Book News Vol. 7 No. 36

BOOK NEWS

2012 Festival - Hal's Picks

One of the things I am proudest of at the Festival is the quality of our on-stage conversations and there are more than a few to choose from this year, so I will just mention two.

Chan Koonchung's novel is an incisive political satire that has been officially banned in China, yet it has been read by millions in his homeland, and published around the world. Charles Foran, our interviewer has lived in China and has described Chan's novel as "not only essential reading, it is urgent". (event 59)

Dennis Lee is perhaps best known for his children's books Alligator Pie and Garbage Delight, but over his long and illustrious career he was won a Governor-General's Award for poetry, written for Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock, edited some of CanLit's most important fiction and accomplished a dozen other literary feats. Brad Cran, former Poet Laureate of Vancouver will bring his experience as a poet and his love of Dennis's work to this important conversation. (event 74)

Tickets for all the 2012 Festival events are selling fast. Visit our website for a full overview. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca.

UPCOMING EVENT

Literati Gala
A fundraising dinner in support of the Festival’s Spreading the Word education program. Hosted by Gloria Macarenko.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Reception: 6:00 pm; Dinner: 7:30 pm
Tickets: $175
Call 604-681-6330 ext 109 or book online.

VIRTUAL FESTIVAL

Listen to the twenty-third installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "Land of Plenty" from 2011 featuring Peter Behrens, Clark Blaise and Ling Zhang. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.

AWARDS & LISTS

The 2012 City of Vancouver Book Award has been presented to W.H. New for his collection of poetry titled YVR. New, a literary commentator and former University of B.C. teacher, has also received the 2012 Mayor's Arts Award for Literary Arts.
http://www.straight.com/article-785476/vancouver/vancouver-poet-wh-new-wins-civic-book-award-yvr

The Writers' Trust of Canada has revealed its 2012 shortlist for two fiction prizes—the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize for best novel or short story collection and the Writers' Trust of Canada/McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize for new and developing talent.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/19/writers-trust-nominees.html

The shortlist for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction has been announced.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/25/hilary-weston-prize.html

Sadiqa de Meijer is this year's winner of the CBC's Canada Writes poetry award. Her work Great Aunt Unmarried was selected from more than 2,300 poems and landed the Kingston, Ont., writer a $6,000 prize from the Canada Council for the Arts. The poem will be published in the October edition of enRoute Magazine and on the Canada Writes website.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1261827--sadiqa-de-meijer-wins-cbc-poetry-prize

2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS

Martine Noël-Maw's Les fantômes de Spiritwood (one of two books written in collabortion with French Immersion students) tells of a group of young people who take refuge in an abandoned school. To help pass the time, they tell stories scary enough to scare the pants off them! However, Ethan and his friends soon learn that ghosts sometimes like to tell their own stories. Age 12 and over. (events 3, 17, 38)
http://www.saskpublishers.sk.ca/products-page/books-2/fantomes-de-spiritwood-les/

Kenneth Oppel's This Dark Endeavour grips you right from the first page, writes Craig Foster, age 12. The prequel to Mary Shelley's gothic classic Frankenstein, this book delivers the thrills, no matter how old you are, says Foster. Age 12 and over.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/12/16/book-review-this-dark-endeavour-by-kenneth-oppel/

In Susin Nielsen's The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, thirteen-year-old Henry's happy, ordinary life comes to an abrupt halt when his older brother, Jesse, picks up their father's hunting rifle and leaves the house one morning. What follows shatters Henry's family. Initially reluctant, Henry follows advice that he keep a journal. Soon he confides in it at all hours of the day and night.
Henry's journal entries are infused with humour and provide a riveting read about a family in turmoil. (events 1, 15)
http://www.fabbityfabbookreviews.com/2012/09/review-reluctant-journal-of-henry-k.html?spref=fb

Meet Richard Scrimger's Bunny (short for Bernard) O'Toole—mentally slow, physically strong and fast—the observant, nonjudgmental narrator of this convoluted but enjoyable fable of Toronto gang life recorded in believable, phonetically spelled prose. Age 10 to 14. (events 5, 35)
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/richard-scrimger/ink-me/

