BOOK NEWS
Vancouver Writers Fest Tickets on sale September 8
The buzz is mounting-tickets go on sale soon for the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest. Get your tickets for events with acclaimed writers from Canada and around the world including Norwegian literary sensation Karl Ove Knausgaard, Icelandic novelist and Bjork collaborator Sjon, antipodeans Tim Winton, Anne Kennedy and Christos Tsiolkas, UK authors Rebecca Mead, Kate Pullinger, Tom Rachman, Sarah Waters, Louise Welsh, Esther Freud and Eimear
McBride, Canadians Michael Cummey, Cory Doctorow, Miriam Toews, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Justin Trudeau, Steven Galloway, Ian Weir, Aislinn Hunter and Richard Wagamese and many more. Pick up the Festival program guide at
bookstores in the Lower Mainland, or check the Festival website for full details, http:/www.writersfest.bc.ca.
Special event tickets are on sale now, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events.
Volunteer
Volunteer registration is now open for our 2014 festival, a full six days of 86 amazing events running 21-26 October! Up to 350 volunteers will be needed...the greater your availability-and the greater your flexibility about what you will do as a volunteer-the greater the likelihood we can fit you in! For more info, visit the volunteer pages of our website, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/volunteer.
AWARDS & LISTS
The longlist for the 2014 CBC Poetry Prize has been announced. The winner will receive $6,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts, as well as publication in enRoute magazine and a writing residency at The Banff Centre.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2014/08/2014-cbc-poetry-prize-longlist-announced.html
Anthony De Sa, Charlotte Gray and Shyam Selvadurai are among the finalists for the Toronto Book Awards. The awards recognize "books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto."
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2014/08/22/anthony-de-sa-charlotte-gray-among-finalists-for-toronto-book-awards/
YOUNG READERS
"Self-awareness is such a buzzkill!" That's the underlying motto of these three children's books, which all feature dancers who prefer to practice alone (and eventually learn to share their talents with others): Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sif, Rupert Can Dance by Jules Feiffer, and Deer Dancer by Mary Lyn Ray.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/24/books/review/frances-dean-who-loved-to-dance-and-dance-and-more.html
NEWS & FEATURES
Does where you live affect how and what you write? "J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" might have read a little differently had he been a resident of Osaka instead of Oxfordshire."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/31/books/review/does-where-you-live-make-a-difference-in-how-and-what-you-write.html
Where you live is one thing, but how about where you eat? Here are the top ten restaurants and bars in modern literature, according to Michael Gibney, author of the upcoming book 24 Hours in the Kitchen.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/20/top-10-restaurants-bars-literature-michael-gibney
British readers are "lost in translations" as sales of foreign literature have been booming across the country. Works by Scandinavian authors like Festival author Karl Ove Knausgaard, Jo Nesbø and Stieg Larsson are driving domestic demand for translated books.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/24/british-readers-translations-foreign-literature-sales-boom-stieg-larsson-jo-nesbo
Technology just got a little stranger! "Welcome to the technological frontier of 2014: Dueling typewriter apps for the iPad."
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-tale-of-the-dueling-typewriter-apps-20140826-story.html
Or, if you prefer, why not have a chat with your friendly local statue? London's statues are "finding their voice," thanks to leading writers and smartphone technology that will now allow the effigies to chat with passers-by.
http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/aug/17/london-statues-find-their-voice
Back on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, the authors of The Great Glass Sea and In The Course of Human Events have set out on a literary road trip. "What does the Great American Road trip look like in 2014?" Find out in part one on their tour diary, here:
http://www.salon.com/2014/08/22/two_guys_two_books_five_days_in_search_of_america_%E2%80%94_and_readers/
Doris Lessing has made one last gift to the world. 3,000 books from the late author's collection have been donated to a public library in Zimbabwe.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/26/doris-lessing-book-collection-zimbabwe-library
BOOKS & WRITERS
Autumn is on its way. That means the end of beach reading, and the arrival of new fall titles! The Huffington Post's "Best Books For Fall 2014" includes new books by Festival authors David Mitchell, William Gibson, Colm Tóibín and Sarah Waters.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/25/best-books-2014-fall_n_5692644.html
What's your lifetime dream? For Haruki Murakami, it would be "to be sitting at the bottom of a well." He discusses his writing, domestic life, heroes and dreams here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/aug/24/haruki-murakami-my-lifetime-dream-is-to-be-sitting-at-the-bottom-of-a-well
Tony Black's The Last Tiger is one of several books on the "Not the Booker Prize" shortlist. It is also the story of "a young immigrant to Australia who encounters the predatory creatures that were once the country's largest and most efficient killers."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/aug/25/not-the-booker-prize-shortlist-the-last-tiger-tony-black
Who was Edgar Allen Poe? Upon his death, the New York Tribune wrote that he was "a dreamer, dwelling in ideal realms, in heaven or hell, peopled with creations and accidents of his brain." In Paul Collins' Edgar Allan Poe: The Fever Called Living, the author tries to find a clearer picture.
http://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/poes-paradoxes
Timothy Taylor recently appeared at Sam Sullivan's Public Salon, where he read his story Roots and Rootlessness. If you weren't able to hear him in person, here's a video of the event:
http://vancouverisawesome.com/2014/08/26/timothy-taylor-roots-and-rootlessness/
Rachel Cusk knows controversy. In 2012, the world reacted with hostility to her account of marital breakdown. In this interview, the author of Outline (her new novel) discusses how she finally rediscovered her voice after "creative death."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/24/rachel-cusk-interview-aftermath-outline
Daniel Kehlmann's new novel, F, is "deeply philosophical and very, very funny." "Germans and humor," says the author, "it's a complex problem! Detecting humor is not our strong side." He's interviewed by Jonathan Franzen, here:
http://www.salon.com/2014/08/26/jonathan_franzen_interviews_daniel_kehlmann_germans_and_humor_its_a_complex_problem_detecting_humor_is_not_our_strong_side/
Lev and Austin Grossman are a unique pair of writers. And what makes them unique is exactly the same thing that makes them identical...they're twins! "What in Lev and Austin Grossman's upbringing led them both to make a life in writing?"
