Book News Vol. 8 No. 1

BOOK NEWS

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

Join us on Wednesday, February 27 for an evening of fun and laughter with Canadian humourist Arthur Black and award-winning actor Jackson Davies. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite. Register here: http://incitevpl2013spring.eventbrite.ca/.

Presented in partnership with Vancouver Public Library. Incite is sponsored by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association and supported by the R.J. Nelson Family Foundation.

SPECIAL EVENTS

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. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/sallyarmstrong

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


Sayed Kashua in conversation with Marsha Lederman
Our friends at the Jewish Book Festival present hugely popular, award-winning Arab Israeli writer, Sayed Kashua, who brings us a fresh voice and perspective from Israel. Using humor and satire, Kashua tackles the often conflicting, interconnecting worlds of Arabs and Jews living in Israel. Details: http://www.jccgv.com/content/jewish-book-fest

Saturday, March 9 at 8:00pm (note new date!)
Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre

A DRAM COME TRUE

Tickets are on sale now for our popular single malt tasting A Dram Come True. Join us at Hycroft, the elegant Shaughnessy mansion, for an evening of great fun and good spirits. Enjoy the superb, complex flavours of a variety of rare and distinguished single malts, a premium silent auction, Cuban cigars and great company. A Dram Comes True is a fundraiser for the Writers Fest. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.

AWARDS & LISTS

Spanish writer Antonio Munoz Molina says he will accept a prestigious Israeli award given to authors, despite calls from pro-Palestinian activists to boycott the Jewish state. The Jerusalem Prize is an award given every two years to authors who write about human freedom in society.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/10652667

Hilary Mantel and Will Self will battle it out for another literary prize six months after Mantel beat Self to the Man Booker Prize. The pair are short listed in the literature category at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards, along with Kerry Hudson's debut novel Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice-cream Float Before He Stole My Ma. The winner will be announced March 12.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/hilary-mantel-and-will-self-fight-it-out-for-another-literary-prize-8483558.html

The Crime Writers' Association is to award Lee Child its Diamond Dagger with the lifetime achievement honour this summer.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/12/lee-child-award-diamond-dagger

After four days of deliberations, the Canada Reads panel has decided that February by Lisa Moore is the Canada Reads 2013 champion!
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2013/02/14/canada-reads-turf-wars-final.html

For a recap of the final day of deliberations, go here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads/2013/02/day-four-recap.html

YOUNG READERS

"The man from the land of Fandango is coming to pay you a call," begins Margaret Mahy's The Man from the Land of Fandango. With impeccable invention and rhythm, we hear of a jingling, jongling, jangling party person who "only appears every five hundred years". Ages 2 to 6.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/02/01/small_print_mini_reviews_of_books_for_tots_and_teens.html

Melodrama, a crumbling mansion in northern England, a puppeteer, a witch, and Clara first disappearing from her home, then reappearing as a miniature of herself are key to Laura Amy Schlitz‘s Splendors and Glooms: a lengthy, involved winter's tale. Ages 9 to 13.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/02/01/small_print_mini_reviews_of_books_for_tots_and_teens.html

In The Brontë Sisters: The Brief Lives of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, Catherine Reef's biography of the Brontë sisters strikes an intelligent, honest note. Reef describes the imaginative games of the Brontë sisters' childhood, their stern education, limited travels and passionate literary works, offering a wealth of information about the period. Ages 11 to teen.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/02/01/small_print_mini_reviews_of_books_for_tots_and_teens.html

NEWS & FEATURES

Love poems range from the schlocky to the sublime. "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet," wrote Plato. Love makes us burst with emotion — as if we have a heart "like a singing bird," wrote Christina Rossetti. To vote for your favourite love story from 10 contenders, go here:
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books.html

The New York Review of Books, noted for its rigorous writing and its personal ads, celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. Catherine Tice doesn't know what prompted the decision to run personals, but she has the very first personal ad, from the July 11, 1968, issue. The ads reflect an intellectually engaged and curious readership, says Tice.
http://www.npr.org/2013/02/09/171416212/literary-types-find-love-in-the-new-york-review-of-books?ft=1&f=1008

