Book News Vol. 5 No. 17

BOOK NEWS

Join us!
Our membership drive continues with exciting new incentives to join, as well as the benefits of membership:...discounts, earlybird tickets, we could go on... Click for more information, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/supportus/joinus.

Every two weeks we will draw the name of a new member to win an exciting prize. The prize for April 16: two tickets to the Arts Club Theatre production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, June 21–June 30. Information: www.artsclub.com.

The Arts Club Theatre is presenting Anosh Irani's latest play My Granny the Goldfish at the newly refurbished Revue Stage. Book News subscribers, receive an exclusive 2-for-1 ticket deal on My Granny the Goldfish tickets purchased before April 15 (Monday or Tuesday night performances only). Just use the promo code WFGRAN when you book online (http://secure.vancouvertix.com/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=3007) or by phone at 604-687-1644. For more information, download the poster (60KB) here: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/files/u3/MyGrannytheGoldfish.pdf:

Special Events

Peter Carey
Brush up on all things Peter Carey before the event on May 7. His website offers a smorgasbord of interviews, reviews and background on the author, who is perhaps best known for his Booker Prize winning novels Oscar and Lucinda and True History of the Kelly Gang. http://petercareybooks.com/

Ian McEwan
There are still tickets left to see Ian McEwan on April 15th. To keep up with news and reviews of Solar, follow the author on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ian-McEwan-Website/305499726425

Ian McEwan will be interviewed by Jerry Wasserman. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/specialevents. VIWF members: Receive a $2 member discount for Ian McEwan event tickets! Join us: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/supportus/joinus.


AWARDS & LISTS

The nominees for the Griffin Poetry Prizes have been announced. To celebrate the prize's 10th anniversary, the award has doubled from $100,000 to $200,000.
http://www.griffinpoetryprize.com/awards_shortlist.php

Canadian authors Robert J. Sawyer and Robert Charles Wilson are among the finalists for the Hugo Award, considered the top prize for science fiction in the world.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/04/05/sawyer-hugo-award.html

Among the contenders for the inaugural Walter Scott prize for historical fiction, worth £25,000, are three finalists for last year's booker: Adam Foulds, Hilary Mantel and Simon Mawer.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/apr/01/booker-rivals-walter-scott-prize-shortlist

The Toronto Star lists 11 hot spring books, among them Yann Martel's Beatrice and Virgil and Chevy Stevens' Still Missing.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/785860--11-hot-books-to-watch-for-this-spring

Stan Persky is the winner of the 2010 Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Literary Excellence, it was announced Wednesday night at the BC Book Prize Soiree at the Listel Hotel.
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Stan+Persky+awarded+literary+honour/2776857/story.html


BOOKS & WRITERS

Yann Martel talks about the difficulties of writing the follow up to his bestseller Life of Pi. Despite the 9 years between books, the many rewrites and heated conversations with his publisher, beatrice & virgil managed to fetch a $3-million advance.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/yann-martels-post-modern-holocaust-allegory-fetches-3-million-advance/article1525641/

T.F. Rigelhof, novelist, critic and professor, talks about his latest project, an informal overview of Canadian writing called Hooked on Canadian Books: The Good, the Better, and the Best Canadian Novels since 1984.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/home+CanLit/2754206/story.html#ixzz0kWqFAksv

The Globe & Mail writes that "if you like your novels deeply intelligent and emotionally rich" you should probably check out Chang-Rae Lee's The Surrendered.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-surrendered-by-chang-rae-lee/article1524626/

The NY Times looks at Booker Prize winner John Banville's two latest novels, The Infinities and Elegy for April, the first written under the author's name and the second credited to Benjamin Black, his crime-writing pseudonym.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/05/books/05book.html?ref=books

Poet Geoffrey Hill, considered by many to be the UK's best hope for Literature's Nobel Prize, has released his Selected Poems, a collection spanning five-plus decades. Read a review in the Globe & Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-selected-poems-by-geoffrey-hill/article1523567/

Michael Winter reviews David Carpenter's new memoir, A Hunter's Confession, in which the author recounts his boyhood hunting with his father and how, over the years, his attitude toward the sport has changed.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-a-hunters-confession-by-david-carpenter/article1520173/

Lisa Foad, ReLit winner for Fiction in 2009, reviews Andrew Kaufman's "quirky, tender, fantastical page-turner," The Waterproof Bible.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-waterproof-bible-by-andrew-kaufman/article1520309/

