Book News Vol. 8 No. 2

BOOK NEWS

Incite: Our free, bi-weekly reading series continues!

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 humour 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

Jack Rabinovitch, founder of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, has announced the award-winning three-member jury panel for the 2013 prize. They are: Canadian authors Margaret Atwood and Esi Edugyan, and American writer Jonathan Lethem.
http://www.scotiabank.com/gillerprize/0,,5813,00.html

Leon Wieseltier, longtime literary editor of The New Republic, is among this year's winners of the prestigious Dan David Prize, given annually to honor "contributions to humanity" and carries a $1 million dollar award. Mr. Wieseltier has stated he will share the $1 million purse with the French philosopher Michel Serres, his fellow winner in the prize's "Present" category.
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/new-republic-literary-editor-to-split-1-million-prize/?ref=booksupdate&nl=books&emc=edit_bk_20130215

Poet Robert Bly is to be awarded the Frost Medal for a "distinguished lifetime achievement in poetry" by the Poetry Society of America. The American poet is also known for the book Iron John, which helped inspire 'the expressive men's movement', and his translations.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/14/robert-bly-poetry-frost-medal

Five authors are shortlisted for The 2013 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction: Carol Bishop-Gwyn, Tim Cook, Sandra Djwa, Ross King, and Andrew Preston. The award will go to the author whose book best combines a superb command of the English language, an elegance of style, and a subtlety of thought and perception.
http://www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca/2013/finalists_13.asp

Claremont Graduate University has named three finalists for its Kingsley Tufts Award: Marianne Boruch, Edward Haworth Hoeppner, and Paisley Rekdal. The prize is designed to reward a single book by a mid-career poet. In addition, three finalists for the Kate Tufts Discovery Award were announced.
http://www.latimes.com/features/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-claremont-kingsley-tufts-poetry-award-20130131,0,7872837.story

The annual Judging Books By Their Covers competition reveals surprising differences between jacket designs on each side of the Atlantic, writes Lucy Manga. You could argue forever about which of the two renderings of the same idea for Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette has the edge over the other.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/shortcuts/2013/feb/17/best-book-covers-uk-us

YOUNG READERS

David Walliams's Ratburger is the story of Zoe, who makes friends with a rat called Armitage, and gets into a terrible adventure. This book is so fantastic it makes you never to want to stop reading it, says cupcakekate. David Walliams is a comedian so his books always have funny bits. For ages 7 and under.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/feb/15/review-ratburger-david-walliams

Tales of Flavia's adventures can't come quickly enough, writes Anne Sutherland, admitting that Flavia de Luce is her favourite heroine. She's precocious, inventive, resourceful, loyal and totally fearless. And she's 11 years old, about to turn 12. Ages 10 to 13.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Tales+Flavia+adventures+come+quickly+enough/7909034/story.html

Marcus Sedgwick's title Midwinterblood evocatively hints at what's to come. A labyrinthine story of love, sacrifice and blood. A cast of vampires, Vikings and high priests encounter one another in various forms—with dire consequences for both their past and future incarnations. Young adult and ages 13 to 18.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/books/review/midwinterblood-by-marcus-sedgwick.html?nl=books&emc=edit_bk_20130208

NEWS & FEATURES

A restored version of Ted Kotcheff's film of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz starring Richard Dreyfuss, will be unveiled in Toronto March 2.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2013/02/16/the_apprenticeship_of_duddy_kravitz_gets_new_life.html

The 19th-century Scottish poet William Topaz McGonagall, whose works were so detested he was pelted with rotten fish, has the last laugh. A rare poem by the 'world's worst poet' is expected to fetch £3,000 at auction.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/18/rare-poem-worst-poet-auction

A former war hero has been unmasked as the author of a series of romance novels. Bill Spence has written 22 novels, under the pseudonym Jessica Blair. The 89-year-old bomb aimer during the Second World War, was told by his publishers that he would need to write under a female name in order for the books to sell.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/9870523/Former-Second-World-War-hero-unmasked-as-romance-writer.html

Story collections are experiencing a resurgence, driven by a proliferation of digital options that offer new creative opportunities and exposure and revenue as well. These include George Saunders's Tenth of December, Karen Russell's Vampires in the Lemon Grove, and Jess Walter's We Live in Water.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/books/a-good-fit-for-small-screens-short-stories-are-selling.html

In a piece for the Smithsonian, Patricia T. O'Conner and Stewart Kellarman have riled grammarphiles, stating that "Most of What You Think You Know About Grammar is Wrong".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2013/feb/08/grammar-lovers-split-infitives-wrong

