Book News Vol. 6 No. 15

BOOK NEWS

Incite @ VPL

The next installment of Incite (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite) will feature Joyce Carol Oates and Johanna Skibsrud.

7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 20
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/inciteapril20
Admission is free
Alice MacKay room, Central Library

Let us know you're coming by registering here, http://incitevpl.eventbrite.com. Please note that registration is so that we know how many people to expect. Admission on the night is always on a first-come-first-served basis.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Simon Winchester - April 18, 2011
The bestselling author of Krakatoa, returns to the natural world with his epic new book, a "biography" of the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/winchester.

Elizabeth Hay & Miriam Toews - May 5, 2011
Two of Canada's most acclaimed and beloved writers will discuss their new books, Alone in the Classroom and Irma Voth. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/haytoews.

A Dram Come True - May 13, 2011
Presenting the ninth annual single malt scotch whisky sampling. Join us for an evening of scotch whisky sampling and enjoy a variety of rare and distinguished single malts. "The light music of whiskey falling into a glass - an agreeable interlude." - James Joyce
Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/dramcometrue

AWARDS & LISTS

Canadian author Michael Crummey's historical novel Galore has been shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin award, the world's richest literary prize for a single work of fiction. Galore is among 10 books shortlisted for the prize.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/canadian-author-michael-crummey-shortlisted-for-lucrative-impac-award/article1981797/

Canadian writers Emma Donoghue and Kathleen Winter are among the six authors shortlisted for Britain's Orange Prize for fiction by women.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/three-debuts-make-the-orange-prize-shortlist-2266873.html

Orange prize 2011 shortlist in pictures, along with reviews.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/gallery/2011/apr/12/orange-prize-shortlist-pictures?CMP=EMCGT_130411&

Nobel prize winner Orhan Pamuk's and Norweigian author Per Petterson head a star-studded list of global authors shortlisted for the 2011 Independent foreign fiction prize.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/11/independent-foreign-fiction-prize-shortlist-pamuk

CBC's online books portal is launching a new version of Canada Reads devoted to collections of poetry. Panelists will defend their selections online and in essays published in the National Post over the next three weeks.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/books/story/2011/04/08/canada-reads-poetry.html

NEWS & FEATURES

First-time novelists make up half the shortlist for the 2011 Orange prize for fiction, indicating "the rude health of women's writing", according to this year's chair of judges Bettany Hughes.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/12/orange-prize-shortlist

Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World are two of the most challenged books in the U.S., according to the American Library Association.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/12/brave-new-world-challenged-books

The Tyee includes Geoff D’Auria’s interview of Timothy Taylor on The Blue Light Project, the languages of street art, celebrity, and religion—accompanied by a photo essay.
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2011/04/08/BlueLightProject/

The Bodleian Library and the German Literary Archive at Marbach have agreed jointly to purchase a collection of more than 100 letters and postcards from Franz Kafka to his sister. New archival material about Kafka is a rarity.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/apr/07/kafka-bodleian-library-german-literary-archive-ottla

David Orr, the poetry critic for The New York Times, asks: why should we read poetry? He provides his own answer.
http://www.npr.org/2011/04/09/135217933/a-poetry-critic-asks-why-bother?ft=1&f=1008

What’s wrong with popularizing poetry? asks Sam Leith. Garrison Keillor—radio host and laureate of small-town wholesomeness—is publishing 77 Love Sonnets, a book of poetry. The modernist poet August Kleinzahler is enraged.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/10/sam-leith-garrison-keillor-august-kleinzahler?CMP=EMCGT_110411&

A dozen students from as many Ontario high schools matched their skills at poetry recitation at the first Poetry in Voice competition this week. This project was launched by Griffin Poetry Trust benefactor Scott Griffin.
http://www.thestar.com/news/books/article/970532--poetry-in-voice-well-versed-students-set-for-finals

Writer and critic of Islam Ayaan Hirsi Ali tells Andrew Anthony how she's learned to embrace nomadism.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/10/ayaan-hirsi-ali-nomad-memoir

An avid Dr Seuss fan has discovered lost stories from the 1950's.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/apr/07/lost-dr-seuss-stories-published

Billy Collins, former U.S. poet laureate, who has sold more than one million books of poetry, says radio has been instrumental in building his audience.
http://www.npr.org/2011/04/06/135181560/collins-values-accessible-poetry-not-pretension?ft=1&f=1008