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/08/lev-and-austin-grossman-interview/375822/
Michael Crummey's new novel, Sweetland, is "all of a piece, its apparent simplicity of style, like that of its protagonist and his setting, concealing a primordial power." The novel is the tale of a man and the island he refuses to leave.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/michael-crummeys-sweetland-is-slow-circular-suitable-to-a-mans-contemplation-of-extinction/article20172450/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS
Author Sam Wiebe launches his latest book Last of the Independents. Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whiskey House, 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver.
SEBASTIEN DE CASTELL
Fantasy author reads from his swashbuckling adventure novel Traitor's Blade and gives a talk on the use of swordplay in fantasy and historical literature. Thursday, September 4 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
The TWS READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio September readers will be Ingrid Rose, Angela Kenyon, D.N. Simmers, Diana Joy, Sheila Galati, Jude Neale, and Dhana Musil. Our feature author will be poet Daniela Elza. Hosts: Ivan Antoniw and Romney Grant.Thursday, September 4 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.
DOUBLE ENTENDRE
An evening of fiction and poetry with Ann Eriksson reading from her new novel, High Clear Bell of Morning, and Gary Geddes reading selected poems from, What Does a House Want? Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
ELLEN IN PIECES
Launch of Caroline Adderson's new book. Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at blackbondbooks.com.
RONSDALE'S FALL POETRY
An evening of poetry with three award-winning B.C. poets: Garry Gottfriedson, Pamela Porter and Henry Rappaport—all with new collections to showcase. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cynthia Flood and Elise Partridge plus open mic. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
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 work. Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Diane Tucker reads from her new poetry collection, Bonsai Love. Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm, free. la Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.
ALICIA PRIEST
Local Victoria-based author launches her new book A Rock Fell on the Moon, Dad and the Great Yukon Silver Ore Heist. Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30pm. Bard & Banker Pub, 1022 Government Street, Victoria. More information by calling Munro's Books, 250-382-2464.
BIRTH OF A RARE BOOK
Christopher Levenson, poet and author, will present with Peter Braun, Master Printer of New Leaf Editions, and Sigrid Albert, graphic artist, a discussion about the genesis of producing a rare book of poetry and etchings. Sunday, September 21 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
VANCOUVER IS ASHES
Vancouver Is Ashes is the first detailed exploration of a landmark, yet seldom revisited event in Vancouver's history. Lisa Anne Smith uses eye-witness accounts to investigate events of that pivotal day. Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Festival promoting books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 24-28, 2014. Complete details at wordvancouver.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Pandora's Collective in conjunction with Word Vancouver features Rita Wong, Jami Macarty, Lilija Valis & Kevin Spenst plus open mic. Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
THANKS A LOT EXPRESS-OH!
North Shore Writers' Association invite community & cultural co-creators: writers, dancers, musicians and artists, to join in this fun activity of giving thanks in this 2-hour workshop to expand upon and play with word prompts. Saturday, September 27 at 10:00am, free. North Vancouver City Library, 120 14th St. W., North Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
BOOK SOME TIME FOR CRIME
an afternoon on the edge of your seat with four local mystery authors, Sam Wiebe, E.R. Brown, Robin Spano and Owen Laukkanen. Listen as they share their latest novels, then book a one-on-one session for answers to any of your burning mystery questions. Saturday, September 27 at 1:00pm, free. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Book News Vol. 9 No. 25
BOOK NEWS
Vancouver Writers Fest Tickets on sale September 8
Cory Doctorow, Emma Donoghue, William Gibson, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Herman Koch, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Jane Smiley, Miriam Toews Sarah Waters and Tim Winton are just a few of the 100 notable writers from around the world appearing in 86 events at this fall's Vancouver Writers Fest. Pick up the Festival program guide at bookstores in the Lower Mainland, or check the Festival website for full details, http:/www.writersfest.bc.ca.
Festival ticket sales start September 8 (September 2 for members).
Special event tickets are on sale now, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events.
AWARDS & LISTS
Niall Campbell has won the UK's richest poetry prize for his debut collection, Moontide. The collection is a "joyous" evocation of the Scottish island landscape.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/17/hebridean-poet-wins-uks-richest-poetry-prize-with-debut-collection
Louise Erdrich has won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize's achievement award for her work chronicling contemporary Native American life. "The Dayton prizes are meant to recognize literature's power to foster peace, social justice and global understanding, and the distinguished achievement award is given for body of work."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/louise-erdrich-wins-dayton-literary-peace-prize-s-achievement-award-1.2739805
YOUNG READERS
Where do you find wildly creative people these days? According to two new picture books, Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes and If...: A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers, they're in "fields that have to do with science, math and technology."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/13/books/tiny-creatures-and-if.html
Lois Lowry just might be the "the godmother of dystopian YA fiction." In fact, she pretty much invented the genre when she wrote The Giver twenty-one years ago. But now, she says that the genre is "passé!"
