Book News Vol. 7 No. 50

BOOK NEWS

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

Join us on Wednesday, January 30 as three celebrated authors explore the ideas behind their fascinating new books.

A titillating night of intrigue, with three authors who tackle taboos, seductions and a bit of mystery. Award-winning author Barbara Lambert reads from her latest novel, The Whirling Girl, C.P. Boyko delves into the scandalous world of psychology with his new collection Psychology and Other Stories, and Bradley Somer presents his first novel Imperfections. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite

A Georgia Straight interview with C.P. Boyko calls his new collection Psychology and Other Stories a rich and compelling collection that allows readers to enjoy its ambiguities and hidden secrets.
http://www.straight.com/life/344956/c-p-boyko-tackles-mental-health-psychology-and-other-stories

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

SPECIAL EVENT

Sally Armstrong in conversation with Kathryn Gretsinger
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

National Book Critics Circle has announced the finalists for awards in six categories. The list includes the late journalist Anthony Shadid, who died last year while on assignment in Syria for the New York Times. The winners will be announced Feb. 28 in New York City.
http://www.latimes.com/features/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-national-book-critics-circle-finalists-20130114,0,816515,full.story

Westmount Mayor Peter Trent and Montreal writer Taras Grescoe are in the running for the 12th Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. The prize will be awarded in Ottawa on March 6. The complete list is here: http://www.montrealgazette.com/Peter+Trent+Taras+Grescoe+finalists+Shaughnessy+Cohen+Prize/7822858/story.html#ixzz2IBx2GIkr

An all-male shortlist for 2012 BSFA (British Science Fiction Award) best novel award puts well-established names in contention. The shortlisted authors for four categories are here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/18/british-science-fiction-awards-finalists-shortlists

The 2013 shortlist for the Marsh award celebrates the translators making foreign works accessible to English-speaking children.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/jan/17/marsh-award-shortlist-translation-2013

YOUNG READERS

Caroline Adderson showcases her subtle hilarity in Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind in which our hero discovers that every day is an adventure. Ages 6 to 9.
http://www.quillandquire.com/blog/index.php/in-the-magazine/spring-preview-2013-fiction-and-picture-books-for-young-people

All the Wrong Questions is the title of the first volume of Lemony Snicket's new series. It raises more questions than it answers, but might answer some questions you had at the end of the last series by this author. Age 9 and up.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Kids+Lemony+Snicket/7753619/story.html#ixzz2ICVPfr7K

Eleanor Updale's The Last Minute has sixty chapters, each of which covers one second in the life of a small town where a series of explosions are about to take place. However, there are no grand pyrotechnics. This is powerful stuff, says Philip Ardagh. Ages 12 and over.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/11/the-last-minute-eleanor-updale-review

NEWS & FEATURES

For decades, a shadowy figure left three roses and cognac at the grave of Edgar Allan Poe. The tradition ended four years ago, when the visitor failed to appear. However, Baltimore native Jeff Jerome says he might hold a vigil Saturday, in case the visitor returns.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/will-the-world-ever-know-who-was-the-mysterious-edgar-allan-poe-toaster/article7550871/

In Pudding: A Global History, Jeri Quinzio fills her slim volume with entertaining food facts, memoirs and clever illustrations, as well as historical and contemporary recipes. Just in time for Robbie Burns Day, Friday, January 25.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1316640--pudding-a-global-history-by-jeri-quinzio-book-review

In a bid to "broaden the reach and impact" of the National Book Awards, the National Book Foundation has announced two key changes to its selection process, following the example of Britain's Man Booker Prize's pattern of a longlist and a shortlist. As well, judges will be drawn from all walks of life.
http://www.salon.com/2013/01/15/national_book_awards_wise_up/

On January 27, the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice will be celebrated with an authentic re-creation of Jane Austen's Netherfield Ball, a turning point in the romance between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/bbc-to-recreate-netherfield-ball-for-200th-anniversary-of-pride-and-prejudice-8453439.html

Paula Byrne's The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things describes a history of Jane Austen in everyday objects and paints a vivid picture of her life and times.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/17/real-jane-austen-byrne-review

The Brazilian government is anteing up over US$35 million to fund a program that aims to inject Brazilian literature into international markets by funding translations, grants to publishers outside of Brazil, and travel grants to send Brazilian authors on world publicity tours. Meanwhile, Brazil will be the Guest of Honor at the 2013 Frankfurt Book Fair.
http://languagemagazine.com/

Kate Kellaway's interview with T.S. Eliot Poetry Prize-winner Sharon Olds is here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/06/sharon-olds-interview-stags-leap

George Orwell died on 21 January 1950. The Orwell Estate, The Orwell Prize and the author's publisher Penguin have decided to launch an annual event on 21 January, in "recognition of one of Britain's greatest and most influential writers of the 20th century", and to "celebrate his writing in all its forms". January 21, 2013 was the inaugural Orwell Day.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/21/george-orwell-day-begins-annual-commemoration

