BOOK NEWS
The 2013 Vancouver Writers Fest wrapped up on Sunday. This year's Festival broke all previous attendance records, with 16,000 book lovers attending and more than half of the Festival's 81 events at 90%+ capacity.
Highlights of the Festival included appearances by Man Booker Prize-winner Eleanor Catton, Michel Tremblay's events in both official languages, a performance of playwright Tomson Highway's new musical, The (Post) Mistress, the Literary Cabaret featuring Margaret Atwood, and the UBC Creative Writing Department's 50th anniversary celebration.
SPECIAL EVENT
Jung Chang
The best-selling author of the books Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about her groundbreaking new biography, Empress Dowager Cixi. Sponsored by SFU Library Services. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jungchang
SPECIAL FOR BOOK CLUBS! $16 per person, minimum of 5 people, book by phone only at 604-629-8849.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm
Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
FESTIVAL
The 29th annual JCC Jewish Book Festival
The JCC Jewish Book Festival (Nov 23-28, 2013) presents an exciting roster of writers from across Canada, the US, and Israel. Featured 2013 Festival authors include opening night gala event headliner Sheila Heti, the Libidos Unleashed panel with Abe Morgentaler (Why Men Fake It: The Unexpected Truth About Men and Sex) and Daniel Bergner (What Women Want: Adventures in the Science of Female Desire).
Complete details at jewishbookfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
The finalists for the National Book Award have been named. On the fiction side, Writers Fest author Rachel Kushner has made the list, for her novel The Flamethrowers. On the non-fiction side, Writers Fest author George Packer is one of the selected few!
http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2013.html#.UmMCG3DI3EV
It's the Giller Prize's 20th anniversary, and The Globe and Mail is celebrating by convening discussions with past judges and winners. This week's panel includes: Charlotte Gray, Bob Rae and Jane Urquhart.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/how-do-you-choose-a-giller-champ-read-plead-sometimes-cede/article15079492/
Former Globe and Mail correspondent Graeme Smith has won the Hilary Weston Prize, the most lucrative non-fiction prize in Canada.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/former-globe-correspondent-graeme-smith-wins-hilary-weston-prize-for-afghan-memoir/article14976572/
YOUNG READERS
It used to be that cardboard-thick baby books were designed more for chewing than reading. Times are changing, with many children's publishers embracing the classics. "If we're going to play classical music to our babies in the womb and teach them foreign languages at an early age, then we're going to want to expose babies to fine art and literature".
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/27/books/a-library-of-classics-edited-for-the-teething-set.html
NEWS & FEATURES
The dissemination of gender norms may seem like a very modern thing, but it turns out that authors have been tackling this issue for centuries. Among the more wonderful examples comes from A.A. Milne, who wrote that "he or she" should be replaced by the ever-so-charming "heesh".
http://www.theguardian.com/media/mind-your-language/2013/oct/18/mind-your-language-sexism
With every lost art comes nostalgia. According to the Guardian, "the art of letter writing might be declining in real life but our appetite for reading about letters is on the increase." In this Guardian Book's podcast, Simon Garfield discusses his new book on the history of letter-writing, while Don Bachardy muses on his 30 year love-letter correspondence with Christopher Isherwood.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/audio/2013/oct/18/hemingway-isherwood-letters-garfield-podcast
Oscar Wilde is the most cited humorist in the new Oxford Dictionary of Humorous Quotations. Which of his lines do you think is funniest? You can join the discussion, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/16/oscar-wilde-wittiest-quotes
Reading a piece of writing in its original context can be a beautiful thing. Emily Dickinson famously wrote many of her poems on "bits and pieces of miscellaneous paper, many of which came from broken-down, recycled envelopes: strips, torn-off corners, full-flattened sheets." Check out some of her envelope poems, here:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_vault/2013/10/18/emily_dickinson_images_of_repurposed_envelopes_used_for_the_poet_s_first.html
In celebration of the newest in a slew of Beat-generation themed films, Slate sets out to discuss the origin of the phrase "kill your darlings". The concept is beautiful: "In other words, you have to get rid of your most precious and especially self-indulgent passages for the greater good of your literary work."
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/10/18/_kill_your_darlings_writing_advice_what_writer_really_said_to_murder_your.html
What happens when a family produces more than one literary talent? "From the Brontës to Dorothy and William Wordsworth, literary siblings challenge assumptions of lonely genius."
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/article/246790
BOOKS & WRITERS
How should we look at Can-Lit now that Alice Munro has won the Nobel Prize? In response to those who claim that Canadian literature is ersatz, provincial or insufficient, Michael LaPointe says "Just read Alice Munro. Read Alice Munro and be done with all these questions."
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2013/10/11/Alice-Munro-Nobel-Laureate/
Say what you want about comic strips, but it's hard to deny that Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes) is one of the most delightful characters in recent literary (that's right, I said literary) history. Bill Watterson, the famously reclusive author of the series has agreed to be interviewed for only the second time since he stopped making the strip in 1995.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/17/calvin-hobbes-bill-watterson-mental-floss-interview
What makes a poet decide to become a poet? When Sherman Alexie read the line "Oh, Uncle Adrian, I'm in the reservation of my mind", his plans to become a doctor went right out the window. "I was a reservation Indian. I had no options. Being a writer wasn't anywhere near the menu. So, it wasn't a lightning bolt—it was an atomic bomb. I read it and thought, "This is what I want to do."
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/10/the-poem-that-made-sherman-alexie-want-to-drop-everything-and-be-a-poet/280586/
Many critics can't get past their literary pet peeves, but according to Anne Chudobiak (who has many), the rules of literature shouldn't apply to Mary Swan. "As far as I'm concerned, she can write about whatever she wants. Timepieces. Tightropes. Perhaps even bandaged invalids. For her, I lay down my rule book." Swan's newest book is called My Ghosts.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Mary+Swan+strong+voice+trumps/9054631/story.html
How do palindromes relate to the end of the world? Consider the title of Margaret Atwood's new end-time novel, Maddaddam, and you might find yourself closer to the answer. Margaret Atwood discusses this, and more, here:
http://www.straight.com/life/503151/margaret-atwoods-maddaddam-lives-twilight-our-species
Fate doesn't always have to do with fortune, or so implies David Macfarlane in his new book, The Figures of Beauty. "It also carries a scythe and wears a hood", pulling people together, and tearing them apart.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-figures-of-beauty-david-macfarlanes-tragic-tale-asks-us-to-consider-a-life-of-responsiblity-or-impulse/article15073628/
His event may have already passed, but it's still worth checking out this video featuring J.B. MacKinnon. Do you know what "rewilding" means? Find out more, here:
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2013/09/30/JB-MacKinnon-Future-World/
If a 600-page book can be read in two days, then it must be worth reading. Or so implies the author of this particular review of Eric Schlosser's much lauded Command and Control.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/10/16/command_and_control_by_eric_schlosser_review.html
Have you ever wondered how Eleanor Catton went about writing a novel as long as The Luminaries? "I feel like I'm very undisciplined, except when I have a fascination," Catton explains. "With The Luminaries I had a question I wanted to ask, and that led me in my writing from scene to scene. And I still don't feel like I've answered the question. Maybe the book is the answer to that question."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/eleanor-catton-interview-kiwi-author-describes-the-journey-that-led-to-her-booker-prize-win-8884883.html
"Ballistics is a novel of men, of violence and secrets, and the force of the past to act upon the present. It is a harrowing, often brutal read, but it is also emotionally potent and resonant." D.W. Wilson's first novel, Ballistics, is set in the Kootenays.
http://www.straight.com/life/501121/dw-wilsons-ballistics-takes-twisting-trail
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MYSTERY @ MCGILL
Two Canadian mystery authors, Miriam Clavir and Glynis Whiting, team up for an evening of readings & discussion. Thursday, November 7 at 7:00pm, free but register by phoning 604-299-8955. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street. More information at bpl.bc.ca.
ANNE RICE
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Anne Rice, the grand dame of gothic horror, will talk about her latest series on Werewolf legend on Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 @ 7:30pm. Tickets $10 / $35 (includes a copy of her new release: The Wolves of Midwinter), Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver, Tix & Info: 604.981.6335 / kaymeekcentre.com.
TWS READING SERIES
Featuring guest reader Eufemia Fantetti. Thursday, November 7 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street. More information at sfu.ca.
FENCEPOST 13
Features readings by Leacock medal for Humour winners W.P. Kinsella, Joe Kertes, Dan Needles, Terry Fallis, Trevor Cole. Sunday, November 10 at 3:00pm, free. Yale & District Community Centre, 65050 Albert Street, Yale, BC.
DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Five poets/readers/poetry-lovers/writers with extensive public reading experience read poems from one of their favourite dead poets. Sunday, November 10 at 3:00pm, free. Meeting room, level 3, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features New Voices: Christina Shah, Sho Wiley, Elaine Woo, Eva Waldorf, Jason Morden, Taslim Jaffer, Kagan Goh, Christy Hill, Lindsay Kwan. Wednesday, November 13, 7-9:30 pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. All are welcome. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
LOVE AND WAR
Mother Tongue Publishing presents the brilliant debut fiction from two exciting new literary voices, Kathryn Para (Lucky: A Novel) and Eufemia Fantetti (A Recipe for Disaster and Other Unlikely Tales of Love). Friday, November 15 at 3:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
TOO TRUE
Acclaimed BC poets, Elizabeth Bachinsky, Marita Dachsel, Amber Dawn, and Jennica Harper will read from their most recent books and engage in a discussion about the nature of truth in poetry, mining biography and autobiography in their works, and whether or not it is possible to be too true. Friday, November 15 at 7:30pm, free. Goldcorp Centre for the Arts. More information at sfuwoodwards.ca.
Upcoming
PLAY CHTHONICS
Readings by Daniel Zomparelli and David McGimpsey. Wednesday, November 20 at 5:00pm. Green College, UBC, 6201 Cecil Green Park Road. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
DAVID ZIEROTH
The Governor General Award-winning poet and author will read from The November Optimist and talk about working with Gaspereau Press and about his own initiative, The Alfred Gustav Press. Wednesday, November 20 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
LITERASIAN
Inaugural literASIAN: A Festival of Pacific Rim Asian Canadian Writing featuring a weekend of readings, workshops, panel discussions and book launches. November 21 to 24, 2013. UBC Learning Exchange, 612 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at asiancanadianwriters.ca.
POETRY PLEASE!
Tiffany Stone and Robert Heidbreder, two well-known BC children's poets whose published works include Rainbow Shoes, Floyd the Flamingo and His Flock of Friends, Black and Bittern Was Night and Crocodiles Play, will take you on a poetic ride. You will listen to poetry, act it out, read it, write your own poems, and discover some criteria for choosing and writing poetry with your class. Friday November 22 at the University Golf Club. Co-sponsored by CWILL. Early bird rates end October 31. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
DENISE CHONG
Launch of the author's new book Lives of the Family: Stories of Fate and Circumstance. Friday, November 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
RAWI HAGE
A special evening with Vancouver Public Library's writer in residence Rawi Hage. Monday, November 25 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
JOE CLARK
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Joe Clark, the former Prime Minister weighs in on Canada's future from his own unique perspective. Monday, November 25 @ 7:30pm. Tickets $12/$10, BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts, Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. Tix & Info: 604.990.7810 / capilanou.ca/centre.
JACQUELINE WINDH
Book reading and slide show of Hai kur mamashu chis, a collection of stories recounted by Cristina Calderón and her late sister Ursula Calderón. Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at jacquelinewindh.com.
IAN RANKIN
Meet bestselling author Ian Rankin as he talks and signs copies of his new book, Saints of the Shadow Bible, featuring Rebus and Malcolm Fox working together for the first time. Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00pm. Chapters Robson, 788 Robson Street, Vancouver.
F.G. BRESSANI LITERARY PRIZE
IL CENTRO Italian Cultural Centre is thrilled to announce the publication of the Rules & Regulations for the 2014 Edition of the F.G. Bressani Literary Prize. The literary prize honours and promotes the work of Canadian writers of Italian origin or Italian descent. Deadline: April 2, 2014. Complete details can be found here: http://italianculturalcentre.ca/blog/bressani-literary-prize/.
ICELAND WRITERS RETREAT
The Iceland Writers Retreat invites published and aspiring book writers (fiction and non-fiction) to participate in a series of workshops and panels led by a team of international writers from April 9-13, 2014 including Joseph Boyden. Between intimate workshops and lectures tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafés of Reykjavik, soak in hot geothermal pools, listen to new Icelandic music, and learn about the country's rich literary tradition. More information at www.IcelandWritersRetreat.com.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Book News Vol. 8 No. 36
BOOK NEWS
2013 Festival - October 22-27
The 26th Vancouver Writers Fest launches on October 22. There will be 104 extraordinary writers from around the world coming to Granville Island for six days, in 81 events for readers of all ages. We invite you to join the conversation.
We are thrilled that Festival author Eleanor Catton is the winner of the 2013 Man Booker prize. Catton appears in two sold out events at the Festival and we have added a third solo event, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/75-eleanor-catton
Event 75: An Hour with Eleanor Catton
10:30am, Studio 1398, Sun Oct 27
Tickets $17
Follow us on Twitter @VanWritersFest for up to the minute Festival information, https://twitter.com/VanWritersFest. Festival hashtag: #VWF.
Check out our Non-fiction @ UBC series for topical, prime time discussions with leading US writers George Packer, Eric Schlosser and Alan Weisman.
The Unwinding: Award-winning author and staff writer for the New Yorker George Packer talks to author Wayne Grady about his new book, The Unwinding. a riveting examination of a nation in crisis.
8:00pm, Thursday, October 24
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/42-unwinding
Our Last Best Hope: Alan Weisman, author of the international bestseller The World Without Us, offer a radical but persuasive solution for returning the earth to its optimal balance. In conversation with The Georgia Straight's Charlie Smith.