http://variety.com/2014/film/news/giver-author-lois-lowry-dystopian-ya-novels-1201278835/
NEWS & FEATURES
Simin Behbahani—poet, women's rights advocate and the "lioness of Iran" has died. In her lifetime, she was nominated twice for the Nobel Prize in literature.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/19/simin-behbahani-iran-poet-dies
The Middle East's borders seem to be dissolving in more ways than one, especially when it comes to Syria, Iraq and poetry. Their borders were created out of "substantial things—the tangled thickets of communal memory, landscapes drawn in poetry and prose, and centuries of political culture memorialized in chronicles, oral epics, and biographies."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/iraq-syria-poetic-imagination
A new study has found that readers absorb less reading on Kindles than on paper. Research suggests that "the haptic and tactile feedback of a Kindle does not provide the same support for mental reconstruction of a story as a print pocket book does."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/19/readers-absorb-less-kindles-paper-study-plot-ereader-digitisation
It's been asked before, but it's worth considering again: can writing be taught? Rivka Galchen and Zoë Heller discuss.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/24/books/review/can-writing-be-taught.html
What do menu descriptions tell us about our culture? "You needn't be a linguist to note changes in the language of menus!" Here's The Atlantic's take on "menu speak," and how it reveals status anxiety.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/09/menu-speak/375073/
Are you a grammar fanatic? Here are ten grammar rules that might just be ok to break (sometimes).
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/15/steven-pinker-10-grammar-rules-break
BOOKS & WRITERS
As Britain's "most controversial and outspoken novelist," Martin Amis often finds himself in combat stance, a "position he has occupied for as long as most of us can remember." With a new comic novel on the way (set in Auschwitz of all places), one can't help but understand the controversy.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/15/love-to-hate-martin-amis
Catherine Lacey's debut novel, Nobody Is Ever Missing, is "an unlikely page-turner, since it takes place almost entirely in the narrator's head." A "postmodern existential novel," it details the journey of a "post-wounded woman" around New Zealand, after fleeing her life in New York City.
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/novel-post-wounded-woman
Speaking of travel, it's already high summer, that season of road trips and hotel rooms. Here are the top ten hotel novels, as decided by Mark Watson.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/13/top-10-hotel-novels-mark-watson
Teju Cole, who will be coming to the Writers Fest this October, is more than just an author. He's also an excellent interviewer, and long-time admirer of photography. In this piece, he interviews photographers Rebeca Norris Webb and Alex Webb to discuss their two jointly-authored books.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/slant-rhymes-alex-webb-rebecca-norris-webb-memory-city
Teju Cole has also written a piece in The New Yorker all about rediscovering James Baldwin. He travels to Leukerbad, Switzerland, where Baldwin wrote much of Go Tell It On The Mountain as well as an essay called Stranger in the Village.
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/black-body-re-reading-james-baldwins-stranger-village
"Horror can be contained within a book, given form and meaning," says the hero of Richard Flanagan's new novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North. "But in life horror has no more form than it does meaning. Horror just is." Flanagan's novel is set in an Australian prisoner-of-war camp in World War Two.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/18/books/the-narrow-road-to-the-deep-north-by-richard-flanagan.html
Alan Warner's Their Lips Talk of Mischief "is a boisterous comedy of chemical and other adventures in Thatcherite slumland." But it's serious too—"a winningly nostalgic novel" that is also "a story of lost illusions," as it tells the story of two aspiring writers in the 1980s.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/15/lips-talk-of-mischeif-alan-warner-review-boisterous-crafted-comedy
If you're interested in small press publishers, here are three books to check out right now: Hysteric by Nelly Arcan, I'm Not Scared of You or Anything by Jon Paul Fiorentino, and God Telling a Joke by Dave Margoshes.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-best-in-small-press-three-books-to-check-out-now/article19974645/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
POETRY READING
Iain S. Thomas, author of I Wrote This For You, will be reading on Monday, August 25 at 7:00pm. Seating is limited. Y's Books, 4307 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at ysbookstore.blogspot.ca.
LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS
Author Sam Wiebe launches his latest book Last of the Independents. Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whiskey House, 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver.
SEBASTIEN DE CASTELL
Fantasy author reads from his swashbuckling adventure novel Traitor's Blade and gives a talk on the use of swordplay in fantasy and historical literature. Thursday, September 4 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
The TWS READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio September readers will be Ingrid Rose, Angela Kenyon, D.N. Simmers, Diana Joy, Sheila Galati, Jude Neale, and Dhana Musil. Our feature author will be poet Daniela Elza. Hosts: Ivan Antoniw and Romney Grant.Thursday, September 4 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.
DOUBLE ENTENDRE
An evening of fiction and poetry with Ann Eriksson reading from her new novel, High Clear Bell of Morning, and Gary Geddes reading selected poems from, What Does a House Want? Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
ELLEN IN PIECES
Launch of Caroline Adderson's new book. Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at blackbondbooks.com.
RONSDALE'S FALL POETRY
An evening of poetry with three award-winning B.C. poets: Garry Gottfriedson, Pamela Porter and Henry Rappaport—all with new collections to showcase. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cynthia Flood and Elise Partridge plus open mic. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
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 work. Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Diane Tucker reads from her new poetry collection, Bonsai Love. Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm, free. la Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.
ALICIA PRIEST
Local Victoria-based author launches her new book A Rock Fell on the Moon, Dad and the Great Yukon Silver Ore Heist. Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30pm. Bard & Banker Pub, 1022 Government Street, Victoria. More information by calling Munro's Books, 250-382-2464.
