Book News Vol. 7 No. 48

BOOK NEWS

Incite: Mind-altering, metamorphic, twice-monthly!

Join us on Wednesday, January 16 as three celebrated authors explore the ideas behind their fascinating new books.

Tim Bowling's latest novel, The Tinsmith, is set during the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Siege 13 is Tamas Dobozy's collection of thirteen linked stories set during the siege of Budapest, one of the fiercest battles of the Second World War. Joining them is Candace Savage, whose new memoir, history and travelogue, A Geography of Blood, is a journey through the eloquent landscape of southwestern Saskatchewan. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite

Presented in partnership with Vancouver Public Library, sponsored by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association.

SPECIAL EVENT

The Vancouver Writers Fest presents its first special event of 2013, an evening with award-winning Canadian author, journalist and human rights activist Sally Armstrong. Armstrong is the author of three previous books, Veiled Threat: The Hidden Power of the Women of Afghanistan, The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor and Bitter Roots, Tender Shoots: The Uncertain Fate of Afghanistan's Women. Her new book is Ascent of Women.

7:30 pm, Monday, March 25
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Burrard at Nelson

FESTIVALS

PuSh Festival January 15–February 3

This year PuSh presents two very different performances that take Shakespeare's King Lear as their inspiration.

Berlin-based performance collective She She Pop presents Testament—a frank, tender, and brutally honest deconstruction of King Lear. Chosen in 2011 as one of Germany’s top ten productions for the prestigious Berliner Theatertreffen.
http://pushfestival.ca/shows/testament/

Contemporary Legend Theater's acclaimed production of King Lear fuses traditional Peking Opera with Shakespeare's classic tale of great power and cruel deception.
http://pushfestival.ca/shows/king-lear/

PuSh is offering a special discount for Book News subscribers-use the code "Bard" to receive $5 off both shows. Tickets at Tickets Tonight, http://www.ticketstonight.ca/.

AWARDS & LISTS

The 2012 Costa book awards include two firsts: a graphic work has been named as the winner of the biography section; and women swept the board in the five award categories. These include Mary Talbot, Hilary Mantel, Francesca Segal, Kathleen Jamie, and Sally Gardner.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/02/costa-awards-graphic-novel-biography

Noreen Taylor, head of the Charles Taylor Foundation, announced this week the shortlist for the $25,000 Charles Taylor Prize for literary non-fiction.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/books/story/2013/01/09/charles-taylor-prize.html

Explore this year's shortlisted books and authors and listen to CBC interviews.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/the-charles-taylor-prize-2013-shortlist.html

YOUNG READERS

Mr. Zinger's Hat is a wonderful story about the shared process of creating... a story, writes Saeyong Kim. Leo is bored with playing catch with the brick wall in his courtyard–until one day his ball knocks the hat off the head of Mr. Zinger, who "made up stories…published in magazines and in books, too." Mr. Zinger invites Leo to sit with him and look into his hat to see what story is inside trying to get out. For ages 6 to 9.
http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol19/no5/mrzingershat.html

Sally Gardner's Maggot Moon, an unusual teen tale of a 15-year-old dyslexic boy living in a violent, dystopian 1950s England, is this year's Costa children's award winner. Gardner herself is dyslexic. Here is an excerpt from Maggot Moon:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/interactive/2013/jan/02/maggot-moon-sally-gardner-extract

Few young adult novels are tragedies, but The Lynching of Louie Sam is the exception, writes Ruth Latta. Elizabeth Stewart has taken as subject matter two terrible murders that really happened. No happy ending is possible, only an uneasy closure in which her central character, 15-year-old George Gillies, emerges sadder and wiser. This compelling work acknowledges the sophistication of today's teenagers who are well aware of wrongdoing in the world. For grades 7 and up; for ages 12 and up.
http://umanitoba.ca/cm/vol19/no4/thelynchingoflouiesam.html

NEWS & FEATURES

Roald Dahl was many things-a twisted literary genius, a bestselling author and a creator of enduring characters. But did he pay close attention to the realities of science and nature? No, he did not. His lack of adherence to the facts of life has now been uncovered by a group of Leicester University physics students. It would have taken 2.5m seagulls to lift James's giant peach into the air–not 501, as the children's author had it, find the students.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/04/roald-dahl-scientists-giant-peach

