BOOK NEWS
Virtual Festival
The sixth recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Giles Blunt. Listen in on a conversation laden with innuendo and accusation. Suicide or foul play? You decide. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Donate your Aeroplan miles
So far you've donated 17,379 air miles to bring writers to the Festival! Thank you for your support. We need just 7,621 more miles to purchase a flight within North America, so if you've been procrastinating sending in your donation, consider this a friendly little nudge to get those miles off your plate and onto ours. You can download the donation form from our website, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/supportus/aeroplan.
Special Event
Alexander McCall Smith
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the bestselling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series who will talk about his forthcoming book, Corduroy Mansions. Complete details on our website, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/specialevents.
AWARDS & LISTS
Karen Solie wins Trillium Book Award for her poetry collection Pigeon.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/06/24/trillium-book-award.html
Dutch writer Gerbrand Bakker has won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary award for his debut novel The Twin.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/dutch-novel-wins-impac-prize/article1607995/
Geoffrey Hill, described as the 'greatest living poet in the English language' won the Oxford Professor of Poetry election by a landslide.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/18/oxford-professor-poetry-geoffrey-hill
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and journalist Rick Atkinson has been named the 2010 recipient of the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/06/21/pritzker-military-literature-award.html
NEWS & FEATURES
Globe and Mail columnist Russell Smith offers his thoughts on sex in Canadian publishing.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/russell-smith/the-truth-about-publishing-its-full-of-hotties/article1615061/
Portugal's most prolific and best-known 20th-century writer, Jose Saramago, has died. His 1998 Nobel Prize for Literature was the first awarded to a Portuguese writer.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/novelist-jose-saramago-dead-at-87/article1608811/
The Guardian's obituary describes the convictions that informed Saramago's work and those who opposed him because of those convictions.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/18/jose-saramago-obituary
Canada used to have a vibrant critical culture. What happened? asks André Alexis
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.07-criticism-the-long-decline/1/
Neil Young is revisiting the fictional California town of Greendale which first took form in a concept album, a concert tour, an original film and a companion book of lyrics. It now appears in graphic novel format.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/16/books/16greendale.html?ref=books
Reading from a screen is so Middle Ages, says the San Francisco Chronicle.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/20/INL91DU44K.DTL&tsp=1
Thomas Newkirk, an English Professor at the University of New Hampshire, argues in favour of a return to slow reading.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jD98lVM4dGsPuKnnvm0_mrYEmkMAD9GCU8C00
Rather than issuing lists of books for summer reading, the July/August issue of The Walrus offers short works of fiction and poetry, and Canadian landscape illustrations by Seth.
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.07-fiction-canadian-studies/
The Tyee adds its list of ideal summer reading.
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2010/06/18/SummerReads2010/?utm_source=mondayheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=210610
Lisbeth Salander, and Stieg Larsson's three books about her, has created a publishing phenomenon, resulting in tremendous new interest in the U.S. in other Scandinavian writers or, among some American writers, using Scandinavian settings for their own new books.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/16/books/16noir.html?ref=arts&pagewanted=all
The Washington Post believes it all began with Peter Høeg's 1992 Smilla's Sense of Snow, and goes on to list such "extremely hot properties" as Camilla Läckberg, Henning Mankell, and Jo Nesbø.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/16/AR2010061605087.html
The Globe and Mail is publishing a series of articles on the future of the book. Here is the first: from John Barber.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/the-book-is-dead-long-live-the-book/article1608823/
Gary Geddes describes how and why his visit to Xian, China informs his writing of The Terracotta Army and the poetry collection, Swimming Ginger.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/mirror+history+shows/3185182/story.html
Susan Orlean describes the impact of meeting for lunch on the editing of one's book.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/susanorlean/2010/06/alphabet-soup.html
Twenty-five years ago, Nicholson Baker wrote a fan letter to John Updike. As he didn't include a return address, he didn't receive a response. Here's the letter.
