least–would have been proud of her, says Peter Stotherd.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-sweet-girl-aristotles-other-forgotten-child/article4558469/
Elsewhere in the Globe and Mail, award-winning author Annabel Lyon has written an essay on the challenges of writing historical fiction.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/making-it-up-annabel-lyon-on-the-challenge-of-writing-historical-fiction/article4558458/
In Rawi Hage's Carnival, the narrator is a cab driver named Fly. The book begins with a circus birth yarn involving a mother who was a trapeze artist and a father who had a magic carpet act. But it really takes off several pages later, writes Pat Donnelly "There are two kinds of taxi drivers: The Spiders and the Flies," writes Hage. Journalists would make it a book about taxis, says Hage, but "the taxi is just a vehicle that leads me to other things. I use the taxi as a metaphor."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Writing+from+experience+Hage+novel+just+another+taxi+story/7275299/story.html#ixzz27XxWg1X2
On the longlist for the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction, A.L. Kennedy's The Blue Book is about lies, language, literature and love. In it, Kennedy demonstrates how, like the finest works of fiction, some lies can save us. The Blue Book is full of magic and magicians. These magicians understand, as writers do, that "any word can work a spell if you know how to use it."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Book+review+Blue+Book+lies+language+literature+love/7275426/story.html#ixzz27XynXJBJ
Kim Thúy's autobiographical debut novel, Ru, describes a life-changing voyage from a childhood in strife-filled postwar Vietnam to a new beginning in 1970s Quebec. Ru is a poetic and highly individual exploration of what it can mean to straddle multiple cultures and identities simultaneously, writes Shawn Syms. The word "Ru" is Vietnamese for lullaby. Now rendered in English by celebrated translator Sheila Fischman, Thúy's novel originated with a French edition that won the Governor General's Literary Award for fiction in 2010.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/02/03/book-review-ru-by-kim-thuy/
NEWS & FEATURES
In The Voice Is All: The Lonely Victory of Jack Kerouac, Joyce Johnson notes that the "spontaneous" writing of On the Road, was not spontaneous. Kerouac's French Canadian background enriched his prose. "He spoke Joual", she says, always trying to find the English equivalent for the French inside his head.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/16/jack-kerouac-ex-girlfriendIn
Salman Rushdie's account of surviving a fatwa is brutally honest and profound, writes Margaret Drabble. For his double life, he was obliged to turn himself into a fictional character and he became Joseph Anton, after Conrad and Chekhov. Joseph Anton is also the title of his memoir. Rushdie is a great writer and he has been brave enough to portray himself as a coward scuttling for cover and hiding behind a kitchen dresser. That takes courage, too. Says Drabble. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/23/joseph-anton-salman-rushdie-review
Here is an excerpt from Joseph Anton.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1258031--exclusive-excerpt-from-salman-rushdie-s-memoir-joseph-anton
And another in The New Yorker:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/09/17/120917fa_fact_rushdie
Animism, a TV show funded by the APTN, Bell Fund, CTF, & Every Day Fiction, is calling writers of all backgrounds to contribute to the Animism Anthology and get published alongside veteran writers David Farland, Nick Matamas, James Alan Gardner, Cat Rambo, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, and many more.
http://animism.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NUALA
Vancouver International Film Festival presents Nuala. Irish author and journalist Nuala O'Faolain appeared at the Writers Fest in 2007 and died the following year. Given her renowned candour—the author/journalist's memoir and deathbed interviews captivated Ireland—one can't envision a more appropriate tribute than her longtime friend Marian Finucane's clear-eyed investigation of O'Faolain's uncompromising, contradictory life. Patrick Farrelly and Kate O'Callaghan direct. Winner, Critics Award: Best Irish Film, Dublin 2012. Dates and more information at http://www.viff.org/festival/programs/PN120-nuala.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
RAMINDER SIDHU
Reading by the author of Tears of Mehndi. Friday, September 28 at 3:00pm. Lillooet room, Irving K. Barber Learning Center, 1961 East Mall, UBC. More information at http://www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/community-events/robson-reading-series.
LYNDA BARRY
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
CULTURE DAYS
A collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. September 28-30, 2012. Check out the website www.culturedays.ca for events, literary and otherwise, in your community.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
BOOK LAUNCH
UBC MFA alumni Wren Handman reads from her new book Last Cut and answers questions about the novel and the writing process. Saturday, September 29 at 1:00pm, free. Chapters Robson, 788 Robson. More information at 604-682-4066.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
BARRY GOUGH
Author launches his new book, Juan de Fuca's Strait, a sea adventure tied up with piracy, political loyalty, betrayal and international intrigue. Saturday, September 29 at 2:00pm, free. Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden, Vanier Park, Vancouver. More information at www.vanmaritime.com.
ANITA RAU BADAMI
Reading by the author of Tamarind Mem and The Hero's Walk reads from her latest novel, Tell It To The Trees. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm. Meeting room 120, City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey.
STEPHEN MARCHE
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce an evening with Toronto writer Stephen Marche, author of Love and the Mess We're In, a new novel published by Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm, free. Alma Van Dusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St.
M.G. VASSANJI
M.G. Vassanji's new novel The Magic of Saida is a powerful saga, with a successful Canadian doctor returning to his East African homeland to fulfill the promise that he would return for his childhood sweetheart. Come meet the two-time Giller Prize winner in the CBC Studio One Book Club on October 2, 6:30pm. www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub
PAOLA GIANTURCO
The photojournalist presents her latest book, Grandmother Power. Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00pm. Guildford Library, 15105 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, call 604-598-7366.
WORDS AND MUSIC
Poet Daniela Elza reads her richly evocative poetry improvisationally in collaboration with musicians Bill Clark (trumpet), Clyde Reed (bass) and Jared Burrows (guitar). Wednesday, Oct. 3, 8:00pm. At 333 Chesterfield Avenue (3rd St. one block west of Lonsdale) North Vancouver. Admission $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.
TWS READING SERIES
Featuring guest author poet Daniela Elza, with special guest readers Esmeralda Cabral and Jennifer Irvine. Thursday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street. For more information, call 778-782-8000.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Maxine Gadd+Ronna Bloom (from Toronto) + Open Mic. Thursday, October 4th at 7:00pm (Sign up for open mic at 7, readings begin at 7:30). Suggested donation at the door: $5. Our new location is @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
Upcoming
SHAUNA SINGH BALDWIN
Author reads from her newest book Selector of Souls. Wednesday, October 10 at7:00pm. Centre for Indo Canadian Studies, UFV. More information at www.ufv.ca/cics.
BLUEBACKS AND SILVER BRIGHTS
Local author Norman Safarik and his son, Allan Safarik, read from their captivating memoir set during the pinnacle of West Coast fishing. Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Darren Bifford (Wedding in Fire Country) and Grant Lawrence (Adventures in Solitude). Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore at Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, plaza level. More information at robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
RAINA TELGEMEIER
Meet the author/illustrator of Smile as she presents her newest graphic novel Drama. Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. Complete details, ticket purchase and other appearances in the Lower Mainland can be found here: www.kidsbooks.ca.
111 WEST COAST LITERARY PORTRAITS BOOK LAUNCH
Celebrate the first five years in trade publishing with the launch of 111 West Coast Literary Portraits-Photographs by Barry Peterson and Blaise Enright, text by BC authors, introduction by Alan Twigg. Thursday, October 11, 8 pm, 2012 (Doors open at 7:30 pm) at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver.
VISIBLE VERSE FESTIVAL
Program includes entries from 56 international artists and 100 videopoems from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, the U.S. and Canada. Saturday, October 13 at 7pm, Pacific Cinemathque, 1131 Howe St, Vancouver. More information at http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/visible-verse-festival-2012.
KENNETH OPPEL
Author presents his most recent novel This Dark Endeavour: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. Wednesday, October 17 at 2:00pm. 3rd floor, G. Paul Singh room, North Vancouver Public Library, 120 14th Street West, North Vancouver. More information at www.cnv.org.
THE {NEW/OLD} BOOK
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce the presentation of the 30th Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada as a part of a special one-day symposium dedicated to the history and future of the printed and electronic book. Headlining the evening portion of our event is celebrated book cover designer Chip Kidd. Thursday, October 18. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information and to register, visit http://blog.alcuinsociety.com.
NVCL LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES
Readings by Zsuzsi Gartner and Fran Bourassa. Wednesday, October 24 at 6:30pm. 3rd floor, G. Paul Singh room, North Vancouver Public Library, 120 14th Street West, North Vancouver. More information at www.cnv.org.
CELEBRATE SCIENCE
The third annual Celebrate Science, a Festival of Science Writers for Children and Youth-and Canada's only science writer's festival-will be held November 3rd at UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Museum, in conjunction with Family Science Day. Events include a panel discussion with top science writers for children, a keynote speech and introduction by the Dean of Education, and storytelling for younger children as well as hands on science activities. The event is free and open to the public and includes admission to the Beaty Museum. http://blogs.ubc.ca/celebratescience
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Book News Vol. 7 No. 35
BOOK NEWS
2012 Festival - Hal's Picks
Marjorie Celona is a young writer who studied creative writing in BC and her first novel has recently been shortlisted for the Giller Prize, quite a coup. She is bright, articulate and you can see her in event 45
(http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/event/45-out-mouths-babes) and event 58
(http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/event/58-why-we-do-things-we-do).
Plan to take Friday afternoon October 19th off or call in sick. The Ghost of a Story (event 47,
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/event/47-ghost-story) has some of my favourite writers in it. Susan Musgrave, Sean Virgo, Tess Gallagher and John Burnside will swap stories of ghosts, spirits, and folk tales. This event will be as much fun as an Irish kitchen party.
Tickets for all the 2012 Festival events are selling fast. Visit our website for a full overview. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
Take a walk down Telegraph Avenue; this book by Michael Chabon is something of a departure, writes Robert Wiersema. It's a loose ramshackle account of a community, a neighbourhood imperiled from without and within, with Brokeland Records, a used vinyl shop, at the centre of the story. There's also a single sentence that's 12 pages long, told from the point of view of a pet parrot. Chabon is a master, and it shows on every page, says Wiersema.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Take+walk+down+Telegraph+Avenue+with+Michael+Chabon/7243279/story.html
Martin Amis
October 14, 2012 at 7:30pm
Granville Island Stage
Renowned author talks about his new novel, Lionel Asbo: State of England, an exuberant, acidic satire of modern society and celebrity culture.
Jian Ghomeshi
November 19, 2012 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre
The wildly popular host of CBC Radio One's Q has penned a memoir, 1982, based on his teenage desire to be David Bowie.
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the twenty-second installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" from 2011 featuring Esi Edugyan, Gayla Reid and Antanas Sileika. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
Carnival, the latest novel by Montreal's Rawi Hage, is among the contenders for the 2012 Writer's Trust Awards. He will be appearing at the festival in events 9 and 26.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/19/writers-trust-nominees.html
The finalists of the City of Vancouver Book Awards are: Claudia Cornwall's At the World's Edge: Curt Lang's Vancouver; Ali Kazimi's Undesirables: White Canada and the Komagata Maru; W.H. New's YVR; Jen Sookfong Lee's The Better Mother; and V6A: Writing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside by John Mikhail Asfour and Elee Kraljii Gardiner. The winner will be announced September 20.
vancouver.ca/bookaward
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS
Combining the masterful storytelling of Gary Kent and the striking illustrations of Kim La Fave, Gubby Builds a Boat transports the reader to a golden age of boat construction when craftsmen passed their skills down through the generations. Ages 6 to 10. (events 20, 31)
http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Gubby-Builds-Boat-Gary-Kent-Kim-La-Fave-Illustrated-by/9781550175912
Angèle Delaunois' The Little Yellow Bottle is a story about war and survival. Though theirs is a country ravaged by war, the two carefree boys Ahmad and Marwa aren't "at war with anyone;" they live and breathe soccer. All that changes when Ahmad spots a little yellow bottle "shining like gold under the sun." Ages 6 to 10. (events 3, 17, 38)
http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol18/no1/thelittleyellowbottle.html
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
How many times have you walked into your kitchen and thought nothing of the fridge, the sink, the stove, the spoons? asks Diane Schoemperlen. Lorna Crozier has thought about all these things and delivers them in The Book of Marvels: A Compendium of Everyday Things.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/finding-the-extraordinary-in-the-ordinary/article4497293/
Marie Darrieussecq's Tom Is Dead explores a mother's mourning, ten years after the death of her son. The novel is set in Australia, a bleak backdrop to her central maternal monologue, at the other end of the world, where the order of life is turned upside down.
http://www.themonthly.com.au/noted-jacqueline-dutton-tom-dead-marie-darrieussecq--1843
In 1954, teenage schoolgirls Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker were convicted of murder. After spending over five years in prison, Juliet Hulme left New Zealand, changed her name and disappeared. After much travel/research, Joanne Drayton wrote The Search for Anne Perry. (events 39, 49)
http://beattiesbookblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/much-awaited-non-fiction-title-to-be.html
Nuruddin Farah's Crossbones is a lament to the futility of Somalia's suffering. The novel shifts away from Farah's own age group to the next generation of Somalis, whose lives have been marked by dictatorship and civil war. It also offers a delicate exploration of the challenges inherent in diasporic identity. (events 9, 25)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/crossbones-by-nuruddin-farah-7917720.html
In Gay Dwarves of America, Anne Fleming displays a lithe versatility in this collection, and an admirable willingness to push the boundaries of form and style. The stories are stylistically diverse. (events 43, 50) http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/08/24/book-review-gay-dwarves-of-america-by-anne-fleming/
NEWS & FEATURES
The New Yorker has a Facebook page for its cartoons, which a lot of readers like. However, The New Yorker recently got temporarily banned from Facebook for violating their community standards on "Nudity and Sex." Some refer to it as Nipplegate. The offending and the inoffensive cartoons (one offers an adult equivalent of Where's Waldo?), along with more comments on standards, can be found here.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/cartoonists/2012/09/nipplegate-why-the-new-yorker-cartoon-department-is-about-to-be-banned-from-facebook.html#ixzz2672E3cuG
RJ Ellory's admission that he wrote anonymous reviews trashing his rivals has opened a can of worms–or has it? asks Claire Armistead.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/sep/05/sock-puppet-online-reviewing
Quintin Jardine, one of Scotland's most popular crime writers, says authors who go online to slate the books of other novelists should face legal penalties under consumer protection legislation.
