Book News Vol. 8 No. 37

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.