http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2010/jun/21/letter-to-john-updike/
BOOKS & WRITERS
For almost 20 years, Robert Wiersema has been haunted by, and carried with him Oscar Hijuelos' Pulitzer Prize-winning The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love. With his new novel, Beautiful Maria of My Soul, Hijuelos returns to that story, but from a vastly different perspective: a true counterpoint.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-beautiful-maria-of-my-soul-by-oscar-hijuelos/article1606229/
Wiersema also praises Paul Harding's novel Tinkers, stating that it fully deserves the Pulitzer prize it won this year.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-beautiful-maria-of-my-soul-by-oscar-hijuelos/article1606229/
Readers young and old are always excited by the news that Lois Lowry has produced a new book. The news that her most recent, The Birthday Ball, is a result of a collaboration with Jules Feiffer, has generated more excitement still.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/books/review/Goddu-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema4
Generosity makes a difference: The Gazette reviews two new books about philanthropy.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Generosity+makes+difference/3172995/story.html
Twice longlisted for the Booker (in 2002 and 2006) Jon McGregor's new book Even the Dogs once again gives dignified treatment to working-class and lost characters.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/825835--even-the-dogs-a-novel-of-the-down-out-and-dead
Ursula K. Le Guin reviews Joseph O’Connor's Ghost Light, the tale of the doomed romance between John Synge, perhaps Ireland's most eminent playwright in the 20th century and his leading lady, Molly Allgood.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/19/ghost-light-joseph-oconnor
"The purists will be up in arms", writes James Urquhart in The Independent, "but no mind: this retelling of a theatrical tryst is engrossing stuff."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/ghost-light-by-joseph-oconnor-2004287.html
Both The Privileges by Jonathan Dee and Union Atlantic by Adam Haslett, take readers inside the heads of reckless bankers before the crash.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/20/the-privileges-union-atlantic
Telling Times: Writing and Living, 1954-2008 brings together 91 pieces of Nadine Gordimer's nonfiction written over 55 years. "This is a collection that often inspires and seldom fails to reward", says the LA Times.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-rutten-20100616,0,5370591.story
The Observer calls Seth's creation George Sprott 'a small masterpiece'.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/20/seth-george-sprott-graphic-novel
André Alexis' review points out that Lyndall Gordon's new biography Lives Like Loaded Guns: Emily Dickinson and her Family's Feuds makes it clear that Dickinson was not at all the naïve and innocent shut-in that her earliest biographers depicted.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-lives-like-loaded-guns-emily-dickinson-and-her-familys-feuds-by-lyndall-gordon/article1608904/
Our landscapes are similar to Ireland before the potato famines, argues a new book, Empires of Food: Feast, Famine and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations. Wendy Leung interviews the authors.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/eat-up-we-may-soon-witness-the-decline-and-fall-of-a-food-empire/article1609951/
Rave reviews of Robert McCrum's Globish continue to appear. Gale Zöe Garnett writes that "Globish is one of the richest, fullest and most beautiful books on the history of our common and different language...that (she's) ever read."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-globish-how-the-english-language-became-the-worlds-language-by-robert-mccrum/article1607963/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Des Kennedy and Steve Noyes with cello music by Clara Shandler. Thursday, June 24 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore, Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street. More information at www.rsquare.bookstore.ubc.ca/common/author_evt.html.
WOMBAT
Anvil Press presents the launch of Vancouver artist Rod Filbrandt's cartoon strip. Thursday, June 24 at 7:00pm, free. Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir. For more information, email info@anvilpress.com.
MORRIS BATES
Author reads from his book Morris as Elvis: Take a Chance on Life. Thursday, June 24 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
AN EVENING OF ART AND POETRY
Featuring readings by poets Dennis E. Bolen, Lisa Richter, Rob Taylor, Natasha Boskic, Warren Dean Fulton, Fran Bourassa, Robin Susanto, Steve Locke, and Ryan Fletcher, inspired by Janet Strayer's art exhibit Child Out of Time. Thursday, June 24 at 7:30pm, free. Sidney And Gertrude Zack Gallery, 950 W. 41st, Jewish Community Centre.
ISLANDS OF RESISTANCE
New Star Books presents a launch for the first anthology published about pirate radio in Canada. Friday, June 25 at 7:00pm, free. Pulpfiction Books, 2422 Main Street. For more information, visit www.islandsofresistance.ca.
MANOLIS ALIGIZAKIS
Local author and prominent Greek writer will read from his book Triptych and his other works of poetry. Saturday, June 26 at 3:30pm, free. Kitsilano Branch, VPL, 2425 Macdonald Street. For more information, phone 604.331.3603.
BOOK SALE AND OPEN HOUSE
Open house and celebration of Nancy Lee's author residency featuring new and used books for purchase and signings by local authors. Sunday, June 27 at 1:00pm. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information at www.kogawahouse.com.
EVELYN C. WHITE AND JOANNE BEALY
Authors read from their book Every Goodbye Ain't Gone: A Photo Narrative of Black Heritage on Salt Spring Island. Monday, June 28 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
WRITING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE READING SERIES
The last writer in the series, Nancy Lee will read from and sign her works. Monday, June 28 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: www.kogawahouse.com.