Withdrawing Arts Council England support for the Poetry Book Society is like tearing down a beautiful, slightly quirky, multi-purpose hotel, in which the glitzy ballroom (TS Eliot prize) is more visible than the kitchens (book club), writes Peter Porter.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/apr/05/poetry-book-society-poets

A small press loses money on every book that Amazon sells.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/apr/07/amazon-profits-small-publisher-losses

Charlie Cooper reports that dystopian fiction is swiftly taking over; vampires and werewolves are being cast aside and replaced with post-apocalyptic societies and climate catastrophe.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/doomed-the-new-teen-book-genre-2265785.html

Tim Adams interviews the artist Karen Green, widow of David Foster Wallace, about the struggle to deal with her loss and her decision to publish Wallace’s unfinished work, The Pale King.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/10/karen-green-david-foster-wallace-interview

Readers of Book News will have noticed that the Guardian is a regular source of book reviews and news. As from today, the guardian.co.uk/books is radically expanded, with a lot more room for readers to join the conversation.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/apr/13/guardian-books

Author T.J. Waters muses on signing e-readers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/fashion/14NOTICED.html?_r=2&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha26

BOOKS & WRITERS

Recently imprisoned Chinese artist, architect and activist Ai Weiwei posted to his blog every day for four years.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/apr/09/ai-weiwei-writings-interviews-review

Irma Voth reflects Miriam Toews’ increasing range and maturity, says Elaine Kalman Naves.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Review+Increasing+range+maturity+shown+Miriam+Toews+Irma+Voth/4575673/story.html

Stephen Finucan adds: "There is something quite mesmerizing about Toews’ prose. It’s to do with the rhythm of her language."
http://www.thestar.com/news/books/article/971751--irma-voth-by-miriam-toews

While three of Michael Crummey’s books have been published in the United States to critical praise, Galore—with its unforgettable place of the imagination—will win him a permanent place in American readers’ hearts, writes Kevin O’Kelly.
http://articles.boston.com/2011-03-30/ae/29362718_1_dead-fish-family-feuds-fishing-season

"How are we going to survive unless we turn our hearts to stone?" This question, posed in Antanas Sileika’s Underground, characterizes this compelling chronicle of Lithuanian partisans’ struggle against Soviet occupation, writes Donna Bailey Nurse.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/underground-by-antanas-sileika/article1976566/

Philip Hensher reviews Melvyn Bragg’s account of King James version of the Bible on its 400th anniversary considering it as a book, rather patchy in quality: some of it wonderfully entertaining.
http://www.spectator.co.uk/books/6845543/great-among-the-nations.thtml

Editor Michael Pietsch explains how he pieced together the manuscript of David Foster Wallace's novel The Pale King.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/08/david-foster-wallace-pale-king

An extract from Chapter 22 of David Foster Wallace's posthumous novel is here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/09/pale-king-david-foster-wallace-extract

Jeff Turrentine finds The Pale King affecting, even if unfinished.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/david-foster-wallaces-pale-king-plot-takes-back-seat-to-mood-and-ideas/2011/04/07/AFs46sxC_story.html

In The Pursuit of Italy, David Gilmour claims that only two Italians between ancient times and the 19th century entertained the idea that Italy was, might, or ought to be a unified country.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-pursuit-of-italy-by-david-gilmour-2264682.html

Having served as poet-in-residence at the 2010 Olympic Games, Priscilla Uppal revisits many of the Games’ highlights in Winter Sport. In Goran Simic’s Sunrise in the Eyes of the Snowman, winter is more of an occasional metaphorical presence.
http://www.thestar.com/news/books/article/971754--poetry-priscila-uppal-and-goran-simic

Everyone in the whole world is 48. That's what it can feel like, after reading the tightly themed stories of mid-life angst in Roddy Doyle’s Bullfighting, says Gerard Woodward.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/09/bullfighting-roddy-doyle-short-stories-review

Margaret Macmillan says of Jonathan Steinberg's Bismarck: A Life, "Steinberg has done an excellent job of explaining the man himself and his long and momentous career."
http://www.spectator.co.uk/books/6808128/iron-in-the-blood-.thtml

"Maybe there is no such thing as a lucky break", remarks Nell Gilby, star of Esther Freud's novel, featuring a cohort of students making it – or not – through a pretentious drama school and a decade of acting life.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/lucky-break-by-esther-freud-2264672.html

Notwithstanding, Louis de Bernières' new collection of short stories, is a celebration of English eccentricity. But even in Notwithstanding, the past is not what it’s cracked up to be, writes Susan Mansfield.
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/bookreviews/Book-review-Notwithstanding.5720948.jp

