BOOK NEWS
INCITE
Three-time Olympic medalist Silken Laumann will talk to Hal Wake about her new memoir Unsinkable, a revealing look at her troubled childhood and her moving journey to uncovering inner happiness through personal struggle. Details on this and other upcoming Incite events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Olivia Chow
MP Olivia Chow lays bare her life's most painful moments and talks about life after Jack Layton in her candid new memoir, My Journey. Join us for an evening with one of Canada's most compelling political forces. Ms. Chow will be interviewed by Kathryn Gretsinger. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/oliviachow.
Just announced! - Miriam Toews and Steven Galloway
An evening with two acclaimed Canadian authors. Steven Galloway, the bestselling author of The Cellist of Sarajevo, is back with his brilliant new novel, The Confabulist. And Miriam Toews, the award-winning author of A Complicated Kindness, brings her irresistible voice and heart wrenching poignancy to her new novel All My Puny Sorrows. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gallowaytoews.
Roddy Doyle
CBC and the Vancouver Writers Fest are excited to present Roddy Doyle on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm. The Booker Prize winner's latest novel revisits the characters from his contemporary classic The Commitments, with the same raunchy humour and provocative social commentary. Come join in the conversation with North by Northwest's Sheryl MacKay. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping starts promptly at 6:30, at the CBC Broadcast Centre, 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. No reserved seating-first come, first seated. Information at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/roddydoyle.
FEATURED EVENT
Chor Leoni Men's Choir has graced the stage at the Vancouver Writers Fest on two occasions, most recently with author Jack Hodgins. Hodgins and Chor Leoni team up once again to present Cadillac Cathedral, featuring a rollicking original story read by Jack, accompanied by new and favourite works by the renowned pride of singing lions. Jan 31 (Vancouver), Feb 1 (Victoria), Feb 2(Nanaimo). Info at http://chorleoni.org/concerts-events/events/cadillac-cathedral/.
AWARDS & LISTS
The 2014 Edgar Awards nominees have been announced. Named for Edgar Allan Poe, the Edgars are presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America to honour the best mystery fiction, non-fiction, tv, film and theatre published or produced in the past year.
http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html#PBO
A new award has been launched: the Daphne, a prize that celebrates the best book published 50 years ago! As strange as that may sound, there's some sound thinking behind the decision.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-bookslut-launches-daphne-award-best-book-1963-20140127,0,6822901.story
The Newbery Medal for Children's Literature has been announced. Kate DiCamillo, recently named the US national ambassador for young people's literature, won for her book Flora and Ulysses.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/business/media/dicamillo-wins-newberry-medal-and-brian-flocas-locomotive-wins-caldecott.html
YOUNG READERS
The British Library has launched the largest exhibition of comics in the United Kingdom. For what purpose? To inspire children to be "naughtier and more rebellious"!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10589645/Comic-exhibition-to-inspire-generation-of-naughtiness.html
Can you make kids love books? The cultural critic Natasha Vargas-Cooper recently provoked the righteous anger of many a reader by arguing that it was a bad idea to assign novels to high school students.
http://www.salon.com/2014/01/23/can_you_make_kids_love_books/
NEWS & FEATURES
Mexican writer Jose Emilio Pacheco has died. An avid chronicler of his country, he was also, arguably, Mexico's most famous living poet.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-25901570
The Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina has become one of the most prominent Africans to come out publicly. He did so online, by unveiling a "lost chapter" of his three year-old memoir, called "I am a homosexual, mum." According to Wainaina, "There's no point for me in being a writer and having all these blocked places where I feel I can't think freely and imagine freely."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/world/africa/as-africa-debates-gay-rights-writer-comes-out.html
"Author and journalist Jennifer Percy was a committed physics major until a Lawrence Sargent Hall story showed her a more satisfying way to approach life's complexities." Here's her justification as to why stories, not science, explain the world.
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/01/life-keeps-changing-why-stories-not-science-explain-the-world/283219/
Do you hate your job? Would you prefer to be a "Professional Faster," like Kafka's narrator in A Hunger Artist? Publishers Weekly has composed a list of the 10 Worst Job in Books. Took a look and see how yours compares.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/tip-sheet/article/60754-the-10-worst-jobs-in-books.html
Speaking of countdowns, the Huffington Post has published it own (slightly more lascivious) list this week: the 15 Hottest Affairs in Literature. Alice Munro made the list!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kyle-minor/15-hottest-affairs-in-lit_b_4653731.html
Do you think you know your classical literature? Can you pick out novels from their first sentences? Test your mettle here:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mackenziekruvant/can-you-guess-the-classic-novel-from-its-first-sentence
If first sentences aren't your thing, then maybe you'll enjoy this article about titles instead. "What if books were whorishly titled, optimizing our search engines rather than our imaginations, rather than leaving us to discover who Oliver Twist was or who was proud and who was prejudiced?"
http://www.themillions.com/2014/01/read-me-please-book-titles-rewritten-to-get-more-clicks.html
Was Emily Dickinson a radical or a poet of restraint? "It is a conflict reaching back to what has come to be called "The War Between the Houses," when Dickinson's manuscripts were divided into two main collections," those sent to her sister-in-law, and those discovered in a drawer after Dickinson's death in 1886. Now, with the resources of the Internet, scholars are hoping that the two collections might finally be united.
http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2014/jan/25/dickinson-raw-or-cooked/
BOOKS & WRITERS
On January 22, Alice Munro and Margaret Atwood got together in a Google Hangout to talk about writing, reading, and why some characters just can't be likeable. If you missed the live chat, or want to watch it again, click here:
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Alice+Munro+live+chat/9418579/story.html
Is it possible to write like someone else? For Alistair MacLeod, the answer is no. "I don't think you can write like anybody else. Nobody has your literary fingerprints."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-alistair-macleod-on-influence-i-dont-think-you-can-write-like-anybody-else-nobody-has-your-literary-fingerprints/article16491894/
The new book And Every Single One Was Someone repeats the same word six million times in order to commemorate every single person killed during the Holocaust. "When you look at this at a distance, you can't tell whether it's upside down or right side up, you can't tell what's here; it looks like a pattern," said Phil Chernofsky, the author..."That's how the Nazis viewed their victims: These are not individuals."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/26/world/middleeast/holocaust-told-in-one-word-6-million-times.html
This month's New Yorker poetry podcast features Tracy K. Smith, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for her collection "Life on Mars. She reads "Crowning," by Kevin Young, as well as her own poem "Alternate Take: Levon Helm."
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/01/poetry-podcast-tracy-k-smith-reads-kevin-young.html
According to Matthew Salesses, a Mary Miller story will get him to pick up any literary journal she's featured in. Her debut novel, The Last Days of California, is about a family driving to California to meet the rapture. She's interviewed in the Rumpus, here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/01/the-rumpus-interview-with-mary-miller-2
They've also interviewed Daniel Alarcón, whose new novel, At Night We Walk in Circles, tells the story of a touring revival of The Idiot President, a protest play written by Henry Nuñez when his unnamed Latin American country enters into a state of civil war.
http://therumpus.net/2014/01/the-rumpus-interview-with-daniel-alarcon/
Vancouver's own Evelyn Lau has pondered on family struggles, murder and beauty in a new set of poems published in Geist. You can read them here:
http://www.geist.com/fact/poetry/how-it-began/
Olivia Chow will soon be in Vancouver as a part of a Writers Fest special event. If you haven't already got a chance to read My Journey, take the time to check out the Toronto Star's review of her "gutsy book."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2014/01/17/my_journey_by_olivia_chow_review.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE ON EDGE READINGS SERIES
Features Gillian Jerome & Daniela Elza, 7pm, Thursday, January 30th, South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston St., Granville Island. Free and open to the public.
SFU NOONHOUR READING SERIES
Poet Jeff Derksen reads from his new book The Vestiges. Thursday January 30th at 12:30pm, free. Bennett Library Special Collections/Rare Books (Room 7100), Bennett Library, SFU Burnaby. For more info, phone 778-782-6676.
BOOK LAUNCH
Marilynn Tebbit reads from her first novel, Pool Party. Friday, January 31 at 7:00pm. 6888 Royal Oak, Burnaby. More information at http://marilynntebbit.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/book-launch/.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kyle Hawke, Eileen Kernaghan, and Calvin Wharton, with host Candice James. Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
GRAFFITI HACK BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Launch of Elen Ghulam's new book, Graffiti Hack: A Novel. Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm. The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. More information at ihath.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Ray Hsu and Joanne Arnott featured at Feb 19 Lunch Poems at SFU. Presented by SFU Public Square, 12-1pm in SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery (515 W Hastings St.). Free admission, no registration required. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
WORDSTHAW
Second annual symposium featuring 38 poets, novelists, short story writers and journalists. Landsdowne Lecture will feature Vancouver poet, novelist and librettist Daphne Marlatt. February 20-22, 2014. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. More information at malahatreview.ca.