The TOTEM POLE
The Museum of Anthropology launches The Totem Pole: An Intercultural History, a new book by Aaron Glass and Aldona Jonaitis. Tuesday, June 29 at 7:00pm. Tickets $7. First Nations House of Learning, UBC (1985 West Mall). For more information, phone 604.822.5950 or email jenwebb@interchange.ubc.ca.
HEATHER SPEARS
Author gives a poetry reading and slide show of her drawings. Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
SHORT SCHRIFT WRITING CONTEST
Foul-tempered dismissal, snub, last-minute confession... Give short schrift to any topic. Maximum 500 words. Fiction or non-fiction, your choice. Extra points for attitude! Deadline: midnight, June 30, 2010. For full details, download the pdf, http://bit.ly/akaSl2.
WRITE ON BOWEN!
Early-bird registration is now being accepted for the 3rd annual Write on Bowen Festival for Writers and Readers. July 2-4, 2010. For the full Festival line-up and registration details, visit www.biac.ca/writersfestival.
Upcoming
SYMPOSIUM ON THE BOOK CONTEST
Think you're funny? Submit a 500-700 word essay of your best humour writing and become eligible for a variety of wonderful prizes! Deadline for entries is: Monday, July 5 at 5:00 p.m. The winner will be announced July 14. For more details, including the three agencies (pick one!) that will accept your submission, go to http://tinyurl.com/257ovhu.
UBC FARM FUNDRAISER
Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks and Brian Brett, author of Trauma Farm, host a fundraiser for UBC Farm. Brian will read from his book and answer questions on farming issues. Reception will include local wines and early bounty from UBC Farm. Wednesday, July 7 at 6:00pm. Tickets: $75 and includes a signed copy of Trauma Farm. For complete information and registration, visit www.bookstocooks.com.
BILLIE LIVINGSTON AND ANTONIA BANYARD
Robson Reading Series featuring Billie Livingston, author of short-story collection Greedy Little Eyes, and Antonia Banyard, author of novel Never Going Back. Thursday, July 8 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
OFF THE HIGHWAY
New Star Books presents a launch of author Mette Bach's new book about growing up in North Delta. Tuesday, July 13 at 7:00pm, free. The Sylvia Hotel, 1154 Gilford. For more information, visit www.newstarbooks.com.
SUNSHINE COAST FESTIVAL OF THE WRITTEN ARTS
Join Canada's longest-running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting new voices, with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens. August 12-15, 2010. Tickets are now on sale by phoning 1-800-565-9631 or 604-885-9631. Details at www.writersfestival.ca.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Book News Vol. 5 No. 25
BOOK NEWS
Virtual Festival
The third recording in our newly launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Lisa Moore reading from her novel February, the story of a fictional Newfoundland family affected by a real-life tragedy.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
A Dram Come True
This is your last chance to get in on the fun and support the Festival at the same time. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, roving musicians, a bearded lady, a fabulous silent auction, and of course scotch! Count your lucky stars tickets are still available to A Dram Come True.
Special Event
Alexander McCall Smith
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the bestselling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series who will talk about his forthcoming book, Corduroy Mansions. Complete details on our website, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/specialevents.
The Telegraph features a review of The Dog Who Came in From the Cold, the latest in The Corduroy Mansion serial, which includes a video on Alexander McCall Smith's inspirations.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/7686257/The-Dog-Who-Came-in-From-the-Cold-by-Alexander-McCall-Smith-review.html
AWARDS & LISTS
Congratulations to our Granville Island neighbour, Ron Burnett, President of Emily Carr University, who today (Thursday) will be designated a chevalier (knight) de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contribution to culture, including his prolific writing on culture.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/bc-academic-to-get-french-honours/article1588045/?cmpid=rss1
Literature professor Linda Hutcheon and Montreal choreographer Édouard Lock are the winners of this year's Canada Council of the Arts Molson Prizes, worth $50,000 each.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2010/05/27/molson-prizes.html
Howard Shrier's High Chicago won the best novel prize at the Arthur Ellis Awards, and Jean Lemieux won for best crime novel in French.
