Book News Vol. 8 No. 10

BOOK NEWS

Incite: An Exploration of Books and Ideas

Join us on Monday, May 6 for an evening with theoretical physicist Lee Smolin who offers a radical new view of the nature of time and the cosmos. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite. Register here: http://incitemay6.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.

A DRAM COME TRUE

Dust off your kilt, gather your friends and grab a glass, A Dram Come True is back!

Join us at the legendary Hycroft Manor on May 31, 2013 for a lively celebration of spirits. Our five whisky bars will cater to the true aficionado, with a variety of rare and distinguished single malts. You don't want to miss the special surprises and scotch whisky selection we've got in store for you this year, click to buy your tickets today. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.

AWARDS & LISTS

Haruki Murakami and Michel Houellebecq are two of 10 novelists shortlisted for the International Impac Dublin award. "This is the highest number of books in translation on the shortlist since the award began," said Dublin city librarian Margaret Hayes.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/09/murakami-houllebecq-2013-impac-award-shortlist

Kate Tempest became the first person under 40 to win the Ted Hughes award for innovation in poetry, for Brand New Ancients, an hour-long "spoken story" with orchestral backing.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/mar/27/kate-tempest-ted-hughes-poetry-prize

Zadie Smith has received her third literary garlanding in just three days after she was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature's Ondaatje prize.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/17/zadie-smith-third-literary-honour-this-week

Sandra Djwa’s Journey With No Maps: A Life of P.K. Page, Derek Hayes’ British Columbia: A New Historical Atlas, and Jim McDowell’s Father August Brabant: Saviour or Scourge have been shortlisted for the new Basil Stuart-Stubbs Prize for Outstanding Scholarly Book on British Columbia.
http://www.quillandquire.com/blog/index.php/awards/new-b-c-scholarly-book-prize-shortlist-announced/

YOUNG READERS

It's a rare child who doesn't, at some point, experience a fear of the dark. Lemony Snicket (nom de plume for Daniel Handler) tapped into that fear—and others—for his novels, A Series of Unfortunate Events and the current series, All the Wrong Questions, but never more effectively than in this picture book, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Kids+Childhood+fear+gets+light+touch/8203833/story.html

An interest in the dead takes an unusual turn in James M. Deem's Faces from the Past: Forgotten People of North America, a work of history, science, archaeology and art. For ages 11 to 15.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/james-m-deem/faces-past/

"Melissa Marr's Carnival of Souls left me desperate for more," writes The Book Addicted Girl. For ages 14 and up.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/apr/04/review-carnival-of-souls-melissa-marr

NEWS & FEATURES

What we think of as a book—a cover supporting a block of pages, backed up by a spine—is one the most successful technological innovations in the history of the world, writes Virginia C. McGuire. Here are ten terms to describe the anatomy of a book, including leaves (not green).
http://www.mentalfloss.com/article/49775/10-terms-describe-anatomy-book

In 2013, the Swedish Academy should award the Nobel Prize in Literature to Google, writes Jonathan Keats. According to Nobel's will, the accolade is to be awarded to “the person who...produced in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction.” Google Books provides greater literary benefit to more people than any single title, says Keats.
http://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/04/start-essay-and-the-winner-is

There's a reason J.K. Rowling's publishers demanded she use initials instead of "Joanne", and Mary Ann Evans, George Eliot, says Deborah Copaken Kogan. As Robert Southey's wrote: "Literature cannot be the business of a woman's life, and it ought not to be." Kogan is considering starting a U. S. women's prize, to be given out until gender parity in the arts is achieved.
http://www.thenation.com/article/173743/my-so-called-post-feminist-life-arts-and-letters?page=0,1

D.H. Lawrence was famously denounced as a sexist in the 1970s, but a newly-discovered manuscript shows a different side to the author of Lady Chatterley's Lover.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/11/dh-lawrence-manuscript-attitude-women