8:00pm, Friday, October 25
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/56-our-last-best-hope
Command and Control: Investigative journalist and author of the bestsellers Fast Food Nation and Reefer Madness, Eric Schlosser turns his attention to America's nuclear arsenal with Command and Control. In conversation with CBC's Stephen Quinn.
8:00pm, Saturday, October 26
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/73-command-and-control
The Festival wraps up on Sunday October 27 with the fabulous Colin Mochrie in conversation with Vicki Gabereau. Don't miss this opportunity to see one of Canada's favourite funny guys.
This week's edition of VWF's Artistic Director Hal Wake's Festival picks highlights the challenges and politics of translating literary works, to new publishing technology, to emerging authors.
http://youtu.be/to0XCsN5QVU
VWF Writing Contests for Adults and Youth
Submit your finest prose and poetry to the 15th annual Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry & Short Story Contest, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest. The top entries in poetry and fiction will be published in subTerrain magazine and receive cash prizes. New this year is our writing contest for BC students in grades 8-12 which also awards cash prizes, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Literati Gala Cabaret
The VWF's fundraising gala on October 21 is hosted by CBC's Gloria Macarenko and features a Literary Cabaret performance with Sal Ferreras and Poetic License with writers Michael Crummey and Genni Gunn, celebrating the Lit Cab's 25th year. Tickets are $175 and are available at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literatigala. Corporate tables are also available-call 604 681 6330 ext 104. Literati supports the VWF's Spreading the Word education program. Presenting sponsor: Scotia Private Client Group; Reception sponsor: Vancouver Film School.
Jung Chang
The best-selling author of the books Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about her groundbreaking new biography, Empress Dowager Cixi. Sponsored by SFU Library Services. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jungchang
SPECIAL FOR BOOK CLUBS! $16 per person, minimum of 5 people, book by phone only at 604-629-8849.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm
Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
FESTIVALS
The 29th annual JCC Jewish Book Festival: November 23-28
Special Pre-Festival Events Oct. 27/28
The JCC Jewish Book Festival takes Vancouver by storm with an exciting roster of writers from across Canada, the US, and Israel. The Festival week is jam-packed with innovative literary events including unique meet-the-author opportunities, literary readings and panel discussions, a foodie event, the annual bookclub gathering, writing and self-publishing workshops, children's authors, film-screenings, and two onsite bookstores.
Special pre-Festival events include novelist/poet Anne Michaels in our intimate Writer's Salon (Oct. 27) and the Israeli debut novelist Shani Boianjiu (Oct. 28).
Featured 2013 Festival authors include: Sheila Heti, Abe Morgentaler and Daniel Bergner (Libido Unleashed). Ilana Edelstein, Roberta Rich (book club headliner), Marion Grodin (daughter of funnyman Charles Grodin), and a host of others writers, events and genres.
Complete details at jewishbookfestival.ca.
FESTIVAL AUTHORS
Only a week after Alice Munro's exciting Nobel Prize win, we're thrilled to announce another literary boon for Canada and for the Vancouver Writers Fest. Canadian-born Eleanor Catton has just won the Man Booker Prize for her book The Luminaries. At 28 years old, she's the youngest recipient ever.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/15/booker-prize-eleanor-catton-luminaries
Eleanor Catton isn't the only young literary star appearing at the Festival this year. Marisha Pessl will also be coming to talk about her new book, Night Film, the centerpiece to a whole media platform that also contains several short films and an app.
http://www.metro.us/newyork/entertainment/books/2013/10/14/marisha-pessls-career-manifesto/
Alan Weisman, most famous for his book The World Without Us, wants a world with us and his new book Countdown: Our Last Best Hope explains how we can do that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/books/review/countdown-by-alan-weisman.html
On October 11th, Eric Schlosser sat down with PBS' Tavis Smiley to discuss the continuing threat of nuclear weapons, as written about in his new book, Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident and the Illusion of Safety. You see a clip from the discussion here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tavis-smiley/eric-schlosser_b_4081050.html
Is there a place for journalism in literary writing, and vice-versa? If you're New Yorker contributor George Packer, then the answer is "of course", of course. His new book, The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America creates "an often heart-rending panorama of the nation's internal struggles and ideological twists from the 1960s to the present."
http://www.straight.com/life/501176/qa-george-packers-unwinding-journalism-literary-genes
Are you miffed by historical fiction? According to Joseph Boyden, his new novel, The Orenda, speaks about more than just the past. "I didn't want the reader to jump into this novel thinking, 'Oh, this is historical and it's removed from me,' because I think that good historical novels do the opposite," he saays. "They speak about the contemporary world, and I certainly hope that this one does, in its own way."
http://www.straight.com/life/499641/joseph-boyden-mirrors-modern-conflict-orendas-16th-century-tale
If the key to great writing is reading a lot, then Scott Turow must be far ahead of the game. In this interview with the New York Times, he discusses the literary works that have inspired him. His new book, Identical, has just been published.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/books/review/scott-turow-by-the-book.html
How do you fight writer's block? For Douglas Coupland, it "is dealt with by a long drive on the main highway into the Interior, a favourite playlist cranked, a night at a motel (it must be a motel, nothing fancy), then a more remote route for the return trip home. "You park the car, and problem solved." Douglas Coupland is in the Globe and Mail, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/art-and-architecture/douglas-coupland-an-omnipresent-superstar-for-an-easily-distracted-era/article14832775/
What do writers read? According to Giller-nominated author Mary Swan, it's not usually fiction. "I don't tend to read fiction," she says, "except for crime novels. That's not a deliberate choice, but maybe an instinctive one."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/giller-nominated-author-mary-swan-i-dont-tend-to-read-fiction/article14828791/
What's the difference between being a "good writer" and a "prize-winning writer"? Margaret Atwood explains her take on the matter, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-giller-prize-margaret-atwood-on-what-it-feels-like-to-come-in-second-place/article14741907/
Have you ever associated the words "empowering" and "realistic" with the erotica/romance genre? In this interview with the Vancouver Sun, Lisa Gabriele a.k.a. L. Marie Adeline explains why her new book, S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, does just that.
http://www.vancouversun.com/Vancouver+Writers+Fest+Lisa+Gabriele+Marie+Adeline/9034579/story.html
Julie Flett's new book, Wild Berries, has been reviewed in Publisher's Weekly. As the author and illustrator of this beautiful children's book, she draws audiences into the world of Cree life, with the story of a child accompanying his grandmother into the forest to pick wild blueberries.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-897476-89-5
"Though Jonathan Franzen's run-in with Oprah is common knowledge, I'm betting not many people know that Jeffrey Eugenides decided to become a writer after reading a love poem by Catullus. Or that Haruki Murakami once owned a jazz club, that Richard Ford plays squash in New York, that the late David Foster Wallace was a nationally ranked tennis player." John Freeman's new book on the lives of writers is reviewed in the Boston Globe, here:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/books/2013/10/11/book-review-how-read-novelist-john-freeman/0feri7UdyClAnOwssy5i0N/story.html
What's the importance of music when it comes to writing? According to Maggie Stiefvater, it's essential. In fact, she creates a playlist for every book she writes. To learn more, and to see her playlist for The Dream Thieves, click here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/08/maggie-stiefvater-music-teen-fiction-mood
One day, Shaena Lambert was trying to finish a story, but in frustration turned to working on her journal instead. She had just finished radiation treatment for cancer and was chronicling the different ways she had worked to heal herself. "This voice came out of my pen and said, 'But wouldn't it be terrible, Shaena, if you ended up like one of the characters and weren't able to see the end of the story?'"
http://www.straight.com/life/499646/shaena-lambert-shows-perfect-pitch-oh-my-darling
We all have different expectations when it comes to Writers Fest events, but it's rare to hear about what the authors are expecting, themselves. Thanks to a new series in the Vancouver Sun, we're now getting that chance. Here's Mary Swan's response:
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+Writers+Fest+Mary+Swan/9037821/story.html
Nancy Jo Cullen was asked many of the same questions in her interview with the Vancouver Sun. She has just written a new collection of short stories, called Canary.
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/10/10/vancouver-writers-fest-qa-nancy-jo-cullen/
And, of course, it's always good to keep a sense of humour in these situations. When asked what his expectations of the Writers Fest were, Michael Winter replied: "That I will profoundly move them, illuminating and articulating the very kernels of truth that make their lives worth living. Of course, if that doesn't happen, I doubt they can get their money back."
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+Writers+Fest+Michael+Winter/9017930/story.html
AWARDS & LISTS
"Who threatened to throw himself off a balcony? Who was chatted up by Saul Bellow? From the very first award in 1969 up to last year's prize, a judge from each year of the Booker gave us the inside story on how they reached their decision." Eleanor Catton has won this year's Booker, but there's still plenty to find out about prizes past.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/interactive/2013/oct/15/booker-prize-judge-decision
YOUNG READERS
Is there such thing as a bad book for children? If you ask Neil Gaiman, the answer is no. "Well-meaning adults can easily destroy a child's love of reading. Stop them reading what they enjoy or give them worthy-but-dull books that you like–the 21st-century equivalents of Victorian 'improving' literature – you'll wind up with a generation convinced that reading is uncool and, worse, unpleasant."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/14/neil-gaiman-children-books-reading-lecture
NEWS & FEATURES
We all love to catch an author in an anachronism. But sometimes, that which seems out of place in isn't so far fetched at all. From Agatha Christie's use of "hanging out" in 1929, to the appearance of bling in The Other Boleyn Girl, here's a list of "Anachronisms that aren't–modernity avant la lettre in period literature".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/15/anachronism-modernity-period-literature
Whether we like these types of boxes or not, Alice Munro's Nobel Prize win last week was, undeniably, another point scored against David Gilmour for women. Munro was only the 13th woman to win the prize. Here's a list of those who came before, as well as a selection of their books most worth reading.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10370838/Books.html
On a similar note, in this week's edition of "Bookends" in the New York Times, Jennifer Szalai and Mohsin Hamid ask: Where Is the Great American Novel by a Woman?
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/books/review/where-is-the-great-american-novel-by-a-woman.html?ref=books
With the literary awards season in full swing, Charlotte Gray reflects on the trials and tribulation of being a Giller judge. Here is her story of how, several years ago, she and her fellow judges chose Alice Munro's Runaway:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/how-impeccable-prose-seduced-a-giller-judge/article14832001/
What happens when you translate Pride and Prejudice into "academiotics"? It might come out like this: "My dear Mr. Bennet," said his partner to him during one diurnal juncture, "have you heard that a hierarchical contractualized negotiation has been consensitized on Netherfield Park?"
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/shouts/2013/10/pride-and-prejudice-translated-into-academiotics.html
Since writers tend to be solitary creatures, it's no surprise that they often keep pets for company. From Flannery O'Connor's peacocks to Lord Byron's bear, here's a great list (and set of illustrations) of the pets of literary greats.
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2013/10/15/authors-best-friend-the-pets-of-literary-greats/
How do you make Tolstoy accessible in the modern era? Why, you crowdsource him, of course! Thanks to the efforts of 3000 volunteers from across Russia, nearly all the great writer's works (including his novels, diaries, letters, religious tracts, philosophical treatises, travelogues, and childhood memories) will soon be available online.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/10/crowdsourcing-tolstoy.html
What makes a word unusable? Even worse, what happens when a word is its own opposite (the elusive auto antonym)? Author and teacher Brad Leithauser discusses our changing vocabulary, here: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/10/unusable-words.html
Do you know any naughty librarians? From pirating books online to hiding from patrons in the stacks, librarians spill their dirty little secrets here:
http://librarian-shaming.tumblr.com
Halloween season is fast approaching, so it's the perfect time to take a literary road trip through the horror-filled landscape of the Northeast. From Sleepy Hollow in upstate New York to Nathaniel Hawthorne's New England, the sites are plenty for any reader who likes a few chills up and down their spine.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/2013/10/a-guide-to-horror-author-tourism-in-the-northeast-morbid-memorials-macabre-museums
BOOKS & WRITERS
In case you're looking for another bloody read this Halloween season, Canadian author Lawrence Hill has just written a book called Blood: The Stuff of Life. "Hill dives full bore into the subject, following the blood trail through social and scientific history, exploring it as a powder keg of contradiction... As Hill writes, blood can save us, and keep our secrets"
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/lawrence-hill-dives-full-bore-into-the-subject-of-blood/article14705480/
Alice Munro has been dominating the headlines this week, and for good reason. But it's not just her femininity or Canadian-ness that makes her Nobel Prize win oh-so-special. It's also the genre she writes in, the short story. Here, Russell Smith explains why Alice Munro's Nobel Prize gives an unloved genre its long-awaited due:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/alice-munros-nobel-prize-gives-an-unloved-genre-its-long-awaited-due/article14834516/
And, finally, Alice Munro responds. Here she is, in her own words:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/arts-video/in-exclusive-interview-alice-munro-talks-about-nobel-win/article14842411/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE CRISIS IN DEMOCRACY
Author of seven books on politics and the environment, Green Party leader Elizabeth May will discuss what can be done to prevent a slide into "elected dictatorships" in the face of mounting cynicism toward democracy. Thursday
October 17 at 5:00pm, free. Cecil Green Park House, UBC. More information http://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/index/spotlight503.php.
EMERGE 2013 LAUNCH GALA EVENT
Thirty-six distinct voices experiment with the written word in emerge 2013, the Writer's Studio Anthology. Guest edited by JJ Lee, author of The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, the student produced anthology blurs the boundaries between genres as contributors push past limits with their writing process in the year-long program at SFU. Launching with a gala event on October 17th at Simon Fraser University's downtown campus at Harbour Centre, contributors will read from their work. 515 West Hastings. 6 to 9pm. More information at www.facebook.com/EmergeTWS2013 or contact lindsay.glauser@gmail.com.