http://crimewriterscanada.com/cwcNew/pages/CCC/2010%20AE%20winners%20issue.htm
Ian McEwan has received the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Award for his most recent novel Solar.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/28/ian-mcewan-hay-prize-solar
The longlist for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2010 includes Unhooking the Moon, a tale of two children's rollercoaster journey from Winnipeg to New York.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/29/guardian-childrens-fiction-prize
The Canadian and the International shortlists for the Griffin Poetry Prizes have been announced; Paul Vermeersch reviews the list.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/theyre-off-who-will-win-the-griffins/article1584629/
This is the tenth anniversary of the Griffin. The Star tells some of the history between P.K. Page and Kate Hall, one of this year's shortlisted authors.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/816131--griffin-poetry-prize-turns-10
The shortlist for the BBC Samuel Johnson Award for Non-Fiction has been announced. Book subjects reflect an eclectic mix, ranging from teaching oneself to fish, to stories of adversity in North Korea.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/samuel-johnson-prize-shortlist-announced-1983023.html
Linden MacIntyre was the only double-winner at the CBA Libris Awards 2010. His critically acclaimed The Bishop's Man won the Fiction Book of the Year Award, and he won Author of the Year. The attached PDF includes all the other winners.
http://www.cbabook.org/files/LibrisAwards/LibrisWINNERSannouncement10%20-%20FINAL.pdf
Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Anne Michaels, and Ian Brown are among those shortlisted for the Trillium Book Award, and Daniel Poliquin for the corresponding French language Prix Trillium.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/06/01/trillium-book-nominees.html
NEWS & FEATURES
A couple of the authors on the New Yorker's "20 Under 40" list of fiction writers worth watching will be appearing at the Festival in 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/books/03under.html?ref=arts
American poet/novelist Ron Rash writes of his illiterate grandfather's gift of reading.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/a-grandfathers-gift/article1589283/
C.M. Coetzee describes writing while under Apartheid-era surveillance, in last weekend's NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/weekinreview/30cowell.html?ref=books
Ian Fleming's estate has given American author Jeffery Deaver the license to thrill with a new James Bond book.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/28/james-bond-jeffery-deaver
Jean Auel has announced that The Land of Painted Caves, the final novel in her epic prehistoric series Earth's Children, will be published in March 2011.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/28/jean-auel-earths
It is now (as of April) a century since Mark Twain's death and so, Twain's autobiography can be published. The first volume is expected in November.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/after-keeping-us-waiting-for-a-century-mark-twain-will-finally-reveal-all-1980695.html
The Montreal Gazette gives some background to Lawrence Hill's speech to the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences on learning history.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Book+Negroes+author+gives+dramatized+black+history+lesson/3075447/story.html
Poet Glyn Maxwell describes his research for writing the libretto for The Lion's Face, an opera about Alzheimer's.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/may/25/the-lions-face-glyn-maxwell
The novelist and screenwriter Dave Eggers has set up a series of enticing drop-in centres in cities across the US to promote writing and reading among children. Now a British team of writers and arts entrepreneurs is to create a version in London.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/may/30/dave-eggers-literacy-project-london
Publishing house McClelland & Stewart has launched a book in serialized podcast for the first time ever.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/06/01/fallis-podcast-book.html
Author and NY Times Editorial Board member Verlyn Klinkenborg reflects on the distinction, created by E-readers, between reading texts and reading books.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/opinion/30sun4.html
'I now think poetry has more capacity to change people than psychotherapy' says Sean Haldane, a poet and neuroscientist and a nominee for the post of professor of poetry at Oxford.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2010/may/30/sean-haldane-poet-neuroscientist
BOOKS & WRITERS
David Lipsky has published a transcription of interviews carried out in a five-day road trip with David Foster Wallace.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/books/review/Kalfust.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3&pagewanted=all
Michael Hingston in the Georgia Straight, adds: "For Wallace fans, this is essential reading".
http://straight.com/article-325589/vancouver/book-review-although-course-you-end-becoming-yourself-david-lipsky
Tom Pow, winner of Scotland's top poetry prize last year, is visiting and creating a poetic chronicle of dying villages.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/may/28/tom-pow-poetry-dying-villages
Guardian correspondent Gary Younge, raised in Britain by a single mum from Barbados and who now lives in the US, has written Who Are We And Should It Matter in the 21st Century?, a fascinating book about identity.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/29/gary-younge-who-are-we
In its review of Darwin's Bastards, the LA Times says "the quality of writing across the collection is wonderfully high."
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-zsuzsi-gartner-20100523,0,5505157.story
James Macgowan describes Sebastian Junger's memoir War, based on his experience as an embedded reporter gathering material for two Vanity Fair articles and a documentary film, as "arguably his best work to date".