AUTHORS UNBOUND
An evening of readings of both brand new and established local authors in a variety of genres from poetry to short stories to novels. Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
Upcoming
ALMOST CRIMINAL
Vancouver writer E.R. Brown reads from his first novel, Almost Criminal, a BC-based crime thriller. Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
REWILDING VANCOUVER
Author J.B. MacKinnon discusses his latest book The Once and Future World. Thursday, February 27 at 6:30pm. Cecil Green Park House, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
RED GIRL RAT BOY
Vancouver author Cynthia Flood reads from her latest book. Thursday, February 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street, Burnaby. More information and registration at 604-299-8955 or bpl.bc.ca.
VEENA GOKHALE
Reading by Montreal-based author. Special guest poet and writer Rahat Kurd. Friday, February 28 at 12:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SERENDIPITY: CHILDREN'S LITERATURE IN A DIGITAL AGE
From practical advice on using literature-based apps with children to learning how authors and illustrators are using social media and electronic publishing, Serendipity 2014 is for educators, librarians, researchers and literature lovers looking to the future of books for young people. Our presenters include Paul Zelinsky, Arthur Slade, John Schumacher, Travis Jonker, Tim Federle, and Hadley Dyer. Saturday, March 8, 2014. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
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.
SKAGIT RIVER POETRY FESTIVAL
A celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and storytelling. Access to internationally famous poets through intimate venues and workshop sessions. May 15-18, 2014. Various venues throughout La Conner, WA. Tickets on sale in January. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Book News Vol. 8 No. 47
BOOK NEWS
INCITE
The Incite reading series starts January 29 with an evening of non-fiction: Charles Montgomery (Happy City), and Arno Kopecky (The Oil Man and the Sea). Details on these and other upcoming Incite events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Olivia Chow
MP Olivia Chow lays bare her life's most painful moments and talks about life after Jack Layton in her candid new memoir, My Journey. Join us for an evening with one of Canada's most compelling political forces. Ms. Chow will be interviewed by Kathryn Gretsinger. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/oliviachow.
Roddy Doyle
CBC and the Vancouver Writers Fest are excited to present Roddy Doyle on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm. The Booker Prize winner's latest novel revisits the characters from his contemporary classic The Commitments, with the same raunchy humour and provocative social commentary. Come join in the conversation with North by Northwest's Sheryl MacKay. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping starts promptly at 6:30, at the CBC Broadcast Centre, 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. No reserved seating-first come, first seated. Information at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/roddydoyle.
FEATURED EVENT
Chor Leoni Men's Choir has graced the stage at the Vancouver Writers Fest on two occasions, most recently with author Jack Hodgins. Hodgins and Chor Leoni team up once again to present Cadillac Cathedral, featuring a rollicking original story read by Jack, accompanied by new and favourite works by the renowned pride of singing lions. Jan 31 (Vancouver), Feb 1 (Victoria), Feb 2(Nanaimo). Info at http://bit.ly/CLcadillac.
AWARDS & LISTS
The shortlist for the $25,000 Taylor Prize has been announced. Writers Fest author J.B. McKinnon made the cut for his book The Once and Future World: Nature As It Was, As It Is, As It Could Be. The Taylor Prize, named for essayist and author Charles Taylor, celebrates Canadian non-fiction.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/five-vie-for-25000-on-taylor-short-list/article16340919/
The winners of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association's 2014 Book Awards have also been announced. The grassroots awards have helped launch the careers of many Northwest luminaries including Ursula K. Le Guin, Chuck Palahniuk and Sherman Alexie. Cortes Island local Ruth Ozeki was one of the selected few on this year's list.
http://www.pnba.org/2014BookAwards.html
YOUNG READERS
This week Harper Collins announced the winner of its Illustrate "Alligator Pie" Competition. The contest called for Canadian artists of any level or experience to submit their "visual interpretation" of the iconic poem. Sandy Nichols from Calgary, Alberta, was the winner.
http://www.bookcentre.ca/news/winner_alligator_pie_illustration_contest_signs_with_harpercollins_canada
NEWS & FEATURES
Have you been to your local neighbourhood book exchange yet? These pint-sized libraries have been popping up all over Vancouver, providing meeting spots for neighbours to share their love of books. Check out the Georgia Straight's book exchange map, here:
http://www.straight.com/blogra/570356/mapping-vancouvers-neighborhood-book-exchanges
Can men write good heroines? "If we say men can't write heroines, aren't we saying men can't understand women? And if men don't at least attempt the radical empathy of putting themselves in our shoes, and trying to understand what it is like to be a woman, then how are we ever going to get equality?"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/18/can-men-write-good-heroines
Change is afoot at the Oxford English Dictionary. "For the first time in 20 years, the venerable dictionary has a new chief editor, Michael Proffitt, who assumes the responsibility of retaining the vaunted traditions while ensuring relevance in an era of Googled definitions and text talk."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/books/oeds-new-chief-editor-speaks-of-its-future.html
A previously unknown poem by the late Al Purdy has been discovered in the wall of his A-frame cabin in Ontario. Called 'This Known Place', the poem describes crossing the prairies on a trip back home after moving to British Columbia.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/team-renovating-poet-al-purdys-cabin-find-poem-hidden-in-the-wall/article16390656/
Just over a decade ago, Shelley Jackson created a work of "living literature" by telling a story told entirely through tattoos. Now, she has a new project set out to highlight the impermanence of art: a story, weather permitting, inscribed entirely in snow.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-shelley-jacksons-winters-tale-20140114,0,7942473.story#axzz2quNm5oSh
What do New York editors really want? Here's Ploughshares Literary Magazine's "round-down" of tips for yet-to-be-published writers.
http://blog.pshares.org/index.php/the-ploughshares-round-down-what-nyc-editors-say-theyre-looking-for/
How can social media help book sales? A Facebook appeal may have saved the Saltaire Bookshop in Shipley, England, and proved that the internet may not be the deathknell of independent retailers, after all.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/16/bookshop-facebook-appeal-takings-fall-saltaire
"It's a truth universally acknowledged that, although women read more than men, and books by female authors are published in roughly the same numbers, they are more easily overlooked." A new twitter campaign has set out to change this fact.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2014/jan/20/read-women-2014-change-sexist-reading-habits
Along with women writers, it's easy to make the case that authors of non-English-language books also face a lot of prejudice when it comes to the reading public. Xiaolu Guo and Jhumpa Lahiri both spoke on the subject at the recent Jaipur literature festival. So did Jonathan Franzen, who, despite being in the line of attack, said that he is concerned about the "homogenisation of global culture".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/20/writers-attack-overrated-american-literature-jaipur-festival
Speaking of disappearing culture, here's an interview with Mamoun Eltlib on the vanishing reading culture of Sudan. Despite being one of the country's best-known writers, he "has been phased out of reading lists in his own country over concerns that his content is explicit. In fact, there is amnesia of a lot of writers, as Eltlib says most libraries have been shuttered and remaining bookshops barely hang on."
http://logger.believermag.com/post/73629101189/its-just-disappeared-the-whole-culture-of-reading
BOOKS & WRITERS
According to Hanif Kureishi "every 10 years you become someone else". His new novel, The Last Words, follows his own life of reinvention. "Of course, any writer has to invent a style that contains them," he remarks, "and find a new way of putting together these things about yourself that are puzzling."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/19/hanif-kureishi-interview-last-word
The best crime writers are often intricately connected to the law, from attorneys like Scott Turow to The Wire's David Simon, who worked as a police reporter for the Baltimore Sun. Alaric Hunt, on the other hand, is connected to the law in an entirely different way: he's a convicted murder.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/magazine/the-murderer-and-the-manuscript.html
For E.L. Doctorow, there are dangers to being a writer. Number one is that it affects your reading. In the words of the author of Andrew's Brain and Ragtime, "As you practice your craft, you lose your innocence as a reader."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/books/review/e-l-doctorow-by-the-book.html
Cuban writer Leonard Padura has entered the Latin American modernist canon in a very unusual way: by writing a Russian novel. The Man Who Loved Dogs tells the story of Leon Trostsky's murder, and even more specifically, the man who killed him.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/books/the-man-who-loved-dogs-centers-on-trotsky.html
For Canadian author Mary Lawson, on the other hand, it's her own home that provides her with literary inspiration. Like Padura, she now lives in another country (the U.K.), though she maintains that Northern Ontario will also remain her muse.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Northern+Ontario+acts+muse/9408944/story.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features poets Mariner Janes & Raoul Fernandes plus open mic. Thursday, January 23, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
ANNABEL LYON
Author discuses her novel The Sweet Girl. Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
SEA SALT
Meet the authors of Sea Salt: Recipes from the West Coast Gallery, a sailing themed cookbook with two cooking seminars featuring Lorna Malone, Alison Malone Eathorne, and Hilary Malone. Part of the Vancouver Boat Show (January 24-26) at BC Place, 777 Pacific Blvd. For dates and times and complete information, visit www.harbourpublishing.com/event/673.
