Book News Vol. 7 No. 37

BOOK NEWS

2012 Festival - Hal's Picks

A few years ago I read an article in the New Yorker magazine about the celebrated writer Raymond Carver's sometimes contentious relationship with his editor Gordon Lish. It was a fascinating, compelling story. When I asked Carver's partner Tess Gallagher if she would come and talk about it and her own relationship with Carver a few years ago, she demurred. But now she is coming and for anyone interested in Raymond Carver and his stories or the creative tension between editor and writer, this is a must see event (event 61).

It might have been obvious to all of you, but it came as a bit of a revelation to me when I was putting the Festival together, how important the element of "time" is in fiction. Time can be compressed, expanded, fractured. A writer can dwell on a minute for pages or make things travel at the speed of light. "Time Passages" (event 75) brings together international authors Gail Jones and Emily Perkins together with Canadians M.A.C. Farrant and Sean Virgo to talk about playing with time.

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 penultimate installment in our series of audio archives from past Festival events. This week you'll hear "And Introducing" from 2011 featuring Michael Christie, Rosemary Nixon, Thomas Pletzinger and Harry Whitehead. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives.

AWARDS & LISTS

Junot Diaz has been awarded a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Genius grant, one of 23 MacArthur Fellows for 2012.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/arts/macarthur-fellows-named-for-2012.html?_r=1&ref=macarthurjohndandcatherinetfoundation

Festival authors Nancy Richler for The Imposter Bride, Kim Thúy for Ru and Russell Wangersky for Whirl Away, along with Will Ferguson for 419, and Alix Ohlin for Inside, also on the short list for the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize, have been short listed for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada's most distinguished literary prize.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1264774--giller-fiction-prize-shortlist-announced

Jorie Graham has become the first American woman ever to win one of the UK's most prestigious poetry accolades, the Forward prize for best collection.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/oct/01/forwardprizeforpoetry-poetry

Festival authors Vincent Lam and Carrie Snyder are among the authors shortlisted for the $250,000 Governor General's Literary Awards. Nahlah Ayed and Noah Richler are nominated in the non-fiction category; Wade Davis, Tamas Dobozy, Robert Hough, Ross King, Vincent Lam, Carrie Snyder and Linda Spalding are nominated in the fiction category.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1265333--governor-general-s-awards-vincent-lam-among-authors-shortlisted

2012 FESTIVAL AUTHORS FOR YOUNG READERS

Shane Peacock has written five novels in his award-winning Boy Sherlock Holmes series, as well as stories located in Newfoundland, northern Ontario, and the badlands in Drumheller, Alberta, as well as the only Young Adult book about Canada's prime ministers.
http://www.shanepeacock.ca/reviews.html

In Rick Scott's The Great Gazzoon, in the tiny mountain Kingdom of Jabbi Cragg, Gazoon Wazoo is supposed to be practicing for the terrifying Walk across the Wire between the towering peaks of Mount Lanadoon. (events 2, 14)
http://www.gazzoon.com/whats-the-story

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)

Sarah Tsiang's approach to Warriors and Wailers: One Hundred Ancient Chinese Jobs You Might Have Relished or Reviled is incredibly reader friendly. Though the stylistic approach to the subject matter is encyclopaedic, the humorous descriptions will definitely engage young readers. Ages 10 to 13. (events 4, 8)
http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol18/no35/warriors.html

2012 Festival Authors

During the first ten years of A.L. Kennedy's career as a writer, she earned her living by working with writers who had "special needs". "Disabled writers made me the writer I am today", says Kennedy, "giving me a faith in words and their potential which doesn't shake, even when everything else is in disarray. They are a way to change worlds." It was impossible not to notice that something as simple as being heard and respected could change someone's life, concludes Kennedy. (events 50, 53)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/sep/25/disabled-writers-faith-in-words

Dennis Lee has written so many books he can't remember how many, but those who grew up on Alligator Pie, The Ice Cream Store, Bubblegum Delicious and Lizzie's Lion remember them vividly, even after they've "graduated" to poetry and prose for adults–in Civil Elegies, The Bard of the Universe, and The Difficulty of Living on Other Planets, among many other books. (events 67, 74)
http://www.library.utoronto.ca/canpoetry/lee/pub.htm