BIRTH OF A RARE BOOK
Christopher Levenson, poet and author, will present with Peter Braun, Master Printer of New Leaf Editions, and Sigrid Albert, graphic artist, a discussion about the genesis of producing a rare book of poetry and etchings. Sunday, September 21 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
VANCOUVER IS ASHES
Vancouver Is Ashes is the first detailed exploration of a landmark, yet seldom revisited event in Vancouver's history. Lisa Anne Smith uses eye-witness accounts to investigate events of that pivotal day. Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Festival promoting books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 24-28, 2014. Complete details at wordvancouver.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Pandora's Collective in conjunction with Word Vancouver features Rita Wong, Jami Macarty, Lilija Valis & Kevin Spenst plus open mic. Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
THANKS A LOT EXPRESS-OH!
North Shore Writers' Association invite community & cultural co-creators: writers, dancers, musicians and artists, to join in this fun activity of giving thanks in this 2-hour workshop to expand upon and play with word prompts. Saturday, September 27 at 10:00am, free. North Vancouver City Library, 120 14th St. W., North Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
BOOK SOME TIME FOR CRIME
an afternoon on the edge of your seat with four local mystery authors, Sam Wiebe, E.R. Brown, Robin Spano and Owen Laukkanen. Listen as they share their latest novels, then book a one-on-one session for answers to any of your burning mystery questions. Saturday, September 27 at 1:00pm, free. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
Vancouver Writers Fest Tickets on sale September 8
Cory Doctorow, Emma Donoghue, William Gibson, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Herman Koch, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Jane Smiley, Miriam Toews Sarah Waters and Tim Winton are just a few of the 100 notable writers from around the world appearing in 86 events at this fall's Vancouver Writers Fest. Pick up the Festival program guide at bookstores in the Lower Mainland, or check the Festival website for full details, http:/www.writersfest.bc.ca.
Festival ticket sales start September 8 (September 2 for members).
Special event tickets are on sale now, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events.
AWARDS & LISTS
Niall Campbell has won the UK's richest poetry prize for his debut collection, Moontide. The collection is a "joyous" evocation of the Scottish island landscape.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/17/hebridean-poet-wins-uks-richest-poetry-prize-with-debut-collection
Louise Erdrich has won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize's achievement award for her work chronicling contemporary Native American life. "The Dayton prizes are meant to recognize literature's power to foster peace, social justice and global understanding, and the distinguished achievement award is given for body of work."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/louise-erdrich-wins-dayton-literary-peace-prize-s-achievement-award-1.2739805
YOUNG READERS
Where do you find wildly creative people these days? According to two new picture books, Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes and If...: A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers, they're in "fields that have to do with science, math and technology."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/13/books/tiny-creatures-and-if.html
Lois Lowry just might be the "the godmother of dystopian YA fiction." In fact, she pretty much invented the genre when she wrote The Giver twenty-one years ago. But now, she says that the genre is "passé!"
http://variety.com/2014/film/news/giver-author-lois-lowry-dystopian-ya-novels-1201278835/
NEWS & FEATURES
Simin Behbahani—poet, women's rights advocate and the "lioness of Iran" has died. In her lifetime, she was nominated twice for the Nobel Prize in literature.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/19/simin-behbahani-iran-poet-dies
The Middle East's borders seem to be dissolving in more ways than one, especially when it comes to Syria, Iraq and poetry. Their borders were created out of "substantial things—the tangled thickets of communal memory, landscapes drawn in poetry and prose, and centuries of political culture memorialized in chronicles, oral epics, and biographies."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/iraq-syria-poetic-imagination
A new study has found that readers absorb less reading on Kindles than on paper. Research suggests that "the haptic and tactile feedback of a Kindle does not provide the same support for mental reconstruction of a story as a print pocket book does."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/19/readers-absorb-less-kindles-paper-study-plot-ereader-digitisation
It's been asked before, but it's worth considering again: can writing be taught? Rivka Galchen and Zoë Heller discuss.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/24/books/review/can-writing-be-taught.html
What do menu descriptions tell us about our culture? "You needn't be a linguist to note changes in the language of menus!" Here's The Atlantic's take on "menu speak," and how it reveals status anxiety.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/09/menu-speak/375073/
Are you a grammar fanatic? Here are ten grammar rules that might just be ok to break (sometimes).
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/15/steven-pinker-10-grammar-rules-break
BOOKS & WRITERS
As Britain's "most controversial and outspoken novelist," Martin Amis often finds himself in combat stance, a "position he has occupied for as long as most of us can remember." With a new comic novel on the way (set in Auschwitz of all places), one can't help but understand the controversy.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/15/love-to-hate-martin-amis
Catherine Lacey's debut novel, Nobody Is Ever Missing, is "an unlikely page-turner, since it takes place almost entirely in the narrator's head." A "postmodern existential novel," it details the journey of a "post-wounded woman" around New Zealand, after fleeing her life in New York City.
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/novel-post-wounded-woman
Speaking of travel, it's already high summer, that season of road trips and hotel rooms. Here are the top ten hotel novels, as decided by Mark Watson.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/13/top-10-hotel-novels-mark-watson
Teju Cole, who will be coming to the Writers Fest this October, is more than just an author. He's also an excellent interviewer, and long-time admirer of photography. In this piece, he interviews photographers Rebeca Norris Webb and Alex Webb to discuss their two jointly-authored books.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/slant-rhymes-alex-webb-rebecca-norris-webb-memory-city
Teju Cole has also written a piece in The New Yorker all about rediscovering James Baldwin. He travels to Leukerbad, Switzerland, where Baldwin wrote much of Go Tell It On The Mountain as well as an essay called Stranger in the Village.