BURNS MARATHON 2014
Come help the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies make history as they set another world record for "The Longest Continual Recitation of Burns Poetry and Song." Be a part of the day by giving a recitation or come to cheer on the participants. Saturday, January 25 at 9:00am. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings. For more info: http://www.scottish.sfu.ca/sfus_robert_burns_marathon or contact Tricia Barker, tbarker@sfu.ca.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Alan Hill, Jonina Kirton, and Garry Ward, with host Sho Wiley. Sunday, January 26 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
SHY: AN ANTHOLOGY
Contributors Sylvia Stopforth, Dhana Musil and Elaine Woo will read. Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
WORDSTORM READING SERIES
WordStorm will feature Daniela Elza, Mary Ann Moore and Jan De Grass on Tuesday, January 28th, 7pm, at Demeter's Coffee Vault, 499 Wallace Street, Nanaimo. More information atwordstorm.ca.
JENNIFER ZILM
Launch of the author's new chapbook The Whole and Broken Yellows. Tuesday, January 28 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
ANNIE PAQUETTE
Author talks about her new memoir, Left, Right, Then Center. Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
THE ON EDGE READINGS SERIES
Features Gillian Jerome & Daniela Elza, 7pm, Thursday, January 30th, South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston St., Granville Island. Free and open to the public.
SFU NOONHOUR READING SERIES
Poet Jeff Derksen reads from his new book The Vestiges. Thursday January 30th at 12:30pm, free. Bennett Library Special Collections/Rare Books (Room 7100), Bennett Library, SFU Burnaby. For more info, phone 778-782-6676.
BOOK LAUNCH
Marilynn Tebbit reads from her first novel, Pool Party. Friday, January 31 at 7:00pm. 6888 Royal Oak, Burnaby. More information at http://marilynntebbit.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/book-launch/.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kyle Hawke, Eileen Kernaghan, and Calvin Wharton, with host Candice James. Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
GRAFFITI HACK BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Launch of Elen Ghulam's new book, Graffiti Hack: A Novel. Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm. The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. More information at ihath.com.
WORDSTHAW
Second annual symposium featuring 38 poets, novelists, short story writers and journalists. Landsdowne Lecture will feature Vancouver poet, novelist and librettist Daphne Marlatt. February 20-22, 2014. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. More information at malahatreview.ca.
AUTHORS UNBOUND
An evening of readings of both brand new and established local authors in a variety of genres from poetry to short stories to novels. Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
ALMOST CRIMINAL
Vancouver writer E.R. Brown reads from his first novel, Almost Criminal, a BC-based crime thriller. Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
REWILDING VANCOUVER
Author J.B. MacKinnon discusses his latest book The Once and Future World. Thursday, February 27 at 6:30pm. Cecil Green Park House, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
RED GIRL RAT BOY
Vancouver author Cynthia Flood reads from her latest book. Thursday, February 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street, Burnaby. More information and registration at 604-299-8955 or bpl.bc.ca.
VEENA GOKHALE
Reading by Montreal-based author. Special guest poet and writer Rahat Kurd. Friday, February 28 at 12:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SERENDIPITY: CHILDREN'S LITERATURE IN A DIGITAL AGE
From practical advice on using literature-based apps with children to learning how authors and illustrators are using social media and electronic publishing, Serendipity 2014 is for educators, librarians, researchers and literature lovers looking to the future of books for young people. Our presenters include Paul Zelinsky, Arthur Slade, John Schumacher, Travis Jonker, Tim Federle, and Hadley Dyer. Saturday, March 8, 2014. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
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.
SKAGIT RIVER POETRY FESTIVAL
A celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and storytelling. Access to internationally famous poets through intimate venues and workshop sessions. May 15-18, 2014. Various venues throughout La Conner, WA. Tickets on sale in January. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.
INCITE
The Incite reading series starts January 29 with an evening of non-fiction: Charles Montgomery (Happy City), and Arno Kopecky (The Oil Man and the Sea). Details on these and other upcoming Incite events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Olivia Chow
MP Olivia Chow lays bare her life's most painful moments and talks about life after Jack Layton in her candid new memoir, My Journey. Join us for an evening with one of Canada's most compelling political forces. Ms. Chow will be interviewed by Kathryn Gretsinger. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/oliviachow.
Roddy Doyle
CBC and the Vancouver Writers Fest are excited to present Roddy Doyle on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm. The Booker Prize winner's latest novel revisits the characters from his contemporary classic The Commitments, with the same raunchy humour and provocative social commentary. Come join in the conversation with North by Northwest's Sheryl MacKay. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping starts promptly at 6:30, at the CBC Broadcast Centre, 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. No reserved seating-first come, first seated. Information at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/roddydoyle.
FEATURED EVENT
Chor Leoni Men's Choir has graced the stage at the Vancouver Writers Fest on two occasions, most recently with author Jack Hodgins. Hodgins and Chor Leoni team up once again to present Cadillac Cathedral, featuring a rollicking original story read by Jack, accompanied by new and favourite works by the renowned pride of singing lions. Jan 31 (Vancouver), Feb 1 (Victoria), Feb 2(Nanaimo). Info at http://bit.ly/CLcadillac.
AWARDS & LISTS
The shortlist for the $25,000 Taylor Prize has been announced. Writers Fest author J.B. McKinnon made the cut for his book The Once and Future World: Nature As It Was, As It Is, As It Could Be. The Taylor Prize, named for essayist and author Charles Taylor, celebrates Canadian non-fiction.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/five-vie-for-25000-on-taylor-short-list/article16340919/
The winners of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association's 2014 Book Awards have also been announced. The grassroots awards have helped launch the careers of many Northwest luminaries including Ursula K. Le Guin, Chuck Palahniuk and Sherman Alexie. Cortes Island local Ruth Ozeki was one of the selected few on this year's list.
http://www.pnba.org/2014BookAwards.html
YOUNG READERS
This week Harper Collins announced the winner of its Illustrate "Alligator Pie" Competition. The contest called for Canadian artists of any level or experience to submit their "visual interpretation" of the iconic poem. Sandy Nichols from Calgary, Alberta, was the winner.
http://www.bookcentre.ca/news/winner_alligator_pie_illustration_contest_signs_with_harpercollins_canada
NEWS & FEATURES
Have you been to your local neighbourhood book exchange yet? These pint-sized libraries have been popping up all over Vancouver, providing meeting spots for neighbours to share their love of books. Check out the Georgia Straight's book exchange map, here:
http://www.straight.com/blogra/570356/mapping-vancouvers-neighborhood-book-exchanges
Can men write good heroines? "If we say men can't write heroines, aren't we saying men can't understand women? And if men don't at least attempt the radical empathy of putting themselves in our shoes, and trying to understand what it is like to be a woman, then how are we ever going to get equality?"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/18/can-men-write-good-heroines
Change is afoot at the Oxford English Dictionary. "For the first time in 20 years, the venerable dictionary has a new chief editor, Michael Proffitt, who assumes the responsibility of retaining the vaunted traditions while ensuring relevance in an era of Googled definitions and text talk."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/books/oeds-new-chief-editor-speaks-of-its-future.html
A previously unknown poem by the late Al Purdy has been discovered in the wall of his A-frame cabin in Ontario. Called 'This Known Place', the poem describes crossing the prairies on a trip back home after moving to British Columbia.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/team-renovating-poet-al-purdys-cabin-find-poem-hidden-in-the-wall/article16390656/
Just over a decade ago, Shelley Jackson created a work of "living literature" by telling a story told entirely through tattoos. Now, she has a new project set out to highlight the impermanence of art: a story, weather permitting, inscribed entirely in snow.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-shelley-jacksons-winters-tale-20140114,0,7942473.story#axzz2quNm5oSh
What do New York editors really want? Here's Ploughshares Literary Magazine's "round-down" of tips for yet-to-be-published writers.
http://blog.pshares.org/index.php/the-ploughshares-round-down-what-nyc-editors-say-theyre-looking-for/
How can social media help book sales? A Facebook appeal may have saved the Saltaire Bookshop in Shipley, England, and proved that the internet may not be the deathknell of independent retailers, after all.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/16/bookshop-facebook-appeal-takings-fall-saltaire
"It's a truth universally acknowledged that, although women read more than men, and books by female authors are published in roughly the same numbers, they are more easily overlooked." A new twitter campaign has set out to change this fact.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2014/jan/20/read-women-2014-change-sexist-reading-habits
Along with women writers, it's easy to make the case that authors of non-English-language books also face a lot of prejudice when it comes to the reading public. Xiaolu Guo and Jhumpa Lahiri both spoke on the subject at the recent Jaipur literature festival. So did Jonathan Franzen, who, despite being in the line of attack, said that he is concerned about the "homogenisation of global culture".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/20/writers-attack-overrated-american-literature-jaipur-festival
Speaking of disappearing culture, here's an interview with Mamoun Eltlib on the vanishing reading culture of Sudan. Despite being one of the country's best-known writers, he "has been phased out of reading lists in his own country over concerns that his content is explicit. In fact, there is amnesia of a lot of writers, as Eltlib says most libraries have been shuttered and remaining bookshops barely hang on."