Nicholas Lezard laughed out loud as he read Justin Halpern’s Sh*t My Dad Says.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/09/dad-says-justin-halpern-review

As she wrote Lyrics Alley, longlisted for the Orange prize, Leila Aboulela could not have known that the era in which she set her novel would resonate so strongly with early 2011.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/09/leila-aboulela-lyrics-alley-review

There are few Southern African-based books that do what you'd least expect of them, writes Jason Wallace. This, though, is what Lauren Liebenberg has accomplished with The West Rand Jive Cats Boxing Club.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/09/west-rand-jive-cats-liebenberg-review

November is an unusual title to launch in spring but there is every reason to cheer. It’s Sean O'Brien's first collection since The Drowned Book, which won the Forward and TS Eliot prizes, and it’s masterly, writes Kate Kellaway.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/10/sean-obrien-november-poetry-review

The Finkler Question earned Howard Jacobson his first Man Booker Prize at the age of 68. The enthusiastic response to the novel has left Jacobson with no time to return to his unfinished manuscript—about literary failure.
http://www.thestar.com/news/books/article/968031--howard-jacobson-the-vindication-of-a-booker-prize

Randy Boyagoda writes that our reading Montecore, by award-winning Tunisian-Swedish writer Jonas Hassen Khemiri will be enjoyable and offer insight about an important dimension of the signal geopolitical event of the present moment.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/montecore-by-jonas-hassen-khemiri/article1977616/

Glen Downey says that Christian Cameron’s King of the Bosporus gives readers everything they could hope for in a work of historical fiction: exemplary pacing, non-stop action and that most elusive of all traits, verisimilitude.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/tyrant-king-of-the-bosporus-by-christian-cameron/article1971967/

Double Agents Unmasked by Peter-Ferdinand Koch, released on the 50th anniversary of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, describes how the post-war intelligence services were riddled with former SS men implicated in the Holocaust.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/nazi-who-arrested-anne-frank-became-a-spy-for-west-germany-2266077.html

In his new book, The Good Book: A Secular Bible, A.C. Grayling sets out his manifesto for rational thought, believing, says Decca Aitkenhead, that all of us are capable of understanding philosophy.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/03/grayling-good-book-atheism-philosophy

Marsha Lederman of the Globe and Mail interviews Olympic poet Shane Koyczan.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/shane-koyczan-from-bullied-boy-to-olympic-poet/article1983787/

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ANOTHER HOME INVASION
A one-woman performance of local playwright Joan MacLeod's story of confronting life's challenges with humour and dignity. Now until April 23. New Revue Stage, 1601 Johnston Street. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://ow.ly/4rwr4.

NORTH SHORE WRITERS FESTIVAL
The 12th annual festival features author presentations from John Furlong, Grant Lawrence, Ryan Knighton, Timothy Taylor, Caroline Adderson, Dianne Warren and Meeru Dhalwala. April 11 to 16. North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver District Public Library, and West Vancouver Memorial Library. For complete information, visit http://www.northshorewritersfestival.ca.

POETRY AROUND THE WORLD
Celebrate National Poetry Month with an evening of poetry and spoken-word readings featuring Bonnie Nish, Daniela Elza, Ashok Bhargava, Franci Louann and Warren Dean Fulton. Thursday, April 14 at 6:30pm, free. Renfrew Public Library, 2969 22nd Ave. E.. More information at 604-441-0169.

JUSTIN LUKYN
Reading by the author of Henry Pepper. Friday, April 15 at 8:00pm, free. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive. More information at http://www.newstarbooks.com/news.php?news_id=40111.

LIT FEST NEW WEST
Spoken word performances and slam poetry for all ages. Features C.R. Avery. Friday, April 15 at 8:30pm. The Back Room of the Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster.

NON-FICTION WRITING CONTEST
EVENT is both a literary journal showcasing fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction and a sponsor of an annual non-fiction contest. The deadline for submissions to the 2011 EVENT Non-Fiction Contest is April 15, 2011. Three winners will each receive $500 (plus publication payment). Publication in EVENT 40/3 (December 2011). Submission details here: http://event.douglas.bc.ca.

ANNE PERDUE
Author reads from her short story collection I'm a Registered Nurse Not a Whore. Saturday, April 16 at 6:00pm, free. Ardea Books & Art, 2025 4th Ave. W. More information at 604-734-2025.