George Fetherling's third novel Walt Whitman's Secret focuses on the last years of Whitman's life as observed by his real-life friend Horace Traubel. In this review, Candace Fertile promises that the book will inspire readers to "drag out their copies of Leaves of Grass to experience Whitman's genius again."
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6803

Another novel about the life of a literary great, The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson by Jerome Charyn, also receives a favourable review.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-secret-life-of-emily-dickinson-by-jerome-charyn/article1520568/

COMMUNITY EVENTS

WRITING THE NEW CANADIAN LANDSCAPE
Reading by Pamela Mordecai (Pink Icing and other stories) and George Sipos (The Geography of Arrival). Thursday, April 8 at 7:00pm. UBC Bookstore Library, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street.

OCCUPYING MINDS
Readings by poets Clin Burnham, Stephen Collis, Jeff Derksen, Kim Duff, Reg Johanson, Larissa Lai, Donato Mancini, and Cecily Nicholson. Thursday, April 8 at 7:00pm, free. Langara College (100 W. 49th). More information at www.langara.bc.ca/public-art/.

THE BALLAD OF KNUCKLES MCGRAW
Launch of Surrey author Lois Peterson's new book for children followed by a writing/storytelling workshop for children 6 to 11. Saturday, April 10 at 1:00pm, free. Newton Library (13795-70 Avenue, Surrey). More information and registration at www.loispeterson.net.

SISTER SPIT
Featuring Michelle Tea, Lynn Breedlove, Elisha Lim, Lenelle Moise, Len Plass, Nicole J. Georges, and Annie Danger. Saturday, April 10 at 8:00pm. Sliding scale $15-20. Rhizome Cafe (317 E. Broadway). More information at www.rhizomecafe.ca.

JOYLAND
Joyland co-founders Brian Joseph Davis and Emily Schultz are reading with Vancouver authors Claire Gibson, Dan Schwartz, Shay Wilson, and Rob Peters. Hosted by Kevin Chong. Sunday, April 11 at 7:00pm, free. W2, 112 West Hastings Street.

VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Instant Poetry Slam featuring Jon Sands. Monday, April 12 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.

SCIENCE FICTION BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
First meeting for the second science fiction book group and discussion of Alastair Reynold's The Prefect. Wednesday, April 14 at 7:00pm. The Grind & Gallery (4124 Main). More information at darthbuddy2000@yahoo.ca.

JACKIE TIMOTHY
Stories told by VPL's 2010 First Nations storyteller-in-residence. Wednesday, April 14 at 7:00pm, free. Mount Pleasant Branch, 1 Kingsway. For more information, phone 604.331.3603.

ANGELA LONG AND SUSAN MUSGRAVE
Poets read of what they've learned and observed from the tip of a remote archipelago at the north end of the world. Wednesday, April 14 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at 604.331.3603.

ROBSON READING SERIES
George McWhirter reading from Solar Poems/Poemas Solares, his translation of the work of the renowned Mexican poet-activist Homero Aridjis. Thursday, April 15 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library/Bookstore-Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street.

subTERRAIN
Celebrate Vancouver's literary past, present, and perhaps future with the launch of issue 54/55 which features profiles of, and choice excerpts from, some of Vancouver's best writers. Thursday, April 15 at 7:00pm. Cafe Montmarte, 4362 Main Street.

VISITING POETS SALON & READING
Readings by Penn Kemp and Catherine Owen. Saturday, April 17 at 7:30pm. Josef & Heather's Place, Bowen Island. To RSVP, get directions and ferry information, email hshaley@emspace.com or call 604.947.9386.

Upcoming

NORTH SHORE WRITERS FESTIVAL
Featuring readings and talks by Canadian authors including Annabel Lyon, author of The Golden Mean, Joy Fielding, author of Still Life, Mad River Road, and See Jane Run, and Anosh Irani, author of Dahanu Road. April 19-22. More information and locations at www.northshorewritersfestival.ca.

WRITING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE READING SERIES
Visit the intimate living room at Historic Joy Kogawa House for a series of small salon evenings with five writers who use literature to call for social change and justice and as a tool for social transformation. The first writer in the series, Joan Macleod will read from and sign her works. Monday, April 19 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: http://www.kogawahouse.com/node/181.