http://logger.believermag.com/post/73629101189/its-just-disappeared-the-whole-culture-of-reading
BOOKS & WRITERS
According to Hanif Kureishi "every 10 years you become someone else". His new novel, The Last Words, follows his own life of reinvention. "Of course, any writer has to invent a style that contains them," he remarks, "and find a new way of putting together these things about yourself that are puzzling."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/19/hanif-kureishi-interview-last-word
The best crime writers are often intricately connected to the law, from attorneys like Scott Turow to The Wire's David Simon, who worked as a police reporter for the Baltimore Sun. Alaric Hunt, on the other hand, is connected to the law in an entirely different way: he's a convicted murder.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/magazine/the-murderer-and-the-manuscript.html
For E.L. Doctorow, there are dangers to being a writer. Number one is that it affects your reading. In the words of the author of Andrew's Brain and Ragtime, "As you practice your craft, you lose your innocence as a reader."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/books/review/e-l-doctorow-by-the-book.html
Cuban writer Leonard Padura has entered the Latin American modernist canon in a very unusual way: by writing a Russian novel. The Man Who Loved Dogs tells the story of Leon Trostsky's murder, and even more specifically, the man who killed him.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/books/the-man-who-loved-dogs-centers-on-trotsky.html
For Canadian author Mary Lawson, on the other hand, it's her own home that provides her with literary inspiration. Like Padura, she now lives in another country (the U.K.), though she maintains that Northern Ontario will also remain her muse.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Northern+Ontario+acts+muse/9408944/story.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features poets Mariner Janes & Raoul Fernandes plus open mic. Thursday, January 23, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
ANNABEL LYON
Author discuses her novel The Sweet Girl. Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
SEA SALT
Meet the authors of Sea Salt: Recipes from the West Coast Gallery, a sailing themed cookbook with two cooking seminars featuring Lorna Malone, Alison Malone Eathorne, and Hilary Malone. Part of the Vancouver Boat Show (January 24-26) at BC Place, 777 Pacific Blvd. For dates and times and complete information, visit www.harbourpublishing.com/event/673.
BURNS MARATHON 2014
Come help the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies make history as they set another world record for "The Longest Continual Recitation of Burns Poetry and Song." Be a part of the day by giving a recitation or come to cheer on the participants. Saturday, January 25 at 9:00am. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings. For more info: http://www.scottish.sfu.ca/sfus_robert_burns_marathon or contact Tricia Barker, tbarker@sfu.ca.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Alan Hill, Jonina Kirton, and Garry Ward, with host Sho Wiley. Sunday, January 26 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
SHY: AN ANTHOLOGY
Contributors Sylvia Stopforth, Dhana Musil and Elaine Woo will read. Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
WORDSTORM READING SERIES
WordStorm will feature Daniela Elza, Mary Ann Moore and Jan De Grass on Tuesday, January 28th, 7pm, at Demeter's Coffee Vault, 499 Wallace Street, Nanaimo. More information atwordstorm.ca.
JENNIFER ZILM
Launch of the author's new chapbook The Whole and Broken Yellows. Tuesday, January 28 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
ANNIE PAQUETTE
Author talks about her new memoir, Left, Right, Then Center. Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
THE ON EDGE READINGS SERIES
Features Gillian Jerome & Daniela Elza, 7pm, Thursday, January 30th, South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston St., Granville Island. Free and open to the public.
SFU NOONHOUR READING SERIES
Poet Jeff Derksen reads from his new book The Vestiges. Thursday January 30th at 12:30pm, free. Bennett Library Special Collections/Rare Books (Room 7100), Bennett Library, SFU Burnaby. For more info, phone 778-782-6676.
BOOK LAUNCH
Marilynn Tebbit reads from her first novel, Pool Party. Friday, January 31 at 7:00pm. 6888 Royal Oak, Burnaby. More information at http://marilynntebbit.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/book-launch/.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kyle Hawke, Eileen Kernaghan, and Calvin Wharton, with host Candice James. Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
GRAFFITI HACK BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Launch of Elen Ghulam's new book, Graffiti Hack: A Novel. Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm. The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. More information at ihath.com.
WORDSTHAW
Second annual symposium featuring 38 poets, novelists, short story writers and journalists. Landsdowne Lecture will feature Vancouver poet, novelist and librettist Daphne Marlatt. February 20-22, 2014. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. More information at malahatreview.ca.
AUTHORS UNBOUND
An evening of readings of both brand new and established local authors in a variety of genres from poetry to short stories to novels. Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
ALMOST CRIMINAL
Vancouver writer E.R. Brown reads from his first novel, Almost Criminal, a BC-based crime thriller. Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
REWILDING VANCOUVER
Author J.B. MacKinnon discusses his latest book The Once and Future World. Thursday, February 27 at 6:30pm. Cecil Green Park House, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
RED GIRL RAT BOY
Vancouver author Cynthia Flood reads from her latest book. Thursday, February 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street, Burnaby. More information and registration at 604-299-8955 or bpl.bc.ca.
VEENA GOKHALE
Reading by Montreal-based author. Special guest poet and writer Rahat Kurd. Friday, February 28 at 12:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SERENDIPITY: CHILDREN'S LITERATURE IN A DIGITAL AGE
From practical advice on using literature-based apps with children to learning how authors and illustrators are using social media and electronic publishing, Serendipity 2014 is for educators, librarians, researchers and literature lovers looking to the future of books for young people. Our presenters include Paul Zelinsky, Arthur Slade, John Schumacher, Travis Jonker, Tim Federle, and Hadley Dyer. Saturday, March 8, 2014. For registration and information, go to www.vclr.ca.
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.
SKAGIT RIVER POETRY FESTIVAL
A celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and storytelling. Access to internationally famous poets through intimate venues and workshop sessions. May 15-18, 2014. Various venues throughout La Conner, WA. Tickets on sale in January. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Book News Vol. 8 No. 46
BOOK NEWS
INCITE
Join us on January 29 for the launch of the 2014 edition of Incite at VPL, with two compelling non-fiction writers. Charles Montgomery looks at our urban centres through rose coloured glasses with his book Happy City, and Arno Kopecky takes a hard look at oil and our natural environment through the lenses of activism and journalism in The Oil Man and the Sea. On February 5 Incite presents three time Olympic medalist Silken Laumann with her memoir Unsinkable. Details on these and other upcoming Incite events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Olivia Chow
Member of Parliament, seasoned politician and widow of former New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton—tells her story in her candid new memoir, My Journey. Ms. Chow will be interviewed by Kathryn Gretsinger. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/oliviachow.
Roddy Doyle
CBC and the Vancouver Writers Fest are excited to present Roddy Doyle on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm. The Booker Prize winner's latest novel revisits the characters from his contemporary classic The Commitments, with the same raunchy humour and provocative social commentary. Come join in the conversation with North by Northwest's Sheryl MacKay. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping starts promptly at 6:30, at the CBC Broadcast Centre, 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. No reserved seating-first come, first seated.
VANCOUVER WRITERS FEST WRITING CONTESTS
The Vancouver Writers Fest has announced the winners of both the 2013 Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest), sponsored by UBC Continuing Studies Writing Centre, and our inaugural Spreading the Word Youth writing contest (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest), sponsored by Amazon.
FEATURED EVENT
Chor Leoni Men's Choir has graced the stage at the Vancouver Writers Fest on two occasions, most recently with author Jack Hodgins. Hodgins and Chor Leoni team up once again to present Cadillac Cathedral, featuring a rollicking original story read by Jack, accompanied by new and favourite works by the renowned pride of singing lions. Jan 31 (Vancouver), Feb 1 (Victoria), Feb 2(Nanaimo). Info at http://bit.ly/CLcadillac.
AWARDS & LISTS
George Packer, Ruth Ozeki, Donna Tartt, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Jonathan Franzen have been named among the finalists for the National Book Critics Circle awards.
http://news.yahoo.com/tartt-franzen-among-finalists-critics-prizes-011430667.html
Historian Charlotte Gray, author and broadcaster Thomas King and journalist Graeme Smith will vie for the 2014 RBC Taylor Prize.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/charlotte-gray-thomas-king-up-for-25k-rbc-taylor-prize-1.2497558
The finalists for the Story Prize (for short fiction) have also been announced. Andrea Barrett was nominated for her short story collection Archangel, and Rebecca Lee and George Saunders were nominated for Bobcat and Tenth of December, respectively.
http://www.thestoryprize.org/
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Belfast's first poet laureate has won the TS Eliot Poetry Prize for her collection entitled Parallax. As the title suggests, "it is a meditation on this idea of parallax, looking at things from different angles. This speaks through the whole book".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/13/ts-eliot-poetry-prize-sinead-morrissey-parallax
YOUNG READERS
The first book of 2014 to be crowned most-read on the Guardian children's books website is Tom Gates Extra Spacial Treats (Not!), by Liz Pichon. The sixth book in the well-known Tom Gates series, it has been described by its (mostly teenage) readers as "'funny', 'awesome' and 'EPIC!'"