A silver €10 coin issued by Ireland's central bank to commemorate James Joyce's Ulysses misquotes a line from the modernist masterpiece. The new coin features a portrait of the author's face and a short quotation taken from the book's third chapter, into which an extra word has mistakenly been added.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/11/ireland-james-joyce-coin-misquote

BOOKS & WRITERS

David Morley, writing about Dear World & Everyone in It: New Poetry in the UK describes it as a brave anthology of new poetry edited with electric panache. Dear World attempts to disarm the reader by being so artlessly unlike other recent round-ups of younger poets. The Anthology itself becomes a third-person character with its own voice and mannerisms. It even cracks Star Trek jokes.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/12/dear-world-nathan-hamilton-review

Oliver Stone got so sick of reading the sanitized version of US history that he decided to write his own. He talks about the real reason America dropped the atom bomb, for example. Stone's TV history class might well be named US Heresies 101, writes Stuart Jeffries, taking these texts from regular history and comparing them to what we think happened."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2013/apr/15/oliver-stone-america-went-wrong

Margaret Drabble's collection of tales addresses the demands placed on professional women: a woman of outward composure grappling with the demands of lovers, family, co-workers and her own wayward flesh. Her collection of 14 stories in A Day in the Life of a Smiling Woman: The Collected Stories by Margaret Drabble, spans four decades of Drabble's writing career.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/margaret-drabble

COMMUNITY EVENTS

AN EVENING OF POETRY READING
People's Co-op Bookstore is very proud to present poets Brad Cran (Ink On Paper), Marita Dachsel (Glossolalia), Susan Gillis (The Rapids) and Rob Taylor (The Otherside of Ourselves). Thursday, April 18 at 7:30pm. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive. More information at peoplescoopbookstore.com.

ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS SHORTLIST
BC members of Crime Writers of Canada will present a lively panel discussion about Canadian crime writing, followed by announcement of nominees for this years Arthur Ellis Awards. Thursday, April 18 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at www.vpl.ca.

NORTH SHORE WRITERS FESTIVAL
A celebration of Canadian writers featuring Helen Humphreys, Terry Fallis, Evelyn Lau, Sean Cranbury and others. April 19-20, 2013. Lynn Valley branch, North Vancouver District Public Library, 1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver. Complete details at northshorewritersfestival.com.

FAN EXPO VANCOUVER
Second annual comicon featuring comic, anime, science fiction, horror and gaming. Authors scheduled to appear include Hiromi Goto, A.M. Dellamonica, Eileen Kernaghan and many more. April 20-21, 2013. Complete details at fanexpovancouver.com.

POEMS FROM PLANET EARTH
Vancouver launch of Poems from Planet Earth anthology with readings by contributors. Saturday, April 20 at 2:00pm. Suggested donation: $5. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W., Vancouver.

BOOK LAUNCH
Penticton writer Michelle Barker launches her debut Young Adult fantasy novel "The Beggar King" (Thistledown Press, 2013). Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30pm. The Establishment (3162 West Broadway).

JOHN VAILLANT
An evening of literary discussion, commentary, and slides as John discusses the history, ecology, and political intrigue behind his most recent work The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival. Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00pm, free. Chilliwack Library, 45860 First Avenue, Chilliwack. More information at fvrl.bc.ca.

SUSAN JUBY
Reading by the best-selling author of the internationally popular Alice MacLeod books. Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.

JAZZIN' IT UP
Vancouver Improvisers Orchestra performs new works with poet Daniela Elza, Wednesday, April 24, 8pm, at Presentation House Studio, 333 Chesterfield Avenue (3rd St. one block west of Lonsdale) North Vancouver (the studio is in the old church at west end of parking lot. Tea and cookies. Admission $10 at the door.

IAN WEIR
Reading by the author of Daniel O'Thunder from his new novel The Resurrection Man. Thursday, April 25 at 7:00pm, free. Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford. More information at fvrl.bc.ca.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features YA novelist James McCann and Writers in the Making from Eric Hamber. Thursday, April 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.

MEET THE AUTHOR: SUSAN JUBY
Susan Juby discusses her novel The Woefield Poultry Collective. Thursday, April 25 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.