http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/books/features/throw-the-book-at-web-fakes-says-quintin-jardine-1-2515051
Picture books are never short of a message. Although they are frequently instructional, they are just as often about empowerment and encouragement. Which picture books teach children to question authority? Julia Eccleshare suggests Peter Rabbit and Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. Both illustrate the value-and cost-of defiance.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2012/sep/05/childrens-book-doctor-picture-books
A survey of 21,000 children by Britain's Literacy Trust has revealed that 17% of youngsters would be embarrassed if their friends saw them reading. However, children's bookstores continue to flourish.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/9527793/Children-embarrassed-to-read-is-an-issue-that-should-worry-us-all.html
The UK children's laureate Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, has begged the new secretary of state for culture, Maria Miller, to step in and protect the UK's embattled public libraries. Cutting libraries is a false economy', says Donaldson.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/10/julia-donaldson-maria-miller-libraries
Inspired by characters in Federico Moccia's cult Italian teen novel I Want You, teenage lovers in Rome have written their initials on padlocks, locked them to Rome's Milvian bridge and sworn eternal love for each other, before hurling the key into the Tiber. Rome has now banned the practice after a lamppost threatened to collapse under their weight.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/11/rome-bans-lovers-padlocks-milvian-bridge
Ewan Morrison's Tales from the Mall is under consideration for the Not the Booker prize 2012, which has the same criteria as the Booker. Tales from the Mall isn't a collection of short stories. There are stories within it, laid out according to the structure of a mall map, each "story" interconnected with every other (all set in different stores), writes Sam Jordison.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/11/not-the-booker-prize-ewan-morrison
For 110 years he has never strayed far from raiding range of Mr McGregor's vegetable patch. In Emma Thompson's The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, the quintessentially English rabbit meets Finlay McBurney, a Scottish rabbit dressed in a kilt, described as a "gentle giant" and newly-discovered "distant Scottish relative" of Peter.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/9498007/Emma-Thompson-sends-Peter-Rabbit-to-Scotland-in-fictional-nod-to-the-Union.html
The search for the newest great Canadian short story has begun. Canada Writes' Short Story Prize is now accepting submissions! Beginning on September 1, Canadians are invited to submit an original, unpublished work of fiction that is between 1,200 and 1,500 words long. The deadline for submissions is November 1. For more information on how to submit and contest rules, go here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
RAISE-A-READER DAY
Look for volunteers with a special edition of The Vancouver Sun newspaper on Thursday, September 20 and make a donation! www.vancouversun.com
JJ LEE
JJ Lee discusses his memoir The Measure of a Man. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Presenting Daniel Zomparelli and Heather Haley. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm, free. Room SB 406, Emily Carr University, Granville Island.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Grace O'Connell reads from Magnified World and Ben Stephenson reads from A Matter of Life and Death or Something. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm. UBC Bookstore Robson Square, Plaza level, 800 Robson Street. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
JACK WHYTE
The Scottish-Canadian historical-fiction novelist discusses the inner workings of Robert the Bruce, the subject of his soon-to-be-released book Renegade. Thursday, September 20 at 7:30pm. Room 1900, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings. More information at www.scottish.sfu.ca.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
2012 VANCOUVER BOOK FAIR
The Alcuin Society hosts the Vancouver Book Fair of Antiquarian and Modern books. September 22-23, 2012. Admission: $5. Rooms C180-C150, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. More information at vancouverbookfair.webs.com.
JAMES BARBER
An afternoon featuring a once-in-a-lifetime trunk sale of some of James Barber's treasured cookbook collection. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Providence Farm on Vancouver Island. Sunday, September 23 from noon to 5:00pm. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at 604-688-6755.
CBC BOOK CLUB
The Sweet Girl is the sequel to Annabel Lyon's best-seller The Golden Mean. Aristotle's bright and brave daughter, Pythias, is a captivating heroine, battling society, expectations, gods and goddesses. Come meet author Annabel Lyon and discuss her work and inspiration in the CBC Studio One Book Club on September 25, 6:30 pm. www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
OPEN TEXT READING SERIES
Reading by Meredith Quartermain, a writer of urban spaces and an innovator of poetic and narrative form. Thursday, September 27 at 11:30am, free. Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
RAMINDER SIDHU
Reading by the author of Tears of Mehndi. Friday, September 28 at 3:00pm. Lillooet room, Irving K. Barber Learning Center, 1961 East Mall, UBC. More information at http://www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/community-events/robson-reading-series.
DOROTHY JANTZEN
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
CULTURE DAYS
A collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. September 28-30, 2012. Check out the website www.culturedays.ca for events, literary and otherwise, in your community.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
Upcoming
ANITA RAU BADAMI
Reading by the author of Tamarind Mem and The Hero's Walk reads from her latest novel, Tell It To The Trees. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm. Meeting room 120, City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey.
STEPHEN MARCHE
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce an evening with Toronto writer Stephen Marche, author of Love and the Mess We're In, a new novel published by Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm, free. Alma Van Dusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St.
PAOLA GIANTURCO
The photojournalist presents her latest book, Grandmother Power. Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00pm. Guildford Library, 15105 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, call 604-598-7366.
TWS READING SERIES
Featuring guest author poet Daniela Elza, with special guest readers Esmeralda Cabral and Jennifer Irvine. Thursday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street. For more information, call 778-782-8000.
ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
BLUEBACKS AND SILVER BRIGHTS
Local author Norman Safarik and his son, Allan Safarik, read from their captivating memoir set during the pinnacle of West Coast fishing. Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
CELEBRATE SCIENCE
The third annual Celebrate Science, a Festival of Science Writers for Children and Youth-and Canada's only science writer's festival-will be held November 3rd at UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Museum, in conjunction with Family Science Day. Events include a panel discussion with top science writers for children, a keynote speech and introduction by the Dean of Education, and storytelling for younger children as well as hands on science activities. The event is free and open to the public and includes admission to the Beaty Museum. http://blogs.ubc.ca/celebratescience
2012 Festival - Hal's Picks
Marjorie Celona is a young writer who studied creative writing in BC and her first novel has recently been shortlisted for the Giller Prize, quite a coup. She is bright, articulate and you can see her in event 45
(http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/event/45-out-mouths-babes) and event 58
(http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/event/58-why-we-do-things-we-do).
Plan to take Friday afternoon October 19th off or call in sick. The Ghost of a Story (event 47,
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/event/47-ghost-story) has some of my favourite writers in it. Susan Musgrave, Sean Virgo, Tess Gallagher and John Burnside will swap stories of ghosts, spirits, and folk tales. This event will be as much fun as an Irish kitchen party.
Tickets for all the 2012 Festival events are selling fast. Visit our website for a full overview. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
Take a walk down Telegraph Avenue; this book by Michael Chabon is something of a departure, writes Robert Wiersema. It's a loose ramshackle account of a community, a neighbourhood imperiled from without and within, with Brokeland Records, a used vinyl shop, at the centre of the story. There's also a single sentence that's 12 pages long, told from the point of view of a pet parrot. Chabon is a master, and it shows on every page, says Wiersema.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Take+walk+down+Telegraph+Avenue+with+Michael+Chabon/7243279/story.html
Martin Amis
October 14, 2012 at 7:30pm
Granville Island Stage
Renowned author talks about his new novel, Lionel Asbo: State of England, an exuberant, acidic satire of modern society and celebrity culture.
Jian Ghomeshi
November 19, 2012 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre
The wildly popular host of CBC Radio One's Q has penned a memoir, 1982, based on his teenage desire to be David Bowie.
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the twenty-second installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" from 2011 featuring Esi Edugyan, Gayla Reid and Antanas Sileika. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
Carnival, the latest novel by Montreal's Rawi Hage, is among the contenders for the 2012 Writer's Trust Awards. He will be appearing at the festival in events 9 and 26.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/19/writers-trust-nominees.html
The finalists of the City of Vancouver Book Awards are: Claudia Cornwall's At the World's Edge: Curt Lang's Vancouver; Ali Kazimi's Undesirables: White Canada and the Komagata Maru; W.H. New's YVR; Jen Sookfong Lee's The Better Mother; and V6A: Writing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside by John Mikhail Asfour and Elee Kraljii Gardiner. The winner will be announced September 20.
vancouver.ca/bookaward
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS
Combining the masterful storytelling of Gary Kent and the striking illustrations of Kim La Fave, Gubby Builds a Boat transports the reader to a golden age of boat construction when craftsmen passed their skills down through the generations. Ages 6 to 10. (events 20, 31)
http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Gubby-Builds-Boat-Gary-Kent-Kim-La-Fave-Illustrated-by/9781550175912
Angèle Delaunois' The Little Yellow Bottle is a story about war and survival. Though theirs is a country ravaged by war, the two carefree boys Ahmad and Marwa aren't "at war with anyone;" they live and breathe soccer. All that changes when Ahmad spots a little yellow bottle "shining like gold under the sun." Ages 6 to 10. (events 3, 17, 38)
http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol18/no1/thelittleyellowbottle.html
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
How many times have you walked into your kitchen and thought nothing of the fridge, the sink, the stove, the spoons? asks Diane Schoemperlen. Lorna Crozier has thought about all these things and delivers them in The Book of Marvels: A Compendium of Everyday Things.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/finding-the-extraordinary-in-the-ordinary/article4497293/
Marie Darrieussecq's Tom Is Dead explores a mother's mourning, ten years after the death of her son. The novel is set in Australia, a bleak backdrop to her central maternal monologue, at the other end of the world, where the order of life is turned upside down.
http://www.themonthly.com.au/noted-jacqueline-dutton-tom-dead-marie-darrieussecq--1843
In 1954, teenage schoolgirls Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker were convicted of murder. After spending over five years in prison, Juliet Hulme left New Zealand, changed her name and disappeared. After much travel/research, Joanne Drayton wrote The Search for Anne Perry. (events 39, 49)
http://beattiesbookblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/much-awaited-non-fiction-title-to-be.html
Nuruddin Farah's Crossbones is a lament to the futility of Somalia's suffering. The novel shifts away from Farah's own age group to the next generation of Somalis, whose lives have been marked by dictatorship and civil war. It also offers a delicate exploration of the challenges inherent in diasporic identity. (events 9, 25)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/crossbones-by-nuruddin-farah-7917720.html
In Gay Dwarves of America, Anne Fleming displays a lithe versatility in this collection, and an admirable willingness to push the boundaries of form and style. The stories are stylistically diverse. (events 43, 50) http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/08/24/book-review-gay-dwarves-of-america-by-anne-fleming/
NEWS & FEATURES
The New Yorker has a Facebook page for its cartoons, which a lot of readers like. However, The New Yorker recently got temporarily banned from Facebook for violating their community standards on "Nudity and Sex." Some refer to it as Nipplegate. The offending and the inoffensive cartoons (one offers an adult equivalent of Where's Waldo?), along with more comments on standards, can be found here.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/cartoonists/2012/09/nipplegate-why-the-new-yorker-cartoon-department-is-about-to-be-banned-from-facebook.html#ixzz2672E3cuG
RJ Ellory's admission that he wrote anonymous reviews trashing his rivals has opened a can of worms–or has it? asks Claire Armistead.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/sep/05/sock-puppet-online-reviewing
Quintin Jardine, one of Scotland's most popular crime writers, says authors who go online to slate the books of other novelists should face legal penalties under consumer protection legislation.
http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/books/features/throw-the-book-at-web-fakes-says-quintin-jardine-1-2515051
Picture books are never short of a message. Although they are frequently instructional, they are just as often about empowerment and encouragement. Which picture books teach children to question authority? Julia Eccleshare suggests Peter Rabbit and Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. Both illustrate the value-and cost-of defiance.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2012/sep/05/childrens-book-doctor-picture-books
A survey of 21,000 children by Britain's Literacy Trust has revealed that 17% of youngsters would be embarrassed if their friends saw them reading. However, children's bookstores continue to flourish.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/9527793/Children-embarrassed-to-read-is-an-issue-that-should-worry-us-all.html
The UK children's laureate Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, has begged the new secretary of state for culture, Maria Miller, to step in and protect the UK's embattled public libraries. Cutting libraries is a false economy', says Donaldson.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/10/julia-donaldson-maria-miller-libraries
Inspired by characters in Federico Moccia's cult Italian teen novel I Want You, teenage lovers in Rome have written their initials on padlocks, locked them to Rome's Milvian bridge and sworn eternal love for each other, before hurling the key into the Tiber. Rome has now banned the practice after a lamppost threatened to collapse under their weight.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/11/rome-bans-lovers-padlocks-milvian-bridge
Ewan Morrison's Tales from the Mall is under consideration for the Not the Booker prize 2012, which has the same criteria as the Booker. Tales from the Mall isn't a collection of short stories. There are stories within it, laid out according to the structure of a mall map, each "story" interconnected with every other (all set in different stores), writes Sam Jordison.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/11/not-the-booker-prize-ewan-morrison
For 110 years he has never strayed far from raiding range of Mr McGregor's vegetable patch. In Emma Thompson's The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, the quintessentially English rabbit meets Finlay McBurney, a Scottish rabbit dressed in a kilt, described as a "gentle giant" and newly-discovered "distant Scottish relative" of Peter.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/9498007/Emma-Thompson-sends-Peter-Rabbit-to-Scotland-in-fictional-nod-to-the-Union.html
The search for the newest great Canadian short story has begun. Canada Writes' Short Story Prize is now accepting submissions! Beginning on September 1, Canadians are invited to submit an original, unpublished work of fiction that is between 1,200 and 1,500 words long. The deadline for submissions is November 1. For more information on how to submit and contest rules, go here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
RAISE-A-READER DAY
Look for volunteers with a special edition of The Vancouver Sun newspaper on Thursday, September 20 and make a donation! www.vancouversun.com
JJ LEE
JJ Lee discusses his memoir The Measure of a Man. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Presenting Daniel Zomparelli and Heather Haley. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm, free. Room SB 406, Emily Carr University, Granville Island.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Grace O'Connell reads from Magnified World and Ben Stephenson reads from A Matter of Life and Death or Something. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm. UBC Bookstore Robson Square, Plaza level, 800 Robson Street. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
JACK WHYTE
The Scottish-Canadian historical-fiction novelist discusses the inner workings of Robert the Bruce, the subject of his soon-to-be-released book Renegade. Thursday, September 20 at 7:30pm. Room 1900, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings. More information at www.scottish.sfu.ca.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
2012 VANCOUVER BOOK FAIR
The Alcuin Society hosts the Vancouver Book Fair of Antiquarian and Modern books. September 22-23, 2012. Admission: $5. Rooms C180-C150, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. More information at vancouverbookfair.webs.com.