PAMELA SACKETT
Author reads from her third book of rhythmic prose, Booing Death (with Shpilkes & Rhyme). Thursday, October 17 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at banyen.com/events/sackett.
STARS IN OUR MIDST
BC has more than its share of brilliant writers and illustrators and this month three of them will be the toast of the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable's Annual Illustrators Breakfast October 19 at the University Golf Club. Join the lively, talented storyteller and writer, Richard Van Camp in conversation with two amazing illustrators, Julie Flett and Julie Morstad (a GG finalist for illustration), who will show us how they create their wonderful pictures. Early bird rates end October 15. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
INSPIRED BY PACIFIC LANDS
Hawaiian author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) will be joined by Trevor Carolan (Cascadia: The Life and Breath of the World) and Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) in a multi-genre evening of Writings from Cascadia and Hawaii. October 20, 7pm, at People's Co-Op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More nformation at www.peoplescoopbookstore.com.
WHY GRIZZLY BEARS SHOULD WEAR UNDERPANTS
Meet Matthew Inman, the bestselling author of How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You, as he signs his latest book. Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, Burnaby. More information at chapters.indigo.ca.
CBC MASSEY LECTURES
Renowned author Lawrence Hill twww.cbcing journey through the story of blood in his new book, Blood: The Stuff of Life. Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00pm. The Chan Centre for Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road, UBC. Information at cbc.ca/ideas/masseys.
DEBORAH ELLIS
Meet the author of Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids, a collection of interviews with Aboriginal and Native American youth aged nine to eighteen. Thursday, October 24 at 10:15am at Newton Library; 1:15pm at Strawberry Hill Library. Complete information at surreylibraries.ca.
DEAD NORTH
Launch of a Canadian-themed zombie anthology with authors Linda Demeulemeester and Rhea Rose. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features poets Bonnie Nish & Carol Shillibeer plus open mic. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. All are welcome. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
SUSANNA KEARSLEY
Meet the author of The Firebird. Sunday, October 27 at 3:00pm. Guildford Library, Surrey Public Library, 15105-105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, phone 604-598-7366.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
Authors Jane Silcott, Kate Braid, Cathy Stonehouse and Fiona Tinwei Lam for a boundary-pushing evening of discussion and readings about the dynamic essay form. Monday, October 28 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CREATING PAULINE
City Opera Vancouver offers an informal presentation about the creation of the new opera Pauline (by Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes) to premiere in May 2014, and an introduction to the life of Canadian poet and performer Pauline Johnson (1861-1913). Guests include composer Tobin Stokes, director Norman Armour, singer Rose-Ellen Nichols, pianist David Boothroyd, and conductor and artistic director Charles Barber. Discussion welcome. Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, 555 Columbia. Tues Oct 29, 8pm. Free.
SO WHERE DO YOU GO AT NIGHT?
Author, sailor and adventurer Patrick Hill will share adventure stories from his 14 month family sailing trip through the exotic islands of the South Seas, Hawaii and Glacier Bay. Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30pm. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANNE RICE
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Anne Rice, the grand dame of gothic horror, will talk about her latest series on Werewolf legend on Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 @ 7:30pm. Tickets $35 (includes a copy of her new release: The Wolves of Midwinter), Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver, Tix & Info: 604.981.6335 / kaymeekcentre.com.
2013 Festival - October 22-27
The 26th Vancouver Writers Fest launches on October 22. There will be 104 extraordinary writers from around the world coming to Granville Island for six days, in 81 events for readers of all ages. We invite you to join the conversation.
We are thrilled that Festival author Eleanor Catton is the winner of the 2013 Man Booker prize. Catton appears in two sold out events at the Festival and we have added a third solo event, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/75-eleanor-catton
Event 75: An Hour with Eleanor Catton
10:30am, Studio 1398, Sun Oct 27
Tickets $17
Follow us on Twitter @VanWritersFest for up to the minute Festival information, https://twitter.com/VanWritersFest. Festival hashtag: #VWF.
Check out our Non-fiction @ UBC series for topical, prime time discussions with leading US writers George Packer, Eric Schlosser and Alan Weisman.
The Unwinding: Award-winning author and staff writer for the New Yorker George Packer talks to author Wayne Grady about his new book, The Unwinding. a riveting examination of a nation in crisis.
8:00pm, Thursday, October 24
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/42-unwinding
Our Last Best Hope: Alan Weisman, author of the international bestseller The World Without Us, offer a radical but persuasive solution for returning the earth to its optimal balance. In conversation with The Georgia Straight's Charlie Smith.
8:00pm, Friday, October 25
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/56-our-last-best-hope
Command and Control: Investigative journalist and author of the bestsellers Fast Food Nation and Reefer Madness, Eric Schlosser turns his attention to America's nuclear arsenal with Command and Control. In conversation with CBC's Stephen Quinn.
8:00pm, Saturday, October 26
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/73-command-and-control
The Festival wraps up on Sunday October 27 with the fabulous Colin Mochrie in conversation with Vicki Gabereau. Don't miss this opportunity to see one of Canada's favourite funny guys.
This week's edition of VWF's Artistic Director Hal Wake's Festival picks highlights the challenges and politics of translating literary works, to new publishing technology, to emerging authors.
http://youtu.be/to0XCsN5QVU
VWF Writing Contests for Adults and Youth
Submit your finest prose and poetry to the 15th annual Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry & Short Story Contest, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest. The top entries in poetry and fiction will be published in subTerrain magazine and receive cash prizes. New this year is our writing contest for BC students in grades 8-12 which also awards cash prizes, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Literati Gala Cabaret
The VWF's fundraising gala on October 21 is hosted by CBC's Gloria Macarenko and features a Literary Cabaret performance with Sal Ferreras and Poetic License with writers Michael Crummey and Genni Gunn, celebrating the Lit Cab's 25th year. Tickets are $175 and are available at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literatigala. Corporate tables are also available-call 604 681 6330 ext 104. Literati supports the VWF's Spreading the Word education program. Presenting sponsor: Scotia Private Client Group; Reception sponsor: Vancouver Film School.
Jung Chang
The best-selling author of the books Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about her groundbreaking new biography, Empress Dowager Cixi. Sponsored by SFU Library Services. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jungchang
SPECIAL FOR BOOK CLUBS! $16 per person, minimum of 5 people, book by phone only at 604-629-8849.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm
Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
FESTIVALS
The 29th annual JCC Jewish Book Festival: November 23-28
Special Pre-Festival Events Oct. 27/28
The JCC Jewish Book Festival takes Vancouver by storm with an exciting roster of writers from across Canada, the US, and Israel. The Festival week is jam-packed with innovative literary events including unique meet-the-author opportunities, literary readings and panel discussions, a foodie event, the annual bookclub gathering, writing and self-publishing workshops, children's authors, film-screenings, and two onsite bookstores.
Special pre-Festival events include novelist/poet Anne Michaels in our intimate Writer's Salon (Oct. 27) and the Israeli debut novelist Shani Boianjiu (Oct. 28).
Featured 2013 Festival authors include: Sheila Heti, Abe Morgentaler and Daniel Bergner (Libido Unleashed). Ilana Edelstein, Roberta Rich (book club headliner), Marion Grodin (daughter of funnyman Charles Grodin), and a host of others writers, events and genres.
Complete details at jewishbookfestival.ca.
FESTIVAL AUTHORS
Only a week after Alice Munro's exciting Nobel Prize win, we're thrilled to announce another literary boon for Canada and for the Vancouver Writers Fest. Canadian-born Eleanor Catton has just won the Man Booker Prize for her book The Luminaries. At 28 years old, she's the youngest recipient ever.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/15/booker-prize-eleanor-catton-luminaries
Eleanor Catton isn't the only young literary star appearing at the Festival this year. Marisha Pessl will also be coming to talk about her new book, Night Film, the centerpiece to a whole media platform that also contains several short films and an app.
http://www.metro.us/newyork/entertainment/books/2013/10/14/marisha-pessls-career-manifesto/
Alan Weisman, most famous for his book The World Without Us, wants a world with us and his new book Countdown: Our Last Best Hope explains how we can do that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/books/review/countdown-by-alan-weisman.html
On October 11th, Eric Schlosser sat down with PBS' Tavis Smiley to discuss the continuing threat of nuclear weapons, as written about in his new book, Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident and the Illusion of Safety. You see a clip from the discussion here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tavis-smiley/eric-schlosser_b_4081050.html
Is there a place for journalism in literary writing, and vice-versa? If you're New Yorker contributor George Packer, then the answer is "of course", of course. His new book, The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America creates "an often heart-rending panorama of the nation's internal struggles and ideological twists from the 1960s to the present."
http://www.straight.com/life/501176/qa-george-packers-unwinding-journalism-literary-genes
Are you miffed by historical fiction? According to Joseph Boyden, his new novel, The Orenda, speaks about more than just the past. "I didn't want the reader to jump into this novel thinking, 'Oh, this is historical and it's removed from me,' because I think that good historical novels do the opposite," he saays. "They speak about the contemporary world, and I certainly hope that this one does, in its own way."
http://www.straight.com/life/499641/joseph-boyden-mirrors-modern-conflict-orendas-16th-century-tale
If the key to great writing is reading a lot, then Scott Turow must be far ahead of the game. In this interview with the New York Times, he discusses the literary works that have inspired him. His new book, Identical, has just been published.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/books/review/scott-turow-by-the-book.html
How do you fight writer's block? For Douglas Coupland, it "is dealt with by a long drive on the main highway into the Interior, a favourite playlist cranked, a night at a motel (it must be a motel, nothing fancy), then a more remote route for the return trip home. "You park the car, and problem solved." Douglas Coupland is in the Globe and Mail, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/art-and-architecture/douglas-coupland-an-omnipresent-superstar-for-an-easily-distracted-era/article14832775/
What do writers read? According to Giller-nominated author Mary Swan, it's not usually fiction. "I don't tend to read fiction," she says, "except for crime novels. That's not a deliberate choice, but maybe an instinctive one."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/giller-nominated-author-mary-swan-i-dont-tend-to-read-fiction/article14828791/
What's the difference between being a "good writer" and a "prize-winning writer"? Margaret Atwood explains her take on the matter, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-giller-prize-margaret-atwood-on-what-it-feels-like-to-come-in-second-place/article14741907/
Have you ever associated the words "empowering" and "realistic" with the erotica/romance genre? In this interview with the Vancouver Sun, Lisa Gabriele a.k.a. L. Marie Adeline explains why her new book, S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, does just that.
http://www.vancouversun.com/Vancouver+Writers+Fest+Lisa+Gabriele+Marie+Adeline/9034579/story.html
Julie Flett's new book, Wild Berries, has been reviewed in Publisher's Weekly. As the author and illustrator of this beautiful children's book, she draws audiences into the world of Cree life, with the story of a child accompanying his grandmother into the forest to pick wild blueberries.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-897476-89-5
"Though Jonathan Franzen's run-in with Oprah is common knowledge, I'm betting not many people know that Jeffrey Eugenides decided to become a writer after reading a love poem by Catullus. Or that Haruki Murakami once owned a jazz club, that Richard Ford plays squash in New York, that the late David Foster Wallace was a nationally ranked tennis player." John Freeman's new book on the lives of writers is reviewed in the Boston Globe, here:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/books/2013/10/11/book-review-how-read-novelist-john-freeman/0feri7UdyClAnOwssy5i0N/story.html
What's the importance of music when it comes to writing? According to Maggie Stiefvater, it's essential. In fact, she creates a playlist for every book she writes. To learn more, and to see her playlist for The Dream Thieves, click here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/08/maggie-stiefvater-music-teen-fiction-mood
One day, Shaena Lambert was trying to finish a story, but in frustration turned to working on her journal instead. She had just finished radiation treatment for cancer and was chronicling the different ways she had worked to heal herself. "This voice came out of my pen and said, 'But wouldn't it be terrible, Shaena, if you ended up like one of the characters and weren't able to see the end of the story?'"
http://www.straight.com/life/499646/shaena-lambert-shows-perfect-pitch-oh-my-darling
We all have different expectations when it comes to Writers Fest events, but it's rare to hear about what the authors are expecting, themselves. Thanks to a new series in the Vancouver Sun, we're now getting that chance. Here's Mary Swan's response:
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+Writers+Fest+Mary+Swan/9037821/story.html
Nancy Jo Cullen was asked many of the same questions in her interview with the Vancouver Sun. She has just written a new collection of short stories, called Canary.
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/10/10/vancouver-writers-fest-qa-nancy-jo-cullen/
And, of course, it's always good to keep a sense of humour in these situations. When asked what his expectations of the Writers Fest were, Michael Winter replied: "That I will profoundly move them, illuminating and articulating the very kernels of truth that make their lives worth living. Of course, if that doesn't happen, I doubt they can get their money back."
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Vancouver+Writers+Fest+Michael+Winter/9017930/story.html
AWARDS & LISTS
"Who threatened to throw himself off a balcony? Who was chatted up by Saul Bellow? From the very first award in 1969 up to last year's prize, a judge from each year of the Booker gave us the inside story on how they reached their decision." Eleanor Catton has won this year's Booker, but there's still plenty to find out about prizes past.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/interactive/2013/oct/15/booker-prize-judge-decision
YOUNG READERS
Is there such thing as a bad book for children? If you ask Neil Gaiman, the answer is no. "Well-meaning adults can easily destroy a child's love of reading. Stop them reading what they enjoy or give them worthy-but-dull books that you like–the 21st-century equivalents of Victorian 'improving' literature – you'll wind up with a generation convinced that reading is uncool and, worse, unpleasant."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/14/neil-gaiman-children-books-reading-lecture
NEWS & FEATURES
We all love to catch an author in an anachronism. But sometimes, that which seems out of place in isn't so far fetched at all. From Agatha Christie's use of "hanging out" in 1929, to the appearance of bling in The Other Boleyn Girl, here's a list of "Anachronisms that aren't–modernity avant la lettre in period literature".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/15/anachronism-modernity-period-literature
Whether we like these types of boxes or not, Alice Munro's Nobel Prize win last week was, undeniably, another point scored against David Gilmour for women. Munro was only the 13th woman to win the prize. Here's a list of those who came before, as well as a selection of their books most worth reading.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10370838/Books.html
On a similar note, in this week's edition of "Bookends" in the New York Times, Jennifer Szalai and Mohsin Hamid ask: Where Is the Great American Novel by a Woman?