Whether or not you are a Chinese dissident is up to the state, writes Chan Koonchung. When The Fat Years was published in Hong Kong and Taiwan (2009), it wasn't available inside China until daring mainstream dailies and news magazines openly wrote about the book. Someone put it on the Internet within the Chinese firewall and most readers in China read the book by downloading it as free content before it was deleted. That The Fat Years is fiction and not officially published in China may have spared the author considerable trouble. International reviewers have called The Fat Years a dystopian novel, and compared it to George Orwell's 1984, a book still seriously read by intellectuals in China. (events 43, 59)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/chinese-must-not-forget-the-past-warns-author-of-the-fat-years/article549632/

NEWS & FEATURES

Somali-Canadian poet and rapper K'naan has written a children's book about his immigrant experience. When I Get Older: The Story Behind Wavin' Flag (Tundra Books) offers a window into his growing up in Somalia, the decision to flee the country following the 1991 outbreak of civil war, and the challenges K'naan faced in adjusting to life in New York and Toronto. The book includes vibrant illustrations by Rudy Gutierrez as well as a brief summary on the history of Somalia.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/09/25/books-knaan.html

British authors have sounded a warning over the decline of non-fiction for children, particularly boys. They argue that "once, there were hundreds of such books available, covering every topic imaginable–but the market for them has almost vanished. Not because children don't want to know about the real world. And then there's the belief that the Internet provides all the information anyone needs."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/28/decline-childrens-non-fiction-must-stop

Do you know a young book lover who also dreams of being a CBC Radio host? Here's their chance! Enter to win the position of co-host with Sheryl MacKay in a special Studio One Book Club on October 18 at CBC Vancouver in partnership with the Vancouver Writers Festival. The guest is Shane Peacock, author of the Boy Sherlock Holmes series, who is nominated for this year's TD Canadian Children's Literature Award. All the details are on www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub, but don't delay-contest ends October 14!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

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.

THE INVASION ANGLE
A book launch and reading featuring Spencer Gordon, Nathaniel G. Moore, Elizabeth Bachinsky and Dina Del Bucchia. Hosted by Sean Cranbury. Friday, October 12 at 7:00pm, free. W2 Media Cafe, 111 West Hastings. Details at realvancouverwriters.org.

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.

Upcoming

JON KLASSEN
Author of I Want My Hat Back presents his new book This Is Not My Hat. Tuesday, October 16 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $25. Kidsbooks on Broadway. For more information and registration, call 604-738-5335 or email general@kidsbooks.ca.

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.

BOOK LAUNCH
Launch of Sandra Hayes-Gardiner's book One Life, Growing Up in The Pas and Joan-Dianne Smith's poetry collection, All Things Considered. Friday, October 19 at 4:30pm. Cooper's Boating, Mast Tower Road, Granville Island.

CORY DOCTOROW
Meet this outspoken and controversial author/blogger/podcaster and hear his take on technology, sci-fi and writing. Sunday, October 21 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $23.50 and include a copy of his new book Pirate Cinema. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kidsbooks.ca.

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.

THE WRITER'S STUDIO (SFU)
Participants in The Writer's Studio 2012 (@ SFU Harbour Centre) are pleased to announce the launch of emerge 2012, an anthology of new work -- Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction -- at the W2 Media Cafe, Woodward's Atrium, 111 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25th, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm) -- FREE ADMISSION -- Come early to secure a seat!!

ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Michael Kenyon (A Year at River Mountain) and Grant Lawrence (Adventures in Solitude). Thursday, November 1 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore at Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, plaza level. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.

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.

111 WEST COAST LITERARY PORTRAITS
Photographer Barry Peterson discusses his new book that featuring rare portraits of writers who have lived in B.C., accompanied by excerpts of their writing. Guest writers will also speak at the event. Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00pm, free. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St. For more information and to register, phone 604-299-8955.

DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Readings of works by Robin Blaser, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Hayden, Glyn Hughes and Roy Kiyooka. Sunday, November 11 at 3:00pm. Admission by donation. Project Space, 222 East Georgia Street. More information at deadpoetslive.com.

CARRIE MAC
Reading by the award-winning author of teen novels ‘The Opposite of Tidy', 'The Beckoners', 'The Gryphon Project', the Triskelia trilogy, and others. Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00pm, free. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St. More information at 604-297-4803.