JAMES BARBER
An afternoon featuring a once-in-a-lifetime trunk sale of some of James Barber's treasured cookbook collection. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Providence Farm on Vancouver Island. Sunday, September 23 from noon to 5:00pm. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at 604-688-6755.
CBC BOOK CLUB
The Sweet Girl is the sequel to Annabel Lyon's best-seller The Golden Mean. Aristotle's bright and brave daughter, Pythias, is a captivating heroine, battling society, expectations, gods and goddesses. Come meet author Annabel Lyon and discuss her work and inspiration in the CBC Studio One Book Club on September 25, 6:30 pm. www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
OPEN TEXT READING SERIES
Reading by Meredith Quartermain, a writer of urban spaces and an innovator of poetic and narrative form. Thursday, September 27 at 11:30am, free. Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
RAMINDER SIDHU
Reading by the author of Tears of Mehndi. Friday, September 28 at 3:00pm. Lillooet room, Irving K. Barber Learning Center, 1961 East Mall, UBC. More information at http://www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/community-events/robson-reading-series.
DOROTHY JANTZEN
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
CULTURE DAYS
A collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. September 28-30, 2012. Check out the website www.culturedays.ca for events, literary and otherwise, in your community.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
Upcoming
ANITA RAU BADAMI
Reading by the author of Tamarind Mem and The Hero's Walk reads from her latest novel, Tell It To The Trees. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm. Meeting room 120, City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey.
STEPHEN MARCHE
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce an evening with Toronto writer Stephen Marche, author of Love and the Mess We're In, a new novel published by Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm, free. Alma Van Dusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St.
PAOLA GIANTURCO
The photojournalist presents her latest book, Grandmother Power. Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00pm. Guildford Library, 15105 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, call 604-598-7366.
TWS READING SERIES
Featuring guest author poet Daniela Elza, with special guest readers Esmeralda Cabral and Jennifer Irvine. Thursday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street. For more information, call 778-782-8000.
ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
BLUEBACKS AND SILVER BRIGHTS
Local author Norman Safarik and his son, Allan Safarik, read from their captivating memoir set during the pinnacle of West Coast fishing. Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
CELEBRATE SCIENCE
The third annual Celebrate Science, a Festival of Science Writers for Children and Youth-and Canada's only science writer's festival-will be held November 3rd at UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Museum, in conjunction with Family Science Day. Events include a panel discussion with top science writers for children, a keynote speech and introduction by the Dean of Education, and storytelling for younger children as well as hands on science activities. The event is free and open to the public and includes admission to the Beaty Museum. http://blogs.ubc.ca/celebratescience
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Book News Vol. 7 No. 34
BOOK NEWS
2012 Festival
Check out our new Events by Category feature to easily find the kinds of Festival events you most enjoy! The only difficulty you’ll encounter with this year’s 25th anniversary program is choice. Don’t deliberate too long; seats are filling up fast!
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/events-by-category
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
Martin Amis
October 14, 2012 at 7:30pm
Granville Island Stage
Renowned author talks about his new novel, Lionel Asbo: State of England, an exuberant, acidic satire of modern society and celebrity culture.
Jian Ghomeshi
November 19, 2012 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre
The wildly popular host of CBC Radio One's Q has penned a memoir, 1982, based on his teenage desire to be David Bowie.
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the twenty-first installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear Clarke Blaise and Rudy Wiebe in conversation. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
Montreal-based writer Jo Walton has won the Hugo Award for best novel for Among Others, described as a reverse Harry Potter tale. Among Others also received the Nebula Award. An earlier novel, Tooth and Claw, won the World Fantasy Award. Among Others is also a finalist for that award, given in November.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/05/hugo-award-win.html
Six books are on the shortlist for the Man Booker Prize: Deborah Levy's Swimming Home, Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies, Alison Moore's The Lighthouse, Will Self's Umbrella, Jeet Thayil's Narcopolis, and Tan Twan Eng's The Garden of Evening Mists. The winner of the £50,000 prize will be announced on October 16.
http://www.themanbookerprize.com/
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS
"In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Seraphina, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page." (events 6, 29)
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2012/07/book-review-seraphina-by-rachel-hartman.html
In Bright's Light, like all the girls at the House of Gear, Bright has a higher purpose: to be, like, awesome. This means Bright's engineered body must always look perfect, be appealing at all times. Susan Juby brings her trademark humour to dystopian and sci-fi worlds in this electrifying new addition to the genres. (events 1, 6)
http://www.susanjuby.com/brightslight.htm
Scott Chantler's The Captive Prince is the third title of the Three Thieves graphic novel series. Dessa, Topper and Fisk are still running from the Queen's Dragons and trying to find Dessa's missing twin brother. The adventure quickly becomes a royal mess! Ages 9 to 12 (events 2, 30)
http://www.kidscanpress.com/canada/product.aspx?productid=6031
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
"My life begins at the Y..." so starts Marjorie Celona's story of Shannon, a newborn baby dumped at the doors of the Victoria YMCA with only a grey sweatshirt and a Swiss army knife as clues to her identity. The title is a play on words. http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=7733
This is a novel that demands willing suspension of disbelief at points. But the challenge to the reader is richly rewarded, says Sara O'Leary. (events 45, 58)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/y-a-stunning-debut-for-marjorie-celona/article4511768/
Chris Cleave's superb, adrenalin-soaked novel Gold is about three characters training for cycling gold medals at the 2012 Olympics. No more about the bikes than the athletes' exercise regimes, Gold probes the limit of what its protagonists will do to identify and protect what they really cherish. (events 23, 41, 48)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/gold-by-chris-cleave-7873047.html
M.A.C. Farrant's The Strange Truth About Us: A Novel of Absence is a full-bodied incarnation of the vitality and the gravity of the fragment as literary form, a collection of prose fragments, snippets, speculations and meditations. Delightful and disturbing in all the best ways, writes Diane Schoemperlen. (events 51, 75)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-strange-truth-about-us-by-mac-farrant/article4103019/
In Here on Earth: A Natural History of the Planet," Tim Flannery moves to the widest possible view, swinging between a loving invocation of our home planet and a blistering portrayal of fuel- and chemical-addicted "Gaia-killers." Our self-centered resource binge, he writes, is exacting irreparable damage to Earth's biological patrimony. (event 77)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/books/review/book-review-here-on-earth-by-tim-flannery.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Mohammed Hanif's most recent novel Our Lady of Alice Bhatti is on the longlist for the £25 000 Wellcome Trust Book Prize 2012. The fifteen longlisted works (fiction and non-fiction) reflect a varied range of fiction and non-fiction on the theme of health, illness and medicine. (events 23, 26)
http://www.wellcomebookprize.org/News/Announcements/WTVM056219.html
James Wood hears the simple music of Alistair MacLeod, balladeer of Cape Breton, in Island: The Complete Stories. (event 68)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2001/jul/07/fiction.reviews
NEWS & FEATURES
A big Thank You to the Book News reader who sent this note! "I¹ve always felt Thursday to be the best day of the week. The arrival of Book News in my inbox ensures Thursday, no matter what¹s come before, will be better in a minute. Thank you for such good sleuthing."
Two years ago, actress and writer Emma Thompson received an intriguing package: a small cardboard box with a half-eaten radish leaf and a letter from Peter Rabbit. The letter said she was the perfect person to write another adventure for the rabbit–a sequel to Beatrix Potter's beloved children's story. The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson, in celebration of the 110th anniversary of the book's original publication, will be published next week.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/authorinterviews/9522579/Emma-Thompson-Its-Peter-Rabbit-here....html
Tess Fragoulis has raised a tough ethical question. Volunteering at a distress phone line, she hears terrible, fascinating stories. Russell Smith says that they are good inspiration for written stories and suggests that that's why she took the job. But Fragoulis insists that to use their stories "...would feel like I was stealing their souls."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/im-a-writer-dont-trust-me-with-other-peoples-secrets/article4521113/
Judy Blume, author of Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret, and other titles, has announced that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Dense breast tissue precluded detection by a mammogram or regular physical exam. Her message for women in a similar situation: get a sonogram.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-judy-blume-talks-about-her-breast-cancer/article4520921/
Mortality pulls together essays Christopher Hitchens was writing for Vanity Fair on illness, treatment, life and death as he battled esophageal cancer. But as this book proves, even death cannot rob him of having the last word.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1252373--christopher-hitchens-has-last-word-with-mortality-review
The New Yorker's Page Turner blog includes an open letter from Philip Roth to Wikipedia about an entry about his novel The Human Stain. Wikipedia states the book was "allegedly inspired by the life of the writer Anatole Broyard," a serious misstatement. Roth requested that the line be removed. "I understand your point that the author is the greatest authority on their own work, but we require secondary sources," replied a site administrator.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/09/07/philip_roth_s_open_letter_to_wikipedia_another_possible_inspiration_for_the_human_stain_.html
"Literary success is mysterious," says Lawrence Norfolk. "A 500-page novel about a dead dictionary writer with no sex? My book sold more than anybody would think," says Norfolk in an interview about his provisionally titled The Levels.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/07/lawrence-norfolk-life-in-writing
Elsewhere in The Guardian, Norfolk raises another question. Literature is full of descriptions of elaborate banquets, but they rarely get your juices flowing. Why does nobody eat in books?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/06/lawrence-norfolk-food-literature-eat
Rose Tremain says of her hero Joyce Carol Oates: "I stand in awe before such an unresting hunger for the literary endeavour," adding "Joyce Carol Oates's imagination is as unique, dystopian and vivid as Lewis Carroll's."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/07/my-hero-joyce-carol-oates-rose-tremain
The September 17 issue of The New Yorker has a lengthy article on Salman Rushdie's life under the fatwa.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/09/17/120917fa_fact_rushdie
Mark Medley writes about the challenges publishers face as they decide which three books to nominate for the Giller Prize. The shortlist will be announced October 1.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/09/07/a-publishers-year-getting-to-the-giller/
The search for the newest great Canadian short story has begun. Canada Writes' Short Story Prize is now accepting submissions! Beginning on September 1, Canadians are invited to submit an original, unpublished work of fiction that is between 1,200 and 1,500 words long. The deadline for submissions is November 1. For more information on how to submit and contest rules, go to
http://www.cbc.ca/books/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
POETIC JUSTICE
Readings by Candice James, Sasha Wiley and Sho Wiley. Hosted by Fran Bourassa. Sunday, September 16 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill Backroom, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
PEN-IN-HAND READING SERIES
Featuring Ken Klonsky, co-author of Dr. Rubin Carter's Eye of the Hurricane and poet Christopher Levenson, co-founder and editor of Arc magazine. Monday, September 17 at 7:15pm. Cost: $3. Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria.
POSTAL CODE READING SERIES
Readings from V6A: Writing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside by contributors and coeditor Elee Kraljii Gardiner. Includes a conversation with host neighbourhoods about local issues. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. New Westmister Public Library, 716 6th Ave., New Westminster.
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who raised funds, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
ADEENA KARASICK
The local poet returns to her hometown of Vancouver to launch her seventh book of poetry, This Poem. Tuesday, September 18 at 8:00pm, free. Anza Club, 3 8th Ave. W. More information at info@talonbooks.com.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
Readings by George Bowering and Cecily Nicholson. Wednesday, September 19 at 12:00pm. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street.
OMAR KHADR, OH CANADA
Discussion about human rights and the rule of law with Janice Williamson, Gail Davidson, Robert Diab, Alnoor Gova, and Grace Woo. Maher Arar will contribute via Skype. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
RAISE-A-READER DAY
Look for volunteers with a special edition of The Vancouver Sun newspaper on Thursday, September 20 and make a donation! www.vancouversun.com
JJ LEE
JJ Lee discusses his memoir The Measure of a Man. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Presenting Daniel Zomparelli and Heather Haley. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm, free. Room SB 406, Emily Carr University, Granville Island.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Grace O'Connell reads from Magnified World and Ben Stephenson reads from A Matter of Life and Death or Something. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm. UBC Bookstore Robson Square, Plaza level, 800 Robson Street. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
JACK WHYTE
The Scottish-Canadian historical-fiction novelist discusses the inner workings of Robert the Bruce, the subject of his soon-to-be-released book Renegade. Thursday, September 20 at 7:30pm. Room 1900, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings. More information at www.scottish.sfu.ca.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
2012 VANCOUVER BOOK FAIR
The Alcuin Society hosts the Vancouver Book Fair of Antiquarian and Modern books. September 22-23, 2012. Admission: $5. Rooms C180-C150, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. More information at vancouverbookfair.webs.com.
JAMES BARBER
An afternoon featuring a once-in-a-lifetime trunk sale of some of James Barber's treasured cookbook collection. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Providence Farm on Vancouver Island. Sunday, September 23 from noon to 5:00pm. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at 604-688-6755.
CBC BOOK CLUB
The Sweet Girl is the sequel to Annabel Lyon's best-seller The Golden Mean. Aristotle's bright and brave daughter, Pythias, is a captivating heroine, battling society, expectations, gods and goddesses. Come meet author Annabel Lyon and discuss her work and inspiration in the CBC Studio One Book Club on September 25, 6:30 pm. www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
Upcoming
OPEN TEXT READING SERIES
Reading by Meredith Quartermain, a writer of urban spaces and an innovator of poetic and narrative form. Thursday, September 27 at 11:30am, free. Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
RAMINDER SIDHU
Reading by the author of Tears of Mehndi. Friday, September 28 at 3:00pm. Lillooet room, Irving K. Barber Learning Center, 1961 East Mall, UBC. More information at http://www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/community-events/robson-reading-series.