The Swedish Academy keeps secret for 50 years all information about the authors nominated for the Nobel. The names of 66 authors were put forward for the 1962 prize for literature, with the shortlist consisting of Steinbeck, Graves, Durrell, French dramatist Jean Anouilh and Danish author Karen Blixen. Steinbeck won the Nobel prize. The newly declassified documents show he was actually chosen as the best of a bad lot.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/03/swedish-academy-controversy-steinbeck-nobel

Ambitious young New York writers and editors are shaking up the publishing world, writing for one another and creating new publications including Triple Canopy, a digital journal of arts and culture, and the radical online magazine, the New Inquiry. The newest title is the American Reader, which has already been hailed as "the New Yorker's younger, cooler sister".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/jan/06/new-york-literary-magazines-publishing

Fifty years after he first materialized on British television screens, Doctor Who is set to appear in a series of new short stories to be written by a series of well-known children's authors, with each story written by a different children's author. Eoin Colfer is the first of eleven authors to publish a Doctor Who short story to mark the Time Lord's 50th anniversary. Puffin is publishing the series in conjunction with BBC Worldwide.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/07/doctor-who-ebooks-eoin-colfer

Dennis Lehane continues to seek the return of Tessa, his lost rescue beagle, and reiterates his offer of a spot in his next book as a reward. Lehane says he only cares about a happy ending.
http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Dennis-Lehane-s-novel-idea-for-finding-dog-4169067.php

BOOKS & WRITERS

Published posthumously after Maeve Binchy's death last July, A Week in Winter reads almost like a short story collection. It's a technique the veteran Irish novelist has used: arranging the stories of a handful of characters around a unifying event, in this case the opening of a resort in a small town on Ireland's windswept Atlantic coast. Binchy's insight into human nature is what holds Winter together, writes Anne Sutherland.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/Maeve+Binchy+last+book+delightful+gift/7700763/story.html

The celebrated American poet Sharon Olds speaks in an interview of her abusive childhood, the end of her marriage and writing about pain. She has always written about her life. Still, when her marriage ended, she told her adult children she would not publish anything about the divorce for 10 years. Asked "What do you want most from poetry?" Olds responds: "I want a poem to be useful".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/06/sharon-olds-interview-stags-leap

Ben Fountain's Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk: A Novel, hailed as an instant classic of war literature, is one of an emerging wave of American fiction tackling the impact, legacy and experience of the Iraq war. A short story collection, written by veterans, and Lea Carpenter's Eleven Days, will be added to the growing body of work next year, all helping Americans understand the war, says Kevin Powers.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/03/iraq-fiction-us-military-war

In his review of George Saunders' Tenth of December, Hari Kunzru writes that Saunders' fictions often present powerless characters trapped in a sort of chirpy, totalitarian Disneyland. In so doing, they give a more acute sense of what it feels like to live and work in post-industrial, post-crash western economies than much journalism.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/03/tenth-of-december-george-saunders-review

Here in the West we don't receive many English-language novels by Pakistani women authors, so when we do we should pay attention, writes Marcia Kaye, especially when a novel is set in the Swat Valley, often in the news for all the wrong reasons. This is the stunningly beautiful but staggeringly frustrating region where the Taliban shot 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai in October for promoting education for girls. Thinner Than Skin is the fourth novel from Uzma Aslam Khan, and in the running for the Man Asian Literary Prize.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1309792--thinner-than-skin-by-uzma-aslam-khan

Given, Susan Musgrave's sequel to Cargo of Orchids, oozes with her beautiful but terrifying vision of humanity, writes M.A.C. Farrant. Sex, sorrow and death are Musgrave's beat, writes Farrant, adding that she writes about these subjects with warmth, grief and outrageous humour in her new book. Somehow, miraculously, love in this world survives and even triumphs, says Farrant.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Susan+Musgrave+dark+vision+soothed+humour/7776038/story.html

Jeff VanderMeer writes that even within the wild and tangled menagerie that comprises our literary landscape, Joyce Carol Oates is a startling creature, possessed of a speed and talent that hints at the uncanny. Oates's The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares is a virtuoso performance in a tale of teens gone bad, says VanderMeer.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/dec/27/corn-maiden-joyce-carol-oates-review?CMP=EMCNEWEML1355

