Book News Vol. 9 No. 7

BOOK NEWS

INCITE

Join us on May 7 for readings by Ondjaki (Granma Nineteen and the Soviet's Secret), Sean Michaels (Us Conductors), and Claire Battershill (Circus). Details on this and other upcoming Incite events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.

SPECIAL EVENT

A Dram Come True
There are still a few days left to get early bird tickets for our famed A Dram Come True scotch tasting event. Join us at the legendary Hycroft-a magnificent Edwardian mansion in the heart of Shaughnessy - and enjoy the superb, complex flavours of a variety of rare and distinguished single malts. New this year: Heighten your experience at an exclusive VIP reception before the main event - a private tasting tour of some of the special
malts, guided by whisky experts.

Friday, May 30, 2014
7:30–9:30pm
Tickets: $120
VIP Tasting 6:30–7:30pm; Tickets: $75 (limited quantities, only available with a main event ticket)

Hycroft
1489 McRae Avenue, Vancouver

Click here for details and to purchase tickets, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.

A Dram Come True is a fundraiser for the Vancouver Writers Fest.

AWARDS & LISTS

Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Judges described the book as one that "stimulates the mind and touches the heart."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/15/pulitzer-prize-fiction-the-goldfinch-donna-tartt

Noted Canadian children's authors Marie-Louise Gay and Kathy Stinson are among the latest contenders for the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Awards.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/marie-louise-gay-kathy-stinson-shortlisted-for-kids-lit-prize-1.2612820

Journalist Paul Wells wins the $10,000 Dafoe prize for The Longer I'm Prime Minister: Stephen Harper and Canada 2006-.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/journalist-paul-wells-wins-dafoe-prize-for-stephen-harper-book-1.2610623

YOUNG READERS

Are you looking for something sugar-free to add to your child's Easter basket? Here are two new bunny books that "concern a perennial childhood issue: balancing the desire to do right with the impulse to do just what you want."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/09/books/found-and-here-comes-the-easter-cat.html

Why is so much young adult literature obsessed with dystopia? According to this article, it's because it's easy for teenagers to feel like they're living in one!
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117332/no-wonder-teens-love-stories-about-dystopias-they-feel-theyre

NEWS & FEATURES

Sue Townsend, the prolific novelist who satirized Thatcher's Britain through her wildly successful Adrian Mole series, has died. She had been working on a new Adrian Mole book, entitled Pandora's Box, as well as a play, which will open next spring.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/14/sue-townsend-new-adrian-mole-novel

On the other hand, there's good news from Latin America. Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, who went into hospital last week for a lung and urinary tract infection, is now recovering at home.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/09/gabriel-garcia-marquez-released-from-mexico-city-hospital

What book would you send to someone in prison? Leading authors list their picks, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/apr/14/what-book-would-you-send-to-someone-in-prison

With spring book season in full swing, "store shelves across the nation are packed with new titles competing for readers' attention...The omnipresent, gushing blurbs on the covers all clamour for our attention, but can we trust them?" The anatomy of the book blurb is discussed, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-anatomy-of-a-blurb-why-you-have-to-read-the-concert-masters-sisters-orphan/article17943956/

Which books make you feel stupid? According to writer Swapna Krishna, "the worst thing about failing to love a book along with everyone else isn't the self-doubt or the fact that you wasted time struggling to get along with it. 'It's the people that make you feel like you're an idiot.'"
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/apr/10/what-books-make-you-feel-stupid

The Grapes of Wrath turns 75 this month. It is a "spiritual book, and it is from this root that the power and longevity of The Grapes of Wrath grow. Grounded in a ferocious sense of right, the polemical material takes on that prophetic tone, and in so doing, resets the boundaries of the novel itself."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/the-grapes-of-wrath-75-years-later-john-steinbecks-truth-is-marching-on/article17943476/

Are you interested in how living space influences writers? A new project called 'Where They Create' has set out to chronicle the physical spaces where creative types do their work, through both photography and prose.
http://www.wheretheycreate.com/

A 101-year-old message in a bottle has washed up in the Baltic Sea. It may be the oldest message in a bottle ever recovered.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/message-bottle-found-baltic-sea-100-years-old-180950500/?no-ist

Are English departments endangered? With tenure track jobs plummeting, much of the focus on university campuses has turned to composition and rhetoric, reflecting the "rational, reasonable, and growing interest in fields specializing in the conditions of textual production at a moment when textual production is undergoing the greatest shift since Gutenberg."
http://chronicle.com/article/The-Moral-Panic-in-Literary/145757/

BOOKS & WRITERS

'Too bitter," the author Jean Rhys said of her work in 1945. "And besides, who wants short stories?" As part of their series 'A brief survey of the short story', The Guardian tackles Jean Rhys, whose "prose would be very hard to read if it weren't so extraordinary."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/14/jean-rhys-brief-survey-short-story