DOROTHY JANTZEN
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
CULTURE DAYS
A collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. September 28-30, 2012. Check out the website www.culturedays.ca for events, literary and otherwise, in your community.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
STEPHEN MARCHE
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce an evening with Toronto writer Stephen Marche, author of Love and the Mess We're In, a new novel published by Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm, free. Alma Van Dusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St.
PAOLA GIANTURCO
The photojournalist presents her latest book, Grandmother Power. Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00pm. Guildford Library, 15105 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, call 604-598-7366.
ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
2012 Festival
Check out our new Events by Category feature to easily find the kinds of Festival events you most enjoy! The only difficulty you’ll encounter with this year’s 25th anniversary program is choice. Don’t deliberate too long; seats are filling up fast!
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2012festival/events-by-category
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
Martin Amis
October 14, 2012 at 7:30pm
Granville Island Stage
Renowned author talks about his new novel, Lionel Asbo: State of England, an exuberant, acidic satire of modern society and celebrity culture.
Jian Ghomeshi
November 19, 2012 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre
The wildly popular host of CBC Radio One's Q has penned a memoir, 1982, based on his teenage desire to be David Bowie.
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the twenty-first installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear Clarke Blaise and Rudy Wiebe in conversation. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
Montreal-based writer Jo Walton has won the Hugo Award for best novel for Among Others, described as a reverse Harry Potter tale. Among Others also received the Nebula Award. An earlier novel, Tooth and Claw, won the World Fantasy Award. Among Others is also a finalist for that award, given in November.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/05/hugo-award-win.html
Six books are on the shortlist for the Man Booker Prize: Deborah Levy's Swimming Home, Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies, Alison Moore's The Lighthouse, Will Self's Umbrella, Jeet Thayil's Narcopolis, and Tan Twan Eng's The Garden of Evening Mists. The winner of the £50,000 prize will be announced on October 16.
http://www.themanbookerprize.com/
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS
"In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Seraphina, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page." (events 6, 29)
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2012/07/book-review-seraphina-by-rachel-hartman.html
In Bright's Light, like all the girls at the House of Gear, Bright has a higher purpose: to be, like, awesome. This means Bright's engineered body must always look perfect, be appealing at all times. Susan Juby brings her trademark humour to dystopian and sci-fi worlds in this electrifying new addition to the genres. (events 1, 6)
http://www.susanjuby.com/brightslight.htm
Scott Chantler's The Captive Prince is the third title of the Three Thieves graphic novel series. Dessa, Topper and Fisk are still running from the Queen's Dragons and trying to find Dessa's missing twin brother. The adventure quickly becomes a royal mess! Ages 9 to 12 (events 2, 30)
http://www.kidscanpress.com/canada/product.aspx?productid=6031
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
"My life begins at the Y..." so starts Marjorie Celona's story of Shannon, a newborn baby dumped at the doors of the Victoria YMCA with only a grey sweatshirt and a Swiss army knife as clues to her identity. The title is a play on words. http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=7733
This is a novel that demands willing suspension of disbelief at points. But the challenge to the reader is richly rewarded, says Sara O'Leary. (events 45, 58)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/y-a-stunning-debut-for-marjorie-celona/article4511768/
Chris Cleave's superb, adrenalin-soaked novel Gold is about three characters training for cycling gold medals at the 2012 Olympics. No more about the bikes than the athletes' exercise regimes, Gold probes the limit of what its protagonists will do to identify and protect what they really cherish. (events 23, 41, 48)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/gold-by-chris-cleave-7873047.html
M.A.C. Farrant's The Strange Truth About Us: A Novel of Absence is a full-bodied incarnation of the vitality and the gravity of the fragment as literary form, a collection of prose fragments, snippets, speculations and meditations. Delightful and disturbing in all the best ways, writes Diane Schoemperlen. (events 51, 75)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-strange-truth-about-us-by-mac-farrant/article4103019/
In Here on Earth: A Natural History of the Planet," Tim Flannery moves to the widest possible view, swinging between a loving invocation of our home planet and a blistering portrayal of fuel- and chemical-addicted "Gaia-killers." Our self-centered resource binge, he writes, is exacting irreparable damage to Earth's biological patrimony. (event 77)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/books/review/book-review-here-on-earth-by-tim-flannery.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Mohammed Hanif's most recent novel Our Lady of Alice Bhatti is on the longlist for the £25 000 Wellcome Trust Book Prize 2012. The fifteen longlisted works (fiction and non-fiction) reflect a varied range of fiction and non-fiction on the theme of health, illness and medicine. (events 23, 26)
http://www.wellcomebookprize.org/News/Announcements/WTVM056219.html
James Wood hears the simple music of Alistair MacLeod, balladeer of Cape Breton, in Island: The Complete Stories. (event 68)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2001/jul/07/fiction.reviews
NEWS & FEATURES
A big Thank You to the Book News reader who sent this note! "I¹ve always felt Thursday to be the best day of the week. The arrival of Book News in my inbox ensures Thursday, no matter what¹s come before, will be better in a minute. Thank you for such good sleuthing."
Two years ago, actress and writer Emma Thompson received an intriguing package: a small cardboard box with a half-eaten radish leaf and a letter from Peter Rabbit. The letter said she was the perfect person to write another adventure for the rabbit–a sequel to Beatrix Potter's beloved children's story. The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson, in celebration of the 110th anniversary of the book's original publication, will be published next week.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/authorinterviews/9522579/Emma-Thompson-Its-Peter-Rabbit-here....html
Tess Fragoulis has raised a tough ethical question. Volunteering at a distress phone line, she hears terrible, fascinating stories. Russell Smith says that they are good inspiration for written stories and suggests that that's why she took the job. But Fragoulis insists that to use their stories "...would feel like I was stealing their souls."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/im-a-writer-dont-trust-me-with-other-peoples-secrets/article4521113/
Judy Blume, author of Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret, and other titles, has announced that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Dense breast tissue precluded detection by a mammogram or regular physical exam. Her message for women in a similar situation: get a sonogram.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-judy-blume-talks-about-her-breast-cancer/article4520921/
Mortality pulls together essays Christopher Hitchens was writing for Vanity Fair on illness, treatment, life and death as he battled esophageal cancer. But as this book proves, even death cannot rob him of having the last word.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1252373--christopher-hitchens-has-last-word-with-mortality-review
The New Yorker's Page Turner blog includes an open letter from Philip Roth to Wikipedia about an entry about his novel The Human Stain. Wikipedia states the book was "allegedly inspired by the life of the writer Anatole Broyard," a serious misstatement. Roth requested that the line be removed. "I understand your point that the author is the greatest authority on their own work, but we require secondary sources," replied a site administrator.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/09/07/philip_roth_s_open_letter_to_wikipedia_another_possible_inspiration_for_the_human_stain_.html
"Literary success is mysterious," says Lawrence Norfolk. "A 500-page novel about a dead dictionary writer with no sex? My book sold more than anybody would think," says Norfolk in an interview about his provisionally titled The Levels.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/07/lawrence-norfolk-life-in-writing
Elsewhere in The Guardian, Norfolk raises another question. Literature is full of descriptions of elaborate banquets, but they rarely get your juices flowing. Why does nobody eat in books?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/06/lawrence-norfolk-food-literature-eat
Rose Tremain says of her hero Joyce Carol Oates: "I stand in awe before such an unresting hunger for the literary endeavour," adding "Joyce Carol Oates's imagination is as unique, dystopian and vivid as Lewis Carroll's."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/07/my-hero-joyce-carol-oates-rose-tremain
The September 17 issue of The New Yorker has a lengthy article on Salman Rushdie's life under the fatwa.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/09/17/120917fa_fact_rushdie
Mark Medley writes about the challenges publishers face as they decide which three books to nominate for the Giller Prize. The shortlist will be announced October 1.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/09/07/a-publishers-year-getting-to-the-giller/
The search for the newest great Canadian short story has begun. Canada Writes' Short Story Prize is now accepting submissions! Beginning on September 1, Canadians are invited to submit an original, unpublished work of fiction that is between 1,200 and 1,500 words long. The deadline for submissions is November 1. For more information on how to submit and contest rules, go to
http://www.cbc.ca/books/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
POETIC JUSTICE
Readings by Candice James, Sasha Wiley and Sho Wiley. Hosted by Fran Bourassa. Sunday, September 16 at 3:00pm. Heritage Grill Backroom, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
PEN-IN-HAND READING SERIES
Featuring Ken Klonsky, co-author of Dr. Rubin Carter's Eye of the Hurricane and poet Christopher Levenson, co-founder and editor of Arc magazine. Monday, September 17 at 7:15pm. Cost: $3. Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria.
POSTAL CODE READING SERIES
Readings from V6A: Writing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside by contributors and coeditor Elee Kraljii Gardiner. Includes a conversation with host neighbourhoods about local issues. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. New Westmister Public Library, 716 6th Ave., New Westminster.
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who raised funds, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
ADEENA KARASICK
The local poet returns to her hometown of Vancouver to launch her seventh book of poetry, This Poem. Tuesday, September 18 at 8:00pm, free. Anza Club, 3 8th Ave. W. More information at info@talonbooks.com.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
Readings by George Bowering and Cecily Nicholson. Wednesday, September 19 at 12:00pm. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street.
OMAR KHADR, OH CANADA
Discussion about human rights and the rule of law with Janice Williamson, Gail Davidson, Robert Diab, Alnoor Gova, and Grace Woo. Maher Arar will contribute via Skype. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
RAISE-A-READER DAY
Look for volunteers with a special edition of The Vancouver Sun newspaper on Thursday, September 20 and make a donation! www.vancouversun.com
JJ LEE
JJ Lee discusses his memoir The Measure of a Man. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Presenting Daniel Zomparelli and Heather Haley. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm, free. Room SB 406, Emily Carr University, Granville Island.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Grace O'Connell reads from Magnified World and Ben Stephenson reads from A Matter of Life and Death or Something. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm. UBC Bookstore Robson Square, Plaza level, 800 Robson Street. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
JACK WHYTE
The Scottish-Canadian historical-fiction novelist discusses the inner workings of Robert the Bruce, the subject of his soon-to-be-released book Renegade. Thursday, September 20 at 7:30pm. Room 1900, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings. More information at www.scottish.sfu.ca.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
2012 VANCOUVER BOOK FAIR
The Alcuin Society hosts the Vancouver Book Fair of Antiquarian and Modern books. September 22-23, 2012. Admission: $5. Rooms C180-C150, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. More information at vancouverbookfair.webs.com.
JAMES BARBER
An afternoon featuring a once-in-a-lifetime trunk sale of some of James Barber's treasured cookbook collection. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Providence Farm on Vancouver Island. Sunday, September 23 from noon to 5:00pm. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at 604-688-6755.
CBC BOOK CLUB
The Sweet Girl is the sequel to Annabel Lyon's best-seller The Golden Mean. Aristotle's bright and brave daughter, Pythias, is a captivating heroine, battling society, expectations, gods and goddesses. Come meet author Annabel Lyon and discuss her work and inspiration in the CBC Studio One Book Club on September 25, 6:30 pm. www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
Upcoming
OPEN TEXT READING SERIES
Reading by Meredith Quartermain, a writer of urban spaces and an innovator of poetic and narrative form. Thursday, September 27 at 11:30am, free. Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
RAMINDER SIDHU
Reading by the author of Tears of Mehndi. Friday, September 28 at 3:00pm. Lillooet room, Irving K. Barber Learning Center, 1961 East Mall, UBC. More information at http://www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/community-events/robson-reading-series.
DOROTHY JANTZEN
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
CULTURE DAYS
A collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. September 28-30, 2012. Check out the website www.culturedays.ca for events, literary and otherwise, in your community.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
STEPHEN MARCHE
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce an evening with Toronto writer Stephen Marche, author of Love and the Mess We're In, a new novel published by Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm, free. Alma Van Dusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St.
PAOLA GIANTURCO
The photojournalist presents her latest book, Grandmother Power. Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00pm. Guildford Library, 15105 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, call 604-598-7366.
ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Book News Vol. 7 No. 33
BOOK NEWS
2012 Festival
Tickets are now on sale for the 2012 Vancouver Writers Fest. The week-long festival features interviews, discussions, reading and performances with one hundred writers from around the world including Martin Amis, Margaret Atwood, Junot Díaz, Cory Doctorow, Tim Flannery, A.L. Kennedy, Chip Kidd, Dennis Lee, Annabel Lyon, Alistair MacLeod, Donna Morrissey, Anne Perry, David Suzuki, M.G. Vassanji and many more. Visit our website (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca) for full details on Festival programming and special events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the twentieth installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Gold Diggers" featuring Charlotte Gray. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
Big US hits line up against British poetry and Irish short stories for this year's £10,000 Guardian First Book Award. Katherine Boo's Behind The Beautiful Forevers and Chad Harbach's The Art of Fielding are among the 11 titles on the 2012 long list.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/30/guardian-first-book-award-2012-longlist
Festival authors Marjorie Celona, Billie Livingston, Annabel Lyon, Kim Thúy, and Russell Wangersky are among the thirteen authors on the 2012 Scotiabank Giller Prize long list. The finalists will be revealed October 1.
http://www.scotiabankgillerprize.ca/news/details/?id=97
Festival author Mohammed Hanif is among the fifteen authors longlisted for the £25,000 Wellcome Trust Book Prize 2012. The fifteen works (fiction and non-fiction) reflect a varied range of fiction and non-fiction on the theme of health, illness and medicine. The shortlist will be announced October 11.
http://www.wellcomebookprize.org/News/Announcements/WTVM056219.html
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS
Nicola Campbell's Shi-shi-etko offers a welcome addition to First Nations literature by delicately conveying the experience of life in a residential school through a child's eyes. Kim LaFave provides the illustrations. For ages 4 to 8. (event 31)
http://umanitoba.ca/cm/vol15/no7/shinchiscanoe.html
A visit to the fairground turns into a wild romp through realms of the imagination in Sheree Fitch's Night Sky. Mixing verse with concrete poetry that mirrors the action, this book revels in the impressionistic experiences of young children: a glorious book that celebrates both literal and imaginative flight. (events 4, 33)
http://www.quillandquire.com/books_young/review.cfm?review_id=7665
Mélanie Watt writes and illustrates books about Scaredy Squirrel, Chester, Leon the Chameleon, and a megalomaniac cat that tries to take over the story, among others. For ages 4 to 8. (Events 4, 21 in English; events 7, 32 in French)
http://cherylrainfield.com/blog/index.php/2007/12/17/review-of-picture-book-chester-by-melanie-watt/
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The stories in Junot Diaz' This Is How You Lose Her are, by turns, hilarious and devastating, and lay bare the infinite longing and inevitable weaknesses of our all-too-human hearts, the recklessness with which we betray what we most treasure, and the torture we go through. (events 9, 22)
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/ongoing/talking_volumes/
Sunday's NY Times includes a lengthy interview with Diaz, which includes this revelation: "I loved Encyclopedia Brown as a kid. What I loved about Boy Detective Leroy Brown was that (1) he was unabashedly smart (smart was not cool when and where I grew up) and (2) his best friend was a girl, tough Sally Kimball, who was both Leroy's bodyguard and his intellectual equal."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/books/review/junot-diaz-by-the-book.html?_r=1&nl=books&emc=edit_bk_20120831&pagewanted=all
Ekiwah, means "warrior" in the Purepecha language. Ekiwah Adler-Beléndez has battled cerebral palsy since he was bornand published his first collection of poetry at 12. Love on Wheels, his latest book of poetry, deals with the
richness and complexity of life in a wheelchair. (event 44)
http://loveonwheels-ekiwah.blogspot.ca/
Martin Amis is the most original sentence-writer in English, writes Charles Foran. Lionel Asbo: State of England is at once a précis of Amis's enduring concerns–the deepening "obscenification of everyday life," and, after a slightly muddled start, a ripper of a story, in the Dickens mode.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/martin-amiss-blighted-blighty/article4497284/
Cures for Hunger is a retelling of the relationship between father (André) and son (Deni) Béchard, a standard story of the struggle for some sort of meaningful communication between the two. As a teenager, Deni crisscrosses the country, splitting his time between his father and mother. (events 24, 36)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/cures-for-hunger-by-deni-y-bchard/article4324301/
In Heather Birrell's Mad Hope, a collection of eleven stories that beautifully illustrate the fragility of existence, death is a recurring character, as is birth, motherhood, grief and resilience, writes Rachel Harry. Birrell doesn't seek to answer questions, but to present points of view. (events 46, 71)
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/05/11/book-review-mad-hope-by-heather-birrell/
The 2011 Griffin Poetry Prize–winning Ossuaries, by Dionne Brand, is a novel-length narrative about the bones of fading cultures and ideas. The Griffin Trust Judges' summary states: "Brand's innovation on Ossuaries calls forth an entirely new sort of reading. The book is a triumph." (event 55)
http://www.griffinpoetryprize.com/awards-and-poets/shortlists/2011-shortlist/dionne-brand/
John Burnside brings his poet's eye for detail and his novelist's sense of the dramatic in Waking Up in Toytown, The result is a thoughtful look at the nature of truth and lies, and a search for a way to live one's life that has some kind of validity. (events 12, 19, 47, 53)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/waking-up-in-toytown-by-john-burnside-1859863.html
NEWS & FEATURES
A 40-page cache of material shows that Ray Bradbury was put under surveillance by the FBI in the 1950s for 'spreading distrust and lack of confidence in America'.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/30/ray-bradbury-investigated-fbi
The September 3 issue of The New Yorker includes Amundsen, a new short story by Alice Munro.
http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2012/08/27/120827fi_fiction_munro
Thriller author Deon Meyer explains why he writes in Afrikaans, and discusses how crime fiction relates to society. He reiterates the point that his books are fiction, not a true reflection of South African society. His latest, 7 Days, stars his recurring character Detective Benny Griessel.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/02/deon-meyer-meet-the-author
Next week or next year, Amazon will start giving away its e-readers. Farhad Manjoo explains why.
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2012/08/free_kindle_next_week_or_next_year_amazon_will_start_giving_away_its_e_reader_here_s_why_.html
Writer and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs balances two Temperance Brennans: Tempe of the TV series Bones, and Tempe of her book series. A recent trip to Yellowknife led to a storyline focusing on a missing mother in the Canadian North.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/08/29/kathy-reichs-video-stub.html
The search for the newest great Canadian short story has begun. Canada Writes' Short Story Prize is now accepting submissions! Beginning on September 1, Canadians are invited to submit an original, unpublished work of fiction that is between 1,200 and 1,500 words long. The deadline for submissions is November 1. For more information on how to submit and contest rules, go to http://www.cbc.ca/books/.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
(Please note New Location Starting September) Features Wayde Compton and Warren Dean Fulton + Open Mic. Thursday, September 6th at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KUCKI LOW
The local author and inspirational speaker reads from her memoir This Is Kucki Your Pilot Speaking, which recounts the the challenges of being a 20th century aviation pioneer. Thursday, September 6 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Library, 350 We. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
GRANT MCKENZIE
M.C. Grant is Grant McKenzie, an award-winning screenwriter, novelist and editor-in-chief of Monday Magazine and is launching his latest mystery novel, Angel With a Bullet. Saturday, September 8 at 2:00pm. Chapters Victoria, 1212 Douglas Street, Victoria. More information at 250-380-9009.
MEREDITH QUARTERMAIN
The VPL's eighth writer-in-residence reads from some of her award-winning works and talks about her writing process. Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
PATRICK TAYLOR
Reading by the author of Irish Country. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.
MIXED VOICES RAISED
VPL chief librarian Sandra Singh leads a literary Q&A panel with essayist and sound poet Wayde Compton, filmmaker and Zen priest Ruth Ozecki, and illustrator and writer Julie Flett. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.hapapalooza.com.
Upcoming
POSTAL CODE READING SERIES
Readings from V6A: Writing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside by contributors and coeditor Elee Kraljii Gardiner. Includes a conversation with host neighbourhoods about local issues. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. New Westmister Public Library, 716 6th Ave., New Westminster.
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who raised funds, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
Readings by George Bowering and Cecily Nicholson. Wednesday, September 19 at 12:00pm. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
JJ LEE
JJ Lee discusses his memoir The Measure of a Man. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
JAMES BARBER
An afternoon featuring a once-in-a-lifetime trunk sale of some of James Barber's treasured cookbook collection. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Providence Farm on Vancouver Island. Sunday, September 23 from noon to 5:00pm. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at 604-688-6755.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
DOROTHY JANTZEN
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
2012 Festival
Tickets are now on sale for the 2012 Vancouver Writers Fest. The week-long festival features interviews, discussions, reading and performances with one hundred writers from around the world including Martin Amis, Margaret Atwood, Junot Díaz, Cory Doctorow, Tim Flannery, A.L. Kennedy, Chip Kidd, Dennis Lee, Annabel Lyon, Alistair MacLeod, Donna Morrissey, Anne Perry, David Suzuki, M.G. Vassanji and many more. Visit our website (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca) for full details on Festival programming and special events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the twentieth installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Gold Diggers" featuring Charlotte Gray. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
Big US hits line up against British poetry and Irish short stories for this year's £10,000 Guardian First Book Award. Katherine Boo's Behind The Beautiful Forevers and Chad Harbach's The Art of Fielding are among the 11 titles on the 2012 long list.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/30/guardian-first-book-award-2012-longlist
Festival authors Marjorie Celona, Billie Livingston, Annabel Lyon, Kim Thúy, and Russell Wangersky are among the thirteen authors on the 2012 Scotiabank Giller Prize long list. The finalists will be revealed October 1.
http://www.scotiabankgillerprize.ca/news/details/?id=97
Festival author Mohammed Hanif is among the fifteen authors longlisted for the £25,000 Wellcome Trust Book Prize 2012. The fifteen works (fiction and non-fiction) reflect a varied range of fiction and non-fiction on the theme of health, illness and medicine. The shortlist will be announced October 11.
http://www.wellcomebookprize.org/News/Announcements/WTVM056219.html
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS
Nicola Campbell's Shi-shi-etko offers a welcome addition to First Nations literature by delicately conveying the experience of life in a residential school through a child's eyes. Kim LaFave provides the illustrations. For ages 4 to 8. (event 31)
http://umanitoba.ca/cm/vol15/no7/shinchiscanoe.html
A visit to the fairground turns into a wild romp through realms of the imagination in Sheree Fitch's Night Sky. Mixing verse with concrete poetry that mirrors the action, this book revels in the impressionistic experiences of young children: a glorious book that celebrates both literal and imaginative flight. (events 4, 33)
http://www.quillandquire.com/books_young/review.cfm?review_id=7665
Mélanie Watt writes and illustrates books about Scaredy Squirrel, Chester, Leon the Chameleon, and a megalomaniac cat that tries to take over the story, among others. For ages 4 to 8. (Events 4, 21 in English; events 7, 32 in French)
http://cherylrainfield.com/blog/index.php/2007/12/17/review-of-picture-book-chester-by-melanie-watt/
2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The stories in Junot Diaz' This Is How You Lose Her are, by turns, hilarious and devastating, and lay bare the infinite longing and inevitable weaknesses of our all-too-human hearts, the recklessness with which we betray what we most treasure, and the torture we go through. (events 9, 22)
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/ongoing/talking_volumes/
Sunday's NY Times includes a lengthy interview with Diaz, which includes this revelation: "I loved Encyclopedia Brown as a kid. What I loved about Boy Detective Leroy Brown was that (1) he was unabashedly smart (smart was not cool when and where I grew up) and (2) his best friend was a girl, tough Sally Kimball, who was both Leroy's bodyguard and his intellectual equal."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/books/review/junot-diaz-by-the-book.html?_r=1&nl=books&emc=edit_bk_20120831&pagewanted=all
Ekiwah, means "warrior" in the Purepecha language. Ekiwah Adler-Beléndez has battled cerebral palsy since he was bornand published his first collection of poetry at 12. Love on Wheels, his latest book of poetry, deals with the
richness and complexity of life in a wheelchair. (event 44)
http://loveonwheels-ekiwah.blogspot.ca/
Martin Amis is the most original sentence-writer in English, writes Charles Foran. Lionel Asbo: State of England is at once a précis of Amis's enduring concerns–the deepening "obscenification of everyday life," and, after a slightly muddled start, a ripper of a story, in the Dickens mode.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/martin-amiss-blighted-blighty/article4497284/
Cures for Hunger is a retelling of the relationship between father (André) and son (Deni) Béchard, a standard story of the struggle for some sort of meaningful communication between the two. As a teenager, Deni crisscrosses the country, splitting his time between his father and mother. (events 24, 36)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/cures-for-hunger-by-deni-y-bchard/article4324301/
In Heather Birrell's Mad Hope, a collection of eleven stories that beautifully illustrate the fragility of existence, death is a recurring character, as is birth, motherhood, grief and resilience, writes Rachel Harry. Birrell doesn't seek to answer questions, but to present points of view. (events 46, 71)
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/05/11/book-review-mad-hope-by-heather-birrell/
The 2011 Griffin Poetry Prize–winning Ossuaries, by Dionne Brand, is a novel-length narrative about the bones of fading cultures and ideas. The Griffin Trust Judges' summary states: "Brand's innovation on Ossuaries calls forth an entirely new sort of reading. The book is a triumph." (event 55)
http://www.griffinpoetryprize.com/awards-and-poets/shortlists/2011-shortlist/dionne-brand/
John Burnside brings his poet's eye for detail and his novelist's sense of the dramatic in Waking Up in Toytown, The result is a thoughtful look at the nature of truth and lies, and a search for a way to live one's life that has some kind of validity. (events 12, 19, 47, 53)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/waking-up-in-toytown-by-john-burnside-1859863.html
NEWS & FEATURES
A 40-page cache of material shows that Ray Bradbury was put under surveillance by the FBI in the 1950s for 'spreading distrust and lack of confidence in America'.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/30/ray-bradbury-investigated-fbi
The September 3 issue of The New Yorker includes Amundsen, a new short story by Alice Munro.
http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2012/08/27/120827fi_fiction_munro
Thriller author Deon Meyer explains why he writes in Afrikaans, and discusses how crime fiction relates to society. He reiterates the point that his books are fiction, not a true reflection of South African society. His latest, 7 Days, stars his recurring character Detective Benny Griessel.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/02/deon-meyer-meet-the-author
Next week or next year, Amazon will start giving away its e-readers. Farhad Manjoo explains why.
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2012/08/free_kindle_next_week_or_next_year_amazon_will_start_giving_away_its_e_reader_here_s_why_.html
Writer and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs balances two Temperance Brennans: Tempe of the TV series Bones, and Tempe of her book series. A recent trip to Yellowknife led to a storyline focusing on a missing mother in the Canadian North.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/08/29/kathy-reichs-video-stub.html
The search for the newest great Canadian short story has begun. Canada Writes' Short Story Prize is now accepting submissions! Beginning on September 1, Canadians are invited to submit an original, unpublished work of fiction that is between 1,200 and 1,500 words long. The deadline for submissions is November 1. For more information on how to submit and contest rules, go to http://www.cbc.ca/books/.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
(Please note New Location Starting September) Features Wayde Compton and Warren Dean Fulton + Open Mic. Thursday, September 6th at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KUCKI LOW
The local author and inspirational speaker reads from her memoir This Is Kucki Your Pilot Speaking, which recounts the the challenges of being a 20th century aviation pioneer. Thursday, September 6 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Library, 350 We. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
GRANT MCKENZIE
M.C. Grant is Grant McKenzie, an award-winning screenwriter, novelist and editor-in-chief of Monday Magazine and is launching his latest mystery novel, Angel With a Bullet. Saturday, September 8 at 2:00pm. Chapters Victoria, 1212 Douglas Street, Victoria. More information at 250-380-9009.