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/815813--sebastian-junger-s-war-in-the-valley-of-death
Antanas Sileika writes that Junger is "particularly good at taking us into their (combat soldiers’) heads".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-war-by-sebastian-junger/article1584470/
The Times (UK) review includes a startling portrayal of an initiation rite.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/non-fiction/article7138175.ece
An excerpt from the book can be found here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/for-a-long-time-i-hated-god/article1584592/
The Globe and Mail includes a variety of pieces that together reflect the genius that was Paul Quarrington. John Barber profiles Quarrington and calls his final year, "his best work".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/paul-quarrington-his-final-year-was-his-greatest-work/article1584668/?cmpid=rss1
In his review of Quarrington's memoir, Cigar Box Banjo. Mark Kingwell describes him as a "genius at living".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-cigar-box-banjo-notes-on-music-and-life-by-paul-quarrington/article1584522/
An excerpt from the book can be found here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/bittersweet-notes-on-music-and-life/article1584674/
One of three songs on a CD included with Quarrington's memoir can be heard here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/a-final-song/article1584596/
Santiago Roncagliolo's Red April returns to the aftermath of the guerrilla war and counter-insurgency of the 1980s and 90s that Mario Vargas Llosa's describes in Death in the Andes. The Guardian review says that Roncaglioio, like Vargas Llosa, uses the crime thriller genre to riveting effect.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/29/red-april-santiago-roncagliolo-review
The New Yorker reviews Robert McCrum's book Globish. If the whole world speaks English, will it still be English?
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2010/05/31/100531crbo_books_chotiner
John Allemang interviews McCrum on the subject of language, rather than a country or a corporation, as the dominant power.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/world-power-the-english-language/article1585106/
Marina Nemat recommends Vancouver author Yadi Sharifirad's The Flight of the Patriot to anyone who wants to learn more about Iran.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-flight-of-the-patriot-by-yadi-sharifirad/article1587935/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MICHELE GENEST
Join author for a cooking demonstration and book signing from her new cookbook The Boreal Gourmet: Adventures in Northern Cooking. Thursday, June 3 at 6:00pm. Tickets $45 and include a copy of the cookbook. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. For more information, phone 604.688.6755.
THE NIGHTS ALSO
Author Anna Swanson launches her new book of poetry. Thursday, June 3 at 7:00pm. Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street.
IT'S ADVENTURE
Rene Cormier, a motorcycle and a goal: to go around the world with no idea of what to expect. Join Rene for a slideshow and readings from his book of the experience, The University of Gravel Roads. Saturday, June 5 at 3:00pm, free. Joe Fortes Branch of the VPL, West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street. For more information please contact Joe Fortes Branch at 604-665-3972.
SUSAN JUBY
Author reads from her memoir, Nice Recovery. Monday, June 7 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
BOOK TALKS
A monthly book club presented by Pandora's Collective and the VPL will be discussing Jose Saramago's "The Cave". Wednesday, June 9 at 6:30pm. Britannia Library, 1661 Napier. For more information or to register contact: booktalks@yahoo.ca.
CHARLES DEMERS
Writer and performer Charles Demers examines the who, what, where, when, why, and how of Vancouver in his new book Vancouver Special. Wednesday, June 9 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Andrew Binks and Sarah Roberts. Thursday, June 10 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore, Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street. More information at http://www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca/.
WE, OUR STORIES
The 18th annual Vancouver International Storytelling Festival features local and international artists & storytellers RC Weslowski, Allison Cox, Little Woo, Wang Su Ma, Jacques Lalonde, Kwii ge ii wans (Roberta Kennedy), Erin Graham, Mary Gavan, Zamir Dhanji, Chris Murdoch and others. June 11-13, 2010. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street. For complete details, visit http://www.vancouverstorytelling.org/.
THE LIFE AND ART OF GEORGE FERTIG
Opening and book launch of the George Fertig Retrospective. Saturday, June 12 at 1:00pm. Burnaby Art Gallery, 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
NEIL PASRICHA
Reading and book signing by the author of The Book of Awesome. Saturday, June 12 at 2:00pm. Chapters Robson and Howe, 788 Robson Street. More information at 604.682.4066.
JACQUELINE CAREY
New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey reads from Namah's Curse, book two of her lushly imagined Namah trilogy featuring daughter of Alba, Moirin. Monday, June 14 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
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 fourth writer in the series, Karen Connelly will read from and sign her works. Monday, June 14 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: http://www.kogawahouse.com/.
Upcoming
MOLLY WIZENBERG
Book signing by the author of A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table. Wednesday, June 16 at 3:30pm. Barbara Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at http://www.bookstocooks.com/.