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/jan/11/review-roundup-your-top-reads
NEWS & FEATURES
Amiri Baraka died last Thursday at 79. He was one of the major forces in the Black Arts movement of the 1960s and '70s, "a poet and playwright of pulsating rage, whose long illumination of the black experience in America was incandescent in some quarters and incendiary in others".
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/arts/amiri-baraka-polarizing-poet-and-playwright-dies-at-79.html
Every year, new books enter the public domain. That means that if you're a fan of e-books, and also on a limited budget, it's a great time to check out this treasure trove of free reading:
http://ebookfriendly.com/free-public-domain-books-sources/
Are you a writer looking for a free place to live? A nonprofit organization called 'Write a House' is currently refurnishing three two-bedrooms houses in Detroit, and is accepting application for writers to move in, rent-free, this spring.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/01/were-not-in-new-york-anymore-a-home-for-writers-in-detroit.html
"It's impossible to turn the past pages of this magazine, or the pages of American literary history, for that matter, without being reminded of how inextricable the drinking life and the writing life—or, to put it more bluntly, alcoholism and art—once were." In this week's New Yorker, Adam Gopnik discusses the age-old relationship between booze and writing, and what it means to be a writer in our current age of literary sobriety.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/01/writers-and-rum.html
Perhaps one of the most unexpected (and disturbing) book facts of 2013 was that the e-book of Hitler's Mein Kampf was one of the top political best sellers of the year. "Mein Kampf's rise may be similar to that of 50 Shades of Grey, which is thought to have been so popular as an e-book because it's easy to read electronic copies discreetly."
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/01/09/mein_kampf_by_hitler_is_topping_political_best_seller_lists_for_e_books.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Canadian author Tom Howell has written an "uproariously silly" take on the history of the English language. In The Rude Story of English, he employs wacky tangents and wit in order to teach modern English speakers the "spotted 1,564-year history of their tongue".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-rude-story-of-english-oh-those-cunning-linguists/article16285144/
America's "most prolific blurber" has taken on a new project: a memoir. Gary Shteyngart's Little Failure covers the years following his family's emigration from the USSR to New York, "full of stories of striving both to write and to be understood, to become a man and an American." He's interviewed in Salon, here:
http://www.salon.com/2014/01/11/gary_shteyngart_i%E2%80%99ve_left_russia_i%E2%80%99m_just_trying_to_save_brooklyn/
Richard Powers new road novel, Orfeo, is about "a man on the lam...deep inside a traumatized country still dreaming of security." That country is, of course, America, though it's not the book's only driving narrative force. Music also takes centre stage, in the form of the protagonist's remembrances. "Really listening, Orfeo suggests, can redeem us in this life".
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/01/richard_powers_novel_orfeo_reviewed.html
When Sue Monk Kidd stumbled upon the story of Sarah and Nina Grimke, two 19th century southern belles who became fervent abolitionists, she couldn't help but feel that her ignorance of them was "both a personal failing and a confirmation...that women's achievements had been repeatedly erased throughout history." Her new novel, The Invention of Wings, is based on their story.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/tale+women+slavery/9372418/story.html
Two new Kafka-related books have appeared on the scene, both attempting "to capture the gaunt specter of modernism—and make him talk." The first is a "fastidious" new translation of The Metamorphosis by Susan Bernofsky, and the second a "provocative" story collection by Jay Cantor, called Forgiving the Angel.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/01/kafka_books_susan_bernofsky_translation_of_the_metamorphosis_and_jay_cantor.html
How does a writer's reading habits affect her work? The Globe and Mail interviews Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club and most recently The Valley of Amazement, about this, and more, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/what-amy-tan-learned-about-writing-just-write-what-you-want/article16285055/
"How are we to make sense of ourselves and the world that holds us if not by reading stories?" asked Rachel Cooke in a recent Observer article about the decline of reading. A new book by Rebecca Mead, called My Life in Middlemarch, addresses that question directly, "an extraordinary mixture of literary criticism, biography and personal memoir combined to form an irresistibly fresh appreciation of one of the most famous novels of the English language."
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/14/growing-up-with-george-eliot-rebecca-mead-s-my-life-in-middlemarch.html
Diaries almost always provide juicy insights into the lives of those who write them. If you're Alan Bennett, however, they're more likely to detail your break-and-enter job into a medieval abbey, or the day you decided to wear clothes on top of your pajamas. The London Review of Books has created a podcast out of the writer's diaries, and you can listen to (or read them) here:
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v36/n01/alan-bennett/diary
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NICOLAS ANCION
Meet the author of La cravate de Simenon. Saturday, January 18 at 9:30pm. Alliance Francaise, 6161 Cambie St, Vancouver. More information at alliancefrancaise.ca.
KIM FU
Launch of the author's first novel, For Today I am a Boy. Hosted by Margret Bollerup, with musical guest Francesca Belcourt. Saturday, January 18 at 7:00pm, free. The WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Fran Bourassa, Joan Boxall, and Timothy Shay, with host Dennis E. Bolen. Sunday, January 19 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
SPOKEN INK
Author of the crime series featuring Alex Bellamy and the Casey Holland security mystery series, Debra Purdy Kong, will be featured. Tuesday, January 21 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features poets Mariner Janes & Raoul Fernandes plus open mic. Thursday, January 23, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
ANNABEL LYON
Author discuses her novel The Sweet Girl. Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
BURNS MARATHON 2014
Come help the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies make history as they set another world record for "The Longest Continual Recitation of Burns Poetry and Song." Be a part of the day by giving a recitation or come to cheer on the participants. Saturday, January 25 at 9:00am. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings. For more info: http://www.scottish.sfu.ca/sfus_robert_burns_marathon or contact Tricia Barker, tbarker@sfu.ca.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Alan Hill, Jonina Kirton, and Garry Ward, with host Sho Wiley. Sunday, January 26 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
SHY: AN ANTHOLOGY
Contributors Sylvia Stopforth, Dhana Musil and Elaine Woo will read. Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
WORDSTORM READING SERIES
WordStorm will feature Daniela Elza, Mary Ann Moore and Jan De Grass on Tuesday, January 28th, 7pm, at Demeter's Coffee Vault, 499 Wallace Street, Nanaimo. More information atwordstorm.ca.
JENNIFER ZILM
Launch of the author's new chapbook The Whole and Broken Yellows. Tuesday, January 28 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
ANNIE PAQUETTE
Author talks about her new memoir, Left, Right, Then Center. Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
THE ON EDGE READINGS SERIES
Features Gillian Jerome & Daniela Elza, 7pm, Thursday, January 30th, South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston St., Granville Island. Free and open to the public.
SFU NOONHOUR READING SERIES
Poet Jeff Derksen reads from his new book The Vestiges. Thursday January 30th at 12:30pm, free. Bennett Library Special Collections/Rare Books (Room 7100), Bennett Library, SFU Burnaby. For more info, phone 778-782-6676.
BOOK LAUNCH
Marilynn Tebbit reads from her first novel, Pool Party. Friday, January 31 at 7:00pm. 6888 Royal Oak, Burnaby. More information at http://marilynntebbit.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/book-launch/.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kyle Hawke, Eileen Kernaghan, and Calvin Wharton, with host Candice James. Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
GRAFFITI HACK BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Launch of Elen Ghulam's new book, Graffiti Hack: A Novel. Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm. The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. More information at ihath.com.
WORDSTHAW
Second annual symposium featuring 38 poets, novelists, short story writers and journalists. Landsdowne Lecture will feature Vancouver poet, novelist and librettist Daphne Marlatt. February 20-22, 2014. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. More information at malahatreview.ca.
AUTHORS UNBOUND
An evening of readings of both brand new and established local authors in a variety of genres from poetry to short stories to novels. Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
ALMOST CRIMINAL
Vancouver writer E.R. Brown reads from his first novel, Almost Criminal, a BC-based crime thriller. Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
REWILDING VANCOUVER
Author J.B. MacKinnon discusses his latest book The Once and Future World. Thursday, February 27 at 6:30pm. Cecil Green Park House, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
RED GIRL RAT BOY
Vancouver author Cynthia Flood reads from her latest book. Thursday, February 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street, Burnaby. More information and registration at 604-299-8955 or bpl.bc.ca.
VEENA GOKHALE
Reading by Montreal-based author. Special guest poet and writer Rahat Kurd. Friday, February 28 at 12:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
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.
SKAGIT RIVER POETRY FESTIVAL
A celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and storytelling. Access to internationally famous poets through intimate venues and workshop sessions. May 15-18, 2014. Various venues throughout La Conner, WA. Tickets on sale in January. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.
INCITE
Join us on January 29 for the launch of the 2014 edition of Incite at VPL, with two compelling non-fiction writers. Charles Montgomery looks at our urban centres through rose coloured glasses with his book Happy City, and Arno Kopecky takes a hard look at oil and our natural environment through the lenses of activism and journalism in The Oil Man and the Sea. On February 5 Incite presents three time Olympic medalist Silken Laumann with her memoir Unsinkable. Details on these and other upcoming Incite events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Olivia Chow
Member of Parliament, seasoned politician and widow of former New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton—tells her story in her candid new memoir, My Journey. Ms. Chow will be interviewed by Kathryn Gretsinger. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/oliviachow.