MEREDITH QUARTERMAIN
The VPL's eighth writer-in-residence reads from some of her award-winning works and talks about her writing process. Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
PATRICK TAYLOR
Reading by the author of Irish Country. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.
MIXED VOICES RAISED
VPL chief librarian Sandra Singh leads a literary Q&A panel with essayist and sound poet Wayde Compton, filmmaker and Zen priest Ruth Ozecki, and illustrator and writer Julie Flett. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.hapapalooza.com.
Upcoming
POSTAL CODE READING SERIES
Readings from V6A: Writing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside by contributors and coeditor Elee Kraljii Gardiner. Includes a conversation with host neighbourhoods about local issues. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. New Westmister Public Library, 716 6th Ave., New Westminster.
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who raised funds, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
Readings by George Bowering and Cecily Nicholson. Wednesday, September 19 at 12:00pm. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
JJ LEE
JJ Lee discusses his memoir The Measure of a Man. Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
JAMES BARBER
An afternoon featuring a once-in-a-lifetime trunk sale of some of James Barber's treasured cookbook collection. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Providence Farm on Vancouver Island. Sunday, September 23 from noon to 5:00pm. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at 604-688-6755.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
DOROTHY JANTZEN
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Book News Vol. 7 No. 32
BOOK NEWS
2012 Festival
Ticket sales for the 2012 Festival are well underway to Festival Members; they go on sale to the general public on September 5th. There's still time to sign up as a member to get your discount and advance tickets. Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/membership) for more information. Visit our website for full details on Festival programming and special events. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the nineteenth installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "The Life and Times of Mordecai Richler" featuring Charles Foran. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
The Internet Society has inducted Brewster Kahle into the Internet Hall of Fame to honour his copying and preserving the Internet—to ensure that libraries continue to exist.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/08/brewster-kahle/all/1?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Top+Stories%29
Peter Carey, Frank Moorhouse and Anna Funder are among five nominees for the fiction book prize in the revived Queensland Literary Awards. Sixty-two authors have been short listed for the Awards.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/books/carey-moorhouse-in-line-for-literary-gongs-20120820-24hrs.html#ixzz24K9RPadn
Ladbrokes gives Haruki Murakami odds of 10/1, ahead of Dutch writer Cees Nooteboom and Mo Yan of China, in the race for the Nobel prize for literature. Ladbrokes names Ian McEwan Britain's strongest contender for the Nobel this year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/23/haruki-murakami-nobel-prize-literature
Two Ottawa authors, Mony Dojeiji and Alberto Agraso, have received an international 2012 Dan Poynter Global Ebook Award at an Ebook awards ceremony in California for their book Walking For Peace, an Inner Journey.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1246067--ottawa-authors-win-international-ebook-award
British biographer Fiona MacCarthy and American novelist Padgett Powell have been named the winners of the James Tait Black Memorial Prizes 2012: MacCarthy for The Last Pre-Raphaelite, and Powell for his latest novel, You and I.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/25/maccarthy-powell-james-tait-black
There are twelve authors on the Man Booker Prize long list, The short list will be announced September 11, and the winner of the Man Booker Prize, on October 16. The detailed list of authors is here:
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/07/25/man-booker-prize-long-list-announced-today/
Cathy Bryant has won the Bulwer-Lytton fiction contest, acknowledging she had to reach deep inside herself to find 'the utter dregs within', including the eyelash mites. Winners in all categories are named here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/aug/22/bulwer-lytton-award-bad-fiction
YOUNG READERS
Ivan E. Coyote's One in Every Crowd is for anyone who has ever felt different or alone in their struggle to be true to themselves. Despite the overlap with previous work, it's impossible to mind when the writing is this masterful, writes Emily Donaldson. Age 11 and over.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=7667
Kenneth Oppel's This Dark Endeavour grips you right from the first page, writes Craig Foster, age 12. The prequel to Mary Shelley's gothic classic Frankenstein, this book delivers the thrills, no matter how old you are, says Foster. Age 12 and over.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/12/16/book-review-this-dark-endeavour-by-kenneth-oppel/
Kyo Maclear's latest children's book is Virginia Wolf. Loosely based on the relationship between author Virginia Woolf and her sister, painter Vanessa Bell, Virginia Wolf is an uplifting story for readers of all ages.
http://kyomaclearkids.com/virginia-wolf/
NEWS & FEATURES
The problem with libraries is they catch on fire easily. Centuries ago, if you wanted to kill a culture, you killed its library. "If this is what happens to libraries, make copies," says Brewster Kahle. Kahle took the library of libraries — the internet — and made and keeps making, copies of it.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/08/brewster-kahle/all/1?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Top+Stories%29
Novelist Ian McEwan rejects the notion that he is a British writer, insisting instead that English and Scottish writers are culturally different and have distinctive roots and ways of writing. The Olympic opening ceremony was the first and only time McEwan had seen 'Britishness' celebrated, he tells Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/22/ian-mcewan-not-a-british-write
The decision by US fantasy magazine Weird Tales to publish an extract from Victoria Foyt's Revealing Eden: Save the Pearls, Part One, featuring a minority white race called the Pearls that is dominated by the black race of the Coals, has provoked widespread outrage, amid concerns about censorship.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/21/racism-row-novel-coals-pearls?CMP=EMCNEWEML1355
Imogen Russell Williams writes that the publisher hadn't read Foyt's piece before publishing it. She concludes with "The Pearls and Coals of Victoria Foyt's YA dystopia are not only deeply suspect, they're also delivered in awful prose with negligible plot."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/aug/23/racism-row-novel-revealing-eden
The head of a women's domestic violence refuge in Britain has slammed the bestselling Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy as "an instruction manual for an abusive individual to sexually torture a vulnerable young woman".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/24/fifty-shades-grey-domestic-violence-campaigners
A sexual submissive says the undertone of approval for sexual violence is stereotyped and indefensible.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/aug/25/fifty-shades-submissive-sophie-morgan
The publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul has unveiled plans to offer literal as well as literary nourishment, through a line of seven soups to accompany its bestselling series of self-help books.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/24/chicken-soup-soul-literal-nourishment
Sam Sacks urges authors to stop the practice of acknowledgements. He says "The acknowledgments are now the last words a reader encounters. Is it really worth clouding a novel's actual finale for what is, in effect, an advertisement for a book the reader has already finished?"
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/08/against-acknowledgments.html#ixzz24la9EKbU
Mere days remain until the deadline for the 2nd Annual Geist Erasure Poetry Contest! All entries must be submitted before September 1, 2012, 11:59 pm PST. There's $1000 in prizes and the Geist Erasure Trophy to be won! Winning entries will also be published in Geist and at geist.com. Visit geist.com/erasure for more details.
Organizers of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada's largest fiction award, have postponed the announcement of this year's long list to accommodate a rush of last-minute submissions.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1242117--late-submissions-delay-giller-longlist-announcement
BOOKS & WRITERS
"Underwater welder," a job title with all the potential symbolism any writer could hope for, writes Ian McGillis. In Jeff Lemire's graphic novel, The Underwater Welder, Jack Joseph says: "The only time I ever really feel myself is down below. It's the only place I can be completely alone."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Jeff+Lemire+shows+master+telling+image/7140099/story.html#ixzz24WgbjDRD
C.S. Richardson's The Emperor of Paris is a story about love, writes Sandra Gulland. The novel unfolds in two streams: a present moment – and the long past, a world of charmingly eccentric characters. The Emperor of Paris is brilliant, says Gulland.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/emperor-of-paris-a-jewel-of-a-novel-about-books-and-love/article4497401/
Vancouver Noir 1930-1960, by Diane Purvey and John Belshaw, focuses on working-class Vancouver between1930 and 1959. What distinguishes Vancouver from other North American cities is that the white worthies of Vancouver blamed everything they disliked on Asians and native people but especially, on Americans, writes George Fetherling.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+comes+fascinating+text/7140316/story.html
Chris Bohjalian's The Sandcastle Girls combines a love story with a grim look at the Ottoman Empire's deportation of Armenians during World War I. Some countries acknowledge the Armenian deaths as genocide, others do not. The love story adds a softer dimension, writes Tracy Sherlock.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+comes+fascinating+text/7140316/story.html
André Brink's Philida has been long listed for this year's Man Booker prize. In an interview, Brink discusses the challenge of a 19th-century slave's living on a farm run by Brink's ancestors. South Africa is still at a difficult stage in coming to terms with its apartheid legacy. says Brink.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/26/andre-brink-interview-philida-slavery
Alison Moore's The Lighthouse has been long listed for this year's Man Booker prize. The Lighthouse is superb, writes Anthony Cummins – a peculiar exploration of boyhood trauma that does its quietly creepy work in fewer than 200 pages.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/26/the-lighthouse-alison-moore-booker-review
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
(Please note New Location Starting September) Features Wayde Compton and Warren Dean Fulton + Open Mic. Thursday, September 6th at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KUCKI LOW
The local author and inspirational speaker reads from her memoir This Is Kucki Your Pilot Speaking , which recounts the the challenges of being a 20th century aviation pioneer. Thursday, September 6 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Library, 350 We. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
GRANT MCKENZIE
M.C. Grant is Grant McKenzie, an award-winning screenwriter, novelist and editor-in-chief of Monday Magazine and is launching his latest mystery novel, Angel With a Bullet. Saturday, September 8 at 2:00pm. Chapters Victoria, 1212 Douglas Street, Victoria. More information at 250-380-9009.
MEREDITH QUARTERMAIN
The VPL's eighth writer-in-residence reads from some of her award-winning works and talks about her writing process. Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
PATRICK TAYLOR
Reading by the author of Irish Country. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.
MIXED VOICES RAISED
VPL chief librarian Sandra Singh leads a literary Q&A panel with essayist and sound poet Wayde Compton, filmmaker and Zen priest Ruth Ozecki, and illustrator and writer Julie Flett. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.hapapalooza.com.
Upcoming
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who fundraised, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
2012 Festival
Ticket sales for the 2012 Festival are well underway to Festival Members; they go on sale to the general public on September 5th. There's still time to sign up as a member to get your discount and advance tickets. Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/membership) for more information. Visit our website for full details on Festival programming and special events. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the nineteenth installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "The Life and Times of Mordecai Richler" featuring Charles Foran. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
AWARDS & LISTS
The Internet Society has inducted Brewster Kahle into the Internet Hall of Fame to honour his copying and preserving the Internet—to ensure that libraries continue to exist.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/08/brewster-kahle/all/1?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Top+Stories%29
Peter Carey, Frank Moorhouse and Anna Funder are among five nominees for the fiction book prize in the revived Queensland Literary Awards. Sixty-two authors have been short listed for the Awards.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/books/carey-moorhouse-in-line-for-literary-gongs-20120820-24hrs.html#ixzz24K9RPadn
Ladbrokes gives Haruki Murakami odds of 10/1, ahead of Dutch writer Cees Nooteboom and Mo Yan of China, in the race for the Nobel prize for literature. Ladbrokes names Ian McEwan Britain's strongest contender for the Nobel this year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/23/haruki-murakami-nobel-prize-literature
Two Ottawa authors, Mony Dojeiji and Alberto Agraso, have received an international 2012 Dan Poynter Global Ebook Award at an Ebook awards ceremony in California for their book Walking For Peace, an Inner Journey.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1246067--ottawa-authors-win-international-ebook-award
British biographer Fiona MacCarthy and American novelist Padgett Powell have been named the winners of the James Tait Black Memorial Prizes 2012: MacCarthy for The Last Pre-Raphaelite, and Powell for his latest novel, You and I.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/25/maccarthy-powell-james-tait-black
There are twelve authors on the Man Booker Prize long list, The short list will be announced September 11, and the winner of the Man Booker Prize, on October 16. The detailed list of authors is here:
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/07/25/man-booker-prize-long-list-announced-today/
Cathy Bryant has won the Bulwer-Lytton fiction contest, acknowledging she had to reach deep inside herself to find 'the utter dregs within', including the eyelash mites. Winners in all categories are named here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/aug/22/bulwer-lytton-award-bad-fiction
YOUNG READERS
Ivan E. Coyote's One in Every Crowd is for anyone who has ever felt different or alone in their struggle to be true to themselves. Despite the overlap with previous work, it's impossible to mind when the writing is this masterful, writes Emily Donaldson. Age 11 and over.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=7667
Kenneth Oppel's This Dark Endeavour grips you right from the first page, writes Craig Foster, age 12. The prequel to Mary Shelley's gothic classic Frankenstein, this book delivers the thrills, no matter how old you are, says Foster. Age 12 and over.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/12/16/book-review-this-dark-endeavour-by-kenneth-oppel/
Kyo Maclear's latest children's book is Virginia Wolf. Loosely based on the relationship between author Virginia Woolf and her sister, painter Vanessa Bell, Virginia Wolf is an uplifting story for readers of all ages.
http://kyomaclearkids.com/virginia-wolf/
NEWS & FEATURES
The problem with libraries is they catch on fire easily. Centuries ago, if you wanted to kill a culture, you killed its library. "If this is what happens to libraries, make copies," says Brewster Kahle. Kahle took the library of libraries — the internet — and made and keeps making, copies of it.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/08/brewster-kahle/all/1?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Top+Stories%29
Novelist Ian McEwan rejects the notion that he is a British writer, insisting instead that English and Scottish writers are culturally different and have distinctive roots and ways of writing. The Olympic opening ceremony was the first and only time McEwan had seen 'Britishness' celebrated, he tells Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/22/ian-mcewan-not-a-british-write
The decision by US fantasy magazine Weird Tales to publish an extract from Victoria Foyt's Revealing Eden: Save the Pearls, Part One, featuring a minority white race called the Pearls that is dominated by the black race of the Coals, has provoked widespread outrage, amid concerns about censorship.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/21/racism-row-novel-coals-pearls?CMP=EMCNEWEML1355
Imogen Russell Williams writes that the publisher hadn't read Foyt's piece before publishing it. She concludes with "The Pearls and Coals of Victoria Foyt's YA dystopia are not only deeply suspect, they're also delivered in awful prose with negligible plot."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/aug/23/racism-row-novel-revealing-eden
The head of a women's domestic violence refuge in Britain has slammed the bestselling Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy as "an instruction manual for an abusive individual to sexually torture a vulnerable young woman".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/24/fifty-shades-grey-domestic-violence-campaigners
A sexual submissive says the undertone of approval for sexual violence is stereotyped and indefensible.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/aug/25/fifty-shades-submissive-sophie-morgan
The publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul has unveiled plans to offer literal as well as literary nourishment, through a line of seven soups to accompany its bestselling series of self-help books.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/24/chicken-soup-soul-literal-nourishment
Sam Sacks urges authors to stop the practice of acknowledgements. He says "The acknowledgments are now the last words a reader encounters. Is it really worth clouding a novel's actual finale for what is, in effect, an advertisement for a book the reader has already finished?"