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/black-body-re-reading-james-baldwins-stranger-village
"Horror can be contained within a book, given form and meaning," says the hero of Richard Flanagan's new novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North. "But in life horror has no more form than it does meaning. Horror just is." Flanagan's novel is set in an Australian prisoner-of-war camp in World War Two.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/18/books/the-narrow-road-to-the-deep-north-by-richard-flanagan.html
Alan Warner's Their Lips Talk of Mischief "is a boisterous comedy of chemical and other adventures in Thatcherite slumland." But it's serious too—"a winningly nostalgic novel" that is also "a story of lost illusions," as it tells the story of two aspiring writers in the 1980s.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/15/lips-talk-of-mischeif-alan-warner-review-boisterous-crafted-comedy
If you're interested in small press publishers, here are three books to check out right now: Hysteric by Nelly Arcan, I'm Not Scared of You or Anything by Jon Paul Fiorentino, and God Telling a Joke by Dave Margoshes.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/the-best-in-small-press-three-books-to-check-out-now/article19974645/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
POETRY READING
Iain S. Thomas, author of I Wrote This For You, will be reading on Monday, August 25 at 7:00pm. Seating is limited. Y's Books, 4307 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at ysbookstore.blogspot.ca.
LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS
Author Sam Wiebe launches his latest book Last of the Independents. Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whiskey House, 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver.
SEBASTIEN DE CASTELL
Fantasy author reads from his swashbuckling adventure novel Traitor's Blade and gives a talk on the use of swordplay in fantasy and historical literature. Thursday, September 4 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
The TWS READING SERIES
The Writer's Studio September readers will be Ingrid Rose, Angela Kenyon, D.N. Simmers, Diana Joy, Sheila Galati, Jude Neale, and Dhana Musil. Our feature author will be poet Daniela Elza. Hosts: Ivan Antoniw and Romney Grant.Thursday, September 4 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.
DOUBLE ENTENDRE
An evening of fiction and poetry with Ann Eriksson reading from her new novel, High Clear Bell of Morning, and Gary Geddes reading selected poems from, What Does a House Want? Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
ELLEN IN PIECES
Launch of Caroline Adderson's new book. Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at blackbondbooks.com.
RONSDALE'S FALL POETRY
An evening of poetry with three award-winning B.C. poets: Garry Gottfriedson, Pamela Porter and Henry Rappaport—all with new collections to showcase. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cynthia Flood and Elise Partridge plus open mic. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
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 work. Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Diane Tucker reads from her new poetry collection, Bonsai Love. Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm, free. la Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.
ALICIA PRIEST
Local Victoria-based author launches her new book A Rock Fell on the Moon, Dad and the Great Yukon Silver Ore Heist. Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30pm. Bard & Banker Pub, 1022 Government Street, Victoria. More information by calling Munro's Books, 250-382-2464.
BIRTH OF A RARE BOOK
Christopher Levenson, poet and author, will present with Peter Braun, Master Printer of New Leaf Editions, and Sigrid Albert, graphic artist, a discussion about the genesis of producing a rare book of poetry and etchings. Sunday, September 21 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
VANCOUVER IS ASHES
Vancouver Is Ashes is the first detailed exploration of a landmark, yet seldom revisited event in Vancouver's history. Lisa Anne Smith uses eye-witness accounts to investigate events of that pivotal day. Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Festival promoting books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 24-28, 2014. Complete details at wordvancouver.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Pandora's Collective in conjunction with Word Vancouver features Rita Wong, Jami Macarty, Lilija Valis & Kevin Spenst plus open mic. Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
THANKS A LOT EXPRESS-OH!
North Shore Writers' Association invite community & cultural co-creators: writers, dancers, musicians and artists, to join in this fun activity of giving thanks in this 2-hour workshop to expand upon and play with word prompts. Saturday, September 27 at 10:00am, free. North Vancouver City Library, 120 14th St. W., North Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
BOOK SOME TIME FOR CRIME
an afternoon on the edge of your seat with four local mystery authors, Sam Wiebe, E.R. Brown, Robin Spano and Owen Laukkanen. Listen as they share their latest novels, then book a one-on-one session for answers to any of your burning mystery questions. Saturday, September 27 at 1:00pm, free. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Book News Vol. 9 No. 24
BOOK NEWS
Vancouver Writers Fest program launches this week!
The 27th Vancouver Writers Fest program launches this week. Look for the Festival program guide at bookstores in the Lower Mainland, or check the Festival website, www.writersfest.bc.ca, on August 15 for full details.
An Evening with Louise Penny
New York Times bestselling author, Louise Penny is back with her latest Chief Inspector Gamache book, The Long Way Home. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny.
Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12377&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Join in a group re-read of the first nine books of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series to prepare for the release of the latest book, The Long Way Home, http://gamacheseries.com/.
An Evening with David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell talks to Hal Wake, the Vancouver Writers Fest's Artistic Director, and reads from his new novel, The Bone Clocks.
Saturday, September 27 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12382&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/davidmitchell) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Stickboy: From Page To Stage
Join us for an enlightening conversation about the process of transforming Stickboy, a book by world-renowned spoken word artist Shane Koyczan, into a contemporary opera. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy.
Tuesday, October 7 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12580&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Bruce Cockburn
Legendary Canadian singer and songwriter Bruce Cockburn talks about his long-awaited memoir, Rumours of Glory.