2012 Festival Authors

Vincent Lam's The Headmaster's Wager is a sharp departure from Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures, based on Lam's own experience as an emergency room physician. This new work is based on Lam's family history, especially his larger-than-life grandfather William Lin: a gambler, drinker, and philanderer (four wives and at least eight children). The juxtaposition between the tragic figure who brought his family grief and shame and the heroic exploits the old man hinted at is captivating, writes David Sax.
http://walrusmagazine.com/articles/2012.06-profile-risky-saigon/

Junot Diaz's new collection, This Is How You Lose Her, brings back Yunior, who narrated several of the stories in Díaz's first collection, Drown, and parts of his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Yunior is a gorgeously full-blown character. It just seems lame not to refer to him as Díaz's alter ego, so conspicuously do their biographies overlap, writes Leah Hager Cohen.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/books/review/this-is-how-you-lose-her-by-junot-diaz.html?pagewanted=all

The Sweet Girl, like The Golden Mean, is set in the last half of the fourth century BC, when Athens has lost its greatness. Aristotle's family is part of the new ruling class, feared and privileged. Aristotle and his wife had a daughter, Pythias, whom history has not treated generously, but she fends for herself as best she can. Ultimately, she frees her slaves and happily decides to become a biology teacher. Her father–in fiction, at least–would have been proud of her, says Peter Stotherd.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-sweet-girl-aristotles-other-forgotten-child/article4558469/

Elsewhere in the Globe and Mail, award-winning author Annabel Lyon has written an essay on the challenges of writing historical fiction.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/making-it-up-annabel-lyon-on-the-challenge-of-writing-historical-fiction/article4558458/

In Rawi Hage's Carnival, the narrator is a cab driver named Fly. The book begins with a circus birth yarn involving a mother who was a trapeze artist and a father who had a magic carpet act. But it really takes off several pages later, writes Pat Donnelly "There are two kinds of taxi drivers: The Spiders and the Flies," writes Hage. Journalists would make it a book about taxis, says Hage, but "the taxi is just a vehicle that leads me to other things. I use the taxi as a metaphor."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Writing+from+experience+Hage+novel+just+another+taxi+story/7275299/story.html#ixzz27XxWg1X2

On the longlist for the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction, A.L. Kennedy's The Blue Book is about lies, language, literature and love. In it, Kennedy demonstrates how, like the finest works of fiction, some lies can save us. The Blue Book is full of magic and magicians. These magicians understand, as writers do, that "any word can work a spell if you know how to use it."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Book+review+Blue+Book+lies+language+literature+love/7275426/story.html#ixzz27XynXJBJ

Kim Thúy's autobiographical debut novel, Ru, describes a life-changing voyage from a childhood in strife-filled postwar Vietnam to a new beginning in 1970s Quebec. Ru is a poetic and highly individual exploration of what it can mean to straddle multiple cultures and identities simultaneously, writes Shawn Syms. The word "Ru" is Vietnamese for lullaby. Now rendered in English by celebrated translator Sheila Fischman, Thúy's novel originated with a French edition that won the Governor General's Literary Award for fiction in 2010.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/02/03/book-review-ru-by-kim-thuy/

NEWS & FEATURES

In The Voice Is All: The Lonely Victory of Jack Kerouac, Joyce Johnson notes that the "spontaneous" writing of On the Road, was not spontaneous. Kerouac's French Canadian background enriched his prose. "He spoke Joual", she says, always trying to find the English equivalent for the French inside his head.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/16/jack-kerouac-ex-girlfriendIn

Salman Rushdie's account of surviving a fatwa is brutally honest and profound, writes Margaret Drabble. For his double life, he was obliged to turn himself into a fictional character and he became Joseph Anton, after Conrad and Chekhov. Joseph Anton is also the title of his memoir. Rushdie is a great writer and he has been brave enough to portray himself as a coward scuttling for cover and hiding behind a kitchen dresser. That takes courage, too. Says Drabble. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/23/joseph-anton-salman-rushdie-review