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/08/against-acknowledgments.html#ixzz24la9EKbU
Mere days remain until the deadline for the 2nd Annual Geist Erasure Poetry Contest! All entries must be submitted before September 1, 2012, 11:59 pm PST. There's $1000 in prizes and the Geist Erasure Trophy to be won! Winning entries will also be published in Geist and at geist.com. Visit geist.com/erasure for more details.
Organizers of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada's largest fiction award, have postponed the announcement of this year's long list to accommodate a rush of last-minute submissions.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1242117--late-submissions-delay-giller-longlist-announcement
BOOKS & WRITERS
"Underwater welder," a job title with all the potential symbolism any writer could hope for, writes Ian McGillis. In Jeff Lemire's graphic novel, The Underwater Welder, Jack Joseph says: "The only time I ever really feel myself is down below. It's the only place I can be completely alone."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Jeff+Lemire+shows+master+telling+image/7140099/story.html#ixzz24WgbjDRD
C.S. Richardson's The Emperor of Paris is a story about love, writes Sandra Gulland. The novel unfolds in two streams: a present moment – and the long past, a world of charmingly eccentric characters. The Emperor of Paris is brilliant, says Gulland.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/emperor-of-paris-a-jewel-of-a-novel-about-books-and-love/article4497401/
Vancouver Noir 1930-1960, by Diane Purvey and John Belshaw, focuses on working-class Vancouver between1930 and 1959. What distinguishes Vancouver from other North American cities is that the white worthies of Vancouver blamed everything they disliked on Asians and native people but especially, on Americans, writes George Fetherling.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+comes+fascinating+text/7140316/story.html
Chris Bohjalian's The Sandcastle Girls combines a love story with a grim look at the Ottoman Empire's deportation of Armenians during World War I. Some countries acknowledge the Armenian deaths as genocide, others do not. The love story adds a softer dimension, writes Tracy Sherlock.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+comes+fascinating+text/7140316/story.html
André Brink's Philida has been long listed for this year's Man Booker prize. In an interview, Brink discusses the challenge of a 19th-century slave's living on a farm run by Brink's ancestors. South Africa is still at a difficult stage in coming to terms with its apartheid legacy. says Brink.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/26/andre-brink-interview-philida-slavery
Alison Moore's The Lighthouse has been long listed for this year's Man Booker prize. The Lighthouse is superb, writes Anthony Cummins – a peculiar exploration of boyhood trauma that does its quietly creepy work in fewer than 200 pages.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/26/the-lighthouse-alison-moore-booker-review
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
(Please note New Location Starting September) Features Wayde Compton and Warren Dean Fulton + Open Mic. Thursday, September 6th at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
KUCKI LOW
The local author and inspirational speaker reads from her memoir This Is Kucki Your Pilot Speaking , which recounts the the challenges of being a 20th century aviation pioneer. Thursday, September 6 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Library, 350 We. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
GRANT MCKENZIE
M.C. Grant is Grant McKenzie, an award-winning screenwriter, novelist and editor-in-chief of Monday Magazine and is launching his latest mystery novel, Angel With a Bullet. Saturday, September 8 at 2:00pm. Chapters Victoria, 1212 Douglas Street, Victoria. More information at 250-380-9009.
MEREDITH QUARTERMAIN
The VPL's eighth writer-in-residence reads from some of her award-winning works and talks about her writing process. Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.
PATRICK TAYLOR
Reading by the author of Irish Country. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.
MIXED VOICES RAISED
VPL chief librarian Sandra Singh leads a literary Q&A panel with essayist and sound poet Wayde Compton, filmmaker and Zen priest Ruth Ozecki, and illustrator and writer Julie Flett. Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.hapapalooza.com.
Upcoming
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who fundraised, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Book News Vol. 7 No. 31
BOOK NEWS
2012 Festival
The 2012 Vancouver Writers Fest program is now online! Visit our website for full details on Festival programming and special events. Tickets go on sale to members on Aug 29th and the general public on Sept 5th. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the eighteenth installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Bamboo Lettering" featuring Kevin Chong, Jen Sookfong Lee and Ling Zhang. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
Special Offers
If being a member of the VWF didn't already have enough benefits, we've added an extra incentive! Every two weeks new and renewing members will have a chance to win a book by a Festival or Incite author. At the end of August we'll have a grand prize draw for a deluxe pack of Festival tickets - two tickets to any event of your choice for each day of the Festival! Sign up now here, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/secure/secure_membership.php.
AWARDS & LISTS
New York humorist Calvin Trillin, "Parks and Recreation" writer Nate DiMeo and novelist Patricia Marx are among the finalists for this year's Thurber Prize for American Humor. The winner will be announced October 1.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/08/15/thurber-prize.html
Janice Galloway's 'anti-memoir' of her teen years has been named Scottish book of the year. All Made Up was the winner in the non-fiction category; she then secured the overall prize of £30,000 for the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book of the Year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/18/janice-galloway-memoir-scottish-book-of-year
The winners for the 2012 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest have been announced. The winner of this year's best worst writing is Cathy Bryant of Manchester, England, whose contribution includes an infestation of eyelash mites. The complete piece can be found here:
http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/PWxyz/2012/08/13/bad-writing-award-winners-announced/
Jen Hadfield has been named the winner of the Edwin Morgan International Poetry Prize 2012 for The Kids, which improvises on the nursery rhyme Monday's Child.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/19/jen-hadfield-edwin-morgan-international-poetry-prize
Poet, writer and historian Meredith Quartermain is Vancouver Public Library's eighth Writer in Residence. Ms. Quartermain began her residency last week by inspiring and sharing her vast experience with young writers at the Library's annual Writing & Book Camp.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/vancouver-public-library-names-eighth-writer-residence
More information is available at:
http://www.vpl.ca/writer_in_residence
YOUNG READERS
In this fourth and final instalment of Arthur Slades' The Hunchback Chronicles, an award-winning steampunk series set in the 1800s, Island of Doom brings the series to an end. Modo has discovered his French roots, goes in search of his parents, and by the time he's 14, he has learned how to cope. Ages 11 and up.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Kids+Steampunk+series+comes/7105277/story.html
Do you have schoolwork you're expected to do over the summer? Are you excited about it? If your answer is "no," then you have something in common with 13-year-old Mary Lou, the main character in Sharon Creech's Absolutely Normal Chaos. Ages 9 and older.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/kidspost-book-club-ends-with-absolutely-normal-chaos/2012/08/14/d83323ac-d1ba-11e1-8bea-6dc0b4879aab_story.html
Petit Nicolas is a classic French children's character created by the Asterix writer René Goscinny. Discover Nicolas's world and the mischief he gets up in this short story.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/interactive/2012/aug/17/petit-nicolas-story
Trouble, a first novel for teens by John Lucas, has been published to coincide with the anniversary of the London riots. Read an exclusive spin-off short story by John Lucas, featuring the TURF characters. Ages 13 and older.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/interactive/2012/aug/14/trouble-john-lucas-short-story?CMP=EMCNEWEML1355
NEWS & FEATURES
Judith Thurman writes about the books individuals running for office in the U.S. cite as formative, including works by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ayn Rand and Thomas Aquinas.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/08/rose-wilder-lane-ayn-rand-and-americas-libertarian-literature.html
Oranges are not the only fruit, especially when it comes to the Orange Prize for Fiction. Apple, the US technology giant, is understood to be looking at backing the prestigious award, which recognizes novels written by women.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/electronics/9469226/Apple-to-squeeze-out-Orange-as-new-backer-of-fiction-award.html
Speaking at the Edinburgh international writers' conference, Irvine Welsh, the author of Trainspotting, lashed out at the "highly imperialist-orientated Man Booker prize". The award, he said, was "based on the conceit that upper-class Englishness is the cultural yardstick against which all literature must be measured".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/19/irvine-welsh-edinburgh-books-festival
Bob Spitz released his book Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child last Wednesday, which would have been Child's 100th birthday. "Julia taught women how to be bold and inventive in the kitchen…to step out from behind the stove and be a star," said Spitz.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/08/15/julia-child-biography.html
Unbeknownst to literary scholars, FBI files on Sylvia Plath's father shed new light on the poet. The FBI described Otto Plath, who inspired the 1962 poem Daddy, as a morbid man with possible pro-German sympathies during the war. The FBI files will be revealed at an international Plath symposium in October at Indiana University, Bloomington.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/17/sylvia-plath-otto-father-files
In an interview in Foreign Policy magazine, Salman Rushdie reflects on life under fatwa, the Arab Spring, and his one-night stand with Twitter. A movie version of Midnight's Children and a new memoir about his time in hiding are due out shortly.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/08/13/epiphanies_an_interview_with_salman_rushdie
A large study of Scottish people's DNA is threatening to "rewrite the nation's history", says Alistair Moffat. Moffat and his colleagues have found West African, Arabian, south-east Asian and Siberian ancestry, along with Scots, Celtic, Viking, Irish—and Berber. The findings are in The Scots: A Genetic Journey.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/aug/15/scotland-dna-study-project?CMP=EMCNEWEML1355
Science fiction is really just philosophy (or at least its direct descendant), writes Charlie Jane Anders. Science fiction doesn't just illuminate philosophy; the genre grew out of philosophy. The earliest works of science fiction were philosophical texts.
http://io9.com/5932802/the-philosophical-roots-of-science-fiction
Rather than anti-piracy measures, writers should welcome a future where readers remix our books, says China Miéville. "When asked if you've read the latest Ali Smith or Ghada Karmi, the response might be not yes or no, but which mix?" says Miéville.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/21/china-mieville-novels-books-anti-piracy
Anxious? Depressed? Literate? Try Bibliotherapy. Literature transforms us. Alain de Botton and his colleagues' bibliotherapy program at School of Life matches individuals struggling in any aspect of their lives with a list of books hand-selected to help them through tough times.
http://bigthink.com/think-tank/anxious-depressed-literate-try-bibliotherapy
The Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, has released a tempting come-on in this year's 400th anniversary of remembrance for the eight Lancashire women and two men who were hanged in an outbreak of public hysteria over witchcraft. She joins fellow-poet Simon Armitage in a verse exploration of the tragedy in 1612. Duffy and the organisers offer a taster here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/aug/15/carol-ann-duffy-poet-laureate-lancashire-witches-pendle
French novelist Laurent Binet, was given special access to the new Socialist president to produce a literary political portrait–a new publishing genre in France. Binet's book, Rien Ne Se Passé Comme Prevu (Nothing Happens as Predicted), will be released next week.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/16/francois-hollande-book-laurent-binet
Organizers of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada's largest fiction award, have postponed the announcement of this year's longlist to accommodate a rush of last-minute submissions.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1242117--late-submissions-delay-giller-longlist-announcement
BOOKS & WRITERS
Leanne Shapton's Swimming Studies is a testament to obsession, writes Robert Epstein. Shapton, a former Canadian Olympic triallist swimmer, decided at 14 she would not be going to the Olympics. This lyrical life aquatic is a stroke of pure genius, gold-winning stuff, says Epstein.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/swimming-studies-by-leanne-shapton-8034590.html
Our Friend Joe: The Joe Fortes Story by Lisa Anne Smith and Barbara Rogers honours the lives he saved and the generations of children Joe taught to swim. A portion of book sales proceeds will be donated to the Lifesaving Society's Swim to Survive program for Grade 3 schoolchildren.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/seaman+saved+dozens+from+drowning+taught+three/7106909/story.html
Are yoga practices good for you? Are yoga teachers truly qualified? William J. Broad explores these and other questions in The Science of Yoga. He knows that yoga has the capacity to heal, but he believes that the cobwebs of myth need to be cleared, writes Lisa Miriam Cherry.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-science-of-yoga-destroys-the-activitys-top-myths/article4486501/
Although he wasn't permitted to attend the ceremony to receive the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, Liu Xiaobo continues to be an outspoken critic of the government, and annually acknowledges the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre with a poem. June Fourth Elegies makes public the first 20 poems in this sequence.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/17/june-fourth-liu-xiaobo-review
Ameen Rihani's The Book of Khalid stands as the foundational text of Arab-American literature, despite having been out of print since 1911. With the world now consumed by issues of Arab-American relations and Arab political revolution, many have the sense that its moment is now, writes Todd Fine.
http://mhpbooks.com/books/the-book-of-khalid/
NW, Zadie Smith's eagerly awaited new novel– the first in seven years–is a dazzling portrait of modern London. The Guardian offers an exclusive extract here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/17/nw-zadie-smith-extract
An Illustrated History of Quebec, by historians Peter Gossage and Jack Little, offers an even-handed treatment of Quebec history in a new illustrated volume. Gossage and Little focus on the struggle between tradition and modernity, writes Marian Scott.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Quebec+history+gets+even+handed+treatment+illustrated+volume/7105285/story.html
Paul Theroux's The Lower River begins with the sentence, "Ellis Hock's wife gave him a new phone for this birthday." That simple, innocuous action triggers a harrowing chain of events, writes Philip Marchand. Villagers in Malawi; do-gooders; the moral of the story is hard to discern.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/08/17/open-book-the-lower-river-by-paul-theroux/
The gorgeous ruin on the cover of Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins is a misty Brigadoon of a place that doesn't appear on the map and maybe doesn't exist. Then a movie star arrives from her work on the film, Cleopatra. A complex, delectable story, writes Margaret Gunning.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/personalities+drive+delectable+drama/7110732/story.html
Which came first, MI5 or the 70s? "It's hard to say," says Ian McEwan. How did this curious, beguiling book–a spy novel without even so much as a hint of a poison-tipped umbrella–begin? It's 'a muted and distorted autobiography' writes Rachel Cooke.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/19/ian-mcewan-sweet-tooth-interview
Alex Clark admires André Brink's Booker-longlisted family history of Cape Colony slave owners, and points out that one of the characters appears to have something in common with the author of this novel.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/16/philida-andre-brink-booker-review
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUMMER DREAMS LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL
Annual family-friendly celebration of literary arts features two stages, a kids' area, a marketplace, and over 90 performers, including headliner Barbara Adler and Fang, a local spoken-word artist who combines poetry with music. Saturday, August 25, 2012, free. Trout Lake Park, 3350 Victoria. More information at www.summerdreamsfest.com.