Roddy Doyle
CBC and the Vancouver Writers Fest are excited to present Roddy Doyle on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm. The Booker Prize winner's latest novel revisits the characters from his contemporary classic The Commitments, with the same raunchy humour and provocative social commentary. Come join in the conversation with North by Northwest's Sheryl MacKay. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping starts promptly at 6:30, at the CBC Broadcast Centre, 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. No reserved seating-first come, first seated.
VANCOUVER WRITERS FEST WRITING CONTESTS
The Vancouver Writers Fest has announced the winners of both the 2013 Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest), sponsored by UBC Continuing Studies Writing Centre, and our inaugural Spreading the Word Youth writing contest (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest), sponsored by Amazon.
FEATURED EVENT
Chor Leoni Men's Choir has graced the stage at the Vancouver Writers Fest on two occasions, most recently with author Jack Hodgins. Hodgins and Chor Leoni team up once again to present Cadillac Cathedral, featuring a rollicking original story read by Jack, accompanied by new and favourite works by the renowned pride of singing lions. Jan 31 (Vancouver), Feb 1 (Victoria), Feb 2(Nanaimo). Info at http://bit.ly/CLcadillac.
AWARDS & LISTS
George Packer, Ruth Ozeki, Donna Tartt, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Jonathan Franzen have been named among the finalists for the National Book Critics Circle awards.
http://news.yahoo.com/tartt-franzen-among-finalists-critics-prizes-011430667.html
Historian Charlotte Gray, author and broadcaster Thomas King and journalist Graeme Smith will vie for the 2014 RBC Taylor Prize.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/charlotte-gray-thomas-king-up-for-25k-rbc-taylor-prize-1.2497558
The finalists for the Story Prize (for short fiction) have also been announced. Andrea Barrett was nominated for her short story collection Archangel, and Rebecca Lee and George Saunders were nominated for Bobcat and Tenth of December, respectively.
http://www.thestoryprize.org/
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Belfast's first poet laureate has won the TS Eliot Poetry Prize for her collection entitled Parallax. As the title suggests, "it is a meditation on this idea of parallax, looking at things from different angles. This speaks through the whole book".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/13/ts-eliot-poetry-prize-sinead-morrissey-parallax
YOUNG READERS
The first book of 2014 to be crowned most-read on the Guardian children's books website is Tom Gates Extra Spacial Treats (Not!), by Liz Pichon. The sixth book in the well-known Tom Gates series, it has been described by its (mostly teenage) readers as "'funny', 'awesome' and 'EPIC!'"
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/jan/11/review-roundup-your-top-reads
NEWS & FEATURES
Amiri Baraka died last Thursday at 79. He was one of the major forces in the Black Arts movement of the 1960s and '70s, "a poet and playwright of pulsating rage, whose long illumination of the black experience in America was incandescent in some quarters and incendiary in others".
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/arts/amiri-baraka-polarizing-poet-and-playwright-dies-at-79.html
Every year, new books enter the public domain. That means that if you're a fan of e-books, and also on a limited budget, it's a great time to check out this treasure trove of free reading:
http://ebookfriendly.com/free-public-domain-books-sources/
Are you a writer looking for a free place to live? A nonprofit organization called 'Write a House' is currently refurnishing three two-bedrooms houses in Detroit, and is accepting application for writers to move in, rent-free, this spring.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/01/were-not-in-new-york-anymore-a-home-for-writers-in-detroit.html
"It's impossible to turn the past pages of this magazine, or the pages of American literary history, for that matter, without being reminded of how inextricable the drinking life and the writing life—or, to put it more bluntly, alcoholism and art—once were." In this week's New Yorker, Adam Gopnik discusses the age-old relationship between booze and writing, and what it means to be a writer in our current age of literary sobriety.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/01/writers-and-rum.html
Perhaps one of the most unexpected (and disturbing) book facts of 2013 was that the e-book of Hitler's Mein Kampf was one of the top political best sellers of the year. "Mein Kampf's rise may be similar to that of 50 Shades of Grey, which is thought to have been so popular as an e-book because it's easy to read electronic copies discreetly."
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/01/09/mein_kampf_by_hitler_is_topping_political_best_seller_lists_for_e_books.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Canadian author Tom Howell has written an "uproariously silly" take on the history of the English language. In The Rude Story of English, he employs wacky tangents and wit in order to teach modern English speakers the "spotted 1,564-year history of their tongue".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-rude-story-of-english-oh-those-cunning-linguists/article16285144/
America's "most prolific blurber" has taken on a new project: a memoir. Gary Shteyngart's Little Failure covers the years following his family's emigration from the USSR to New York, "full of stories of striving both to write and to be understood, to become a man and an American." He's interviewed in Salon, here:
http://www.salon.com/2014/01/11/gary_shteyngart_i%E2%80%99ve_left_russia_i%E2%80%99m_just_trying_to_save_brooklyn/
Richard Powers new road novel, Orfeo, is about "a man on the lam...deep inside a traumatized country still dreaming of security." That country is, of course, America, though it's not the book's only driving narrative force. Music also takes centre stage, in the form of the protagonist's remembrances. "Really listening, Orfeo suggests, can redeem us in this life".
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/01/richard_powers_novel_orfeo_reviewed.html
When Sue Monk Kidd stumbled upon the story of Sarah and Nina Grimke, two 19th century southern belles who became fervent abolitionists, she couldn't help but feel that her ignorance of them was "both a personal failing and a confirmation...that women's achievements had been repeatedly erased throughout history." Her new novel, The Invention of Wings, is based on their story.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/tale+women+slavery/9372418/story.html
Two new Kafka-related books have appeared on the scene, both attempting "to capture the gaunt specter of modernism—and make him talk." The first is a "fastidious" new translation of The Metamorphosis by Susan Bernofsky, and the second a "provocative" story collection by Jay Cantor, called Forgiving the Angel.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/01/kafka_books_susan_bernofsky_translation_of_the_metamorphosis_and_jay_cantor.html
How does a writer's reading habits affect her work? The Globe and Mail interviews Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club and most recently The Valley of Amazement, about this, and more, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/what-amy-tan-learned-about-writing-just-write-what-you-want/article16285055/
"How are we to make sense of ourselves and the world that holds us if not by reading stories?" asked Rachel Cooke in a recent Observer article about the decline of reading. A new book by Rebecca Mead, called My Life in Middlemarch, addresses that question directly, "an extraordinary mixture of literary criticism, biography and personal memoir combined to form an irresistibly fresh appreciation of one of the most famous novels of the English language."
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/14/growing-up-with-george-eliot-rebecca-mead-s-my-life-in-middlemarch.html
Diaries almost always provide juicy insights into the lives of those who write them. If you're Alan Bennett, however, they're more likely to detail your break-and-enter job into a medieval abbey, or the day you decided to wear clothes on top of your pajamas. The London Review of Books has created a podcast out of the writer's diaries, and you can listen to (or read them) here:
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v36/n01/alan-bennett/diary
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NICOLAS ANCION
Meet the author of La cravate de Simenon. Saturday, January 18 at 9:30pm. Alliance Francaise, 6161 Cambie St, Vancouver. More information at alliancefrancaise.ca.
KIM FU
Launch of the author's first novel, For Today I am a Boy. Hosted by Margret Bollerup, with musical guest Francesca Belcourt. Saturday, January 18 at 7:00pm, free. The WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Fran Bourassa, Joan Boxall, and Timothy Shay, with host Dennis E. Bolen. Sunday, January 19 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
SPOKEN INK
Author of the crime series featuring Alex Bellamy and the Casey Holland security mystery series, Debra Purdy Kong, will be featured. Tuesday, January 21 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features poets Mariner Janes & Raoul Fernandes plus open mic. Thursday, January 23, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
ANNABEL LYON
Author discuses her novel The Sweet Girl. Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $20 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
BURNS MARATHON 2014
Come help the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies make history as they set another world record for "The Longest Continual Recitation of Burns Poetry and Song." Be a part of the day by giving a recitation or come to cheer on the participants. Saturday, January 25 at 9:00am. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings. For more info: http://www.scottish.sfu.ca/sfus_robert_burns_marathon or contact Tricia Barker, tbarker@sfu.ca.
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Alan Hill, Jonina Kirton, and Garry Ward, with host Sho Wiley. Sunday, January 26 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
SHY: AN ANTHOLOGY
Contributors Sylvia Stopforth, Dhana Musil and Elaine Woo will read. Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
WORDSTORM READING SERIES
WordStorm will feature Daniela Elza, Mary Ann Moore and Jan De Grass on Tuesday, January 28th, 7pm, at Demeter's Coffee Vault, 499 Wallace Street, Nanaimo. More information atwordstorm.ca.
JENNIFER ZILM
Launch of the author's new chapbook The Whole and Broken Yellows. Tuesday, January 28 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver.