Here is an excerpt from Joseph Anton.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1258031--exclusive-excerpt-from-salman-rushdie-s-memoir-joseph-anton

And another in The New Yorker:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/09/17/120917fa_fact_rushdie

Animism, a TV show funded by the APTN, Bell Fund, CTF, & Every Day Fiction, is calling writers of all backgrounds to contribute to the Animism Anthology and get published alongside veteran writers David Farland, Nick Matamas, James Alan Gardner, Cat Rambo, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, and many more.
http://animism.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS

NUALA
Vancouver International Film Festival presents Nuala. Irish author and journalist Nuala O'Faolain appeared at the Writers Fest in 2007 and died the following year. Given her renowned candour—the author/journalist's memoir and deathbed interviews captivated Ireland—one can't envision a more appropriate tribute than her longtime friend Marian Finucane's clear-eyed investigation of O'Faolain's uncompromising, contradictory life. Patrick Farrelly and Kate O'Callaghan direct. Winner, Critics Award: Best Irish Film, Dublin 2012. Dates and more information at http://www.viff.org/festival/programs/PN120-nuala.

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Three local mystery authors team up for an evening of readings and discussion. Featuring Don Hauka, David Russell and Cathy Ace. Thursday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street. For more information and registration, visit http://bpl.bc.ca/events/and-then-there-were-three-local-mystery-authors-at-mcgill-library.

RAMINDER SIDHU
Reading by the author of Tears of Mehndi. Friday, September 28 at 3:00pm. Lillooet room, Irving K. Barber Learning Center, 1961 East Mall, UBC. More information at http://www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/community-events/robson-reading-series.

LYNDA BARRY
Dorothy Jantzen Artist-in-Residence at Capilano University presents a free talk with Lynda Barry, Friday, Sept 28 @ 7:30pm. Admission is first come/first served. Acclaimed alt-comic artist of Ernie Pook's Comeek Fame will discuss the relationship between the hand, the brain and spontaneous images, both written and visual. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.

CULTURE DAYS
A collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. September 28-30, 2012. Check out the website www.culturedays.ca for events, literary and otherwise, in your community.

WORD ON THE STREET
Features author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children's activities, workshops, panels, books, and magazines. September 28-30, 2012. More information at wotsvan@thewordonthestreet.ca.

BOOK LAUNCH
UBC MFA alumni Wren Handman reads from her new book Last Cut and answers questions about the novel and the writing process. Saturday, September 29 at 1:00pm, free. Chapters Robson, 788 Robson. More information at 604-682-4066.

A POETIC WALK THROUGH NATURE
Join Vancouver's 100,000 Poets for Change on an Earthwalk. Poets will read select poems calling for the preservation of our beautiful forests and shorelines. A guest speaker will also present a narrative tour of the cultural history and natural habitat of Stanley Park. September 29 at 10:00am, free. For more information and to register, visit http://earthwalks11poets.eventbrite.com/.

BARRY GOUGH
Author launches his new book, Juan de Fuca's Strait, a sea adventure tied up with piracy, political loyalty, betrayal and international intrigue. Saturday, September 29 at 2:00pm, free. Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden, Vanier Park, Vancouver. More information at www.vanmaritime.com.

ANITA RAU BADAMI
Reading by the author of Tamarind Mem and The Hero's Walk reads from her latest novel, Tell It To The Trees. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm. Meeting room 120, City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey.

STEPHEN MARCHE
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce an evening with Toronto writer Stephen Marche, author of Love and the Mess We're In, a new novel published by Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Press. Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm, free. Alma Van Dusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St.

M.G. VASSANJI
M.G. Vassanji's new novel The Magic of Saida is a powerful saga, with a successful Canadian doctor returning to his East African homeland to fulfill the promise that he would return for his childhood sweetheart. Come meet the two-time Giller Prize winner in the CBC Studio One Book Club on October 2, 6:30pm. www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub

PAOLA GIANTURCO
The photojournalist presents her latest book, Grandmother Power. Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00pm. Guildford Library, 15105 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, call 604-598-7366.