There is only one thing wrong with Ayana Mathis's debut novel, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie: it ends, says Monique Polak. Hattie Shepherd and her family, beginning in 1925, have fled the Jim Crow laws of the U.S. South for a better life in Philadelphia. Although many sad things will happen in this novel, this is not a sad book, says Polak. Rather, it glistens with a quiet, hopeful beauty.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Twelve+Tribes+Hattie+vivid+history+family+black+America/7776295/story.html

I have a friend, writes James Wood, who became so obsessed by the Norwegian novelist Per Petterson's I Curse the River of Time that he copied it out, word for word—perhaps hoping this might unlock the secrets of that mysterious book. When he told me this, I had not read anything by Petterson. But how could anyone resist such a recommendation? As soon as I opened "I Curse the River of Time", I understood the dementing lure.
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/atlarge/2012/12/10/121210crat_atlarge_wood#ixzz2HQopleGS

Hard Twisted, C. Joseph Greaves' tale of Okie noir, grew out of the author's accidental discovery of two human skulls in a Utah canyon, writes Jenny Hendrix. The discovery provoked an investigation into the story of the Depression-era drifter Clint Palmer and Lucile (Lottie) Garrett, the 13-year-old girl who became his mistress and companion. The novel reads like a kind of Dust Bowl "Lolita" with prose borrowed from the likes of Cormac McCarthy.
http://www.latimes.com/features/books/jacketcopy/la-ca-jc-joseph-greaves-20130106,0,5396948.story

Two fellas walk into a bar... That might seem like the set-up to a joke, but it's the premise of Two Pints, the new and hilarious book from Booker Prize-winning Irish writer Roddy Doyle, writes Robert J. Wiersema. In fact, Doyle has been working on The Guts, a sequel to the Barrytown Trilogy, and revisiting The Commitments, working on a musical adaptation of the novel.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Interview+Irish+author+Roddy+Doyle+hands+never+idle/7753069/story.html

COMMUNITY EVENTS

EXTRACT: THE PIPELINE WARS
Launch of Extract: The Pipeline Wars, Vol. 1 Enbridge. Featured speakers: Tzeporah Berman, Carrie Saxifrage, Andrew S. Wright. Saturday, January 12 at 6:30pm. Ceili's Irish Pub and Bar, 670 Smithe St., Vancouver. More information and tickets at vanobserver.eventbrite.com.

WOMEN OF THE WORLD POETRY SLAM
Top 8 female poets compete for the chance to be sent to Minneapolis for the WOWps. Featuring Vancouver's poet laureate Evelyn Lau. Saturday, January 12 at 8:00p. Cost: $6-10 sliding scale. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.

THE DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Presenting Adrienne Rich,(read by Betsy Warland) Elizabeth Bishop (Martha Roth); Kenneth Rexroth (Dennis Bolen); Anna Akhmatova (Diane Tucker); and a special introduction by his son, Brian Donat, to the poetry readings of British film and theatre actor, Robert Donat. Sunday, January 13 at 3:00pm. Admission by donation. Project Space, 222 East Georgia. For more details, visit deadpoetslive.com.

SPOKEN INK
Reading by poet Rhea Tregebov from her latest collection, All Souls'. Tuesday, January 15 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. For more information, email bwscafe@gmail.com.

LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
Featuring Elizabeth Bachinski and Daniel Zomperelli. Wednesday, January 16 at 12:00 noon., free. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings, Vancouver.

PLAY CHTHONICS
Readings by Jamie Reid and W.H. New. Wednesday, January 16 at 5:00pm. Piano Lounge, Green College, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.

IRISH POETRY NIGHT
Jack Sixsmith kicks off an evening dedicated to his favourite Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh. Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30pm. Slainte by the Pier, 15057 Marine Dr., White Rock.

CLAIRE EAMER
Appearance by YA author of The World in Your Lunchbox and Lizards in the Sky. Thursday, January 17 at 1:00pm. Fleetwood Library, 15996 84 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, phone 604-598-7347.

ZSUZSI GARTNER
Zsuzsi Gartner discusses her short story collection Better Living Through Plastic Explosives. Thursday, January 17 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at: www.christiannehayward.com.