THE HIDDEN PLACES UNCOVERED
An evening of art and poetry collaboration presented by the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery and Pandora's Collective. Tuesday, April 20 at 7:00pm. Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery, 950 W. 41st Ave. Complete information at www.pandorascollective.com.

DINING ON AMBROSIA
Join prize-winning bards Penn Kemp and Susan McCaslin for an evening of poetry with ancient planetary mother goddesses. Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30pm, free. Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA
Authors and panelists Eileen Cook, RG Hart and Susan Lyons discuss what makes a romance and the big business of romance writing. Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

AL PURDY CELEBRATION READING
Come read your favourite Al Purdy poem or one of your own poems for, or about Al, or in Al's style. Wednesday, April 21. Happy Isle Cafe, Dorman Road, (Bowen Island). More information at 604.947.0017.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Celebration with Gillian Jerome, Laisha Rosnau and Gregory Scofield. Thursday, April 22 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore Library, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street.

POETRY READING
A poetry reading by Penn Kemp and Susan McCaslin. Thursday, April 22 at 7:00pm, free. The Fort Gallery, 9048 Glover Rd., Fort Langley, BC.

ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS
Join the Crime Writers of Canada for a panel discussion of crime writing and presentation of the Arthur Ellis Awards shortlist release event. Thursday, April 22 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her new novel, Falling from Grace. Thursday, April, 22 at 7:30pm, free. Meeting Room, Level 3, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

PLANET EARTH POETRY
Launch of Daniela Elza, Peter Morin, and Onjana Yawnghwe's book 4 Poets. Friday, April 23 at 7:30pm, $3 at the door. The Black Stilt Coffee House, 103-1633 Hillside Avenue, Victoria. For more details contact planetearthpoetry@gmail.com.

TEMPERING THE CLIMATE
A poetry reading by Penn Kemp and Susan McCaslin, followed by a "Gathering Peaces" workshop. Saturday, April 24. Free reading at 1:00pm, workshop at 2:00pm (tickets are $20). Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, the Fireside Room, 1825 W. 16th Avenue, Vancouver. More information at 604.731.3101.

STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
Yann Martel's highly anticipated new novel beatrice & virgil is about to hit bookstores in early April, and you can meet him in the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club! The new book is a bewitching story about a famous, yet struggling author, an eccentric taxidermist, a donkey and a howler monkey. Meet the author of Life of Pi in the intimate setting of Studio One on Sunday April 25 at 3 pm. The only way to get in, is to win! Go to www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub to enter for free tickets.

WORLD POETRY GALA
World Poetry celebrates it's 9th anniversary. Join hosts Ariadne Sawyer and Alejandro Mujica-Olea for poetry, music and an awards presentation. A tribute to past award winners and World Poetry ambassadors. Monday, April 26 at 6:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

YANN MARTEL
Capilano University Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Yann Martel with Anosh Irani. Yann Martel is the author of the internationally acclaimed Man Booker prize-winning novel Life of Pi. Anosh Irani, the award-winning playwright and best-selling author whose novel, The Song of Kahunsha, was a 2007 Canada Reads finalist. Monday, April 26 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $15/$13. Kay Meek Centre, North Vancouver. More information at http://www.capilanou.ca/news-events/performing-arts/season-performances/Speaker.html.

LORRI NEILSEN GLENN, EVE JOSEPH AND JOHN DONLAN
Join poets as they read from their latest collections. Celebrate Brick Books' 35th anniversary! Tuesday, April 27 at 7:30pm, free. Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

TALON'S 2010 CROSS-CANADA POETRY TOUR
Readings by derek beaulieu, Ken Belford, George Bowering, Weyman Chan, Stephen Collis, Frank Davey, Garry Thomas Morse, and Ken Norris. Wednesday, April 28 at 8:00pm, free. Heritage Hall (3102 Main). More information at www.talonbooks.com.

STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
Canada's own international best-selling fantasy fiction author Guy Gavriel Kay is coming to the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club! His new novel "Under Heaven" is getting rave reviews! It's set during the glory of the Tang Dynasty in China and is an adventure that has everything readers around the world love about Guy's epic stories. Come join the discussion with Guy Gavriel Kay in the intimate setting of Studio One on Wednesday May 5 at 6:30 pm. The only way to get in, is to win! Go to www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub to enter for free tickets.