WORDS AND MUSIC
Poet Daniela Elza reads her richly evocative poetry improvisationally in collaboration with musicians Bill Clark (trumpet), Clyde Reed (bass) and Jared Burrows (guitar). Wednesday, Oct. 3, 8:00pm. At 333 Chesterfield Avenue (3rd St. one block west of Lonsdale) North Vancouver. Admission $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.

TWS READING SERIES
Featuring guest author poet Daniela Elza, with special guest readers Esmeralda Cabral and Jennifer Irvine. Thursday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street. For more information, call 778-782-8000.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Maxine Gadd+Ronna Bloom (from Toronto) + Open Mic. Thursday, October 4th at 7:00pm (Sign up for open mic at 7, readings begin at 7:30). Suggested donation at the door: $5. Our new location is @Cafe Montmartre, 4362 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.

ROB STEWART
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Award winning filmmaker of Sharkwater, Rob Stewart, Friday, October 5 @ 7:30pm. Stewart's new release Save the Humans turns his focus from animal activism to saving the planet. NSCU Centre at Capilano U/2055 Purcell Way/ Info: 604.990.7810/capilanou.ca/nscucentre.

Upcoming

SHAUNA SINGH BALDWIN
Author reads from her newest book Selector of Souls. Wednesday, October 10 at7:00pm. Centre for Indo Canadian Studies, UFV. More information at www.ufv.ca/cics.

BLUEBACKS AND SILVER BRIGHTS
Local author Norman Safarik and his son, Allan Safarik, read from their captivating memoir set during the pinnacle of West Coast fishing. Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.

ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Darren Bifford (Wedding in Fire Country) and Grant Lawrence (Adventures in Solitude). Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore at Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, plaza level. More information at robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.

RAINA TELGEMEIER
Meet the author/illustrator of Smile as she presents her newest graphic novel Drama. Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. Complete details, ticket purchase and other appearances in the Lower Mainland can be found here: www.kidsbooks.ca.

111 WEST COAST LITERARY PORTRAITS BOOK LAUNCH
Celebrate the first five years in trade publishing with the launch of 111 West Coast Literary Portraits-Photographs by Barry Peterson and Blaise Enright, text by BC authors, introduction by Alan Twigg. Thursday, October 11, 8 pm, 2012 (Doors open at 7:30 pm) at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver.

VISIBLE VERSE FESTIVAL
Program includes entries from 56 international artists and 100 videopoems from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, the U.S. and Canada. Saturday, October 13 at 7pm, Pacific Cinemathque, 1131 Howe St, Vancouver. More information at http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/visible-verse-festival-2012.

KENNETH OPPEL
Author presents his most recent novel This Dark Endeavour: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. Wednesday, October 17 at 2:00pm. 3rd floor, G. Paul Singh room, North Vancouver Public Library, 120 14th Street West, North Vancouver. More information at www.cnv.org.

THE {NEW/OLD} BOOK
The Alcuin Society is pleased to announce the presentation of the 30th Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada as a part of a special one-day symposium dedicated to the history and future of the printed and electronic book. Headlining the evening portion of our event is celebrated book cover designer Chip Kidd. Thursday, October 18. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information and to register, visit http://blog.alcuinsociety.com.

NVCL LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES
Readings by Zsuzsi Gartner and Fran Bourassa. Wednesday, October 24 at 6:30pm. 3rd floor, G. Paul Singh room, North Vancouver Public Library, 120 14th Street West, North Vancouver. More information at www.cnv.org.

CELEBRATE SCIENCE
The third annual Celebrate Science, a Festival of Science Writers for Children and Youth-and Canada's only science writer's festival-will be held November 3rd at UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Museum, in conjunction with Family Science Day. Events include a panel discussion with top science writers for children, a keynote speech and introduction by the Dean of Education, and storytelling for younger children as well as hands on science activities. The event is free and open to the public and includes admission to the Beaty Museum. http://blogs.ubc.ca/celebratescience