Chinese writer and award-winning satirist Yan Lianke admits he self-censored while writing Dream of Ding Village, which deals with an HIV scandal. He adds that Chinese intellectuals avoid key issues amid censorship fears. Yan Lianke had two books banned in the past decade but his bleakly humorous novel Lenin's Kisses was published in Britain this week.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/06/chinese-writers-failing-censorship-concerns

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's upcoming book on the history of professional hockey will be published in the United States rather than Canada because of prohibitions embedded in the government's cultural policy. Simon & Schuster, chosen to publish the English-language edition of the Prime Minister's book, is banned from publishing books in Canada under the Investment Canada Act.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/government-policy-shuts-out-harpers-hockey-book-from-canadian-printers/article8372182/

The Bell Jar was published less than a month before Sylvia Plath killed herself on 11 February 1963. To mark the 50th anniversary of her death, a dozen writers and poets—including Sharon Olds, Jennifer Egan, Jeanette Winterson and Margaret Drabble—reflect on what Plath's work means to them.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/08/sylvia-plath-reflections-on-her-legacy

The latest book cover of Anne of Green Gables features a buxom young woman with flaxen locks, a far cry from the skinny, pigtailed, redhead of L.M. Montgomery's famous series of books. The makeover has generated lots of buzz online, ranging from outrage, confusion and amusement.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/02/07/anne_of_green_gables_fans_blast_new_blond_version.html

Roald Dahl taught a generation how to fight back against the monstrous world of grown-ups with marvellous medicine, magic fingers and a healthy dose of naughtiness. Now the old rebel of children's literature, loved by millions for his dark humour and the surreal, is more popular with adults than with children, according to a new survey of children's literary tastes.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/the-tale-of-the-unexpected-decline-of-roald-dahl-8486008.html

Alberto Manguel commemorates Yehuda Elberg, whose work is among the most important contributions to the literature of the Holocaust, Ekberg died in 2003 and is forgotten by almost all.
http://www.geist.com/articles/yehuda-elberg/

The body of Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda is to be exhumed for an autopsy seeking clues to the cause of his death. Neruda died days after the 1973 military coup that ended the life of President Salvador Allende. The Pablo Neruda Foundation announced Friday that it supports Judge Mario Carroza's investigation.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2013/02/08/arts-neruda-exhumation.html

"Which book changed your life?" is a question it's tempting to answer with a shrug. But in 1970, before he was a household name, Oliver Sacks wrote a book called Migraine. More modest and more technical than his big hits, the book is still remarkable in its shrewd perceptions. It changed my life, says Hilary Mantel.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/08/my-hero-oliver-sacks-mantel

Teenager Timothy Parker Russel has edited and produced Dark World, a book of fourteen terrifying ghost stories, short stories from award-winning writers around the world. The project began after a school trip to the Amala Children's Home in India. Now, funds are donated to help orphans living in the Children's Home who would otherwise be living on the streets.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/feb/07/teen-edits-book-ghost-stories

Azerbaijan's troubled efforts to portray itself as a progressive and Western-oriented country took a beating this week with the announcement by a pro-government political party that it will pay $12,700 to anyone who cuts off the ear of a 75-year-old novelist.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/azerbaijan-turns-on-one-of-its-own/2013/02/12/977d2c8a-752b-11e2-aa12-e6cf1d31106b_story.html

The deadline for the 9th Annual Geist Literal Literary Postcard Story Contest has been extended to March 1, 2013, 11:59pm PST! 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

Since fictional love matches are often troubled, Globe Books asked writers to imagine characters from literature who might be perfect together. Eleanor Wachtel sends Emma Bovary on a date with The English Patient. Andrew Pyper pairs Frankenstein's Monster and Anne Shirley. Alissa York chooses star-crossed lovers White Fang and Black Beauty.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/valentines-day/frankenstein-anne-shirley-4eva-authors-play-cupid-for-their-favourite-literary-characters/article8385661/?cmpid=rss1