Maxim Leo is a journalist haunted by memory...memory of the East German state, "a smoke-and-mirrors contraption conjured from the rubble of World War II", which he watched vanish overnight. His new book, Red Love: The Story of an East German Family, chronicles three generations of his family "making the journey from euphoric hope to disillusionment to despair."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/14/books/red-love-a-memoir-of-east-germany.html

Francine Prose's new novel, Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932, is both a page-turner and a book with "breadth, nerve and intricacy." Set in a "cross-dressers' heaven", the novel tells the tale of thugs, artists and poseurs in a time of increasing portent in Europe.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/11/books/francine-proses-lovers-at-the-chameleon-club-paris-1932.html

Adam Begley's Updike is a "sympathetic new biography that's the first but unlikely to be the last of this great American writer—the great American writer, in many regards." The author comes at the story from a unique perspective. His father was a Harvard classmate, friend, and reviewer of Updike's.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/09/books/updike-adam-begleys-look-at-a-novelists-career.html

What motivates Helen Oyeyemi, author of Boy, Snow, Bird? "Perversity...that keeps me writing." She is interviewed by The Globe and Mail, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/what-motivates-author-helen-oyeyemi-perversity-keeps-me-writing/article17941117/

"The story of Canada is the story of her relationship with native people," says Richard Wagamese in reference to his new book, Medicine Walk. Redemption is its theme, both in terms of his country and the personal story it tells.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/medicine-walk-a-story-of-a-native-family-but-really-one-about-the-universality-of-tragedy/article17943334/

COMMUNITY EVENTS

TREVOR CAROLAN
Author launches his new book Cascadia: The Life and Breath of the World. Thursday, April 17 at 6:30pm. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W.

MARK BENTLEY COHEN
Author reads excerpts from his new book Confessions of a Bisexual Husband. Friday, April 18 at 2:00pm, free. Y's Books, 4307 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at ysbookstore.blogspot.ca.

text bites & textual vishyuns: a reeding & dialog with bill bissett
Reading by renowned Canadian poet bill bissett, followed by a discussion of his work by publisher Karl Siegler, author Carl Peters and artist/writer/educator Jerry Zaslove. Organized in conjunction with the exhibition textual vishyuns: image and text in the work of bill bissett at The Reach Art Gallery and Museum in Abbotsford, on April 17–June 30. Friday, April 18 at 8:00pm. The Western Front, 303 8th Ave. E., Vancouver.

AUTHORS IN OUR MIDST
Author of American Exodus: Climate Change and the Coming Flight for Survival, Giles Slade, discusses the environmental impact of climate change. Tuesday, April 22 ar 7:00pm. Brighouse branch, Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. More information at yourlibrary.ca.

GEORGE LITTLECHILD
Part of the Write Here Readers Series, a reading by the author of This Land is My Land and The Spirit Giggles Within. Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm, free. Cafe Guido, Port Hardy. More information at nic.bc.ca.

DORETTA LAU
Author signs copies of her new book How Does a Single Blade of Grass Thank the Sun? Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm. The Paper Hound, 344 West Pender Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.

MIKE MCCARDELL
Author will talk about his latest book Haunting Vancouver: A Nearly True History. Thursday, April 24 at 11:00am. Tickets: $10 and includes lunch. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W., Vancouver. For more information and to register (24 hrs in advance), phone 604-224-4388.

MEET THE AUTHOR
Roberta Rich discuses her novel The Harem Midwife. Thursday, April 24 at 7:00pm. 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.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Featuring Pamela Porter, teen and children contest winners, and Eric Hamber Writers in the Making. Thursday, April 24 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation: $5 at the door. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.

BOOK SIGNING
Featuring Roberta Rich (The Midwife of Venice, The Harem Midwife) and Mary Novik (Conceit, Muse). Saturday, April 26 at 2:00pm. 32 Books & Gallery, 3185 Edgemont Village, North Vancouver. More information at 604-980-9032.

CATHY ACE
Author signs her new book The Corpse with the Emerald Thumb. Saturday, April 26 at 3:00pm. Triple Tree Nurseryland, 20503 Lougheed Highway. More information at blackbondbooks.com.

2014 LITFEST NEW WEST
April 26, 2014. A day of free workshops at LitFest New West. To see the list of workshops and to register go to: http://artscouncilnewwest.org/litfest/program/workshops/.

DIANE TUCKER BOOK LAUNCH
Join Diane Tucker for the Vancouver launch of her fourth book, Bonsai Love, a collection of poems about the sensual delicacy of love. Sunday, April 27 at 7:00pm, free. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main St. Will also feature a musical performance by Vancouver-based sing/songwriter Rodney DeCroo. For more information, visit
www.harbourpublishing.com.

SCHOOL
Jen Currin launches her new story collection. Also featuring Mercedes Eng and Mutya Macatumpag. Sunday, April 27 at 8:00pm, free. Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commericial Drive. More information at chbooks.com.

AN EVENING WITH MELLISSA FUNG
Award-winning journalist, former CBC reporter and author of Under An Afghan Sky will discuss her experience as a reporter covering the Canadian military mission in Afghanistan. Will also feature a screening of her short documentary. Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $15/$20/$10. HR MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.

