Book News Vol. 8 No. 11

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/.

And on Wednesday, May 8, award-winning author Colin McAdam reads from A Beautiful Truth, paulo de costa reads from The Green and Purple Skin of the World and Shyam Selvadurai reads from his latest, The Hungry Ghosts. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incitemay8. 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

A Dram Come True
Why risk a prison sentence when you can sample fine whisky at A Dram Come True?
http://tinyurl.com/c5sojym

Our five tasting bars, curated by the President of the West Coast Whisky Society, will feature all your favourites, including Ardbeg, Glemoranie and Balvenie, as well as rare treats and new releases, including The Writer's
Tears and Jura Boutique Barrels. Get your tickets today. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.

Jeannette Walls
The Vancouver Writers Fest and Simon & Schuster Canada present the bestselling author of The Glass Castle. Details:
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jeannettewalls.

Gianrico Carofiglio
The Italian Cultural Institute in Vancouver presents the author of Il silenzio dell'onda (The Silence of the Wave) who will talk about his books. Interview by Lonnie Propas. Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30pm, free but must register at iicvancouver@esteri.it. Fletcher Challenge Theatre, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street. More information at iicvancouver.esteri.it.

AWARDS & LISTS

Vancouver's Anakana Schofield wins Canadian first novel award for Malarky.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/books/story/2013/04/24/first-novel-award.html

Toronto author Mary Janigan has won the Dafoe Prize for her book on Western Canada, Let the Eastern Bastards Freeze in the Dark. The book is also shortlisted for the Donner Prize.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/04/09/toronto_writer_mary_janigan_wins_dafoe_prize_for_book_on_western_canada.html

Spanish novelist Enrique Vila-Matas and Man Booker International prize winner Ismail Kadare are on the shortlist of six authors for the Independent foreign fiction prize 2013. The Independent prize is for the book's author and its translator.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/11/independent-foreign-fiction-prize-2013-shortlist

American Adam Johnson's The Orphan Master's Son, about propaganda and state power in North Korea, has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. This year's jury cited The Orphan Master's Son as an "exquisitely crafted novel that carries the reader on an adventuresome journey into the depths of totalitarian North Korea and the most intimate spaces of the human heart."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2013/04/15/pulitzer-prizes.html

Manning Marable's biography of Malcolm X has won the Pulitzer Prize for history.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/04/16/pulitzer-prizes.html

The 2013 Granta list of the 20 most promising majority female authors under 40 includes Sarah Hall, Adam Foulds and Zadie Smith.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/15/granta-list-british-novelists

The Women's prize for fiction reveals a 'staggeringly strong' shortlist including Hilary Mantel, Zadie Smith, Barbara Kingsolver, Kate Atkinson, A.M. Homes and Maria Semple.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/16/womens-prize-for-fiction-shortlist

From naughty dogs and colourful socks in picture books to a zombie apocalypse and dystopian thrillers, discover the Independent Booksellers Week book award children's shortlist.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/gallery/2013/apr/03/independent-booksellers-week-book-award-childrens-shortlist-gallery

The National Business Book Award committee has announced the nominees for the 2013 Ntional Business Book Award finalists.
http://www.nbbaward.com/

YOUNG READERS

Lilybelle says she laughed all the way through Joanna Nadin's Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster. The book contains three stories of Penny's mishaps. For ages 7 and under.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/apr/01/review-penny-dreadful-is-a-magnet-for-disaster-joanna-nadin

Author and illustrator Posy Simmonds offers, to readers, King Ironsides, an exclusive interactive 16-page Grantham fairytale. For all ages.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/interactive/2013/apr/13/grantham-fairytale-posy-simmonds-interactive

Two boys watched as another boy—a Native named Louie Sam—was hanged by a group of men who rode on horseback into Canada seeking justice for a murder. In Elizabeth Stewart's The Lynching of Louie Sam, we see how a few wrong assumptions, some questionable evidence and mob mentality can turn a group of family men into executioners, writes Patty Osborne. For ages 14 and up.
http://www.geist.com/articles/pioneer-justice/

NEWS & FEATURES

Toronto non-fiction author and editor Susan (A.S.A.) Harrison has died, as her first novel, the psychological thriller The Silent Wife, was garnering advance kudos and rave reviews.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/04/16/on_the_cusp_of_literary_fame_toronto_author_asa_harrison_slips_away.html

The Random House-Penguin merger has been approved by Canadian authorities.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/04/19/random-house-penguin-merger-approved-by-canadian-authorities/

David Sedaris wanted to buy a stuffed owl as a romantic gift, but tracking one down was only the beginning. In this exclusive tale, one of the world's greatest storytellers recalls his introduction to a weird world of dead kittens and preserved Pygmies.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/13/getting-stuffed-love-taxidermy-owls

As part of National Poetry Month, Fred Wah, Canada's Parliamentary Poet Laureate, is in Winnipeg as the special guest of the Winnipeg International Writers Festival. One book that changed his life as a poet was Gary Snyder's Riprap, said Wah. "It ignited poetry as a crucial and common alliance with where I live and how I can live in it", says Wah.
http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/scene/books/2013/04/16/poet-laureate-of-canada-picks-book-that-changed-his-life/