Monday, November 10 at 7:30 pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12385&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/brucecockburn) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Conrad Black
From the acclaimed biographer and historian Conrad Black comes Rise to Greatness, a major new reexamination of the history of Canada—a revealing, groundbreaking account of the people and events that shaped a nation. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12599&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Alan Doyle
Alan Doyle, singer-songwriter and front man of the Canadian band Great Big Sea, talks about his new memoir, Where I Belong.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island)
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12388&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/alandoyle) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
FESTIVAL
The 32nd annual Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts runs from August 14-17, 2014. The festival features established literary stars and exciting, new voices including Angie Abdou, Steven Galloway, Linda Holeman, Heather O'Neill and Miriam Toews and a finale event with spoken word artists Jillian Christmas, Zaccheus Jackson and Brendan McLeod. Complete details at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
The shortlist for the $10,000 Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction has been announced. The award recognizes "Canadian-authored first or second books with significance to the country." The topics covered by books on the shortlist include the Northern Gateway Project, LGBT families, and travel.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/08/08/edna-staebler-award-for-creative-non-fiction-shortlist-announced/
The longlist for the Guardian first book award has also been revealed. The award includes Fiction, Non-Fiction and a Readers' choice selection.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/08/guardian-first-book-award-2014-super-furry-animals
YOUNG READERS
A new children's book called My Grandfather's Coat is the kind of work that's bound to become a mutigenerational family favourite. Based on a Yiddish folksong called "I had a Little Overcoat," it is a tale of four generations, beginning with a boy's arrival at Ellis Island.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-439-92545-7
NEWS & FEATURES
A group of Canadian artists' organizations are lobbying for a health benefit subsidy for self-employed artists. Among the organizations lobbying are The Writers' Union of Canada, the Canadian Media Guild, and the Professional Writers Association of Canada.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2014/08/07/artists-organizations-lobbying-for-health-benefit-subsidy-for-self-employed-artists/
Vancouver writer Tyee Bridge believes that a lot can be said in 15,000 words. "Like a novella, but for non-fiction. A nonvella." Unable to find a publisher for his shorter-than-usual material, he decided to join with fellow freelancer Anne Casselman to create a startup that could bridge the gap between books and magazines.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/nonvella-creates-an-outlet-for-slim-volumes-of-non-fiction/article19972116/
Amazon's fight against its authors continues, and now they're using Orwell as ammunition. Unfortunately for them, however, these sorts of attacks only work properly when the author is quoted correctly.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/11/business/media/in-a-fight-with-authors-amazon-cites-orwell-but-not-quite-correctly.html
How long does it take to write a book? For E.M. Forster to write A Passage to India, it took eleven years. Writers Fest author Damon Galgut asks why (and tries to find the answer), here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/08/em-forster-passage-to-india-rereading
Speaking of classic 20th century novels, a new edition of The Sun Also Rises is being released. It's filled with notes, manuscripts and annotations organized in "handy appendices, giving us lay readers a sense of Hemingway's writing process, and, more importantly, of how different a novel 'The Sun Also Rises' might have been."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/hemingways-hidden-metafictions
Different manuscripts are one thing, but what about different covers? Penguin Modern Classics has released a new edition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a cover that has upset many Roald Dahl fans because of its "sexualized" cover.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11019528/Charlie-and-the-Chocolate-Factory-cover-condemned-as-creepy-grotesque-and-inappropriately-sexualised.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Quill and Quire has released its 2014 fall preview. Here are its short fiction and crime fiction suggestions, featuring books by Kathleen Winter, Peter Robinson, Louise Penny, and Vancouver's own Wayde Compton.
http://www.quillandquire.com/preview/2014/08/06/fall-preview-2014-short-fiction-and-crime-fiction/
And here is Quill and Quire's non-fiction preview list. Naomi Klein, Cory Doctorow, Alison Pick and Douglas Coupland are just some of the authors featured.
http://www.quillandquire.com/preview/2014/08/08/fall-preview-2014-non-fiction-part-i/
The Guardian newspaper's Poem of the week is Look-out by Ian House. It is a poem for peace [that] eschews flag-waving and forced sentiment in favour of a still moment of ceasefire."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/aug/11/look-out-ian-house-poem
The Hungarian novelist Laszlo Krasznahorkai is hardly a neophyte in the writing world, but English-speaking audiences are only, just now, discovering him. Described by Susan Sontag as a "master of the apocalypse," his most recently translated book is called Seiobo There Below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/09/books/laszlo-krasznahorkais-novels-find-a-us-audience.html
Childbirth is an experience that is rarely portrayed in fiction. Novelist Bethan Roberts discusses the top ten novels about childbirth, including a Canadian classic, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/06/top-10-novels-about-childbirth-bethan-roberts
Is there a paper vs. digital binary? Two American art professors have launched an "inquiry into the written word" that is trying to demolish that duality. Named after their project of the same name, their new book is called The Open Book.