RHEA TREGEBOV
Reading by the author of The Knife Sharpener's Bell. Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30pm, free. VPL, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
MATT ROSS
Author reads from his book Short Straws. Sunday, June 20 at 3:30pm, free. Joe Fortes Branch, VPL, 870 Denman Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
WORLD POETRY
First Nations celebration including a tribute to Vera Manuel, a Secwepemc-Ktunaxa playwright, poet, storyteller and healer. Monday, June 21 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
RANDALL HANSEN
Author presents his Governor General's award-nominated book, Fire and Fury: the Allied Bombing of Germany. Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Des Kennedy and Steve Noyes. Thursday, June 24 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore, Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street. More information at http://www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca/.
MORRIS BATES
Author reads from his book Morris as Elvis: Take a Chance on Life. Thursday, June 24 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
EVELYN C. WHITE AND JOANNE BEALY
Authors read from their book Every Goodbye Ain't Gone: A Photo Narrative of Black Heritage on Salt Spring Island. Monday, June 28 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.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 last writer in the series, Nancy Lee will read from and sign her works. Monday, June 28 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: http://www.kogawahouse.com/.
HEATHER SPEARS
Author gives a poetry reading and slide show of her drawings. Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
WRITE ON BOWEN!
Early-bird registration is now being accepted for the 3rd annual Write on Bowen Festival for Writers and Readers. July 2-4, 2010. For the full Festival line-up and registration details, visit www.biac.ca/writersfestival.
Virtual Festival
The third recording in our newly launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Lisa Moore reading from her novel February, the story of a fictional Newfoundland family affected by a real-life tragedy.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
A Dram Come True
This is your last chance to get in on the fun and support the Festival at the same time. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, roving musicians, a bearded lady, a fabulous silent auction, and of course scotch! Count your lucky stars tickets are still available to A Dram Come True.
Special Event
Alexander McCall Smith
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the bestselling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series who will talk about his forthcoming book, Corduroy Mansions. Complete details on our website, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/specialevents.
The Telegraph features a review of The Dog Who Came in From the Cold, the latest in The Corduroy Mansion serial, which includes a video on Alexander McCall Smith's inspirations.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/7686257/The-Dog-Who-Came-in-From-the-Cold-by-Alexander-McCall-Smith-review.html
AWARDS & LISTS
Congratulations to our Granville Island neighbour, Ron Burnett, President of Emily Carr University, who today (Thursday) will be designated a chevalier (knight) de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contribution to culture, including his prolific writing on culture.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/bc-academic-to-get-french-honours/article1588045/?cmpid=rss1
Literature professor Linda Hutcheon and Montreal choreographer Édouard Lock are the winners of this year's Canada Council of the Arts Molson Prizes, worth $50,000 each.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2010/05/27/molson-prizes.html
Howard Shrier's High Chicago won the best novel prize at the Arthur Ellis Awards, and Jean Lemieux won for best crime novel in French.
http://crimewriterscanada.com/cwcNew/pages/CCC/2010%20AE%20winners%20issue.htm
Ian McEwan has received the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Award for his most recent novel Solar.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/28/ian-mcewan-hay-prize-solar
The longlist for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2010 includes Unhooking the Moon, a tale of two children's rollercoaster journey from Winnipeg to New York.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/29/guardian-childrens-fiction-prize
The Canadian and the International shortlists for the Griffin Poetry Prizes have been announced; Paul Vermeersch reviews the list.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/theyre-off-who-will-win-the-griffins/article1584629/
This is the tenth anniversary of the Griffin. The Star tells some of the history between P.K. Page and Kate Hall, one of this year's shortlisted authors.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/816131--griffin-poetry-prize-turns-10
The shortlist for the BBC Samuel Johnson Award for Non-Fiction has been announced. Book subjects reflect an eclectic mix, ranging from teaching oneself to fish, to stories of adversity in North Korea.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/samuel-johnson-prize-shortlist-announced-1983023.html
Linden MacIntyre was the only double-winner at the CBA Libris Awards 2010. His critically acclaimed The Bishop's Man won the Fiction Book of the Year Award, and he won Author of the Year. The attached PDF includes all the other winners.