SIBLEY'S GUIDE TO BIRDS
David Sibley, author and illustrator of The Sibley Guide to Birds, will be discussing his newly revised and released 2nd edition of the guide. Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm, free but RSVP to vancouver.ca/birdweek. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at 604-331-3603.

LONG STORY SHORT
Short story writers C.P. Boyko and Kathy Page launch their latest collections. Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm. Founder's Lounge, The Cultch, 1895 Venables St., Vancouver. More information at biblioasis.com.

Upcoming

GRAEME SIMSION
Featuring the author of The Rosie Projects. Wednesday, April 30 at 4:00pm. Tickets: $30 and include wine and appetizers. The Canyon Restaurant, Edgemont Village, North Vancouver. Call 604-980-9032 for more information and to reserve tickets.

TALES FROM FUN CITY
Authors Aaron Chapman and Lani Russwurm share tales from Vancouver's lively cultural history. Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.

FLYING DUCHESSES
Patricia McCuaig's biography of her father's adventures flying a Grumman Goose in Canada from 1964/65 for England's Duke of Westminster. Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. For more information, call 604-925-7403.

THE STONEHENGE LETTERS
Author Harry Karlinsky launches his book, with introductions by George Fetherling. Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00pm. Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library, 950 41st Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at www.jccgv.com.

GROUP BOOK LAUNCH
Joanna Lilley launches her first poetry collection The Fleece Era. Jane Munro launches Blue Sonoma, her sixth poetry collection. Karen Enns launches her second poetry collection Ordinary Hours. Arleen Paré launches her second poetry collection Lake of Two Mountains. Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at cottage-bistro.com.

SPEAKING FREEDOM
An evening for poetry on freedom from some of Canada's top writers: Fred Wah, Evelyn Lau, Marilyn Dumont, Daniela Elza, Charlie Wilkins, and Martha Roth. St. James Hall, 3214 10th Ave. W. Doors at 7:00pm. For tickets in advance go to: http://www.laurarobinsondefensefund.org/i-wish-to-donate-.html or contact Laura at laura.robinson@sympatico.ca. More information at strangeplaces.livingcode.org.

MICHAEL NICOLL YAHGULANAAS
Celebrate the launch of the paperback edition of his graphic novel, Red: A Haida Manga. Saturday, May 3 at 2:00pm. Douglas Udell Gallery, 1566 6th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at 604-736-8900.

TRAVELS BY NIGHT: A MEMOIR
To mark publication of an expanded anniversary edition of his memoir, in an interview with historian Dan Francis, author George Fetherling will describe how the world of writing redeemed a life of hardship. Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St. For more information, email info@quattrobooks.ca.

JANIE CHANG
Reading and discussion by the author of Three Souls. Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.

KENNETH OPPEL
Author presents his newest book, The Boundless. Wednesday, May 7. Tickets: $5. North Vancouver District Library, 1277 Lynn Valley Road. More information and to purchase tickets at kidsbooks.ca.

DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Five poets/readers/poetry-lovers/writers with extensive public reading experience read poems from one of their favourite dead poet's brilliant work to bring anew to a keen audience. Sunday, May 11 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.

SOMAN CHAINANI
Meet the author of The School For Good and Evil. Monday, May 12 at 7:00pm. Kidsbooks, 3083 West Broadway. More information and tickets at kidsbooks.ca.

AN EVENING WITH ANDREW WESTOLL
Award-winning author, journalist and creative writing instructor presents his national bestselling The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary is the biography of a family of chimpanzees. Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.

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. More information at www.skagitriverpoetry.org.

125 POETRY READINGS
Stop #95 in Kevin Spenst's Small Books, Big Country, a chapbook tour of Canada. Saturday, May 17 at 2:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.

ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her new novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Also featuring Garry Geddes reading from his new book of selected poems, What Does a House Want?. Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00pm, free. Capilano Branch, North Vancouver Library, 3045 Highland Blvd., North Vancouver. More information at 604-987-4471.

LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Readings by Phinder Dulai and Catriona Strang. Wednesday, May 21 at 12:00 noon. Teck Gallery, Main floor, SFU Vancouver Harbour Center, 515 W. Hastings. More information at talonbooks.com.

D.B. CAREW
Local author signs his debut novel The Killer Trail. Friday, May 23 at 4:00pm. Black Bond Books, Haney PLace Mall, Maple Ridge. More information at blackbondbooks.com.

POETIC JUSTICE
Reading by poets Russell Thornton, Susan McCaslin, and Lee Johnson. Sunday, May 25 at 3:00pm. The Heritage Grill Backroom, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster. More information at poeticjustice.ca.

THE PEN AND THE PALETTES
A three day weekend for the cultural and culinary arts enthusiast on Haida Gwaii. Includes the launch of Rachel McMillen's new novel Dark Moon Walking. June 27-30, 2014. More information at haidahouse.com or by email at info@haidahouse.com.