The U.S. Justice Department has cleared the proposed merger of Random House and Penguin, which would create the biggest book publisher in the world.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/random_house_inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org

Paul Collicut's The Murder Mile is like Chariots of Fire as rewritten by Raymond Chandler, a beautifully illustrated detective story that unfolds alongside the race to break the four-minute mile, writes Rachel Cooke. The Murder Mile's climactic scene takes place at the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/18/murder-mile-paul-collicutt-review?CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2

There is a reason the character of the Boy in my first picture books wears a red and white stripey jumper, writes Oliver Jeffers: Maurice Sendak. Like many others, I developed a personal relationship with his picture book because it is excellent. Since I began making picture books I call them just that. Picture books. Not children's books. I don't believe they are just for children.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2013/feb/14/oliver-jeffers-maurice-sendak-wild-things

What happens if our faith in novels falters, if we find ourselves unable to suspend disbelief? Am I really a believer? Was I ever? asks Ian McEwan. I have moments when my faith in fiction falters and then comes to the edge of collapse. I've been on panels with fellow believers as we intone the liturgy, that humans are fabulators, we "cannot live" without stories. (Oh yes, we can.)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/16/ian-mcewan-faith-fiction-falters

Two decades after Donna Tartt soared to literary stardom with The Secret History, the reclusive author is set to release her third novel in October. The Goldfinch, which follows The Little Friend, published in 2002, explores a young boy's descent into 'the art underworld'.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/13/donna-tartt-first-novel-11-years

The Bare It All for Books Campaign for PEN aims to create a 2014 calendar to raise money for its programs. Twelve Canadian writers who have agreed to pose for the calendar are: Angie Abdou, Trevor Cole, Farzana Doctor, Dave Bidini, Miranda Hill, Daniel MacIvor, Yasuko Thanh, Terry Fallis, Sachiko Murakami, Vincent Lam, Saleema Nawaz and Yann Martel. In the great tradition of writing, much is left to the imagination.
http://bareitforbooks.ca

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

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

Slammerkin, Emma Donoghue's coming-of-age story of a teenage girl fending for herself in the 1760s, exerts a considerable grip, writes Natasha Tripney. Like Donoghue's more recent child's-eye novel, Room, Slammerkin is a story of survival and liberty.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/17/slammerkin-emma-donoghue-review

Christa Wolf's City of Angels, or, The Overcoat of Dr. Freud, is a work about betrayal, the inability to know oneself. and a public act of self-reflection, writes David L. Ulin. At its center, writer Christa Wolf was among the most prominent writers to come out of communist East Germany. In the end, forgetting offers her the starkest sort of freedom.
http://www.latimes.com/features/books/jacketcopy/la-ca-jc-christa-wolf-20130203,0,2945753.story

André Brink's Philida is a result of his discovering that a collateral ancestor of his owned a slave named Philida in the early 1800s. The real Philida tells the Slave Protector that François, her owner's son, reneged on his promise of freedom and was planning to sell her. Brink uses this historical record as a launching pad for his imagined version of Philida's life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/books/review/philida-by-andre-brink.html?nl=books&emc=edit_bk_20130215&_r=0

In The Daughters of Mars, Thomas Keneally shows us the horror of war from the perspective of nurses whose own battlegrounds are to save lives, not take them. Keneally is no jingoist; The Daughters of Mars is unabashedly anti-war, a stance that is buttressed by the novel's perspective, writes Stephen Finucan.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/02/15/the_daughters_of_mars_by_thomas_keneally_review

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

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 tells untold stories of Joe Fortes, 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.

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.

WORLD POETRY NIGHT OUT
Celebrates Black History month with hosts Ariadne Sawyer and Mickey Bickerstaff. Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30pm, free. New Westminster Public Library, 716 6th Ave., New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.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 27 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.

Upcoming

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.

SEVEN THE SERIES
Four accomplished writers, Eric Walters, Ted Staunton, Richard Scrimger and Sigmund Brouwer, present their books. Monday, March 11 at 7:00pm. West Point Grey United Church Sanctuary, 4595 8th Ave. W. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kidsbooks.ca.

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.

MEG TILLY
Meet author and actor as she presents her newest book A Taste of Heaven. Thursday, March 14 at 7:00pm. Kidsbooks on Broadway. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kidsbooks.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.

WRITERS INTERNATIONAL NETWORK CANADA
2nd annual literary festival featuring Dennis E. Bolen, Bonnie Nish, Jai Birdi, Lila Shahani and many others. Hosted by Lilija Valis, Bernice Lever and Charlene Sayo. Saturday, March 23 from 10am to 4pm. Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. More information at 604-327-6040.