ANNIE PAQUETTE
Author talks about her new memoir, Left, Right, Then Center. Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
THE ON EDGE READINGS SERIES
Features Gillian Jerome & Daniela Elza, 7pm, Thursday, January 30th, South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston St., Granville Island. Free and open to the public.
SFU NOONHOUR READING SERIES
Poet Jeff Derksen reads from his new book The Vestiges. Thursday January 30th at 12:30pm, free. Bennett Library Special Collections/Rare Books (Room 7100), Bennett Library, SFU Burnaby. For more info, phone 778-782-6676.
BOOK LAUNCH
Marilynn Tebbit reads from her first novel, Pool Party. Friday, January 31 at 7:00pm. 6888 Royal Oak, Burnaby. More information at http://marilynntebbit.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/book-launch/.
Upcoming
POETIC JUSTICE
Features Kyle Hawke, Eileen Kernaghan, and Calvin Wharton, with host Candice James. Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.
GRAFFITI HACK BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Launch of Elen Ghulam's new book, Graffiti Hack: A Novel. Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm. The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. More information at ihath.com.
WORDSTHAW
Second annual symposium featuring 38 poets, novelists, short story writers and journalists. Landsdowne Lecture will feature Vancouver poet, novelist and librettist Daphne Marlatt. February 20-22, 2014. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. More information at malahatreview.ca.
AUTHORS UNBOUND
An evening of readings of both brand new and established local authors in a variety of genres from poetry to short stories to novels. Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
ALMOST CRIMINAL
Vancouver writer E.R. Brown reads from his first novel, Almost Criminal, a BC-based crime thriller. Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
REWILDING VANCOUVER
Author J.B. MacKinnon discusses his latest book The Once and Future World. Thursday, February 27 at 6:30pm. Cecil Green Park House, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
RED GIRL RAT BOY
Vancouver author Cynthia Flood reads from her latest book. Thursday, February 27 at 7:00pm, free. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street, Burnaby. More information and registration at 604-299-8955 or bpl.bc.ca.
VEENA GOKHALE
Reading by Montreal-based author. Special guest poet and writer Rahat Kurd. Friday, February 28 at 12:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
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.
SKAGIT RIVER POETRY FESTIVAL
A celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and storytelling. Access to internationally famous poets through intimate venues and workshop sessions. May 15-18, 2014. Various venues throughout La Conner, WA. Tickets on sale in January. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Book News Vol. 8 No. 45
BOOK NEWS
SPECIAL EVENT
Just announced! - Oliva Chow
Member of Parliament, seasoned politician and widow of former New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton—tells her story in her candid new memoir, My Journey. Ms. Chow will be interviewed by Kathryn Gretsinger. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/oliviachow.
AWARDS & LISTS
Douglas Coupland and Louise Penny have been appointed to the Order of Canada. Coupland was honoured for "his contributions to our examination of the contemporary human condition as a novelist, cultural commentator and artist", and Penny received the honour for "her contributions to Canadian culture as an author shining a spotlight on the Eastern Townships of Quebec."
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15482
The five category winners of the Costa Book Awards 2013 have been announced, among them Kate Atkinson for her celebrated novel Life After Life. Now the five books battle it out for the Costa Book of the Year 2013.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookprizes/10553875/Costa-Book-Awards-2013-category-winners-announced.html
YOUNG READERS
Montreal has become a hotbed for children's illustration. In this Quill & Quire article, illustrators Isabelle Arsenault and Matthew Forsythe tell you why.
http://www.quillandquire.com/blog/index.php/childrens-publishing/drawing-inspiration-how-montreal-became-a-hotbed-for-childrens-illustration/
NEWS & FEATURES
Starting to keep a diary is a common New Year's Resolution, and The Guardian newspaper is celebrating that fact. Whether or not you are so diligent yourself, here is a list of the top 10 literary diarists to inspire you:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/01/travis-elboroughs-top-10-literary-diarists
Guiding a book from page to stage can be an arduous task, especially if that book is written by Hilary Mantel. Both Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies, which together total more than 1,000 pages, have recently been adapted by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and are currently running in repertory in Stratford, UK.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/10528584/Hilary-Mantel-interview-for-the-RSC-theatrical-adaptation-of-Wolf-Hall.html
The New York Times Book Review is a third of the length it was in its 1970s heyday. Two-thirds of public libraries reported flat or decreasing budgets in 2012. These statistics are just two signs (among many) that the decline of reading is upon us.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/opinion/sunday/the-loneliness-of-the-long-distance-reader.html
The Irish Arts Council has announced that Ireland will have its own Literature Laureate in 2014. For many, "it's surprising no such title has existed up until now, Ireland having such a rich literary heritage."
http://www.mhpbooks.com/ireland-will-have-its-own-literature-laureate-in-2014x
A copyright battle that "might have amused Sherlock Holmes himself" has begun over Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's copyright protections, most of which have now expired. A federal judge in Chicago has given the green light to new mysteries featuring the famous sleuth, but the Doyle estate is calling foul.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Copyright+battle+might+have+amused+Sherlock+Holmes/9347901/story.html
"More and more often these days, authors are considered responsible for their own success—and those who were once responsible for promoting them now tout the glories of self-promotion." This article is an author's guide to how literary stardom might look like in the near future.
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/12/how-to-make-your-book-a-bestseller/282630/
How does one update a literary classic? "How can an epistolary romance survive the Facebook era? Such are the challenges facing the growing ranks of writers signed up to bring literary classics to new life".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/06/how-update-literary-classic-bond-austen-capote
BOOKS & WRITERS
Literary writers have been increasingly venturing into the realm of dystopian fantasy. In Chang-rae Lee's On Such a Full Sea, our climate change fears result in a highly original novel. Whole societies are forced to relocate, and this time, America's colonizers come from China.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/books/review/on-such-a-full-sea-by-chang-rae-lee.html
Speaking of the future, Chang-rae Lee's novel is highly original for other reasons too. A limited edition of On Such a Full Sea has been released with the first-ever 3D-printed book cover.
http://entertainment.time.com/2014/01/06/check-it-out-the-first-ever-3d-printed-book-cover/
When Russell Banks reads fiction, he takes Thomas Pynchon's advice seriously: don't read anything in which death is not present. Learn more about his reading habits, including guilty pleasures, favourite literary genres and bookstores, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/books/review/russell-banks-by-the-book.html
What books should we be watching out for this January? Here's The New Yorker's list:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/01/books-to-watch-out-for-january-1.html
If you're looking for empathy, courage and love in the New Year, you might be interested in one of these "self-help books for people who don't do self-help". The list was created by psychoanalyst Stephen Grosz, author of The Examined Life: How we Lose and Find Ourselves.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10547006/Self-help-books-for-people-who-dont-do-self-help.html
Renée Sarojini Saklikar has written a deeply moving debut poetry collection about the Air India bombing, called Children of Air India. According to the Vancouver Sun, "Saklikar's collection shows how poetry can heal when prose has reached its limitation."
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Offering+words+unspeakable/9327722/story.html
Much news was made late last year over the resurgence of the short story. One of the benefactors of this resurgence was Edwidge Danticat, a Haitian-American author whose new book Claire of the Sea Light has been described as a "short story collection, novel-in-story, vignettes" and also "a novel". She addresses these distinctions, among many other things, in an interview, here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/01/the-rumpus-interview-with-edwidge-danticat/
It's rare that wicked stepmothers change lives in a positive ways. But for Martin Amis, he would not be the man he is today if it had not been for his own. In this piece, Martin Amis pays tribute to his stepmother Elizabeth Jane Howard, and reveals the profound influence she had upon his life.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2533918/I-semi-literate-truant-read-Harold-Robbins-dirty-bits-Lady-Chatterly-Only-wicked-stepmother-I-today-writes-MARTIN-AMIS.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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, January 12 at 3:00pm, free. Meeting Room, level 3, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
SFU LUNCH POEMS
Daphne Marlatt and Jordan Scott will be featured. Presented by SFU Public Square. Wednesday, January 15 at 12 noon. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery (515 W Hastings St.). Free admission, no registration required. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
RAILWAY ROCK GANG
Join former BC RAIL Rock Gang foreman Gary Sim for a presentation on his new book. Wednesday, January 15 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 poets Mariner Janes & Raoul Fernandes plus open mic. Thursday, January 23, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
BURNS MARATHON 2014
Come help the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies make history as they set another world record for "The Longest Continual Recitation of Burns Poetry and Song." Be a part of the day by giving a recitation or come to cheer on the participants. Saturday, January 25 at 9:00am. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings. For more info: http://www.scottish.sfu.ca/sfus_robert_burns_marathon or contact Tricia Barker, tbarker@sfu.ca.
SHY: AN ANTHOLOGY
Contributors Sylvia Stopforth, Dhana Musil and Elaine Woo will read. Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
WORDSTORM READING SERIES
WordStorm will feature Daniela Elza, Mary Ann Moore and Jan De Grass on Tuesday, January 28th, 7pm, at Demeter's Coffee Vault, 499 Wallace Street,
Nanaimo. More information atwordstorm.ca.