http://www.cbabook.org/files/LibrisAwards/LibrisWINNERSannouncement10%20-%20FINAL.pdf
Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Anne Michaels, and Ian Brown are among those shortlisted for the Trillium Book Award, and Daniel Poliquin for the corresponding French language Prix Trillium.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/06/01/trillium-book-nominees.html
NEWS & FEATURES
A couple of the authors on the New Yorker's "20 Under 40" list of fiction writers worth watching will be appearing at the Festival in 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/books/03under.html?ref=arts
American poet/novelist Ron Rash writes of his illiterate grandfather's gift of reading.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/a-grandfathers-gift/article1589283/
C.M. Coetzee describes writing while under Apartheid-era surveillance, in last weekend's NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/weekinreview/30cowell.html?ref=books
Ian Fleming's estate has given American author Jeffery Deaver the license to thrill with a new James Bond book.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/28/james-bond-jeffery-deaver
Jean Auel has announced that The Land of Painted Caves, the final novel in her epic prehistoric series Earth's Children, will be published in March 2011.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/28/jean-auel-earths
It is now (as of April) a century since Mark Twain's death and so, Twain's autobiography can be published. The first volume is expected in November.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/after-keeping-us-waiting-for-a-century-mark-twain-will-finally-reveal-all-1980695.html
The Montreal Gazette gives some background to Lawrence Hill's speech to the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences on learning history.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Book+Negroes+author+gives+dramatized+black+history+lesson/3075447/story.html
Poet Glyn Maxwell describes his research for writing the libretto for The Lion's Face, an opera about Alzheimer's.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/may/25/the-lions-face-glyn-maxwell
The novelist and screenwriter Dave Eggers has set up a series of enticing drop-in centres in cities across the US to promote writing and reading among children. Now a British team of writers and arts entrepreneurs is to create a version in London.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/may/30/dave-eggers-literacy-project-london
Publishing house McClelland & Stewart has launched a book in serialized podcast for the first time ever.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/06/01/fallis-podcast-book.html
Author and NY Times Editorial Board member Verlyn Klinkenborg reflects on the distinction, created by E-readers, between reading texts and reading books.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/opinion/30sun4.html
'I now think poetry has more capacity to change people than psychotherapy' says Sean Haldane, a poet and neuroscientist and a nominee for the post of professor of poetry at Oxford.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2010/may/30/sean-haldane-poet-neuroscientist
BOOKS & WRITERS
David Lipsky has published a transcription of interviews carried out in a five-day road trip with David Foster Wallace.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/books/review/Kalfust.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3&pagewanted=all
Michael Hingston in the Georgia Straight, adds: "For Wallace fans, this is essential reading".
http://straight.com/article-325589/vancouver/book-review-although-course-you-end-becoming-yourself-david-lipsky
Tom Pow, winner of Scotland's top poetry prize last year, is visiting and creating a poetic chronicle of dying villages.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/may/28/tom-pow-poetry-dying-villages
Guardian correspondent Gary Younge, raised in Britain by a single mum from Barbados and who now lives in the US, has written Who Are We And Should It Matter in the 21st Century?, a fascinating book about identity.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/29/gary-younge-who-are-we
In its review of Darwin's Bastards, the LA Times says "the quality of writing across the collection is wonderfully high."
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-zsuzsi-gartner-20100523,0,5505157.story
James Macgowan describes Sebastian Junger's memoir War, based on his experience as an embedded reporter gathering material for two Vanity Fair articles and a documentary film, as "arguably his best work to date".
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/815813--sebastian-junger-s-war-in-the-valley-of-death
Antanas Sileika writes that Junger is "particularly good at taking us into their (combat soldiers’) heads".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-war-by-sebastian-junger/article1584470/
The Times (UK) review includes a startling portrayal of an initiation rite.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/non-fiction/article7138175.ece
An excerpt from the book can be found here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/for-a-long-time-i-hated-god/article1584592/
The Globe and Mail includes a variety of pieces that together reflect the genius that was Paul Quarrington. John Barber profiles Quarrington and calls his final year, "his best work".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/paul-quarrington-his-final-year-was-his-greatest-work/article1584668/?cmpid=rss1
In his review of Quarrington's memoir, Cigar Box Banjo. Mark Kingwell describes him as a "genius at living".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-cigar-box-banjo-notes-on-music-and-life-by-paul-quarrington/article1584522/
An excerpt from the book can be found here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/bittersweet-notes-on-music-and-life/article1584674/
One of three songs on a CD included with Quarrington's memoir can be heard here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/a-final-song/article1584596/
Santiago Roncagliolo's Red April returns to the aftermath of the guerrilla war and counter-insurgency of the 1980s and 90s that Mario Vargas Llosa's describes in Death in the Andes. The Guardian review says that Roncaglioio, like Vargas Llosa, uses the crime thriller genre to riveting effect.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/29/red-april-santiago-roncagliolo-review
The New Yorker reviews Robert McCrum's book Globish. If the whole world speaks English, will it still be English?