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/books/review/where-is-the-great-american-novel-by-a-woman.html?ref=books
With the literary awards season in full swing, Charlotte Gray reflects on the trials and tribulation of being a Giller judge. Here is her story of how, several years ago, she and her fellow judges chose Alice Munro's Runaway:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/how-impeccable-prose-seduced-a-giller-judge/article14832001/
What happens when you translate Pride and Prejudice into "academiotics"? It might come out like this: "My dear Mr. Bennet," said his partner to him during one diurnal juncture, "have you heard that a hierarchical contractualized negotiation has been consensitized on Netherfield Park?"
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/shouts/2013/10/pride-and-prejudice-translated-into-academiotics.html
Since writers tend to be solitary creatures, it's no surprise that they often keep pets for company. From Flannery O'Connor's peacocks to Lord Byron's bear, here's a great list (and set of illustrations) of the pets of literary greats.
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2013/10/15/authors-best-friend-the-pets-of-literary-greats/
How do you make Tolstoy accessible in the modern era? Why, you crowdsource him, of course! Thanks to the efforts of 3000 volunteers from across Russia, nearly all the great writer's works (including his novels, diaries, letters, religious tracts, philosophical treatises, travelogues, and childhood memories) will soon be available online.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/10/crowdsourcing-tolstoy.html
What makes a word unusable? Even worse, what happens when a word is its own opposite (the elusive auto antonym)? Author and teacher Brad Leithauser discusses our changing vocabulary, here: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/10/unusable-words.html
Do you know any naughty librarians? From pirating books online to hiding from patrons in the stacks, librarians spill their dirty little secrets here:
http://librarian-shaming.tumblr.com
Halloween season is fast approaching, so it's the perfect time to take a literary road trip through the horror-filled landscape of the Northeast. From Sleepy Hollow in upstate New York to Nathaniel Hawthorne's New England, the sites are plenty for any reader who likes a few chills up and down their spine.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/2013/10/a-guide-to-horror-author-tourism-in-the-northeast-morbid-memorials-macabre-museums
BOOKS & WRITERS
In case you're looking for another bloody read this Halloween season, Canadian author Lawrence Hill has just written a book called Blood: The Stuff of Life. "Hill dives full bore into the subject, following the blood trail through social and scientific history, exploring it as a powder keg of contradiction... As Hill writes, blood can save us, and keep our secrets"
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/lawrence-hill-dives-full-bore-into-the-subject-of-blood/article14705480/
Alice Munro has been dominating the headlines this week, and for good reason. But it's not just her femininity or Canadian-ness that makes her Nobel Prize win oh-so-special. It's also the genre she writes in, the short story. Here, Russell Smith explains why Alice Munro's Nobel Prize gives an unloved genre its long-awaited due:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/alice-munros-nobel-prize-gives-an-unloved-genre-its-long-awaited-due/article14834516/
And, finally, Alice Munro responds. Here she is, in her own words:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/arts-video/in-exclusive-interview-alice-munro-talks-about-nobel-win/article14842411/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE CRISIS IN DEMOCRACY
Author of seven books on politics and the environment, Green Party leader Elizabeth May will discuss what can be done to prevent a slide into "elected dictatorships" in the face of mounting cynicism toward democracy. Thursday
October 17 at 5:00pm, free. Cecil Green Park House, UBC. More information http://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/index/spotlight503.php.
EMERGE 2013 LAUNCH GALA EVENT
Thirty-six distinct voices experiment with the written word in emerge 2013, the Writer's Studio Anthology. Guest edited by JJ Lee, author of The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, the student produced anthology blurs the boundaries between genres as contributors push past limits with their writing process in the year-long program at SFU. Launching with a gala event on October 17th at Simon Fraser University's downtown campus at Harbour Centre, contributors will read from their work. 515 West Hastings. 6 to 9pm. More information at www.facebook.com/EmergeTWS2013 or contact lindsay.glauser@gmail.com.
PAMELA SACKETT
Author reads from her third book of rhythmic prose, Booing Death (with Shpilkes & Rhyme). Thursday, October 17 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at banyen.com/events/sackett.
STARS IN OUR MIDST
BC has more than its share of brilliant writers and illustrators and this month three of them will be the toast of the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable's Annual Illustrators Breakfast October 19 at the University Golf Club. Join the lively, talented storyteller and writer, Richard Van Camp in conversation with two amazing illustrators, Julie Flett and Julie Morstad (a GG finalist for illustration), who will show us how they create their wonderful pictures. Early bird rates end October 15. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
INSPIRED BY PACIFIC LANDS
Hawaiian author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) will be joined by Trevor Carolan (Cascadia: The Life and Breath of the World) and Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) in a multi-genre evening of Writings from Cascadia and Hawaii. October 20, 7pm, at People's Co-Op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More nformation at www.peoplescoopbookstore.com.
WHY GRIZZLY BEARS SHOULD WEAR UNDERPANTS
Meet Matthew Inman, the bestselling author of How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You, as he signs his latest book. Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, Burnaby. More information at chapters.indigo.ca.
CBC MASSEY LECTURES
Renowned author Lawrence Hill twww.cbcing journey through the story of blood in his new book, Blood: The Stuff of Life. Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00pm. The Chan Centre for Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road, UBC. Information at cbc.ca/ideas/masseys.
DEBORAH ELLIS
Meet the author of Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids, a collection of interviews with Aboriginal and Native American youth aged nine to eighteen. Thursday, October 24 at 10:15am at Newton Library; 1:15pm at Strawberry Hill Library. Complete information at surreylibraries.ca.
DEAD NORTH
Launch of a Canadian-themed zombie anthology with authors Linda Demeulemeester and Rhea Rose. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features poets Bonnie Nish & Carol Shillibeer plus open mic. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. All are welcome. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
SUSANNA KEARSLEY
Meet the author of The Firebird. Sunday, October 27 at 3:00pm. Guildford Library, Surrey Public Library, 15105-105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, phone 604-598-7366.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
Authors Jane Silcott, Kate Braid, Cathy Stonehouse and Fiona Tinwei Lam for a boundary-pushing evening of discussion and readings about the dynamic essay form. Monday, October 28 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CREATING PAULINE
City Opera Vancouver offers an informal presentation about the creation of the new opera Pauline (by Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes) to premiere in May 2014, and an introduction to the life of Canadian poet and performer Pauline Johnson (1861-1913). Guests include composer Tobin Stokes, director Norman Armour, singer Rose-Ellen Nichols, pianist David Boothroyd, and conductor and artistic director Charles Barber. Discussion welcome. Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, 555 Columbia. Tues Oct 29, 8pm. Free.
SO WHERE DO YOU GO AT NIGHT?
Author, sailor and adventurer Patrick Hill will share adventure stories from his 14 month family sailing trip through the exotic islands of the South Seas, Hawaii and Glacier Bay. Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30pm. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANNE RICE
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Anne Rice, the grand dame of gothic horror, will talk about her latest series on Werewolf legend on Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 @ 7:30pm. Tickets $35 (includes a copy of her new release: The Wolves of Midwinter), Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver, Tix & Info: 604.981.6335 / kaymeekcentre.com.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Book News Vol. 8 No. 35
BOOK NEWS
2013 Festival - October 22-27
The Vancouver Writers Fest presents a series of events at UBC's Frederic Wood Theatre featuring internationally renowned journalists and authors. We invite you to join us for insightful conversations with leading non-fiction writers George Packer, Eric Schlosser and Alan Weisman.
The Unwinding: George Packer in conversation with Wayne Grady
8:00pm, Thursday, October 24
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/42-unwinding
Award-winning author and staff writer for the New Yorker George Packer gives a riveting examination of a nation in crisis in his new book, The Unwinding.
Our Last Best Hope: Alan Weisman in conversation with Charlie Smith
8:00pm, Friday, October 25
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/56-our-last-best-hope
The author of the international bestseller The World Without Us, Alan Weisman travelled to more than twenty countries to find answers for a sustainable human future on earth for his new book Countdown.
Command and Control: Eric Schlosser in conversation with Stephen Quinn
8:00pm, Saturday, October 26
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/73-command-and-control
Investigative journalist and author of the bestsellers Fast Food Nation and Reefer Madness,Eric Schlosser turns his attention to America’s nuclear arsenal with Command and Control.
Check out this week's edition of VWF's Artistic Director Hal Wake's Festival picks, highlighting brave memoirs and compelling fiction.
http://youtu.be/6mpJSlGBSfs
VWF Writing Contests for Adults and Youth
Submit your finest prose and poetry to the 15th annual Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry & Short Story Contest, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest. The top entries in poetry and fiction will be published in subTerrain magazine and receive cash prizes. New this year is our writing contest for BC students in grades 8-12 which also awards cash prizes, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Literati Gala Cabaret
The VWF's fundraising gala on October 21 is hosted by CBC's Gloria Macarenko and features a Literary Cabaret performance with Sal Ferreras and Poetic License with writers Michael Crummey and Genni Gunn, celebrating the Lit Cab's 25th year. Tickets are $175 and are available at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literatigala. Corporate tables are also available-call 604 681 6330 ext 104. Literati supports the VWF's Spreading the Word education program. Presenting sponsor: Scotia Private Client Group
Reception sponsor: Vancouver Film School.
Jung Chang
The best-selling author of the books Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about her groundbreaking new biography, Empress Dowager Cixi. Sponsored by SFU Library Services. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jungchang
SPECIAL FOR BOOK CLUBS! $16 per person, minimum of 5 people, book by phone only at 604-629-8849.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm
Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
FESTIVALS
The 29th annual JCC Jewish Book Festival: November 23-28
Special Pre-Festival Events Oct. 27/28
The JCC Jewish Book Festival takes Vancouver by storm with an exciting roster of writers from across Canada, the US, and Israel. The Festival week is jam-packed with innovative literary events including unique meet-the-author opportunities, literary readings and panel discussions, a foodie event, the annual bookclub gathering, writing and self-publishing workshops, children's authors, film-screenings, and two onsite bookstores.
Special pre-Festival events include novelist/poet Anne Michaels in our intimate Writer's Salon (Oct. 27) and the Israeli debut novelist Shani Boianjiu (Oct. 28).
Featured 2013 Festival authors include: Sheila Heti, Abe Morgentaler and Daniel Bergner (Libido Unleashed). Ilana Edelstein, Roberta Rich (book club headliner), Marion Grodin (daughter of funnyman Charles Grodin), and a host of others writers, events and genres.
Complete details at jewishbookfestival.ca.
FESTIVAL AUTHORS
There are some wonderful non-fiction books being featured at this year's Writers Fest. Among them is Island: How Islands Transform the World, by J. Edward Chamberlin. "The ocean is the only domain, other than outer space, where humans are so completely alien and where wonder holds us so close," says Chamberlin. "This is the heart of the matter, for it is this wonder that has inspired voyagers for millennia to row and sail the seas in search of an island."
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/10/04/open-book-island-by-j-edward-chamberlin
Has a writer ever made you fall in love with a fictional person? According Eleanor Catton, the Canadian-born author of The Luminaries, falling in love with a character in a book is one of life's greatest pleasures. The Toronto
Star claims that she's done just that in The Luminaries, recently nominated for both the Man Booker Prize and the Governor General's Literary Award.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/10/02/the_luminaries_by_eleanor_catton_review.html
Environmental themes are everywhere these days. In Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?, Alan Weisman looks at overpopulation, and what we can do to preserve our planet. He is interviewed by NPR, here:
http://www.npr.org/2013/10/04/229206781/countdown-explores-the-effects-of-our-overpopulated-planet
What do Radiohead and Eric Schlosser's new book, Command and Control, have in common? More than you'd think. According to the author, one of their songs inspired him as he wrote. "The lyrics–'I don't want to hear it, I don't want to know, I just want to run and hide'–express the sense of denial that cloaks the whole subject of nuclear aggression."
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/videos/how-radiohead-inspired-eric-schlosser-to-write-command-and-control-20131002
What's detective fiction without a detective? Jo Nesbø's newest crime novel, Police, is unique in that its detective doesn't make an appearance until halfway into the book. Police is reviewed in the Independent, here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/police-by-jo-nesbo-harvill-secker-1899-8851979.html
AWARDS & LISTS
Alice Munro wins the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Canadian woman to take the award since its launch in 1901.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/alice-munro-is-1st-canadian-woman-to-win-nobel-literature-prize-1.1958383
Listen to Hal Wake's interview with Alice, recorded live at the 2005 Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/alice-munro-conversation-hal-wake?utm_source=booknews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alice_munro
The shortlist has been released for the 2013 City of Vancouver Book Prize. Two Writers Fest authors made the list: poet Brad Cran, for his new collection, Ink on Paper, and Amber Dawn, for How Poetry Saved My Life: A Hustler's Memoir.
http://www.straight.com/life/498651/short-list-released-annual-city-vancouver-book-prize
If you've ever thought about studying creative writing, here's a reason to go to UBC: the university, along with Harper Collins and the Cooke Agency are launching a new fiction prize for students and alumni. The lucky winner will be offered an monetary advance, literary representation by the Cooke Agency and a publishing contract with Harper Collins Canada. The prize will officially launch at our very own Writers Fest!