BOOK READING
Appearance by poets Gary Barwin and Garry Thomas Morse. Friday, January 18 at 8:00pm. People's Co-Op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.

INSINUENDO
Launch of Miriam Clavir's virst novel, Insinuendo: Murder in the Museum. Sunday, January 20 at 2:00pm. Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Drive, UBC. More information at moa.ubc.ca.

EMPIRE OF ICE
Author Craig Bowlsby presents his new book on hockey history. Monday, January 21 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at www.vpl.ca.

Upcoming

POETRY & POLITICS: BEYOND CHICK LIT
Linda Svendsen reads from her satirical novel Sussex Drive and Rhea Tregebov reads selections from her new poetry collection All Souls'. Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.

LITANY: QUEER WRITERS READ
Litany is a quarterly reading series showcasing emerging and established queer writers. Thursday, January 24 at 7:00pm. Free but donations welcome. Rhizome Cafe, 317 East Broadway, Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories. More information at rhizomecafe.ca.

MUSIC, POETRY & WORD WHIPS
Dennis E. Bolen will host the evening with music by singer/songwriter, Harriet Frost and poetry, inspired by the paintings by Judith Fischer in her exhibit Your People are My People. Featured poets include Timothy Shay, Mary Duffy, Diane Tucker, Heidi Greco, Renée Sarojini SakLikar and Taslim Jaffer. Thursday, January 24 at 7:00pm, free. Jewish Community Centre, Gallery Room, 950 41st Ave. W. More information at pandorascollective.com.

ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Julie Devaney and Gary Geddes. Thursday, January 24 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore at Robson Square. For more information and to register, please visit http://rrs-jan2013-1.eventbrite.ca/.

RAIN CITY CHRONICLES
First evening of live storytelling and song in 2013. Storytellers and special musical guest to be announced Jan 16. Friday, January 25 at 7:00pm. Orpheum Annex, 823 Seymour St., Vancouver. More information at raincitychronicles.com.

FAMILY LITERACY DAY
Raising awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Sunday, January 27. For events in your area, visit abclifeliteracy.ca/fld/family-literacy-day.

BRIAN BRETT
Author reads from his extensive work. Sunday, January 27 at 7:00pm, free. The Reach, 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford. More information at fvrl.bc.ca.

JACQUELINE DAVIES
Author presents her new book The Candy Smash. In Vancouver: Tuesday, January 29 at 7:00pm at West Point Grey United Church. In North Vancouver: Monday, January 28 at 7:00pm at Capilano Branch of North Van District Library. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kidsbooks.ca.

FIRESIDE CHAT
Harrison author Diane Wild will read from and chat about her debut novel, Forsaken Trust. Wednesday, February 6 at 7:00pm, free. Hope Library, 1005A - 6th Ave., Hope. More information at 604-869-2313.

BRANDON SANDERSON
Meet Brandon Sanderson as he signs the final book in Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series, A Memory of Light. Thursday, February 14 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, Burnaby. More information at 604-431-0463.

UNIQUE LIVES & EXPERIENCES
A lecture series featuring four outstanding women. First lecture will feature Valerie Plame Wilson, a former CIA spy and author of a bestselling autobiography, My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal By the White House, on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 7:30pm. Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, 777 Homer Street. For complete season details and ticket information, visit www.uniquelives.com.

UBC ALUMNI BOOK CLUB
Choose between Timothy Taylor's Stanley Park and Lynn Coady's Mean Boy at this book club in which you can meet the facilitator and fellow alumni, and learn about the book before you read it. Tuesday, February 19 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Cecil Green Park Coach House, 6323 Cecil Green Park Rd., UBC.

W.P. KINSELLA
Canadian author will read from, and chat about, his latest book, Butterfly Winter. Thursday, February 21 at 10:30am, free. Hope Library, 1005A - 6th Ave., Hope. More information at 604-869-2313.

ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Walid Bitar and Missy Marston. Thursday, February 21 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore at Robson Square. For more informatin and to register, visit http://rrs-feb2013.eventbrite.ca/.

GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Fourth annual festival featuring John Belshaw, Kevin Chong, Pauline Holdstock, Nancy Richler and many others. February 22-24, 2013. Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa, Galiano Island. For complete details, visit galianoliteraryfestival.com.