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2010/05/31/100531crbo_books_chotiner
John Allemang interviews McCrum on the subject of language, rather than a country or a corporation, as the dominant power.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/world-power-the-english-language/article1585106/
Marina Nemat recommends Vancouver author Yadi Sharifirad's The Flight of the Patriot to anyone who wants to learn more about Iran.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-flight-of-the-patriot-by-yadi-sharifirad/article1587935/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MICHELE GENEST
Join author for a cooking demonstration and book signing from her new cookbook The Boreal Gourmet: Adventures in Northern Cooking. Thursday, June 3 at 6:00pm. Tickets $45 and include a copy of the cookbook. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. For more information, phone 604.688.6755.
THE NIGHTS ALSO
Author Anna Swanson launches her new book of poetry. Thursday, June 3 at 7:00pm. Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street.
IT'S ADVENTURE
Rene Cormier, a motorcycle and a goal: to go around the world with no idea of what to expect. Join Rene for a slideshow and readings from his book of the experience, The University of Gravel Roads. Saturday, June 5 at 3:00pm, free. Joe Fortes Branch of the VPL, West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street. For more information please contact Joe Fortes Branch at 604-665-3972.
SUSAN JUBY
Author reads from her memoir, Nice Recovery. Monday, June 7 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
BOOK TALKS
A monthly book club presented by Pandora's Collective and the VPL will be discussing Jose Saramago's "The Cave". Wednesday, June 9 at 6:30pm. Britannia Library, 1661 Napier. For more information or to register contact: booktalks@yahoo.ca.
CHARLES DEMERS
Writer and performer Charles Demers examines the who, what, where, when, why, and how of Vancouver in his new book Vancouver Special. Wednesday, June 9 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Andrew Binks and Sarah Roberts. Thursday, June 10 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore, Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street. More information at http://www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca/.
WE, OUR STORIES
The 18th annual Vancouver International Storytelling Festival features local and international artists & storytellers RC Weslowski, Allison Cox, Little Woo, Wang Su Ma, Jacques Lalonde, Kwii ge ii wans (Roberta Kennedy), Erin Graham, Mary Gavan, Zamir Dhanji, Chris Murdoch and others. June 11-13, 2010. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street. For complete details, visit http://www.vancouverstorytelling.org/.
THE LIFE AND ART OF GEORGE FERTIG
Opening and book launch of the George Fertig Retrospective. Saturday, June 12 at 1:00pm. Burnaby Art Gallery, 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
NEIL PASRICHA
Reading and book signing by the author of The Book of Awesome. Saturday, June 12 at 2:00pm. Chapters Robson and Howe, 788 Robson Street. More information at 604.682.4066.
JACQUELINE CAREY
New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey reads from Namah's Curse, book two of her lushly imagined Namah trilogy featuring daughter of Alba, Moirin. Monday, June 14 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
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 fourth writer in the series, Karen Connelly will read from and sign her works. Monday, June 14 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: http://www.kogawahouse.com/.
Upcoming
MOLLY WIZENBERG
Book signing by the author of A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table. Wednesday, June 16 at 3:30pm. Barbara Jo's Books to Cooks, 1740 2nd Ave. W. More information at http://www.bookstocooks.com/.
RHEA TREGEBOV
Reading by the author of The Knife Sharpener's Bell. Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30pm, free. VPL, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
MATT ROSS
Author reads from his book Short Straws. Sunday, June 20 at 3:30pm, free. Joe Fortes Branch, VPL, 870 Denman Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
WORLD POETRY
First Nations celebration including a tribute to Vera Manuel, a Secwepemc-Ktunaxa playwright, poet, storyteller and healer. Monday, June 21 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
RANDALL HANSEN
Author presents his Governor General's award-nominated book, Fire and Fury: the Allied Bombing of Germany. Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Des Kennedy and Steve Noyes. Thursday, June 24 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore, Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street. More information at http://www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca/.
MORRIS BATES
Author reads from his book Morris as Elvis: Take a Chance on Life. Thursday, June 24 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
EVELYN C. WHITE AND JOANNE BEALY
Authors read from their book Every Goodbye Ain't Gone: A Photo Narrative of Black Heritage on Salt Spring Island. Monday, June 28 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.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 last writer in the series, Nancy Lee will read from and sign her works. Monday, June 28 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: http://www.kogawahouse.com/.
HEATHER SPEARS
Author gives a poetry reading and slide show of her drawings. Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at http://www.vpl.ca/.
WRITE ON BOWEN!
Early-bird registration is now being accepted for the 3rd annual Write on Bowen Festival for Writers and Readers. July 2-4, 2010. For the full Festival line-up and registration details, visit www.biac.ca/writersfestival.
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