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/08/writing-the-book-on-reinventing-the-book/375687/
Jess Row's debut novel, Your Face in Mine, joins "a long tradition of fiction about racial guises," set in world where people can undergo racial reassignment surgery. Inspired by James Baldwin, Row's intent was to "explore the ways people try to escape their racial identities, as well as investigate their desire for racial reconciliation and deeply unconscious fears."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/12/books/jess-rows-your-face-in-mine-explores-racial-reassignment.html
Yelena Akhtiorskaya is also a first time novelist, though her book tackles a very different subject. Set in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, it tells the story of an immigrant family, and a visit from their son, Pasha, the last child still living in Ukraine.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/07/books/panic-in-a-suitcase-by-yelena-akhtiorskaya.html
Peter Mendelsund is well known for his smart and visually arresting book jackets for authors such as Martin Amis and Stieg Larsson. Now he's the author of two books, Cover (which features his design work) and What We See When We Read, "an investigation of what happens in the mind's eye when we're engrossed in a book." He's interviewed here:
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/portrait-cover-artist-interview-peter-mendelsund
What's your favourite out-of-print book? Adam Kirsch and Francine Prose discuss, bringing books by Thomas Mann and Philip Roth to the table.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/books/review/whats-your-favorite-out-of-print-book.html
Will Self is a novelist famous for his huge vocabulary and a category-defying life. He recently participated in a live webchat with readers to discuss all this, and more.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/live/2014/aug/07/will-self-live-qa-submit-your-questions-now
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SILVER TOTEM OF SHAME
R.J. Harlick, author of the wilderness-based Meg Harris mystery series, will be discussing and reading from her latest book. Saturday, August 16 at 2:00pm, free. Dunbar branch, 4515 Dunbar Street. For more information, visit vpl.ca.
BC CRIME FICTION
Crime writers E.R. Brown, Sam Wiebe, and R.J. Harlick discuss how B.C.'s dark side plays into their most recent novels. Saturday, August 16 at 2:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver.
DEBORAH HARKNESS
Author presents the finale to her trilogy with the last book, The Book of Life. Monday, August 18 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. More information at 604-431-0463.
LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS
Author Sam Wiebe launches his latest book Last of the Independents. Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whiskey House, 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver.
SEBASTIEN DE CASTELL
Fantasy author reads from his swashbuckling adventure novel Traitor's Blade and gives a talk on the use of swordplay in fantasy and historical literature. Thursday, September 4 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
Upcoming
DOUBLE ENTENDRE
An evening of fiction and poetry with Ann Eriksson reading from her new novel, High Clear Bell of Morning, and Gary Geddes reading selected poems from,"What Does a House Want? Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
ELLEN IN PIECES
Launch of Caroline Adderson's new book. Tuesday, September 7 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at blackbondbooks.com.
RONSDALE'S FALL POETRY
An evening of poetry with three award-winning B.C. poets: Garry Gottfriedson, Pamela Porter and Henry Rappaport—all with new collections to showcase. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cynthia Flood and Elise Partridge plus open mic. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
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 work. Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Diane Tucker reads from her new poetry collection, Bonsai Love. Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm, free. la Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.
ALICIA PRIEST
Local Victoria-based author launches her new book A Rock Fell on the Moon, Dad and the Great Yukon Silver Ore Heist. Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30pm. Bard & Banker Pub, 1022 Government Street, Victoria. More information by calling Munro's Books, 250-382-2464.
BIRTH OF A RARE BOOK
Christopher Levenson, poet and author, will present with Peter Braun, Master Printer of New Leaf Editions, and Sigrid Albert, graphic artist, a discussion about the genesis of producing a rare book of poetry and etchings. Sunday, September 21 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
VANCOUVER IS ASHES
Vancouver Is Ashes is the first detailed exploration of a landmark, yet seldom revisited event in Vancouver's history. Lisa Anne Smith uses eye-witness accounts to investigate events of that pivotal day. Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Festival promoting books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 24-28, 2014. Complete details at wordvancouver.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Pandora's Collective in conjunction with Word Vancouver features Rita Wong, Jami Macarty, Lilija Valis & Kevin Spenst plus open mic. Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
THANKS A LOT EXPRESS-OH!
North Shore Writers' Association invite community & cultural co-creators: writers, dancers, musicians and artists, to join in this fun activity of giving thanks in this 2-hour workshop to expand upon and play with word prompts. Saturday, September 27 at 10:00am, free. North Vancouver City Library, 120 14th St. W., North Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
BOOK SOME TIME FOR CRIME
an afternoon on the edge of your seat with four local mystery authors, Sam Wiebe, E.R. Brown, Robin Spano and Owen Laukkanen. Listen as they share their latest novels, then book a one-on-one session for answers to any of your burning mystery questions. Saturday, September 27 at 1:00pm, free. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
Vancouver Writers Fest program launches this week!
The 27th Vancouver Writers Fest program launches this week. Look for the Festival program guide at bookstores in the Lower Mainland, or check the Festival website, www.writersfest.bc.ca, on August 15 for full details.
An Evening with Louise Penny
New York Times bestselling author, Louise Penny is back with her latest Chief Inspector Gamache book, The Long Way Home. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny.
Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12377&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Join in a group re-read of the first nine books of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series to prepare for the release of the latest book, The Long Way Home, http://gamacheseries.com/.
An Evening with David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell talks to Hal Wake, the Vancouver Writers Fest's Artistic Director, and reads from his new novel, The Bone Clocks.
Saturday, September 27 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12382&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/davidmitchell) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Stickboy: From Page To Stage
Join us for an enlightening conversation about the process of transforming Stickboy, a book by world-renowned spoken word artist Shane Koyczan, into a contemporary opera. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy.
Tuesday, October 7 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12580&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Bruce Cockburn
Legendary Canadian singer and songwriter Bruce Cockburn talks about his long-awaited memoir, Rumours of Glory.