FORCE FIELD ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH
Force Field - 77 Women Poets of British Columbia. The first of its kind in thirty-four years, this anthology strongly celebrates women poets, from the emerging, mid-career to the established. Friday, April 26th, 7-10pm. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Free. Host: Shauna Paull. Contact Shadbolt Centre: 604.291.6864.

DAV PILKEY
Book signing with the bestselling and award-winning author of the Captain Underpants series. Saturday, April 27 at 1:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. More information at 604-431-0463.

RACHEL HARTMAN
Reading by the author of Seraphina, followed by short musical examples and light refreshments. Saturday, April 27 at 2:00pm, free but register by calling 604-299-8955. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street, Burnaby. More information at bpl.bc.ca.

Upcoming

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE IN A POST-COLONIAL SOCIETY?
Author Jim McDowell explores the life of missionary Father August Brabant and the dynamics that shaped, and continue to define, the settler-colonial relationship between indigenous peoples and the state in Canada. Thursday, May 2 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.

VANCOUVER ISLAND CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL
27th annual festival of authors, illustrators, and storytellers from across Canada who present their work, tell stories, and/or show children how they do what they do. Featuring Roch Carrier, Kathy Beliveau, Tololwa Mollel and others. Saturday, May 4, 2013 in Nanaimo. For complete details, visit bookfest.ca.

GLEN HUSER
Award-winning author of The Runaway, Touch of the Clown and Skinnybones and the Wrinkle Queen will read from his work and take questions from the audience. Saturday, May 4 at 11:15am, free. Kerrisdale branch, 2112 42nd Ave. W. More information at vpl.ca.

RICHARD SCRIMGER
Meet the author of The Nose from Jupiter and Ink Me. Monday, May 6 and Friday, May 10. For times and complete information, visit surreylibraries.ca.

BARBARA REID
Meet the illustrator of The New Baby Calf, Fox Walked Alone, and Picture a Tree. Tuesday, May 7. Semiahmoo Library at 10:00am; Ocean Park Library at 1:30pm. Complete details at surreylibraries.ca.

FASHION AND FICTION
Readings by Barbara Lambert and Caroline Adderson. Thursday, May 9 at 5:00pm. Eileen Fisher, 2721 Granville Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-733-5225.

MURDER TIMES THREE
Readings and discussion by three local mystery writers: Cathy Ace, Elizabeth Elwood, and Debra Purdy Kong. Thursday, May 9 at 7:00pm, free but register at 604-299-8955. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street, Burnaby. More information at bpl.bc.ca.

WRITTEN IN THE FOREST
Poetry reading by Han Shan Poets opening Susan Falk's Art Exhibition. Sat. May 11, 12-3 pm. Poetry Readings between 1 and 2 pm, at The Fort Gallery, 9048 Glover Road, Fort Langley. Wine and cheese; silent auction of 12 new paintings by Susan Falk based on 12 poems by the Han Shan Poets. Contact: 604-888-7411.

LEAF PRESS SPRING POETRY LAUNCH
Celebrate Leaf Press' spring poetry collections: Surge Narrows by Emilia Nielsen, milk tooth bane bone by Daniela Elza and Dark Matter by Leanne McIntosh, May 14th, 7pm, at Rowan's Roof Top Restaurant, 2340 W 4th Ave, Vancouver. Readings. Books for sale. Free event with appetisers and mingling. For more information: www.leafpress.ca.

ROBERTA RICH
Join the best selling author as she reads from the sequel to her smash hit The Midwife of Venice. Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.

NVCL LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES
Readings with award-winning novelist Annabel Lyon and North Vancouver author Lynn Crymble. Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30pm, free. G. Paul Singh room, 3rd floor, North Vancouver City Library, 120 14th Street W., North Vancouver. More information at cnv.org.

THE WALKING READ
CWILL BC presents a costume gala to benefit the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Friday, June 14 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $60. Richmond Open Road Lexus dealership, 5631 Parkwood Way, Richmond. More information at thewalkingread.com.