Book News Vol. 6 No. 44

BOOK NEWS

Incite - Complete details here: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
Incite, our free reading series is back! Join us Wednesdays at 7:30pm in the Alice MacKay Room at VPL Central Library.

November 23: Ray Robertson, Cathy Stonehouse, and Rebecca Rosenblum; http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incitenovember23
December 7: Heather Jessup and JJ Lee; http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incitedecember7

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wade Davis - 7:30pm, November 10, 2011
An evening with scientist, anthropologist and bestselling author Wade Davis discussing his latest book Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest. Tickets available at the door! Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/wadedavis.

Chuck Palahniuk - 7pm, November 30, 2011
The bestselling author of Fight Club, Choke and Snuff reads from his latest novel, Damned. Details: http://www.writerfest.bc.ca/events/palahniuk

AWARDS & LISTS

Calgary-born novelist Esi Edugyan has won the 2011 Scotiabank Giller Prize, worth $50,000.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/the-giller-prize/author-esi-edugyan-takes-home-the-giller-prize/article2230146/

Patrick deWitt's The Sisters Brothers has won the $25,000 Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Other Writers' Trust//McClelland & Stewart awards include: Miranda Hill, the Journey Prize for a Canadian short story; Wayne Johnston, the $25,000 Writers' Trust Engel/Findley Award for a writer in mid-career; David Adams Richards, the $20,000 Matt Cohen Award for a lifetime of distinguished work by a Canadian writer; and Iain Lawrence, the $20,000 Vicky Metcalf Award for a body of work in children's literature.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/11/01/writers-trust-book-prizes.html

Belfast writer Lucy Caldwell has won the £30,000 University of Wales Dylan Thomas Prize 2011 for her second novel, The Meeting Point. The prize is awarded annually to a young writer of a novel, play, poetry or travel book. Nova Scotia-born, Toronto-based poet Jacob McArthur Mooney,who recently received the Banff Centre Bliss Carman Poetry Award, was one of the writers shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas prize.
http://www.dylanthomasprize.com/news/documents/LucyCaldwellWINNERrelease.pdf

Canadian author David Rakoff has won The 2011 Thurber Prize for American Humor for his third collection of essays, Half Empty.
http://www.thurberhouse.org/2011-thurber-prize-for-american-humor.html

Novelist and high school biology teacher Alexis Jenni has won France's Prix Goncourt for his debut novel, L'Art français de la guerre (The French Art of War). The cash award with the Prix Goncourt is a mere €10 ($14 Cdn.), but the prestige of the prize guarantees high book sales.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/11/02/prix-goncourt.html

Twelve novels from across the Asian region, including Murakami's magnum opus 1Q84, are contending for the Man Asian literary prize.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/02/man-asian-literary-prize-shortlist

The Russian Booker Prize Committee is to choose the best Russian novel of the decade; the five finalists were previously shortlisted for the prize in various years from 2001 to 2010. The winner of the Russian Booker of the Decade award will be announced December 1.
http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/russian-booker-pick-decade-275/

The book trade (an academy of 750 book industry experts) has named Alan Hollinghurst its "author of the year" for his novel The Stranger's Child.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/04/alan-hollinghurst-galaxy-triumph

The Observer/Cape Graphic Short Story Prize 2011 has been awarded to Isabel Greenberg for Love in a Very Cold Climate.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/06/observer-graphic-short-story-prize-greenberg

Andrew Westoll’s The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A Canadian Story of Resilience and Recovery and Charlotte Gill’s Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber, and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe are among those longlisted for the BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction. The shortlist will be announced in December.
http://www.bcachievement.com/nonfiction/longlist.php

Carol Ann Duffy, Sean O'Brien, Alice Oswald and John Burnside have been shortlisted for the TS Eliot prize 2011, described as 'the prize most poets want to win'.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/oct/20/ts-eliot-prize-2011-shortlist

A dozen Canadian authors--Caroline Adderson, David Bergen, Emma Donoghue, Camilla Gibb, Shilpi Somaya Gowda, Guy Gavriel Kay, Yann Martel, Beth Powning, Joan Thomas, Tom Rachman, Dianne Warren, and Kathleen Winter--have been longlisted for the 2012 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. The shortlist will be announced in April, 2012.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/11/07/a-dozen-canadians-on-international-impac-dublin-literary-award-longlist/

The 2011 Canadian Online Publishing Awards has honoured the Vancouver Observer in three categories.
http://www.vancouverobserver.com/Media/2011/10/25/2011-canadian-online-publishing-awards-vo-honoured-three-categories

The CBC has released the ten titles chosen for consideration for 2012 Canada Reads.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/11/01/canada-reads-top10.html

NEWS & FEATURES

Seventy years after the end of World War II, endless words continue to be published, following several strands: the Nazis, the discovery by English and American readers of the Eastern Front, and the secret side of the war, among others, writes Robert McCrum.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/06/second-world-war-historians-mccrum

Victoria-based playwright Joan MacLeod speaks with Marsha Lederman about the impact on her life of her winning the 2011 Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/joan-macleod-wins-siminovitch-prize/article2228389/