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/10/07/new-fiction-prize-launched-by-ubc-harpercollins-and-cooke-agency/
Writers Fest author Colin Mochrie has just been named Canadian comedy person of the year at the 14th annual Canadian Comedy Awards. He has just written his first book, called Not Quite the Classics.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/mr-d-goon-colin-mochrie-win-canadian-comedy-awards-1.1928467
The Giller Prize is celebrating its 20th birthday. To mark the occasion, the Globe and Mail is engaging in a month-long exploration of all things related to the prize. To start, here's a discussion with four of the Giller's most famous winners: Margaret Atwood (coming to the Writers Fest!), Austin Clarke, Linden MacIntyre and M.G. Vassanji.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/atwood-macintyre-vassanji-and-clarke-talk-writing-and-the-gillers/article14703302/
You can also see a short video from the discussion here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/arts-video/video-giller-prize-winners-give-advice-to-aspiring-writers/article14675452/
YOUNG READERS
It's Children's Book Week in the UK. To celebrate the fact, a reading charity called Booktrust has released a list of the 100 best books to read before you're 14. The Guardian dissects the list, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/07/booktrust-top-100-childrens-books
NEWS & FEATURES
Have you ever complained about the death of independent bookstores? Perhaps you should consider a move to France. French lawmakers have just passed a law that bars online booksellers from offering customers free delivery and large discounts. According to one politician, "the (book pricing) law is part of our cultural heritage".
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/04/business/France-Takes-Aim-at-Amazon-to-Protect-Local-Bookshops.html
"What can the man who told Ernest Hemingway to "tone it down" and lived to tell the tale teach us about publishing today?" The world may have changed, but the lessons remain the same. Learn more about Max Perkins, one of the greatest editors of all time, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/04/age-amazon-editors-max-perkins
Has Jane Austen-mania gone too far? A new project called "The Austen Project" is setting out to rewrite the famous author's works and make them more accessible to modern audiences. Who would you get to re-write Jane Austen? You can join the discussion here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/07/who-should-rewrite-jane-austen-mansfield-park-persuasion
New York may be too far to travel for an exhibition, but if you've ever wanted to learn more about Edgar Allen Poe, this New York Times piece makes for a great read. Poe, described as "among the unluckiest and most misunderstood" of his profession, is the subject of a new exhibit at the Morgan Library.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/04/books/edgar-allan-poe-exhibition-opens-at-the-morgan.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
If you can't make it as far as New York, consider a literary trip down I-5 to San Francisco. The San Francisco Chronicle has just released an interactive "Literary Map" of the Cool Gray City of Love (and its environs). Want to know where Allen Ginsberg lived in a cottage in Berkeley? Or find out where William Saroyan got drunk on bad whiskey? Travel through click of your mouse, here:
http://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/books/item/Bay-Area-Literary-Map-23355.php
But don't worry, we haven't forgotten about Vancouver's literary treasures either! DIY urbanism and reading intersect in one of the city's newest trends: pop-up community libraries, coming to a park near you.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Little+libraries+bring+sense+community+public+spaces/9004392/story.html
Have you ever thought that reading literary fiction might make you a more empathetic person? According to a recent scientific study, it does.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/08/literary-fiction-improves-empathy-study
What do you look for in modern translation? In this week's edition of the New York Times' "Bookends", Daniel Mendelsohn and Dana Stevens discuss why tone is everything. "Translating "Agamemnon"? Clytemnestra shouldn't sound like Joan Crawford"!
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/books/review/what-do-you-look-for-in-modern-translation.html
Are you a struggling writer working a degrading day job? Chances are you might feel a bit better once you read this list: the Oddest Odd Jobs of 10 Literary Greats.
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/before-they-were-famous-the-oddest-odd-jobs-of-10-literary-greats-2
What do Charles Dickens characters Simon Tappertit, Mr Gamp and Silas Wegg have in common? Wooden legs! According to the British Library, they occur far too regularly in the writer's work, "a preoccupation which speaks clearly of the regularity with which wooden legs and prosthetics were to be seen in Victorian society".
http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/untoldlives/2013/10/without-a-leg-to-stand-on-victorian-prosthetics.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
The Nobel Prize for literature is set to be announced on Thursday. No Canadian has ever won the prize. Could Alice Munro, just possibly, bring the Nobel home?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/can-alice-munro-end-canadas-112-year-drought-with-a-nobel-win-for-literature/article14767220/
Every writer must find their muse, even if it has four legs and likes to have its ears scratched. At least that's the case for Mary Oliver, the acclaimed nature poet, whose new collection, Dog Songs, has just been released. She's "the kind of old-fashioned poet who walks the woods most days, accompanied by dog and notepad. "Dogs are perfect companions," she says. "They don't speak."
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/07/books/mary-olivers-dog-songs-finds-poetry-in-friends.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PLANET EARTH READING SERIES
Poets Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) and Emilia Neilsen (Surge Narrows) will feature at Planet Earth Reading Series. Friday, October 11 at 7:30pm. The Moka House, 103-1633 Hillside Avenue, Victoria. $3 at the door. http://planetearthpoetryvictoriabc.blogspot.ca.
THE 2013 VISIBLE VERSE FESTIVAL
The annual festival of videopoetry and film is on October 12th, 7pm, at Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Also hosting Colorado poet, filmmaker and founder of the Body Electric Poetry Film Festival, R.W. Perkins, who will facilitate Literary Movement, an artist's talk on videopoetry and filmmaking. This talk is at 4pm and free to the public. For the programme & ticket information go to: thecinematheque.ca/visible-verse-2013-festival.
IAN WEIR
Meet the award-winning Langley playwright, screenwriter and novelist. Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30pm. Guildford Library, Surrey Public Library, 15105 - 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, phone 604-598-7366.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
George Stanley and Brad Cran featured. Presented by SFU Public Square, Wednesday, October 16 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery (515 W Hastings St.). For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
THE CRISIS IN DEMOCRACY
Author of seven books on politics and the environment, Green Party leader Elizabeth May will discuss what can be done to prevent a slide into "elected dictatorships" in the face of mounting cynicism toward democracy. Thursday
October 17 at 5:00pm, free. Cecil Green Park House, UBC. More information http://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/index/spotlight503.php.
EMERGE 2013 LAUNCH GALA EVENT
Thirty-six distinct voices experiment with the written word in emerge 2013, the Writer's Studio Anthology. Guest edited by JJ Lee, author of The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, the student produced anthology blurs the boundaries between genres as contributors push past limits with their writing process in the year-long program at SFU. Launching with a gala event on October 17th at Simon Fraser University's downtown campus at Harbour Centre, contributors will read from their work. 515 West Hastings. 6 to 9pm. More information at www.facebook.com/EmergeTWS2013 or contact lindsay.glauser@gmail.com.
PAMELA SACKETT
Author reads from her third book of rhythmic prose, Booing Death (with Shpilkes & Rhyme). Thursday, October 17 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at banyen.com/events/sackett.
STARS IN OUR MIDST
BC has more than its share of brilliant writers and illustrators and this month three of them will be the toast of the Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable’s Annual Illustrators Breakfast October 19 at the University Golf Club. Join the lively, talented storyteller and writer, Richard Van Camp in conversation with two amazing illustrators, Julie Flett and Julie Morstad (a GG finalist for illustration), who will show us how they create their wonderful pictures. Early bird rates end October 15. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
INSPIRED BY PACIFIC LANDS
Hawaiian author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) will be joined by Trevor Carolan (Cascadia: The Life and Breath of the World) and Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) in a multi-genre evening of Writings from Cascadia and Hawaii. October 20, 7pm, at People's Co-Op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More nformation at www.peoplescoopbookstore.com.
Upcoming
WHY GRIZZLY BEARS SHOULD WEAR UNDERPANTS
Meet Matthew Inman, the bestselling author of How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You, as he signs his latest book. Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, Burnaby. More information at chapters.indigo.ca.
CBC MASSEY LECTURES
Renowned author Lawrence Hill twww.cbcing journey through the story of blood in his new book, Blood: The Stuff of Life. Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00pm. The Chan Centre for Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road, UBC. Information at cbc.ca/ideas/masseys.
DEBORAH ELLIS
Meet the author of Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids, a collection of interviews with Aboriginal and Native American youth aged nine to eighteen. Thursday, October 24 at 10:15am at Newton Library; 1:15pm at Strawberry Hill Library. Complete information at surreylibraries.ca.
DEAD NORTH
Launch of a Canadian-themed zombie anthology with authors Linda Demeulemeester and Rhea Rose. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
SUSANNA KEARSLEY
Meet the author of The Firebird. Sunday, October 27 at 3:00pm. Guildford Library, Surrey Public Library, 15105-105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, phone 604-598-7366.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
Authors Jane Silcott, Kate Braid, Cathy Stonehouse and Fiona Tinwei Lam for a boundary-pushing evening of discussion and readings about the dynamic essay form. Monday, October 28 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CREATING PAULINE
City Opera Vancouver offers an informal presentation about the creation of the new opera Pauline (by Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes) to premiere in May 2014, and an introduction to the life of Canadian poet and performer Pauline Johnson (1861-1913). Guests include composer Tobin Stokes, director Norman Armour, singer Rose-Ellen Nichols, pianist David Boothroyd, and conductor and artistic director Charles Barber. Discussion welcome. Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, 555 Columbia. Tues Oct 29, 8pm. Free.
SO WHERE DO YOU GO AT NIGHT?
Author, sailor and adventurer Patrick Hill will share adventure stories from his 14 month family sailing trip through the exotic islands of the South Seas, Hawaii and Glacier Bay. Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30pm. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at 604-925-7403.
ICELAND WRITERS RETREAT
The Iceland Writers Retreat invites published and aspiring book writers (fiction and non-fiction) to participate in a series of workshops and panels led by a team of international writers from April 9-13, 2014. Between intimate workshops and lectures tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafés of Reykjavik, soak in hot geothermal pools, listen to new Icelandic music, and learn about the country's rich literary tradition. More information at www.IcelandWritersRetreat.com.
2013 Festival - October 22-27
The Vancouver Writers Fest presents a series of events at UBC's Frederic Wood Theatre featuring internationally renowned journalists and authors. We invite you to join us for insightful conversations with leading non-fiction writers George Packer, Eric Schlosser and Alan Weisman.
The Unwinding: George Packer in conversation with Wayne Grady
8:00pm, Thursday, October 24
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/42-unwinding
Award-winning author and staff writer for the New Yorker George Packer gives a riveting examination of a nation in crisis in his new book, The Unwinding.
Our Last Best Hope: Alan Weisman in conversation with Charlie Smith
8:00pm, Friday, October 25
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/56-our-last-best-hope
The author of the international bestseller The World Without Us, Alan Weisman travelled to more than twenty countries to find answers for a sustainable human future on earth for his new book Countdown.
Command and Control: Eric Schlosser in conversation with Stephen Quinn
8:00pm, Saturday, October 26
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2013festival/event/73-command-and-control
Investigative journalist and author of the bestsellers Fast Food Nation and Reefer Madness,Eric Schlosser turns his attention to America’s nuclear arsenal with Command and Control.
Check out this week's edition of VWF's Artistic Director Hal Wake's Festival picks, highlighting brave memoirs and compelling fiction.
http://youtu.be/6mpJSlGBSfs
VWF Writing Contests for Adults and Youth
Submit your finest prose and poetry to the 15th annual Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry & Short Story Contest, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest. The top entries in poetry and fiction will be published in subTerrain magazine and receive cash prizes. New this year is our writing contest for BC students in grades 8-12 which also awards cash prizes, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Literati Gala Cabaret
The VWF's fundraising gala on October 21 is hosted by CBC's Gloria Macarenko and features a Literary Cabaret performance with Sal Ferreras and Poetic License with writers Michael Crummey and Genni Gunn, celebrating the Lit Cab's 25th year. Tickets are $175 and are available at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literatigala. Corporate tables are also available-call 604 681 6330 ext 104. Literati supports the VWF's Spreading the Word education program. Presenting sponsor: Scotia Private Client Group
Reception sponsor: Vancouver Film School.
Jung Chang
The best-selling author of the books Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about her groundbreaking new biography, Empress Dowager Cixi. Sponsored by SFU Library Services. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jungchang
SPECIAL FOR BOOK CLUBS! $16 per person, minimum of 5 people, book by phone only at 604-629-8849.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm
Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
FESTIVALS
The 29th annual JCC Jewish Book Festival: November 23-28
Special Pre-Festival Events Oct. 27/28
The JCC Jewish Book Festival takes Vancouver by storm with an exciting roster of writers from across Canada, the US, and Israel. The Festival week is jam-packed with innovative literary events including unique meet-the-author opportunities, literary readings and panel discussions, a foodie event, the annual bookclub gathering, writing and self-publishing workshops, children's authors, film-screenings, and two onsite bookstores.
Special pre-Festival events include novelist/poet Anne Michaels in our intimate Writer's Salon (Oct. 27) and the Israeli debut novelist Shani Boianjiu (Oct. 28).
Featured 2013 Festival authors include: Sheila Heti, Abe Morgentaler and Daniel Bergner (Libido Unleashed). Ilana Edelstein, Roberta Rich (book club headliner), Marion Grodin (daughter of funnyman Charles Grodin), and a host of others writers, events and genres.
Complete details at jewishbookfestival.ca.
FESTIVAL AUTHORS
There are some wonderful non-fiction books being featured at this year's Writers Fest. Among them is Island: How Islands Transform the World, by J. Edward Chamberlin. "The ocean is the only domain, other than outer space, where humans are so completely alien and where wonder holds us so close," says Chamberlin. "This is the heart of the matter, for it is this wonder that has inspired voyagers for millennia to row and sail the seas in search of an island."