2012 PANDORA'S LITERARY AWARDS GALA
Pandora's Collective is proud to announce the recipients of the Pandora's Literary Awards for 2012. This year's awards winners will be honoured at a special gala to be held on Friday, August 24th at CBC Studio 700 (700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver). The night will be hosted by Charles Demers and will feature a performance by Mount Pleasant's Inchoiring Minds. Award presenters include George Bowering, Brian Kaufman, Sean Cranbury, Betsy Warland and RC Weslowski. 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm), CBC Studio 700 (700 Hamilton St.), Free event, Food, Cash bar. Silent Auction. For more information on the winners and the event: https://sites.google.com/site/summerdreamsfest/home/gala.
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Qualifying slam for poets to earn points for the playoffs in March 2013. Featuring Tanya Evanson. Monday, August 27 at 8:00p. Cost: $4/$6. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive.
Upcoming
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
(Please note New Location Starting September) Features Wayde Compton and Warren Dean Fulton + Open Mic. Thursday, September 6th at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who fundraised, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
2012 Festival
The 2012 Vancouver Writers Fest program is now online! Visit our website for full details on Festival programming and special events. Tickets go on sale to members on Aug 29th and the general public on Sept 5th. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Chabon
September 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, talks about his latest book, Telegraph Avenue. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/michaelchabon
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Listen to the eighteenth installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Bamboo Lettering" featuring Kevin Chong, Jen Sookfong Lee and Ling Zhang. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.
Special Offers
If being a member of the VWF didn't already have enough benefits, we've added an extra incentive! Every two weeks new and renewing members will have a chance to win a book by a Festival or Incite author. At the end of August we'll have a grand prize draw for a deluxe pack of Festival tickets - two tickets to any event of your choice for each day of the Festival! Sign up now here, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/secure/secure_membership.php.
AWARDS & LISTS
New York humorist Calvin Trillin, "Parks and Recreation" writer Nate DiMeo and novelist Patricia Marx are among the finalists for this year's Thurber Prize for American Humor. The winner will be announced October 1.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/08/15/thurber-prize.html
Janice Galloway's 'anti-memoir' of her teen years has been named Scottish book of the year. All Made Up was the winner in the non-fiction category; she then secured the overall prize of £30,000 for the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book of the Year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/18/janice-galloway-memoir-scottish-book-of-year
The winners for the 2012 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest have been announced. The winner of this year's best worst writing is Cathy Bryant of Manchester, England, whose contribution includes an infestation of eyelash mites. The complete piece can be found here:
http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/PWxyz/2012/08/13/bad-writing-award-winners-announced/
Jen Hadfield has been named the winner of the Edwin Morgan International Poetry Prize 2012 for The Kids, which improvises on the nursery rhyme Monday's Child.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/19/jen-hadfield-edwin-morgan-international-poetry-prize
Poet, writer and historian Meredith Quartermain is Vancouver Public Library's eighth Writer in Residence. Ms. Quartermain began her residency last week by inspiring and sharing her vast experience with young writers at the Library's annual Writing & Book Camp.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/vancouver-public-library-names-eighth-writer-residence
More information is available at:
http://www.vpl.ca/writer_in_residence
YOUNG READERS
In this fourth and final instalment of Arthur Slades' The Hunchback Chronicles, an award-winning steampunk series set in the 1800s, Island of Doom brings the series to an end. Modo has discovered his French roots, goes in search of his parents, and by the time he's 14, he has learned how to cope. Ages 11 and up.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Kids+Steampunk+series+comes/7105277/story.html
Do you have schoolwork you're expected to do over the summer? Are you excited about it? If your answer is "no," then you have something in common with 13-year-old Mary Lou, the main character in Sharon Creech's Absolutely Normal Chaos. Ages 9 and older.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/kidspost-book-club-ends-with-absolutely-normal-chaos/2012/08/14/d83323ac-d1ba-11e1-8bea-6dc0b4879aab_story.html
Petit Nicolas is a classic French children's character created by the Asterix writer René Goscinny. Discover Nicolas's world and the mischief he gets up in this short story.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/interactive/2012/aug/17/petit-nicolas-story
Trouble, a first novel for teens by John Lucas, has been published to coincide with the anniversary of the London riots. Read an exclusive spin-off short story by John Lucas, featuring the TURF characters. Ages 13 and older.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/interactive/2012/aug/14/trouble-john-lucas-short-story?CMP=EMCNEWEML1355
NEWS & FEATURES
Judith Thurman writes about the books individuals running for office in the U.S. cite as formative, including works by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ayn Rand and Thomas Aquinas.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/08/rose-wilder-lane-ayn-rand-and-americas-libertarian-literature.html
Oranges are not the only fruit, especially when it comes to the Orange Prize for Fiction. Apple, the US technology giant, is understood to be looking at backing the prestigious award, which recognizes novels written by women.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/electronics/9469226/Apple-to-squeeze-out-Orange-as-new-backer-of-fiction-award.html
Speaking at the Edinburgh international writers' conference, Irvine Welsh, the author of Trainspotting, lashed out at the "highly imperialist-orientated Man Booker prize". The award, he said, was "based on the conceit that upper-class Englishness is the cultural yardstick against which all literature must be measured".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/19/irvine-welsh-edinburgh-books-festival
Bob Spitz released his book Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child last Wednesday, which would have been Child's 100th birthday. "Julia taught women how to be bold and inventive in the kitchen…to step out from behind the stove and be a star," said Spitz.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/08/15/julia-child-biography.html
Unbeknownst to literary scholars, FBI files on Sylvia Plath's father shed new light on the poet. The FBI described Otto Plath, who inspired the 1962 poem Daddy, as a morbid man with possible pro-German sympathies during the war. The FBI files will be revealed at an international Plath symposium in October at Indiana University, Bloomington.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/17/sylvia-plath-otto-father-files
In an interview in Foreign Policy magazine, Salman Rushdie reflects on life under fatwa, the Arab Spring, and his one-night stand with Twitter. A movie version of Midnight's Children and a new memoir about his time in hiding are due out shortly.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/08/13/epiphanies_an_interview_with_salman_rushdie
A large study of Scottish people's DNA is threatening to "rewrite the nation's history", says Alistair Moffat. Moffat and his colleagues have found West African, Arabian, south-east Asian and Siberian ancestry, along with Scots, Celtic, Viking, Irish—and Berber. The findings are in The Scots: A Genetic Journey.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/aug/15/scotland-dna-study-project?CMP=EMCNEWEML1355
Science fiction is really just philosophy (or at least its direct descendant), writes Charlie Jane Anders. Science fiction doesn't just illuminate philosophy; the genre grew out of philosophy. The earliest works of science fiction were philosophical texts.
http://io9.com/5932802/the-philosophical-roots-of-science-fiction
Rather than anti-piracy measures, writers should welcome a future where readers remix our books, says China Miéville. "When asked if you've read the latest Ali Smith or Ghada Karmi, the response might be not yes or no, but which mix?" says Miéville.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/21/china-mieville-novels-books-anti-piracy
Anxious? Depressed? Literate? Try Bibliotherapy. Literature transforms us. Alain de Botton and his colleagues' bibliotherapy program at School of Life matches individuals struggling in any aspect of their lives with a list of books hand-selected to help them through tough times.
http://bigthink.com/think-tank/anxious-depressed-literate-try-bibliotherapy
The Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, has released a tempting come-on in this year's 400th anniversary of remembrance for the eight Lancashire women and two men who were hanged in an outbreak of public hysteria over witchcraft. She joins fellow-poet Simon Armitage in a verse exploration of the tragedy in 1612. Duffy and the organisers offer a taster here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/aug/15/carol-ann-duffy-poet-laureate-lancashire-witches-pendle
French novelist Laurent Binet, was given special access to the new Socialist president to produce a literary political portrait–a new publishing genre in France. Binet's book, Rien Ne Se Passé Comme Prevu (Nothing Happens as Predicted), will be released next week.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/16/francois-hollande-book-laurent-binet
Organizers of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada's largest fiction award, have postponed the announcement of this year's longlist to accommodate a rush of last-minute submissions.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1242117--late-submissions-delay-giller-longlist-announcement
BOOKS & WRITERS
Leanne Shapton's Swimming Studies is a testament to obsession, writes Robert Epstein. Shapton, a former Canadian Olympic triallist swimmer, decided at 14 she would not be going to the Olympics. This lyrical life aquatic is a stroke of pure genius, gold-winning stuff, says Epstein.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/swimming-studies-by-leanne-shapton-8034590.html
Our Friend Joe: The Joe Fortes Story by Lisa Anne Smith and Barbara Rogers honours the lives he saved and the generations of children Joe taught to swim. A portion of book sales proceeds will be donated to the Lifesaving Society's Swim to Survive program for Grade 3 schoolchildren.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/seaman+saved+dozens+from+drowning+taught+three/7106909/story.html
Are yoga practices good for you? Are yoga teachers truly qualified? William J. Broad explores these and other questions in The Science of Yoga. He knows that yoga has the capacity to heal, but he believes that the cobwebs of myth need to be cleared, writes Lisa Miriam Cherry.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-science-of-yoga-destroys-the-activitys-top-myths/article4486501/
Although he wasn't permitted to attend the ceremony to receive the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, Liu Xiaobo continues to be an outspoken critic of the government, and annually acknowledges the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre with a poem. June Fourth Elegies makes public the first 20 poems in this sequence.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/17/june-fourth-liu-xiaobo-review
Ameen Rihani's The Book of Khalid stands as the foundational text of Arab-American literature, despite having been out of print since 1911. With the world now consumed by issues of Arab-American relations and Arab political revolution, many have the sense that its moment is now, writes Todd Fine.
http://mhpbooks.com/books/the-book-of-khalid/
NW, Zadie Smith's eagerly awaited new novel– the first in seven years–is a dazzling portrait of modern London. The Guardian offers an exclusive extract here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/17/nw-zadie-smith-extract
An Illustrated History of Quebec, by historians Peter Gossage and Jack Little, offers an even-handed treatment of Quebec history in a new illustrated volume. Gossage and Little focus on the struggle between tradition and modernity, writes Marian Scott.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Quebec+history+gets+even+handed+treatment+illustrated+volume/7105285/story.html
Paul Theroux's The Lower River begins with the sentence, "Ellis Hock's wife gave him a new phone for this birthday." That simple, innocuous action triggers a harrowing chain of events, writes Philip Marchand. Villagers in Malawi; do-gooders; the moral of the story is hard to discern.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/08/17/open-book-the-lower-river-by-paul-theroux/
The gorgeous ruin on the cover of Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins is a misty Brigadoon of a place that doesn't appear on the map and maybe doesn't exist. Then a movie star arrives from her work on the film, Cleopatra. A complex, delectable story, writes Margaret Gunning.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/personalities+drive+delectable+drama/7110732/story.html
Which came first, MI5 or the 70s? "It's hard to say," says Ian McEwan. How did this curious, beguiling book–a spy novel without even so much as a hint of a poison-tipped umbrella–begin? It's 'a muted and distorted autobiography' writes Rachel Cooke.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/19/ian-mcewan-sweet-tooth-interview
Alex Clark admires André Brink's Booker-longlisted family history of Cape Colony slave owners, and points out that one of the characters appears to have something in common with the author of this novel.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/16/philida-andre-brink-booker-review
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUMMER DREAMS LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL
Annual family-friendly celebration of literary arts features two stages, a kids' area, a marketplace, and over 90 performers, including headliner Barbara Adler and Fang, a local spoken-word artist who combines poetry with music. Saturday, August 25, 2012, free. Trout Lake Park, 3350 Victoria. More information at www.summerdreamsfest.com.
2012 PANDORA'S LITERARY AWARDS GALA
Pandora's Collective is proud to announce the recipients of the Pandora's Literary Awards for 2012. This year's awards winners will be honoured at a special gala to be held on Friday, August 24th at CBC Studio 700 (700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver). The night will be hosted by Charles Demers and will feature a performance by Mount Pleasant's Inchoiring Minds. Award presenters include George Bowering, Brian Kaufman, Sean Cranbury, Betsy Warland and RC Weslowski. 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm), CBC Studio 700 (700 Hamilton St.), Free event, Food, Cash bar. Silent Auction. For more information on the winners and the event: https://sites.google.com/site/summerdreamsfest/home/gala.
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Qualifying slam for poets to earn points for the playoffs in March 2013. Featuring Tanya Evanson. Monday, August 27 at 8:00p. Cost: $4/$6. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive.
Upcoming
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
(Please note New Location Starting September) Features Wayde Compton and Warren Dean Fulton + Open Mic. Thursday, September 6th at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
ANDREA LISTER
Writer and historian Andrea Lister follows the generations of determined women who fundraised, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack's first hospital. Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack.
JOHN VIGNA
Launch of the author's latest book, Bull Head. Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30pm. The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova Street, Vancouver. RSVP to bullheadlaunch@gmail.com.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
9th annual event featuring Katherine Govier with her book The Ghost Brush. September 21-23, 2012. Nelson, BC. For complete details, visit www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.
A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.
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