Kevin Canfield writes about the challenges and dilemmas faced by translators. Tiina Nunally likens the work to that of a musician.
http://www.salon.com/2011/10/30/how_do_you_say_balls_of_gold_in_french/singleton/

Lee Rourke writes about why creative writing is better when done longhand.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/03/creative-writing-better-pen-longhand

Adam Gopnik says about The New Yorker’s 'house style': "All claims to a consistent house style at the magazine are consistently denied, And yet...in truth I do think there’s a house style, or a collective house choir-voicing."
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2011/11/07/adam_gopnik_interview_about_food_baseball_and_the_new_yorker.html

Harper Lee asked a penpal not to put a particular letter on the internet. He is currently selling this, and other letters online.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/11/harper-lee-letters-sale-please-dont-put-this-on-the-internet.html

BOOKS & WRITERS

Ian Kershaw’s The End attempts "to understand better how and why the Nazi regime could hold out for so long." The question has more than academic importance, writes Jonathan Steinberg. Even in this magnificent account, Kershaw has no answer.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/the-end-by-ian-kershaw/article2225635/

A girl is sent from wartime London blitz to the safety of the English countryside, the premise for A.S. Byatt’s retellng of Norse myths in Ragnarok: The End of the Gods, writes Gale Zoë Garnett. A great gift, says Garnett.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/ragnarok-the-end-of-the-gods-by-as-byatt/article2220161/

In Death Comes to Pemberley, P.D. James has revisited the characters in Pride and Prejudice and created 'a really original, exciting, credible detective story at the same time', writes Sarah Crown.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/nov/04/pd-james-life-in-writing

"Why be happy when you could be normal?" is both the real-life question of her adopted mother, as Jeanette Winterson is evicted, at 16, and the title of Winterson’s memoir. Zoe Williams finds the memoir deeply moving.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/04/why-be-happy-jeanette-winterson-review

Art critic Robert Hughes’s book Rome is a personal history of the Eternal City, told largely through its art. A sweeping, personal history that races from the city's beginnings to its current state as a woefully crowded tourist attraction, writes Suzanne Muchnic.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-rome-20111106,0,1225625.story

Steven Levinston suggests that the 94-year-old former French World War II resistance fighter Stéphane Hessel and author of Indignez-vous (translated as Time for Outrage), may have become the sage of the Occupy Wall Street movement in America.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/political-bookworm/post/a-sage-for-the-occupy-wall-street-movement/2011/11/01/gIQAYfEWiM_blog.html

Marsha Lederman writes that the illustrations on the cover of Highly Inappropriate Tales for Young People seem kid-friendly, but the book is grimmer than the Brothers Grimm. “Think twice before giving it to your nine-year-old.“ says Lederman, “it’s aimed at adults.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/kidlit-noir-just-dont-give-it-to-your-kids/article2226125/

Writing about Quite Enough of Calvin Trillin, John Allemang says of Trillin “his make-believe journalistic world always seems more true and lifelike than the one usually presented to us, in all seriousness, as the real thing.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/quite-enough-of-calvin-trillin-by-calvin-trillin/article2228186/

In Underbrush Man, a specially commissioned (by The Guardian) story, Margaret Atwood tells the comic tale of a dog's very unexpected discovery.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/07/short-story-margaret-atwood

COMMUNITY EVENTS

THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio Reading Series continues on November 11th at Take 5 Caf, 429 Granville St. (at West Hastings), 7-9 pm, with readings of poetry, fiction and nonfiction.This month's guest author is Cathy Stonehouse, who has just published a collection of poetry, Grace Shiver(Inanna Publications).

BRANDON SANDERSON
Bestselling author signs his newest book in the Mistborn series, Alloy of Law. Saturday, November 12 at 2:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway. More information at 604-431-0463.

DANIEL FRANCIS
The author reads from his book Seeing Reds: The Red Scare of 1918-1919, Canada's First War on Terror, which tells the story of how a fearful government tried to suppress radical political activity by branding legitimate labour leaders as Bolsheviks and Reds. Monday, November 14 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia. More information at www.vpl.ca.

VANCOUVER BOOK LAUNCH
Author Carmen Rodríguez launches her debut novel Retribution. Books will be available for purchase, courtesy of the People's Co-op Bookstore. Tuesday, November 15 at 7pm, free. SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings. More information at www.threeoclockpress.com.

BOB ROBERTSON
The comedy writer gives a talk about his new book Mayan Horror: How to Survive the End of the World in 2012. Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00pm, free but registration required. North Vancouver Capilano Branch Library (3045 Highland Blvd., North Vancouver).

BOB LENARDUZZI AND JIM TAYLOR
The soccer legend and the sports writer discuss their new book Bob Lenarduzzi: A Canadian Soccer Story. Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00pm, free. New Westminster Public Library (716 6th Ave., New Westminster). More information at www.nwpl.ca.

SPOKEN INK
Reading by Vancouver writer and journalist Peter Tupper. Tuesday, November 15 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby.

PLAY CHTHONICS READING SERIES
Play Chthonics presents local writers Daphne Marlatt and Meredith Quartermain. Wednesday, November 16 at 5:00pm, free. Graham House at Green College, 6201 Cecil Green Park Road. More information at playchtonics.blogspot.com.