In 2012, no Pulitzer for fiction was awarded for the first time in 35 years. This year, that slight has resulted in the Pulitzer race's being watched a little more closely in advance of the official announcement.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/books/booksellers-hope-a-pulitzer-prize-for-fiction-is-awarded.html

The US library association's annual 'challenged books' list includes Dav Pilkey's children's books and E.L. James' erotic series. Pilkey's books are described as including offensive language and unsuited for the age group.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/15/fifty-shades-grey-captain-underpants-library-complaints

Haruki Murakami fans queued overnight for his latest novel. Fans and journalists stayed up all night to get their hands on Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, Murakami's tale of 'loss and isolation' in the shadow of the tsunami.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/12/haruki-murakami-colourless-tsukuru-tazaki

American librarians have taken issue with Scott Turow's Op-Ed article, "The Slow Death of the American Author." cf. Book News Vol. 8 No. 9. "Librarians love authors", writes the American Library Assn's President.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/11/opinion/libraries-and-authors.html?_r=0

This month, two Willa Cather experts, Andrew Jewell and Janis Stout, are publishing the seven-hundred-page Selected Letters of Willa Cather. For Cather scholars, or even just fans, this is a big event, because access to Cather's correspondence has not been easy.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/04/whats-in-cathers-letters.html

With Turkey the focus of this year's London Book Fair, Elif Shafak says her country is starting to find its voice.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/12/london-book-fair-turkey-shafak

BOOKS & WRITERS

Guy Gavriel Kay is one of Canada's most accomplished novelists, writes Joe Wiebe. Although his novels are in the fantasy section at your bookstore, Kay creates his own version of a specific time and place in our history--from 15th century Italy to the Viking invasion of England. River of Stars exhibits all of Guy Gavriel Kay's many strengths as a writer, says Wiebe.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/dream+drives+River+Stars/8239178/story.html

After a decade in the intelligence service, John le Carré's political disgust and personal confusion 'exploded' in The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Fifty years later he asks how much has changed.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/12/john-le-carre-spy-anniversary

Natalee Caple's In Calamity's Wake, is a refreshing read for those who missed the 1950/60s period of Ben Cartwright and his crew but it also tugs on boomers' nostalgia for western legend Calamity Jane.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/03/15/in_calamitys_wake_by_natalee_caple_review.html

The Tartan Noir—Scottish crime writers Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Stuart MacBride, and Denise Mina—create taut, intelligent and bloody mystery novels. Mina's Gods and Beasts stands up with the best of these. Mina keeps readers guessing until the end, writes Tracy Sherlock.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Nasty+nice+Denise+Mina+keeps+readers+guessing+until/8239179/story.html

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

CAN YOU SEE ME NOW?
Celebration of two magazines: Descant and Vallum Contemporary Poetry. Readings by Ali Blythe, Sonja Larson, Alex Leslie, Susan Steudel and Jennifer Zilm. Friday, April 26 at 7:30pm, free. The Prophouse Cafe, 1636 Venables Street.

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.

IN ANTARCTICA
Jay Ruzesky reads from his new creative non-fiction memoir. Also, Dede Crane reads from her new short story collection Every Happy Family and Marita Dachsel reads from her new poetry collection Glossolalia. Sunday, April 28 at 4:00pm. Fernwood Inn, 1302 Gladstone Ave., Victoria.

THE WRITING LIFE
Vancouver writer George Fetherling launches and signs his new book. Includes an on-stage interview with Rebecca Wigod. Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00pm. Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir.

PAUL KELLY
Legendary Australian singer-songwriter and writer Paul Kelly is inspired by Raymond Carver–he named one of his albums after a Carver short story. He's also the author of a hugely popular book called How to Make Gravy that uses his song lyrics as starting points to tell the story of his life. Wednesday, May 1 at 9:00pm. Tickets $25. Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway Vancouver. Details here: www.timbreconcerts.com/paul-kelly-may-1st-vancouver/.

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.

THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Featuring Christine Hayvice, Alison Brewin, Meharoona Ghani, Leslie Hill, Cullene Bryant, Matea Kalic, Janet Fretter, and Sandy Pool. Thursday, May 2 at 8:00pm. Admission by donation. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at sfu.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.

GETTING IT INTO PRINT
Join Billeh Nickerson, author and editor extraordinaire, as he delves into the secrets of getting your work published. Saturday, May 4 at 10:00am. W Room, Woodward's Building, 5th floor, 111 East Hastings Street, Vancouver. More information at geist.com.

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.

MARGUERITE PIGEON AND TERESA MCWHIRTER
Launch of Pigeon's first novel, Open Pit, and the re-issue of McWhirter's first novel, Some Girls Do. Tuesday, May 7 at 8:00pm. Brickhouse Bistro & Bar, 730 Main Street, Vancouver.

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.

Upcoming

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.

EVE ENSLER
Author of The Vagina Monologues speaks at Capilano University as part of the Pacific Arbour Speaker Series. Her talk will focus on her new release In the Body of the World. Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $20 and includes a copy of In the Body of the World. For more info: www.capilanou.ca/nscucentre.

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.