Margaret Atwood writes that George Orwell was her hero. "To say I was horrified by this book (Animal Farm) would be an understatement. The thing that upset me most was that the pigs were so unjust."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/18/my-hero-george-orwell-atwood

Ted Hughes's sister Olwyn tells Sam Jordison how misrepresented she feels the story of her sister-in-law's death has been. Plath's friend Elizabeth Sigmund says Plath would never have let The Bell Jar be published under her own name while her mother was alive. Elizabeth Sigmund's side of the story is here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/18/olwyn-hughes-sylvia-plath-literary-executor

We make so much of serious literary fiction that it's surprising to learn that we have a large number of writers who are champions in crime and mystery fiction, writes Greg Quill. "There are as many as 20 writers of crime and mystery novels in Canada who support themselves entirely on revenue from their writing," says Michael Levine.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1316504--canada-s-crime-novelists-a-critical-mass

A group of conservative Muslim clerics in India have called on the organisers of the annual Jaipur literary festival to drop speakers who were involved in a demonstration of support for Salman Rushdie. Sanjoy Roy, a director of the festival, told local television channels there would be no change in the schedule.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/21/salman-rushdie-jaipur-literary-festival

Leah McLaren writes that the independent story has a role to play outside the marketplace. All is good, she says, for the great bookstores.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/why-a-good-bookstore-is-not-a-money-maker

The deadline is fast approaching for the 9th Annual Geist Literal Literary Postcard Story Contest! For your chance at literary fame and fortune, information on how the contest works and contest details is here:
http://www.geist.com/articles/postcard-contest/

BOOKS & WRITERS

Dan Brown's new novel Inferno is named for Dante's epic journey in verse. Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, the protagonist for the two prior novels, features in Inferno as well.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/1315108--dan-brown-author-of-the-da-vinci-code-writing-novel-about-dante

Writing about Thomas King's An Inconvenient Indian, Jacqueline Windh describes it as 'a timely read'. While it is incomplete, unbalanced and opinionated, it is also founded upon a wealth of research, writes Windh.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Inconvenient+Indian+Unsettling+book+timely+must+read/7807343/story.html

Mo Yan's Nobel prize win last year thrilled the Chinese government, but outraged advocates of free speech as Yan defended, in his Nobel acceptance speech, "necessary" censorship. Mo Yan's Pow! may not be politically engaged but it is a highly enjoyable, absurdist romp of a novel, writes Chris Cox.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/19/pow-mo-yan-review-fiction

Sheila Heti has become a literary sensation in the US with How Should a Person Be? Dubbed HBO's Girls in book form, the novel draws heavily on her own life and philosophy. A "seriously strange but funny plunge into the quest for authenticity" writes Margaret Atwood; "nothing less than groundbreaking", says Miranda July.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/19/sheila-heti-how-should-a-person-be-interview

Cathy Marie Buchanan's The Painted Girls tells the story of Marie Van Goethem, who modeled for Degas's paintings and a statuette. The book deepens readers' understanding of la Belle Epoque, when it was believed that heredity largely determines ones fate. Buchanan takes real life and makes it more interesting, realistic and true, says Tracy Sherlock.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Historical+fiction+comes+alive+Cathy+Marie+Buchanan/7839090/story.html

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rachel Rose and Alan Hill with open mic. Thursday, January 24, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. All are welcome. In 2013 Twisted Poets will run the 2nd Wednesday and the 4th Thursday of every month. More information at www.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/.

SOMETIMES I THINK, I CAN SEE YOU
Marinao Pensotti's work places writers in public spaces and uses them as literary surveillance cameras. Performance is free and open to the public and happens simultaneously at three downtown locations. January 25-27 and February 1-3 from 12:00-4:00pm. For complete details, visit pushfestival.ca.

HUMAN LIBRARY
Enter the VPL's Central Branch and head up to the third floor where a special PuSh Festival circulation desk will register you with your own Human Library card and offer to lend you one of thirty possible human books. January 25-27 and February 1-3 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. VPL Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street. For complete details, visit pushfestival.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.

TOM ANGLEBERGER
An entertaining evening with the author of the Origami Yoda series of books. Sunday, January 27 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $5. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W., Vancouver. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kidsbooks.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.

Upcoming

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.

ERIC LITWIN
Part of the Children's Arts Festival, author shares his best-selling book Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes and other musical stories. Monday, February 11 at various times. Tickets: $10. Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. More information at childrensartsfestival.ca.

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.

OLIVER JEFFERS
Oliver Jeffers, author/illustrator of This Moose Belongs to Me, to speak at the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable's annual Author/Illustrator Breakfast February 23 at the University Golf Club. Early bird rates end January 31. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.