MYSTERY NIGHT READING
Author Garry Ryan talks about his newest novel Malabarista. Wednesday, November 16 at 6:30pm. Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main street. More information at kim@publicitymavens.com.

ROBSON READING SERIES
Carmen Aguirre reads from her book Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter and Rishma Dunlop reads from her book of poetry Lover Through Departure. Thursday, November 17 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.

JUDY COLLINS
Kidsbooks is hosting Judy Collins, one of America's greatest folk/rock performers, at the West Broadway store on Friday, November 18, 6:30 to 8pm. Two free, timed tickets for the signing line are available with each purchase (by November 17) of either book--When You Wish Upon a Star or Over the Rainbow.

HOLD ME NOW
Freehand Books and Little Sisters present a special evening of literature and conversation with a reading by Stephen Gauer from his new novel. Facilitated discussion and reception to follow. Thursday, November 17 at 7:00pm, free. Little Sisters, 1238 Davie Street.

DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Newly revived series featuring poetry by Thomas Hardy, Cesar Vallejo, Marianne Bluger, Ron Johnson and Frank Stanford, read by David Zieroth, Fiona Lam, Russell Thornton,Sonnet L'Abbé and Raoul Fernandes. Sunday, November 20 at 3:00pm. Admission by donation. Project Space, 222 East Georgia Street. More information at www.deadpoetslive.com.

CBC BOOKCLUB
Linwood Barclay is one of Canada's most successful thriller writers and his new novel The Accident is already an international hit! The Globe and Mail review said "Barclay knows how to tell a story, knows how to pace it, knows how to make those pages keep turning." Come meet
Linwood in the CBC Studio One Book Club on Monday November 21, at 6:30 pm. Win free tickets at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.

GARY GEDDES
Internationally acclaimed author Gary Geddes reads from his much-anticipated book Drink the Bitter Root: A Writers Search for Justice and Redemption in Africa. Monday, November 21 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level. Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.

JAMES TRACY
The American author reads from his book Hillbilly Nationalists, Urban Race Rebels, and Black Power, a narrative history about the work of JOIN Community Union, the Young Patriots, Rising Up Angry, October 4th Organization, and White Lightning. Monday, November 21 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia. More information at sonnieandtracybook@gmail.com.

PEN-IN-HAND POETRY/PROSE READING SERIES
Featuring Deborah Willis, Sandy Pool, Hollie Adams. Monday, November 21 at 7:30pm. Cost: $3. Cook Street Village Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria.

Upcoming

ARCHIVAL INTERVENTION AND RETRO-SPECULATION
Vancouver Public Library Writer-in-Residence Wayde Compton leads two dynamic workshops for emerging writers. Tuesday, November 22 at 6:30pm. Free but registration is required. Morris J. Wosk board room, level 7, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.

BOOK EXCHANGE
Join CBC host and author Bill Richardson and a celebrity panel including Simi Sara and Veda Hille for the first annual Book Exchange, where books are the only acceptable currency for the evening. Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street.

MEET THE AUTHOR SERIES
Join author Roberta Rich for a discussion about her novel The Midwife of Venice. Part book club, part literary reading, the event also includes wine and light refreshments. Thursday, November 24 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $20. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W. More information is available at www.christiannehayward.com. Call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com to register.

REMEMBERING OUR CHINATOWNS
Evening of fiction, remembrance, and intercultural dialogue features authors Rebecca Lau, Chad Reimer, and Larry Wong. Also includes a Q&A session, light refreshments, and a reception. Thursday, November 24 at 7pm. Tickets: $12/members get in for free. Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street. More information at www.museumofvancouver.ca.

JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL
Authors from across Canada, the U.S., and Israel participate in the six-day event that includes meet-the-author opportunities, literary readings and panel discussions, a literary cocktail evening, a book-club event, writing and self-publishing workshops, children's authors, film screenings, and bookstores. November 26-December 1, 2011. Jewish Community Centre, 950 41st Ave. W. More information at www.jewishbookfestival.ca.

JANN ARDEN
Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter signs her new biography Falling Backwards and her new album Uncover Me 2. Monday, November 28 at 12:30pm at Chapters Robson, 788 Robson Street. Also at 7:00pm at Chapters Metrotown. More information at www.chapters.indigo.ca.

POETRY READING
An evening of poetry featuring Jennifer Still, Meira Cook and Daphne Marlatt. Wednesday, November 30 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.

THE TIME WE ALL WENT MARCHING
Arley NcNeney launches her new novel set during the 1930s and 1940s in the BC interior. Thursday, December 1 at 7:00pm, free. Meeting room. level 3, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.

ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Michael Christie (The Beggar's Garden), Kim Clark (Attemptations) and Ashley Little (PRICK: Confessions of a Tattoo Artist). Thursday, December 1 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore/Library at Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.

BOOK LAUNCH
Join journalist Allen Garr, publisher Howard White, broadcaster Red Robinson and others to celebrate the launch of The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver. Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00pm, free. Central Branch, VPL (350 West Georgia Street, Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms). More information at www.harbourpublishing.com.