ANNIE PAQUETTE
Author talks about her new memoir, Left, Right, Then Center. Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
THE ON EDGE READINGS SERIES
Features Gillian Jerome & Daniela Elza, 7pm, Thursday, January 30th, South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston St., Granville Island. Free and open to the public.
JACK HODGINS
Author Jack Hodgins and Chor Leon Men's Choir team up to present Cadillac Cathedral, featuring a rollicking original story read by Jack, accompanied by new and favourite works by the renowned pride of singing lions. Jan 31 (Vancouver), Feb 1 (Victoria), Feb 2 (Nanaimo). Info at http://bit.ly/CLcadillac.
Upcoming
GRAFFITI HACK BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Launch of Elen Ghulam's new book, Graffiti Hack: A Novel. Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm. The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. More information at ihath.com.
AUTHORS UNBOUND
An evening of readings of both brand new and established local authors in a variety of genres from poetry to short stories to novels. Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
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.
SKAGIT RIVER POETRY FESTIVAL
A celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and storytelling. Access to internationally famous poets through intimate venues and workshop sessions. May 15-18, 2014. Various venues throughout La Conner, WA. Tickets on sale in January. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.
SPECIAL EVENT
Just announced! - Oliva Chow
Member of Parliament, seasoned politician and widow of former New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton—tells her story in her candid new memoir, My Journey. Ms. Chow will be interviewed by Kathryn Gretsinger. Click here for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/oliviachow.
AWARDS & LISTS
Douglas Coupland and Louise Penny have been appointed to the Order of Canada. Coupland was honoured for "his contributions to our examination of the contemporary human condition as a novelist, cultural commentator and artist", and Penny received the honour for "her contributions to Canadian culture as an author shining a spotlight on the Eastern Townships of Quebec."
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15482
The five category winners of the Costa Book Awards 2013 have been announced, among them Kate Atkinson for her celebrated novel Life After Life. Now the five books battle it out for the Costa Book of the Year 2013.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookprizes/10553875/Costa-Book-Awards-2013-category-winners-announced.html
YOUNG READERS
Montreal has become a hotbed for children's illustration. In this Quill & Quire article, illustrators Isabelle Arsenault and Matthew Forsythe tell you why.
http://www.quillandquire.com/blog/index.php/childrens-publishing/drawing-inspiration-how-montreal-became-a-hotbed-for-childrens-illustration/
NEWS & FEATURES
Starting to keep a diary is a common New Year's Resolution, and The Guardian newspaper is celebrating that fact. Whether or not you are so diligent yourself, here is a list of the top 10 literary diarists to inspire you:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/01/travis-elboroughs-top-10-literary-diarists
Guiding a book from page to stage can be an arduous task, especially if that book is written by Hilary Mantel. Both Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies, which together total more than 1,000 pages, have recently been adapted by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and are currently running in repertory in Stratford, UK.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/10528584/Hilary-Mantel-interview-for-the-RSC-theatrical-adaptation-of-Wolf-Hall.html
The New York Times Book Review is a third of the length it was in its 1970s heyday. Two-thirds of public libraries reported flat or decreasing budgets in 2012. These statistics are just two signs (among many) that the decline of reading is upon us.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/opinion/sunday/the-loneliness-of-the-long-distance-reader.html
The Irish Arts Council has announced that Ireland will have its own Literature Laureate in 2014. For many, "it's surprising no such title has existed up until now, Ireland having such a rich literary heritage."
http://www.mhpbooks.com/ireland-will-have-its-own-literature-laureate-in-2014x
A copyright battle that "might have amused Sherlock Holmes himself" has begun over Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's copyright protections, most of which have now expired. A federal judge in Chicago has given the green light to new mysteries featuring the famous sleuth, but the Doyle estate is calling foul.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Copyright+battle+might+have+amused+Sherlock+Holmes/9347901/story.html
"More and more often these days, authors are considered responsible for their own success—and those who were once responsible for promoting them now tout the glories of self-promotion." This article is an author's guide to how literary stardom might look like in the near future.
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/12/how-to-make-your-book-a-bestseller/282630/
How does one update a literary classic? "How can an epistolary romance survive the Facebook era? Such are the challenges facing the growing ranks of writers signed up to bring literary classics to new life".
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/06/how-update-literary-classic-bond-austen-capote
BOOKS & WRITERS
Literary writers have been increasingly venturing into the realm of dystopian fantasy. In Chang-rae Lee's On Such a Full Sea, our climate change fears result in a highly original novel. Whole societies are forced to relocate, and this time, America's colonizers come from China.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/books/review/on-such-a-full-sea-by-chang-rae-lee.html
Speaking of the future, Chang-rae Lee's novel is highly original for other reasons too. A limited edition of On Such a Full Sea has been released with the first-ever 3D-printed book cover.
http://entertainment.time.com/2014/01/06/check-it-out-the-first-ever-3d-printed-book-cover/
When Russell Banks reads fiction, he takes Thomas Pynchon's advice seriously: don't read anything in which death is not present. Learn more about his reading habits, including guilty pleasures, favourite literary genres and bookstores, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/books/review/russell-banks-by-the-book.html
What books should we be watching out for this January? Here's The New Yorker's list:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/01/books-to-watch-out-for-january-1.html
If you're looking for empathy, courage and love in the New Year, you might be interested in one of these "self-help books for people who don't do self-help". The list was created by psychoanalyst Stephen Grosz, author of The Examined Life: How we Lose and Find Ourselves.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10547006/Self-help-books-for-people-who-dont-do-self-help.html
Renée Sarojini Saklikar has written a deeply moving debut poetry collection about the Air India bombing, called Children of Air India. According to the Vancouver Sun, "Saklikar's collection shows how poetry can heal when prose has reached its limitation."
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Offering+words+unspeakable/9327722/story.html
Much news was made late last year over the resurgence of the short story. One of the benefactors of this resurgence was Edwidge Danticat, a Haitian-American author whose new book Claire of the Sea Light has been described as a "short story collection, novel-in-story, vignettes" and also "a novel". She addresses these distinctions, among many other things, in an interview, here:
http://therumpus.net/2014/01/the-rumpus-interview-with-edwidge-danticat/
It's rare that wicked stepmothers change lives in a positive ways. But for Martin Amis, he would not be the man he is today if it had not been for his own. In this piece, Martin Amis pays tribute to his stepmother Elizabeth Jane Howard, and reveals the profound influence she had upon his life.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2533918/I-semi-literate-truant-read-Harold-Robbins-dirty-bits-Lady-Chatterly-Only-wicked-stepmother-I-today-writes-MARTIN-AMIS.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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, January 12 at 3:00pm, free. Meeting Room, level 3, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
SFU LUNCH POEMS
Daphne Marlatt and Jordan Scott will be featured. Presented by SFU Public Square. Wednesday, January 15 at 12 noon. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery (515 W Hastings St.). Free admission, no registration required. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
RAILWAY ROCK GANG
Join former BC RAIL Rock Gang foreman Gary Sim for a presentation on his new book. Wednesday, January 15 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 poets Mariner Janes & Raoul Fernandes plus open mic. Thursday, January 23, 7-9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
BURNS MARATHON 2014
Come help the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies make history as they set another world record for "The Longest Continual Recitation of Burns Poetry and Song." Be a part of the day by giving a recitation or come to cheer on the participants. Saturday, January 25 at 9:00am. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings. For more info: http://www.scottish.sfu.ca/sfus_robert_burns_marathon or contact Tricia Barker, tbarker@sfu.ca.
SHY: AN ANTHOLOGY
Contributors Sylvia Stopforth, Dhana Musil and Elaine Woo will read. Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert Street. More information and registration at 604-299-8955.
WORDSTORM READING SERIES
WordStorm will feature Daniela Elza, Mary Ann Moore and Jan De Grass on Tuesday, January 28th, 7pm, at Demeter's Coffee Vault, 499 Wallace Street,
Nanaimo. More information atwordstorm.ca.
ANNIE PAQUETTE
Author talks about her new memoir, Left, Right, Then Center. Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7403.
THE ON EDGE READINGS SERIES
Features Gillian Jerome & Daniela Elza, 7pm, Thursday, January 30th, South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston St., Granville Island. Free and open to the public.
JACK HODGINS
Author Jack Hodgins and Chor Leon Men's Choir team up to present Cadillac Cathedral, featuring a rollicking original story read by Jack, accompanied by new and favourite works by the renowned pride of singing lions. Jan 31 (Vancouver), Feb 1 (Victoria), Feb 2 (Nanaimo). Info at http://bit.ly/CLcadillac.
Upcoming
GRAFFITI HACK BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Launch of Elen Ghulam's new book, Graffiti Hack: A Novel. Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm. The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver. More information at ihath.com.
AUTHORS UNBOUND
An evening of readings of both brand new and established local authors in a variety of genres from poetry to short stories to novels. Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.
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.
SKAGIT RIVER POETRY FESTIVAL
A celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and storytelling. Access to internationally famous poets through intimate venues and workshop sessions. May 15-18, 2014. Various venues throughout La Conner, WA. Tickets on sale in January. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.
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