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/10/04/open-book-island-by-j-edward-chamberlin
Has a writer ever made you fall in love with a fictional person? According Eleanor Catton, the Canadian-born author of The Luminaries, falling in love with a character in a book is one of life's greatest pleasures. The Toronto
Star claims that she's done just that in The Luminaries, recently nominated for both the Man Booker Prize and the Governor General's Literary Award.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2013/10/02/the_luminaries_by_eleanor_catton_review.html
Environmental themes are everywhere these days. In Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?, Alan Weisman looks at overpopulation, and what we can do to preserve our planet. He is interviewed by NPR, here:
http://www.npr.org/2013/10/04/229206781/countdown-explores-the-effects-of-our-overpopulated-planet
What do Radiohead and Eric Schlosser's new book, Command and Control, have in common? More than you'd think. According to the author, one of their songs inspired him as he wrote. "The lyrics–'I don't want to hear it, I don't want to know, I just want to run and hide'–express the sense of denial that cloaks the whole subject of nuclear aggression."
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/videos/how-radiohead-inspired-eric-schlosser-to-write-command-and-control-20131002
What's detective fiction without a detective? Jo Nesbø's newest crime novel, Police, is unique in that its detective doesn't make an appearance until halfway into the book. Police is reviewed in the Independent, here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/police-by-jo-nesbo-harvill-secker-1899-8851979.html
AWARDS & LISTS
Alice Munro wins the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Canadian woman to take the award since its launch in 1901.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/alice-munro-is-1st-canadian-woman-to-win-nobel-literature-prize-1.1958383
Listen to Hal Wake's interview with Alice, recorded live at the 2005 Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/alice-munro-conversation-hal-wake?utm_source=booknews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alice_munro
The shortlist has been released for the 2013 City of Vancouver Book Prize. Two Writers Fest authors made the list: poet Brad Cran, for his new collection, Ink on Paper, and Amber Dawn, for How Poetry Saved My Life: A Hustler's Memoir.
http://www.straight.com/life/498651/short-list-released-annual-city-vancouver-book-prize
If you've ever thought about studying creative writing, here's a reason to go to UBC: the university, along with Harper Collins and the Cooke Agency are launching a new fiction prize for students and alumni. The lucky winner will be offered an monetary advance, literary representation by the Cooke Agency and a publishing contract with Harper Collins Canada. The prize will officially launch at our very own Writers Fest!
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/10/07/new-fiction-prize-launched-by-ubc-harpercollins-and-cooke-agency/
Writers Fest author Colin Mochrie has just been named Canadian comedy person of the year at the 14th annual Canadian Comedy Awards. He has just written his first book, called Not Quite the Classics.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/mr-d-goon-colin-mochrie-win-canadian-comedy-awards-1.1928467
The Giller Prize is celebrating its 20th birthday. To mark the occasion, the Globe and Mail is engaging in a month-long exploration of all things related to the prize. To start, here's a discussion with four of the Giller's most famous winners: Margaret Atwood (coming to the Writers Fest!), Austin Clarke, Linden MacIntyre and M.G. Vassanji.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/atwood-macintyre-vassanji-and-clarke-talk-writing-and-the-gillers/article14703302/
You can also see a short video from the discussion here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/arts-video/video-giller-prize-winners-give-advice-to-aspiring-writers/article14675452/
YOUNG READERS
It's Children's Book Week in the UK. To celebrate the fact, a reading charity called Booktrust has released a list of the 100 best books to read before you're 14. The Guardian dissects the list, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/07/booktrust-top-100-childrens-books
NEWS & FEATURES
Have you ever complained about the death of independent bookstores? Perhaps you should consider a move to France. French lawmakers have just passed a law that bars online booksellers from offering customers free delivery and large discounts. According to one politician, "the (book pricing) law is part of our cultural heritage".
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/04/business/France-Takes-Aim-at-Amazon-to-Protect-Local-Bookshops.html
"What can the man who told Ernest Hemingway to "tone it down" and lived to tell the tale teach us about publishing today?" The world may have changed, but the lessons remain the same. Learn more about Max Perkins, one of the greatest editors of all time, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/04/age-amazon-editors-max-perkins
Has Jane Austen-mania gone too far? A new project called "The Austen Project" is setting out to rewrite the famous author's works and make them more accessible to modern audiences. Who would you get to re-write Jane Austen? You can join the discussion here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/07/who-should-rewrite-jane-austen-mansfield-park-persuasion
New York may be too far to travel for an exhibition, but if you've ever wanted to learn more about Edgar Allen Poe, this New York Times piece makes for a great read. Poe, described as "among the unluckiest and most misunderstood" of his profession, is the subject of a new exhibit at the Morgan Library.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/04/books/edgar-allan-poe-exhibition-opens-at-the-morgan.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
If you can't make it as far as New York, consider a literary trip down I-5 to San Francisco. The San Francisco Chronicle has just released an interactive "Literary Map" of the Cool Gray City of Love (and its environs). Want to know where Allen Ginsberg lived in a cottage in Berkeley? Or find out where William Saroyan got drunk on bad whiskey? Travel through click of your mouse, here:
http://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/books/item/Bay-Area-Literary-Map-23355.php
But don't worry, we haven't forgotten about Vancouver's literary treasures either! DIY urbanism and reading intersect in one of the city's newest trends: pop-up community libraries, coming to a park near you.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Little+libraries+bring+sense+community+public+spaces/9004392/story.html
Have you ever thought that reading literary fiction might make you a more empathetic person? According to a recent scientific study, it does.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/oct/08/literary-fiction-improves-empathy-study
What do you look for in modern translation? In this week's edition of the New York Times' "Bookends", Daniel Mendelsohn and Dana Stevens discuss why tone is everything. "Translating "Agamemnon"? Clytemnestra shouldn't sound like Joan Crawford"!
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/books/review/what-do-you-look-for-in-modern-translation.html
Are you a struggling writer working a degrading day job? Chances are you might feel a bit better once you read this list: the Oddest Odd Jobs of 10 Literary Greats.
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/before-they-were-famous-the-oddest-odd-jobs-of-10-literary-greats-2
What do Charles Dickens characters Simon Tappertit, Mr Gamp and Silas Wegg have in common? Wooden legs! According to the British Library, they occur far too regularly in the writer's work, "a preoccupation which speaks clearly of the regularity with which wooden legs and prosthetics were to be seen in Victorian society".
http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/untoldlives/2013/10/without-a-leg-to-stand-on-victorian-prosthetics.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
The Nobel Prize for literature is set to be announced on Thursday. No Canadian has ever won the prize. Could Alice Munro, just possibly, bring the Nobel home?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/can-alice-munro-end-canadas-112-year-drought-with-a-nobel-win-for-literature/article14767220/
Every writer must find their muse, even if it has four legs and likes to have its ears scratched. At least that's the case for Mary Oliver, the acclaimed nature poet, whose new collection, Dog Songs, has just been released. She's "the kind of old-fashioned poet who walks the woods most days, accompanied by dog and notepad. "Dogs are perfect companions," she says. "They don't speak."
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/07/books/mary-olivers-dog-songs-finds-poetry-in-friends.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PLANET EARTH READING SERIES
Poets Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) and Emilia Neilsen (Surge Narrows) will feature at Planet Earth Reading Series. Friday, October 11 at 7:30pm. The Moka House, 103-1633 Hillside Avenue, Victoria. $3 at the door. http://planetearthpoetryvictoriabc.blogspot.ca.
THE 2013 VISIBLE VERSE FESTIVAL
The annual festival of videopoetry and film is on October 12th, 7pm, at Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Also hosting Colorado poet, filmmaker and founder of the Body Electric Poetry Film Festival, R.W. Perkins, who will facilitate Literary Movement, an artist's talk on videopoetry and filmmaking. This talk is at 4pm and free to the public. For the programme & ticket information go to: thecinematheque.ca/visible-verse-2013-festival.
IAN WEIR
Meet the award-winning Langley playwright, screenwriter and novelist. Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30pm. Guildford Library, Surrey Public Library, 15105 - 105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, phone 604-598-7366.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
George Stanley and Brad Cran featured. Presented by SFU Public Square, Wednesday, October 16 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery (515 W Hastings St.). For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
THE CRISIS IN DEMOCRACY
Author of seven books on politics and the environment, Green Party leader Elizabeth May will discuss what can be done to prevent a slide into "elected dictatorships" in the face of mounting cynicism toward democracy. Thursday
October 17 at 5:00pm, free. Cecil Green Park House, UBC. More information http://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/index/spotlight503.php.
EMERGE 2013 LAUNCH GALA EVENT
Thirty-six distinct voices experiment with the written word in emerge 2013, the Writer's Studio Anthology. Guest edited by JJ Lee, author of The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, the student produced anthology blurs the boundaries between genres as contributors push past limits with their writing process in the year-long program at SFU. Launching with a gala event on October 17th at Simon Fraser University's downtown campus at Harbour Centre, contributors will read from their work. 515 West Hastings. 6 to 9pm. More information at www.facebook.com/EmergeTWS2013 or contact lindsay.glauser@gmail.com.
PAMELA SACKETT
Author reads from her third book of rhythmic prose, Booing Death (with Shpilkes & Rhyme). Thursday, October 17 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at banyen.com/events/sackett.
STARS IN OUR MIDST
BC has more than its share of brilliant writers and illustrators and this month three of them will be the toast of the Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable’s Annual Illustrators Breakfast October 19 at the University Golf Club. Join the lively, talented storyteller and writer, Richard Van Camp in conversation with two amazing illustrators, Julie Flett and Julie Morstad (a GG finalist for illustration), who will show us how they create their wonderful pictures. Early bird rates end October 15. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
INSPIRED BY PACIFIC LANDS
Hawaiian author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) will be joined by Trevor Carolan (Cascadia: The Life and Breath of the World) and Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) in a multi-genre evening of Writings from Cascadia and Hawaii. October 20, 7pm, at People's Co-Op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More nformation at www.peoplescoopbookstore.com.
Upcoming
WHY GRIZZLY BEARS SHOULD WEAR UNDERPANTS
Meet Matthew Inman, the bestselling author of How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You, as he signs his latest book. Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, Burnaby. More information at chapters.indigo.ca.
CBC MASSEY LECTURES
Renowned author Lawrence Hill twww.cbcing journey through the story of blood in his new book, Blood: The Stuff of Life. Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00pm. The Chan Centre for Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road, UBC. Information at cbc.ca/ideas/masseys.
DEBORAH ELLIS
Meet the author of Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids, a collection of interviews with Aboriginal and Native American youth aged nine to eighteen. Thursday, October 24 at 10:15am at Newton Library; 1:15pm at Strawberry Hill Library. Complete information at surreylibraries.ca.
DEAD NORTH
Launch of a Canadian-themed zombie anthology with authors Linda Demeulemeester and Rhea Rose. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
SUSANNA KEARSLEY
Meet the author of The Firebird. Sunday, October 27 at 3:00pm. Guildford Library, Surrey Public Library, 15105-105 Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, phone 604-598-7366.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
Authors Jane Silcott, Kate Braid, Cathy Stonehouse and Fiona Tinwei Lam for a boundary-pushing evening of discussion and readings about the dynamic essay form. Monday, October 28 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CREATING PAULINE
City Opera Vancouver offers an informal presentation about the creation of the new opera Pauline (by Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes) to premiere in May 2014, and an introduction to the life of Canadian poet and performer Pauline Johnson (1861-1913). Guests include composer Tobin Stokes, director Norman Armour, singer Rose-Ellen Nichols, pianist David Boothroyd, and conductor and artistic director Charles Barber. Discussion welcome. Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, 555 Columbia. Tues Oct 29, 8pm. Free.
SO WHERE DO YOU GO AT NIGHT?
Author, sailor and adventurer Patrick Hill will share adventure stories from his 14 month family sailing trip through the exotic islands of the South Seas, Hawaii and Glacier Bay. Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30pm. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at 604-925-7403.
ICELAND WRITERS RETREAT
The Iceland Writers Retreat invites published and aspiring book writers (fiction and non-fiction) to participate in a series of workshops and panels led by a team of international writers from April 9-13, 2014. Between intimate workshops and lectures tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafés of Reykjavik, soak in hot geothermal pools, listen to new Icelandic music, and learn about the country's rich literary tradition. More information at www.IcelandWritersRetreat.com.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Book News Vol. 8 No. 34
BOOK NEWS
2013 Festival - October 22-27
As the 26th Vancouver Writers Fest rapidly approaches books by Festival authors arrive at our office on a daily basis–the latest was Savage Love by Douglas Glover, whose bestselling novel Elle won the Governor General’s prize in 2003. He’ll be appearing in Looking for Love (event 60) with Wayne Johnston, Nancy Jo Cullen and Elizabeth Ruth, and event 77, a celebration of the Journey Prize. Tickets are still available for Festival events with Anne Carson, Sarah Dunant, Xiaolu Guo, Helen Humphreys, Maureen Johnson, Colin Mochrie, George Packer, Eric Schlosser, Maggie Stiefvater, Mary Swan, Michel Tremblay, Scott Turow, Alan Weisman and many more. Complete Festival details including a downloadable PDF of the program guide are available online (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/) , or if you want a copy of the real thing, visit your local bookstore or Vancouver library branch, or our box office.
Check out this week's edition of VWF's Artistic Director Hal Wake's Festival picks, this one's up close and personal.
http://youtu.be/C3bOxmkLllU
VWF Writing Contests for Adults and Youth
Submit your finest prose and poetry to the 15th annual Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry & Short Story Contest, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest. The top entries in poetry and fiction will be published in subTerrain magazine and receive cash prizes. New this year is our writing contest for BC students in grades 8-12 which also awards cash prizes, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Literati Gala Cabaret
The VWF's fundraising gala on October 21 is hosted by CBC's Gloria Macarenko and features a Literary Cabaret performance with Sal Ferreras and Poetic License, celebrating the Lit Cab's 25th year. Tickets are $175; available at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literatigala. Corporate tables are also available-call 604 681 6330 ext 104. Literati supports the VWF's Spreading the Word education program. Presenting sponsor: Scotia Private Client Group
Reception sponsor: Vancouver Film School.