VALERIE PARKS
Author launches her second book of poetry, Pathways. Sunday, April 17 at 2:30pm. Renaissance Books, 43 Sixth Street, New Westminster.

BETSY WARLAND
Author reads from her book Breathing the Page, discusses writing ideas, and answers audience questions. Sunday, April 17 at 4:00pm, free. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive. More information at www.peoplescoopbookstore.com.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL
The inaugural Vancouver International Poetry Festival will harness the diversity of spoken word in Canada and beyond to present a world-class spoken word festival that showcases the best that Canada has to offer, as well as exploring and expanding the boundaries of contemporary spoken word. April 18-23, 2011. For complete details, visit http://vancouverpoetryfestival.com.

ANNABEL LYON
The North Shore Writers Association presents the author of The Golden Mean who will discuss her writing experiences. Monday, April 18 at 7:00pm. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Capilano Public Library, North Vancouver. More information at http://www.nswriters.bc.ca/node/95.

CASSANDRA CLARE AND HOLLY BLACK
Meet the authors of The City of Fallen Angels and Red Glove for a book reading and signing. Monday, April 18 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway. More information at 604-431-0463.

PEN-IN-HAND
Poetry and prose reading featuring Walk Myself Home: An Anthology to End Violence Against Women, with Janet Marie Rogers, Arleen Paré, Rhonda Ganz and other contributors to the book. Monday, April 18 at 7:30pm. Cost: $3. Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria.

THE HULLABALOO LAST CHANCE YOUTH POETRY SLAM
The Last Chance Slam is open to all students who attend a senior high school in BC and that school is NOT already participating in Hullabaloo. Wednesday, April 20; doors and registration at 5pm. Cost: $5/$3, no one turned away for lack of funds. The Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. More information at 604-215-9230 or rcarcee@yahoo.ca.

BC BOOK PRIZES GALA
The 27th annual Lieutenant Governor's BC Book Prize Gala hosted by Canada's award-winning comedy duo Bob Robertson and Linda Cullen. Thursday, April 21 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $55; purchase deadline is April 15. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver. For complete details and to order tickets, visit www.bcbookprizes.ca.

SCIENCE FICTION BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Read and discuss Paolo Bacigalupi's biopunk novel The Windup Girl. Thursday, April 21 at 7:00pm, free. The Grind & Gallery, 4124 Main Street. More information at darthbuddy2000@yahoo.ca.

FREEHAND BOOKS LAUNCH
Launch of new titles from Kristen den Hartog, Michael Murphy, and Ian Williams. Thursday, April 21 at 7:00pm, free. Ardea Books & Art, 2025 4th Ave. W. More information at 604-734-2025.

125 POETRY READINGS IN ONE DAY
To combat the image of poets as sedentary word-hermits, Ray Hsu, Kim Fu, Kevin Spenst and Andrea Bennett are going to jog through 125 different readings venues in one day. Thursday, April 21 at 7:00pm, free. Meeting room, level 3, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Readings by Jacob McArthur Mooney, Susan Musgrave and Matt Rader. Thursday, April 21 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library/Bookstore at Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson St. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.

AN EVENING WITH LEE HENDERSON
Join the author for a discussion about his novel The Man Game. Thursday, April 21 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $20, call 604-733-1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com to register. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.

Upcoming

TISH COHEN
Bestselling author reads from her new novel The Truth About Delilah Blue. Tuesday, April 26 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kay rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.

ZSUZSI GARTNER
Author launches her new book Better Living Through Plastic Explosives. Books will be available for sale: a limited edition dust jacket design by Marianna Gartner will be included with all book purchases. Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00pm, free. W2 Storyeum, 151 W. Cordova.

AN EVENING WITH THE ARTHURS
Crime Writers of Canada announce the short lists for the Arthur Ellis Award for Canadian Crime Writing, including Best Novel and Best First Novel. Thursday, April 28 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information please contact VPL - Popular Reading Library at 604-331-3691.

2011 DTES WRITERS' JAMBOREE
Writers' event features mini-manuscript consultations, roundtable discussions, professional skills workshops, and guest author readings by Brian Payton, Evelyn Lau, and Gregory Scofield. Friday, April 29. From 10am to 830pm. Free admission. Carnegie Community Centre, 401 Main Street. More information at www.thewritersstudio.ca.

PLAY CHTHONICS READING SERIES
Readings by Lee Maracle and Wayde Compton. Friday, April 29 at 7:00pm, free. Rhizome Cafe, 317 East Broadway. More information at playchtonics.blogspot.com.