If you're tired of going to bed with flabby, self-important books that rarely deliver on their promises, treat yourself this Valentine's Day to a box of Godiva chocolates and Simon Rich's hysterical new story collection, The Last Girlfriend on Earth. It just might be the best one-night stand you'll ever have, writes John Wilwol.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-last-girlfriend-on-earth-by-simon-rich/2013/02/05/0e0bd5c6-6cb8-11e2-8740-9b58f43c191a_story.html - license-0e0bd5c6-6cb8-11e2-8740-9b58f43

Evelyn Lau's A Grain of Rice honours both family and the past. A passionate suite of poems pays tribute to John Updike's life and work (he is the writer who has most influenced her writing career). The book is a meditation on loss, says Candace Fertile.
http://www.vancouversun.com/mobile/entertainment/books/voice+grows+more+sorrowful/7938672/story.html

One hundred years after Bram Stoker's death, his greatest creation is more alive than ever, writes Michael Dirda, immortality being one of the many side benefits. According to Thirty Years A-Going: A History of the Bram Stoker Society, teenage boys have regularly written to the organization, asking how they might become vampires.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-forgotten-writings-of-bram-stoker-reviewed-by-michael-dirda/2013/02/06/38fd8158-6c9f-11e2-ada0-5ca5fa7ebe79_story.html

In an interview with Allison Flood, Anglo-American novelist Lucy Ellman speaks of her new heroine—and writing her from a man's point of view, specifically the point of view of Harrison, a plastic surgeon. Harrison has a romance with the titular Mimi, who becomes angry about the treatment of women.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/09/lucy-ellmann-interview-mimi

Maurice Sendak's posthumous work was inspired by his older brother and by William Blake's visionary Songs of Innocence and Experience. To see the world through Blake's eyes made Sendak very happy, despite his embittered grief. My Brother's Book is a song of innocence and experience combined.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/search/?q=wild+things

Ayana Mathis's The Twelve Tribes of Hattie tells of Hattie Shepherd and her family, soon after they flee the Jim Crow laws of the U.S. South for a better life in Philadelphia. Many sad things happen, but this is not a sad book. Rather, it glistens with a quiet, hopeful beauty, writes Monique Polak.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/01/25/book-review-the-twelve-tribes-of-hattie-by-ayana-mathis/

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SHAKESPEAREAN SWORDPLAY
Hear Greg Mele and author C.C. Humphreys discourse on what happens when England plays Italy—but not on the soccer field—with honour as the prize. Saturday, February 16 at 10:00am. Part of Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium. For complete information, visit www.vancouverswordplay.com.

WRITING WESTERN MARTIAL ARTS IN FICTION
Join Neal Stephenson and Joseph Brassey, two of the authors behind the Mongoliad, as they talk about the steps taken to create a literary martial arts epic. Saturday, February 16 at 3:00pm. Part of Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium. For complete information, visit www.vancouverswordplay.com.

PEN AND SWORD
Lecture by Dr. Noelle Phillips will explore the representation and literary description of medieval weaponry–swords in particular–in a variety of medieval manuscripts. Sunday, February 17 at 3:30pm. Part of Vancouver International Swordplay Symposium. For complete information, visit www.vancouverswordplay.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, Basma Kavanagh, and Missy Marston. Thursday, February 21 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore at Robson Square. For more information and to register, visit http://rrs-feb2013.eventbrite.ca/.

CATHY OSTLERE
Cathy Ostlere discusses her memoir Lost. Thursday, February 21 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.

FROM TALKING STICK TO MICROPHONE
Zaccheus Jackson and a selection of this country's best independent musicians and slam poets go head to head! Friday, February 22 at 8:00pm, pay what you can. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive. More information at www.fullcircle.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.

FIVE ELEMENTS
A night of poetry and music raising funds for SFU's Indigenous Poetry and Poetics class. Featuring Joanne Arnott, Alex Jacobs, Larissa Lai and many more. Saturday, February 23 at 7:00pm, admission by donation. Rhizome Cafe, 317 East Broadway. More information at talonbooks.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. A limited number of seats remain. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.

VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Youth poetry slam featuring Scruffmouth. Monday, February 25 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $6/$4. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive. More information at vancouverpoetryhouse.com.

GATHER @ ZAWA
Spoken word and music, featuring Victoria's Poet Laureate, Janet Rogers and Alex Jacobs from New Mexico alongside the sounds of Kristi Lane Sinclair. Monday, February 25 at 9:30pm. Zawa Restaurant, 920 Commercial Drive. For complete information, visit www.fullcircle.ca.

THE WORD AND RESISTANCE
Alex Jacobs and Janet Rogers talk about creative ways to resist and affect change. They will present a literary array of politically inspired poetry from many movements throughout their careers. Tuesday, February 26 at 3:30pm. First Nations House of Learning @ UBC, 1985 West Mall. Complete details at www.fullcircle.ca.

OUR FRIEND JOE
Vancouver author Lisa Anne Smith shares an untold story (or two!) of the West Indian sailor who became a local legend. Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00pm, free. Lower level, Alice MacKay room, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.

COLIN BROWNE
Part of the Feedback Series talks, poet and author of The Properties will lead an inquiry into the idea of 'documentary' in relationship to the gallery works on display. Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00pm. More information at www.contemporaryartgallery.ca.

Upcoming

PLAY CHTHONICS
Readings by Jen Currin and Ken Babstock. Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30pm. Piano lounge, Green College, UBC. More information at www.greencollege.ubc.ca.

AB-ORIGINAL SPOKENWORD-SCAPES
Join Spoken Word artists and musicians as they riff and jam and spark together. Features Janet Rogers, Alex Jacobs, Dave Larocque, Joseph 'Pepe' Danza, Cris Derksen and more. Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00pm. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. For tickets, visit www.ticketstonight.ca. More information at www.fullcircle.ca.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Susan Steudel and Chelsea Comeau plus Open Mic. Thursday, February 28, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. All are welcome. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.

VANCOUVER NOIR
Authors Diane Purvey and John Belshaw discuss Vancouver's gritty underbelly in the 1930s-1960s. Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00pm, free. Lower level, Alice MacKay room, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.

AL HUNTER
Poetry reading by Anishinaabe writer Al Hunter. Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30pm, free. First Nations Longhouse, UBC. Admission is free and books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information and to register, visit http://rrs-march2013.eventbrite.ca/.

EILEEN COOK
Author reads from her latest release, The Almost Truth, a smart, romantic novel about a teenage con artist who might be in over her head. Thursday, March 7 at 10:00am, free. Britannia branch, 1661 Napier Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.

POETS AND THE SOCIAL SELF
Join Wayde Compton, Joanne Arnott, and Michael Turner with Renee Sarojini Saklikar as they discuss and read from their work. Thursday, March 7 at 7:00pm, free. Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre,SFU's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 W Hasting St. More information at sfuwoodwards.ca.

INHABITING WOMEN'S SPACE
Four women writers explore how women inhabit space, metaphorically. Join Kate Braid, Marilyn Bowering, Sandra Djwa and Kathy Mezei as they present their recent work. Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, free. Lower level, Alice MacKay room, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS WRITERS CONFERENCE
A day-long, participant-driven panel on the representation and recognition of Aboriginal writers in Canada. Cost: $30/$15. Saturday, March 9 from 9am to 5pm. SFU Vancouver, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.

ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Andrew Kaufman, Camille Martin, and Barry Webster. Thursday, March 14 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore at Robson Square. For more information and to register, visit http://www.rrs-mar2013.eventbrite.ca.

JOEL DICKER
La Verite sur l'Affaire Harry Quebert is finally coming to Vancouver. Joel Dicker, a 27-year-old Geneva-born author, will present his second novel. The discussion will be in French. Monday, March 18 at 6:15pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street.

PLAY CHTHONICS
Readings by poets Jan Zwicky and Robert Bringhurst. Wednesday, March 20. Piano lounge, Green College, UBC. More information at www.greencollege.ubc.ca.