Jung Chang
The best-selling author of the books Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about her groundbreaking new biography, Empress Dowager Cixi. Sponsored by SFU Library Services. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jungchang
SPECIAL FOR BOOK CLUBS! $16 per person, minimum of 5 people, book by phone only at 604-629-8849.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm
Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
FESTIVAL AUTHORS
Douglas Glover's new book of short stories, Savage Love, has been described as "astonishing" by the Globe and Mail. Even more, the author has been called "as gifted a writer as Canada has ever produced." Read Jeet Heer's review here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/douglas-glover-comes-out-swinging-prose-first/article14584228/
Sometimes why an author writes is just as interesting as what they put down on the page. In this interview, Mary Novik discusses her influences, process, and why she avoids certain types of books while writing.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/mary-novik-i-had-to-get-over-it-fast/article14582585/
Who is your ideal dinner party guest? According to The Guardian, it's Writers Fest author Maureen Johnson. The prolific Twitter-user and YA author is known for her humour and delightful anecdotes, and she sits down for an interview to reveal more about herself here:
http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/sep/27/maureen-johnson-status-update-books
Deborah Ellis has always been interested in marginalized youth, having written about and interviewed young people from Afghanistan and Iraq. But when she turned her eye upon her own continent, and even more specifically to its native people, she realized how very little she knew. She talks about her new book, Looks Like Daylight, here:
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2013/08/16/Stories-of-Growing-Up-Indigenous/
"Command and Control ranks among the most nightmarish books written in recent years; and in that crowded company it bids fair to stand at the summit. It is the more horrific for being so incontrovertibly right and so damnably readable." Eric Schlosser's newest book is reviewed in The Guardian.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/sep/27/critical-eye-book-reveiws-roundup
What would you get T.S. Eliot for his 125th birthday? According to Writers Fest author, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, and New Yorker poetry editor Paul Muldoon, it would be a new re-issue of the first edition of The Waste Land (he also happens to have written the preface to the new edition). You can listen to him interviewed about it on NPR, or just check out the highlights, here:
http://www.npr.org/2013/09/28/226564650/on-eliots-125th-his-waste-land-hasnt-lost-its-glamour
"This is the story of how I became a blade runner," writes Priscila Uppal in her new book Projection: Encounters with My Runaway Mother. She "has spent the better part of her life twisting herself into emotional knots, trying to reconcile the fact that, like the Replicants in Scott's tech-noir classic, she has nothing good to say about her mother."
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/09/27/book-review-projection-encounters-with-my-runaway-mother-by-priscila-uppal/
When Tomson Highway's brother died at 35 from AIDS, the last thing he said to him was: "Don't mourn me, be joyful." Since then, Highway has turned this into his modus operandi. "I want to convey that our primary responsibility on planet Earth is to be joyful: to laugh, and to laugh, and to laugh. I do not believe what I was taught as a child by Roman Catholic missionaries that the reason to exist is to suffer and repent... the way that my native culture works is that it teaches that we're here to laugh, that heaven and hell are both here on Earth and it's our choice to make it one or the other."
http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/30/in-conversation-with-tomson-highway/
Speaking of Cree authors, Julie Flett's new children's book, Wild Berries, has been reviewed in The New York Times. Like Tomson Highway, she uses Cree in her stories (for example, grandma is okoma, and a a fox is makesis). A made-in-Vancouver creation, this is definitely a book to check out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/books/farmers-market-day-by-shanda-trent-and-more.html
AWARDS & LISTS
The Canada Council for the Arts has unveiled this year's finalists for the Governor General's literary award. Several Writers Fest authors are among the nominees, including Joseph Boyden, Eleanor Catton, Cary Fagan, Priscila Uppal and Teresa Toten.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/joseph-boyden-austin-clarke-up-for-governor-general-s-lit-awards-1.1875928
The shortlist for the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize has been announced. Two Writers Fest authors made the list: Cary Fagan and Colin McAdam.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/rogers-writers-trust-fiction-prize-shortlist-revealed/article14602228/
Haruki Murakami has been declared the favourite for this year's Nobel Prize. The prize will be announced later in the month.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10322801/Haruki-Murakami-is-bookmakers-favourite-for-Nobel-Prize.html
The race isn't over yet, however. Who knew there was a whole industry of literary prize bookies? They've cut the odds for Norwegian author Jon Fosse.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/01/nobel-literature-bets-jon-fosse-odds-slashed
YOUNG READERS
Do you know any boys who don't like to read? Pam Withers has written many teen adventure novels, and just published a book called Jump-Starting Boys, which addresses the fact that a full forty percent of boys are "reluctant readers".
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Book+highlights+benefits+helping+boys+read/8968711/story.html
NEWS & FEATURES
"I confess: I read fiction to fall in love. And in fiction, as in life, characters don't have to be likable to be lovable." Mohsin Hamid and Zoë Heller take on the topic of likeability, and whether it's really a necessity for fictional characters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/books/review/are-we-too-concerned-that-characters-be-likable.html
The debate still rages over the inclusion of American books for consideration at the Booker Prize. According to the Globe and Mail, it's terrible news for Canadian writers.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/why-the-booker-prize-expansion-is-terrible-news-for-canadians-writers/article14566090/
Mr. Darcy has been killed off! No, not that Mr. Darcy… Helen Fielding's creation in Bridget Jones, who was inspired by her protagonist's obsession with the Jane Austen original (or perhaps more likely, her obsession with Colin Firth's wet-shirted cavorting in the 1995 BBC adaptation of the novel.)
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/sep/29/bridget-jones-diary-helen-fielding-kills-mr-darcy
As a response to the David Gilmour controversy, Salon has created a list of 41 books that the "sexist prof" should read. "A list that lets readers ponder what it means to be human–not just white and male".
http://www.salon.com/2013/09/26/41_books_sexist_prof_david_gilmour_should_read/
A trio of artists will soon be travelling from Oklahoma to California in order to retrace the steps of the Joad family from John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. Playwright Octavio Solis, writer Patricia Wakida and filmmaker P.J. Palmer will be documenting their journey through social media and other channels, as well as conducting oral histories with people they encounter along the way.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/27/artists-to-retrace-grapes_n_4004985.html
Last week we highlighted a list of recently challenged titles in celebration of Banned Books Week. Here's a chance to see the books from a different angle: Awesome Illustrated Mugshots of Characters from Famous Banned Books.
http://flavorwire.com/417185/awesome-illustrated-mugshots-of-characters-from-famous-banned-books
Have you ever read a book and wondered what that author's voice really sounded like? Have you ever created a voice in your head only to hear something completely different when the author appears at your local literary festival? It may happen frequently with the moderns, but how about the classics? Here's a chance to listen to F. Scott Fitzegerald reading Shakespeare.
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2013/09/25/f-scott-fitzgerald-reads-shakespeare/
BOOKS & WRITERS
The author of Jack Ryan tales including The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games, Tom Clancy, dies at 66.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/tom-clancy-bestselling-novelist-dies-at-66-1.1875996
The "grande dame of the Beat Generation" has died. Carolyn Cassady, who was the basis for Camille in On the Road, passed away last week. But she was more than just a character from Kerouac's novel, and certainly more that just Neal Cassady's widow: she was a writer in her own right, a chronicler of her time, and a pioneer in an age and place few women dared to tread.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/writer-carolyn-cassady-was-the-grande-dame-of-the-beat-generation/article14511018/
You may have seen her at the Writers Fest in years previous, or attended the event to honour her last year, but she still remains unknown to many Canadians. The Globe and Mail has declared her to be "the most important Canadian author you probably never heard of". See why, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/arts-video/video-the-most-important-canadian-author-you-probably-never-heard-of/article9205129/
Garrison Keillor, one of public radio's favourite stars, has just published his first book of Poetry. He discusses his life, writing and the aptly-named O, What a Luxury: Verses Lyrical, Vulgar, Pathetic and Profound, here:
http://www.npr.org/2013/09/28/225380984/news-from-lake-wobegon-garrison-keillor-has-a-new-book-of-poetry
Bestselling Canadian writer Malcolm Gladwell has often been criticized for being too simplistic. But he has plenty to say about that: "If you're in the business of translating ideas in the academic realm to a general audience, you have to simplify... If my books appear to a reader to be oversimplified, then you shouldn't read them: you're not the audience!" His new book is called David and Goliath.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/sep/29/malcolm-gladwell-david-and-goliath-interview
COMMUNITY EVENTS
BOOK LAUNCH
Vancouver launch of Michael Hingston's debut novel, The Dilettantes. Thea Bowering will also be reading from her new debut collection of stories, Love at Last Sight. Friday, October 4 at 6:30pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street, Vancouver.
BOOK LAUNCH
VCON's annual multi-author event where attendees will be able to mingle and chat with a variety of science fiction and fantasy authors, editors and publishers from throughout BC, Canada and the US. Friday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free and open to the public. Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel, 3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond. More information at vcon.ca.
SIDNEY LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sidney will host 14 award-winning local authors whose genres cover mystery, war, children's literature, poetry, short story whimsy and local life. October 4-6, 2013. Sidney, BC. Complete information at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.com.
WAYZGOOSE
Celebrate the work of printing presses and book artists, delight in demonstrations that include bookbinding and paper marbling, and remember why we still love paper for its beauty and elegance. Saturday, October 5, 10am to 4pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at alcuinsociety.com.
ANTHONY DALTON
Author reads from his first novel, Relentless Pursuit. Monday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cathy Borrie & Heidi Greco with open mic. Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. All are welcome. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
PLANET EARTH READING SERIES
Poets Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) and Emilia Neilsen (Surge Narrows) will feature at Planet Earth Reading Series. Friday, October 11 at 7:30pm. The Moka House, 103-1633 Hillside Avenue, Victoria. $3 at the door. http://planetearthpoetryvictoriabc.blogspot.ca.
THE 2013 VISIBLE VERSE FESTIVAL
The annual festival of videopoetry and film is on October 12th, 7pm, at Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street,
Vancouver. Also hosting Colorado poet, filmmaker and founder of the Body Electric Poetry Film Festival, R.W. Perkins, who will facilitate Literary Movement, an artist's talk on videopoetry and filmmaking. This talk is at
4pm and free to the public. For the programme & ticket information go to: thecinematheque.ca/visible-verse-2013-festival.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
George Stanley and Brad Cran featured. Presented by SFU Public Square, Wednesday, October 16 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery (515 W Hastings St.). For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
Upcoming
EMERGE 2013 LAUNCH GALA EVENT
36 distinct voices experiment with the written word in emerge 2013, the Writer's Studio Anthology. Guest edited by JJ Lee, author of The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, the student produced anthology blurs the boundaries between genres as contributors push past limits with their writing process in the year-long program at SFU. Launching with a gala event on October 17th at Simon Fraser University's downtown campus at Harbour Centre, contributors will read from their work. 515 West Hastings. 6 to 9pm. More information at www.facebook.com/EmergeTWS2013 or contact lindsay.glauser@gmail.com.
PAMELA SACKETT
Author reads from her third book of rhythmic prose, Booing Death (with Shpilkes & Rhyme). Thursday, October 17 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at banyen.com/events/sackett.
INSPIRED BY PACIFIC LANDS
Hawaiian author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) will be joined by Trevor Carolan (Cascadia: The Life and Breath of the World) and Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) in a multi-genre evening of Writings from Cascadia and Hawaii. October 20, 7pm, at People's Co-Op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More nformation at www.peoplescoopbookstore.com.
CBC MASSEY LECTURES
Renowned author Lawrence Hill twww.cbcing journey through the story of blood in his new book, Blood: The Stuff of Life. Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00pm. The Chan Centre for Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road, UBC. Information at cbc.ca/ideas/masseys.
DEAD NORTH
Launch of a Canadian-themed zombie anthology with authors Linda Demeulemeester and Rhea Rose. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
CREATING PAULINE
City Opera Vancouver offers an informal presentation about the creation of the new opera Pauline (by Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes) to premiere in May 2014, and an introduction to the life of Canadian poet and performer Pauline Johnson (1861-1913). Guests include composer Tobin Stokes, director Norman Armour, singer Rose-Ellen Nichols, pianist David Boothroyd, and conductor and artistic director Charles Barber. Discussion welcome. Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, 555 Columbia. Tues Oct 29, 8pm. Free.
ICELAND WRITERS RETREAT
The Iceland Writers Retreat invites published and aspiring book writers (fiction and non-fiction) to participate in a series of workshops and panels led by a team of international writers from April 9-13, 2014. Between intimate workshops and lectures tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafés of Reykjavik, soak in hot geothermal pools, listen to new Icelandic music, and learn about the country's rich literary tradition. More information at www.IcelandWritersRetreat.com.
2013 Festival - October 22-27
As the 26th Vancouver Writers Fest rapidly approaches books by Festival authors arrive at our office on a daily basis–the latest was Savage Love by Douglas Glover, whose bestselling novel Elle won the Governor General’s prize in 2003. He’ll be appearing in Looking for Love (event 60) with Wayne Johnston, Nancy Jo Cullen and Elizabeth Ruth, and event 77, a celebration of the Journey Prize. Tickets are still available for Festival events with Anne Carson, Sarah Dunant, Xiaolu Guo, Helen Humphreys, Maureen Johnson, Colin Mochrie, George Packer, Eric Schlosser, Maggie Stiefvater, Mary Swan, Michel Tremblay, Scott Turow, Alan Weisman and many more. Complete Festival details including a downloadable PDF of the program guide are available online (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/) , or if you want a copy of the real thing, visit your local bookstore or Vancouver library branch, or our box office.
Check out this week's edition of VWF's Artistic Director Hal Wake's Festival picks, this one's up close and personal.
http://youtu.be/C3bOxmkLllU
VWF Writing Contests for Adults and Youth
Submit your finest prose and poetry to the 15th annual Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry & Short Story Contest, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest. The top entries in poetry and fiction will be published in subTerrain magazine and receive cash prizes. New this year is our writing contest for BC students in grades 8-12 which also awards cash prizes, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Literati Gala Cabaret
The VWF's fundraising gala on October 21 is hosted by CBC's Gloria Macarenko and features a Literary Cabaret performance with Sal Ferreras and Poetic License, celebrating the Lit Cab's 25th year. Tickets are $175; available at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literatigala. Corporate tables are also available-call 604 681 6330 ext 104. Literati supports the VWF's Spreading the Word education program. Presenting sponsor: Scotia Private Client Group
Reception sponsor: Vancouver Film School.
Jung Chang
The best-selling author of the books Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story talks about her groundbreaking new biography, Empress Dowager Cixi. Sponsored by SFU Library Services. Event details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/jungchang
SPECIAL FOR BOOK CLUBS! $16 per person, minimum of 5 people, book by phone only at 604-629-8849.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30pm
Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
FESTIVAL AUTHORS
Douglas Glover's new book of short stories, Savage Love, has been described as "astonishing" by the Globe and Mail. Even more, the author has been called "as gifted a writer as Canada has ever produced." Read Jeet Heer's review here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/douglas-glover-comes-out-swinging-prose-first/article14584228/
Sometimes why an author writes is just as interesting as what they put down on the page. In this interview, Mary Novik discusses her influences, process, and why she avoids certain types of books while writing.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/mary-novik-i-had-to-get-over-it-fast/article14582585/
Who is your ideal dinner party guest? According to The Guardian, it's Writers Fest author Maureen Johnson. The prolific Twitter-user and YA author is known for her humour and delightful anecdotes, and she sits down for an interview to reveal more about herself here:
http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/sep/27/maureen-johnson-status-update-books
Deborah Ellis has always been interested in marginalized youth, having written about and interviewed young people from Afghanistan and Iraq. But when she turned her eye upon her own continent, and even more specifically to its native people, she realized how very little she knew. She talks about her new book, Looks Like Daylight, here:
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2013/08/16/Stories-of-Growing-Up-Indigenous/
"Command and Control ranks among the most nightmarish books written in recent years; and in that crowded company it bids fair to stand at the summit. It is the more horrific for being so incontrovertibly right and so damnably readable." Eric Schlosser's newest book is reviewed in The Guardian.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/sep/27/critical-eye-book-reveiws-roundup
What would you get T.S. Eliot for his 125th birthday? According to Writers Fest author, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, and New Yorker poetry editor Paul Muldoon, it would be a new re-issue of the first edition of The Waste Land (he also happens to have written the preface to the new edition). You can listen to him interviewed about it on NPR, or just check out the highlights, here:
http://www.npr.org/2013/09/28/226564650/on-eliots-125th-his-waste-land-hasnt-lost-its-glamour
"This is the story of how I became a blade runner," writes Priscila Uppal in her new book Projection: Encounters with My Runaway Mother. She "has spent the better part of her life twisting herself into emotional knots, trying to reconcile the fact that, like the Replicants in Scott's tech-noir classic, she has nothing good to say about her mother."
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/09/27/book-review-projection-encounters-with-my-runaway-mother-by-priscila-uppal/
When Tomson Highway's brother died at 35 from AIDS, the last thing he said to him was: "Don't mourn me, be joyful." Since then, Highway has turned this into his modus operandi. "I want to convey that our primary responsibility on planet Earth is to be joyful: to laugh, and to laugh, and to laugh. I do not believe what I was taught as a child by Roman Catholic missionaries that the reason to exist is to suffer and repent... the way that my native culture works is that it teaches that we're here to laugh, that heaven and hell are both here on Earth and it's our choice to make it one or the other."
http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/30/in-conversation-with-tomson-highway/
Speaking of Cree authors, Julie Flett's new children's book, Wild Berries, has been reviewed in The New York Times. Like Tomson Highway, she uses Cree in her stories (for example, grandma is okoma, and a a fox is makesis). A made-in-Vancouver creation, this is definitely a book to check out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/books/farmers-market-day-by-shanda-trent-and-more.html
AWARDS & LISTS
The Canada Council for the Arts has unveiled this year's finalists for the Governor General's literary award. Several Writers Fest authors are among the nominees, including Joseph Boyden, Eleanor Catton, Cary Fagan, Priscila Uppal and Teresa Toten.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/joseph-boyden-austin-clarke-up-for-governor-general-s-lit-awards-1.1875928
The shortlist for the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize has been announced. Two Writers Fest authors made the list: Cary Fagan and Colin McAdam.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/rogers-writers-trust-fiction-prize-shortlist-revealed/article14602228/
Haruki Murakami has been declared the favourite for this year's Nobel Prize. The prize will be announced later in the month.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10322801/Haruki-Murakami-is-bookmakers-favourite-for-Nobel-Prize.html
The race isn't over yet, however. Who knew there was a whole industry of literary prize bookies? They've cut the odds for Norwegian author Jon Fosse.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/01/nobel-literature-bets-jon-fosse-odds-slashed
YOUNG READERS
Do you know any boys who don't like to read? Pam Withers has written many teen adventure novels, and just published a book called Jump-Starting Boys, which addresses the fact that a full forty percent of boys are "reluctant readers".
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Book+highlights+benefits+helping+boys+read/8968711/story.html
NEWS & FEATURES
"I confess: I read fiction to fall in love. And in fiction, as in life, characters don't have to be likable to be lovable." Mohsin Hamid and Zoë Heller take on the topic of likeability, and whether it's really a necessity for fictional characters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/books/review/are-we-too-concerned-that-characters-be-likable.html
The debate still rages over the inclusion of American books for consideration at the Booker Prize. According to the Globe and Mail, it's terrible news for Canadian writers.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/why-the-booker-prize-expansion-is-terrible-news-for-canadians-writers/article14566090/
Mr. Darcy has been killed off! No, not that Mr. Darcy… Helen Fielding's creation in Bridget Jones, who was inspired by her protagonist's obsession with the Jane Austen original (or perhaps more likely, her obsession with Colin Firth's wet-shirted cavorting in the 1995 BBC adaptation of the novel.)
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/sep/29/bridget-jones-diary-helen-fielding-kills-mr-darcy
As a response to the David Gilmour controversy, Salon has created a list of 41 books that the "sexist prof" should read. "A list that lets readers ponder what it means to be human–not just white and male".
http://www.salon.com/2013/09/26/41_books_sexist_prof_david_gilmour_should_read/
A trio of artists will soon be travelling from Oklahoma to California in order to retrace the steps of the Joad family from John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. Playwright Octavio Solis, writer Patricia Wakida and filmmaker P.J. Palmer will be documenting their journey through social media and other channels, as well as conducting oral histories with people they encounter along the way.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/27/artists-to-retrace-grapes_n_4004985.html
Last week we highlighted a list of recently challenged titles in celebration of Banned Books Week. Here's a chance to see the books from a different angle: Awesome Illustrated Mugshots of Characters from Famous Banned Books.
http://flavorwire.com/417185/awesome-illustrated-mugshots-of-characters-from-famous-banned-books
Have you ever read a book and wondered what that author's voice really sounded like? Have you ever created a voice in your head only to hear something completely different when the author appears at your local literary festival? It may happen frequently with the moderns, but how about the classics? Here's a chance to listen to F. Scott Fitzegerald reading Shakespeare.
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2013/09/25/f-scott-fitzgerald-reads-shakespeare/
BOOKS & WRITERS
The author of Jack Ryan tales including The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games, Tom Clancy, dies at 66.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/tom-clancy-bestselling-novelist-dies-at-66-1.1875996
The "grande dame of the Beat Generation" has died. Carolyn Cassady, who was the basis for Camille in On the Road, passed away last week. But she was more than just a character from Kerouac's novel, and certainly more that just Neal Cassady's widow: she was a writer in her own right, a chronicler of her time, and a pioneer in an age and place few women dared to tread.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/writer-carolyn-cassady-was-the-grande-dame-of-the-beat-generation/article14511018/
You may have seen her at the Writers Fest in years previous, or attended the event to honour her last year, but she still remains unknown to many Canadians. The Globe and Mail has declared her to be "the most important Canadian author you probably never heard of". See why, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/arts-video/video-the-most-important-canadian-author-you-probably-never-heard-of/article9205129/
Garrison Keillor, one of public radio's favourite stars, has just published his first book of Poetry. He discusses his life, writing and the aptly-named O, What a Luxury: Verses Lyrical, Vulgar, Pathetic and Profound, here:
http://www.npr.org/2013/09/28/225380984/news-from-lake-wobegon-garrison-keillor-has-a-new-book-of-poetry
Bestselling Canadian writer Malcolm Gladwell has often been criticized for being too simplistic. But he has plenty to say about that: "If you're in the business of translating ideas in the academic realm to a general audience, you have to simplify... If my books appear to a reader to be oversimplified, then you shouldn't read them: you're not the audience!" His new book is called David and Goliath.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/sep/29/malcolm-gladwell-david-and-goliath-interview
COMMUNITY EVENTS
BOOK LAUNCH
Vancouver launch of Michael Hingston's debut novel, The Dilettantes. Thea Bowering will also be reading from her new debut collection of stories, Love at Last Sight. Friday, October 4 at 6:30pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street, Vancouver.
BOOK LAUNCH
VCON's annual multi-author event where attendees will be able to mingle and chat with a variety of science fiction and fantasy authors, editors and publishers from throughout BC, Canada and the US. Friday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free and open to the public. Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel, 3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond. More information at vcon.ca.
SIDNEY LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sidney will host 14 award-winning local authors whose genres cover mystery, war, children's literature, poetry, short story whimsy and local life. October 4-6, 2013. Sidney, BC. Complete information at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.com.
WAYZGOOSE
Celebrate the work of printing presses and book artists, delight in demonstrations that include bookbinding and paper marbling, and remember why we still love paper for its beauty and elegance. Saturday, October 5, 10am to 4pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at alcuinsociety.com.
ANTHONY DALTON
Author reads from his first novel, Relentless Pursuit. Monday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cathy Borrie & Heidi Greco with open mic. Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. All are welcome. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
PLANET EARTH READING SERIES
Poets Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) and Emilia Neilsen (Surge Narrows) will feature at Planet Earth Reading Series. Friday, October 11 at 7:30pm. The Moka House, 103-1633 Hillside Avenue, Victoria. $3 at the door. http://planetearthpoetryvictoriabc.blogspot.ca.
THE 2013 VISIBLE VERSE FESTIVAL
The annual festival of videopoetry and film is on October 12th, 7pm, at Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street,
Vancouver. Also hosting Colorado poet, filmmaker and founder of the Body Electric Poetry Film Festival, R.W. Perkins, who will facilitate Literary Movement, an artist's talk on videopoetry and filmmaking. This talk is at
4pm and free to the public. For the programme & ticket information go to: thecinematheque.ca/visible-verse-2013-festival.
LUNCH POEMS @ SFU
George Stanley and Brad Cran featured. Presented by SFU Public Square, Wednesday, October 16 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery (515 W Hastings St.). For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
Upcoming
EMERGE 2013 LAUNCH GALA EVENT
36 distinct voices experiment with the written word in emerge 2013, the Writer's Studio Anthology. Guest edited by JJ Lee, author of The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, the student produced anthology blurs the boundaries between genres as contributors push past limits with their writing process in the year-long program at SFU. Launching with a gala event on October 17th at Simon Fraser University's downtown campus at Harbour Centre, contributors will read from their work. 515 West Hastings. 6 to 9pm. More information at www.facebook.com/EmergeTWS2013 or contact lindsay.glauser@gmail.com.
PAMELA SACKETT
Author reads from her third book of rhythmic prose, Booing Death (with Shpilkes & Rhyme). Thursday, October 17 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at banyen.com/events/sackett.
INSPIRED BY PACIFIC LANDS
Hawaiian author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) will be joined by Trevor Carolan (Cascadia: The Life and Breath of the World) and Daniela Elza (milk tooth bane bone) in a multi-genre evening of Writings from Cascadia and Hawaii. October 20, 7pm, at People's Co-Op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More nformation at www.peoplescoopbookstore.com.
CBC MASSEY LECTURES
Renowned author Lawrence Hill twww.cbcing journey through the story of blood in his new book, Blood: The Stuff of Life. Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00pm. The Chan Centre for Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road, UBC. Information at cbc.ca/ideas/masseys.
DEAD NORTH
Launch of a Canadian-themed zombie anthology with authors Linda Demeulemeester and Rhea Rose. Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
CREATING PAULINE
City Opera Vancouver offers an informal presentation about the creation of the new opera Pauline (by Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes) to premiere in May 2014, and an introduction to the life of Canadian poet and performer Pauline Johnson (1861-1913). Guests include composer Tobin Stokes, director Norman Armour, singer Rose-Ellen Nichols, pianist David Boothroyd, and conductor and artistic director Charles Barber. Discussion welcome. Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, 555 Columbia. Tues Oct 29, 8pm. Free.
ICELAND WRITERS RETREAT
The Iceland Writers Retreat invites published and aspiring book writers (fiction and non-fiction) to participate in a series of workshops and panels led by a team of international writers from April 9-13, 2014. Between intimate workshops and lectures tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafés of Reykjavik, soak in hot geothermal pools, listen to new Icelandic music, and learn about the country's rich literary tradition. More information at www.IcelandWritersRetreat.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