Monday, November 10 at 7:30 pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12385&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/brucecockburn) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Conrad Black
From the acclaimed biographer and historian Conrad Black comes Rise to Greatness, a major new reexamination of the history of Canada—a revealing, groundbreaking account of the people and events that shaped a nation. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12599&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Alan Doyle
Alan Doyle, singer-songwriter and front man of the Canadian band Great Big Sea, talks about his new memoir, Where I Belong.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island)
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12388&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/alandoyle) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
FESTIVAL
The 32nd annual Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts runs from August 14-17, 2014. The festival features established literary stars and exciting, new voices including Angie Abdou, Steven Galloway, Linda Holeman, Heather O'Neill and Miriam Toews and a finale event with spoken word artists Jillian Christmas, Zaccheus Jackson and Brendan McLeod. Complete details at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
The shortlist for the $10,000 Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction has been announced. The award recognizes "Canadian-authored first or second books with significance to the country." The topics covered by books on the shortlist include the Northern Gateway Project, LGBT families, and travel.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2014/08/08/edna-staebler-award-for-creative-non-fiction-shortlist-announced/
The longlist for the Guardian first book award has also been revealed. The award includes Fiction, Non-Fiction and a Readers' choice selection.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/08/guardian-first-book-award-2014-super-furry-animals
YOUNG READERS
A new children's book called My Grandfather's Coat is the kind of work that's bound to become a mutigenerational family favourite. Based on a Yiddish folksong called "I had a Little Overcoat," it is a tale of four generations, beginning with a boy's arrival at Ellis Island.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-439-92545-7
NEWS & FEATURES
A group of Canadian artists' organizations are lobbying for a health benefit subsidy for self-employed artists. Among the organizations lobbying are The Writers' Union of Canada, the Canadian Media Guild, and the Professional Writers Association of Canada.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2014/08/07/artists-organizations-lobbying-for-health-benefit-subsidy-for-self-employed-artists/
Vancouver writer Tyee Bridge believes that a lot can be said in 15,000 words. "Like a novella, but for non-fiction. A nonvella." Unable to find a publisher for his shorter-than-usual material, he decided to join with fellow freelancer Anne Casselman to create a startup that could bridge the gap between books and magazines.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/nonvella-creates-an-outlet-for-slim-volumes-of-non-fiction/article19972116/
Amazon's fight against its authors continues, and now they're using Orwell as ammunition. Unfortunately for them, however, these sorts of attacks only work properly when the author is quoted correctly.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/11/business/media/in-a-fight-with-authors-amazon-cites-orwell-but-not-quite-correctly.html
How long does it take to write a book? For E.M. Forster to write A Passage to India, it took eleven years. Writers Fest author Damon Galgut asks why (and tries to find the answer), here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/08/em-forster-passage-to-india-rereading
Speaking of classic 20th century novels, a new edition of The Sun Also Rises is being released. It's filled with notes, manuscripts and annotations organized in "handy appendices, giving us lay readers a sense of Hemingway's writing process, and, more importantly, of how different a novel 'The Sun Also Rises' might have been."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/hemingways-hidden-metafictions
Different manuscripts are one thing, but what about different covers? Penguin Modern Classics has released a new edition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a cover that has upset many Roald Dahl fans because of its "sexualized" cover.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11019528/Charlie-and-the-Chocolate-Factory-cover-condemned-as-creepy-grotesque-and-inappropriately-sexualised.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Quill and Quire has released its 2014 fall preview. Here are its short fiction and crime fiction suggestions, featuring books by Kathleen Winter, Peter Robinson, Louise Penny, and Vancouver's own Wayde Compton.
http://www.quillandquire.com/preview/2014/08/06/fall-preview-2014-short-fiction-and-crime-fiction/
And here is Quill and Quire's non-fiction preview list. Naomi Klein, Cory Doctorow, Alison Pick and Douglas Coupland are just some of the authors featured.
http://www.quillandquire.com/preview/2014/08/08/fall-preview-2014-non-fiction-part-i/
The Guardian newspaper's Poem of the week is Look-out by Ian House. It is a poem for peace [that] eschews flag-waving and forced sentiment in favour of a still moment of ceasefire."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/aug/11/look-out-ian-house-poem
The Hungarian novelist Laszlo Krasznahorkai is hardly a neophyte in the writing world, but English-speaking audiences are only, just now, discovering him. Described by Susan Sontag as a "master of the apocalypse," his most recently translated book is called Seiobo There Below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/09/books/laszlo-krasznahorkais-novels-find-a-us-audience.html
Childbirth is an experience that is rarely portrayed in fiction. Novelist Bethan Roberts discusses the top ten novels about childbirth, including a Canadian classic, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/06/top-10-novels-about-childbirth-bethan-roberts
Is there a paper vs. digital binary? Two American art professors have launched an "inquiry into the written word" that is trying to demolish that duality. Named after their project of the same name, their new book is called The Open Book.
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/08/writing-the-book-on-reinventing-the-book/375687/
Jess Row's debut novel, Your Face in Mine, joins "a long tradition of fiction about racial guises," set in world where people can undergo racial reassignment surgery. Inspired by James Baldwin, Row's intent was to "explore the ways people try to escape their racial identities, as well as investigate their desire for racial reconciliation and deeply unconscious fears."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/12/books/jess-rows-your-face-in-mine-explores-racial-reassignment.html
Yelena Akhtiorskaya is also a first time novelist, though her book tackles a very different subject. Set in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, it tells the story of an immigrant family, and a visit from their son, Pasha, the last child still living in Ukraine.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/07/books/panic-in-a-suitcase-by-yelena-akhtiorskaya.html
Peter Mendelsund is well known for his smart and visually arresting book jackets for authors such as Martin Amis and Stieg Larsson. Now he's the author of two books, Cover (which features his design work) and What We See When We Read, "an investigation of what happens in the mind's eye when we're engrossed in a book." He's interviewed here:
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/portrait-cover-artist-interview-peter-mendelsund
What's your favourite out-of-print book? Adam Kirsch and Francine Prose discuss, bringing books by Thomas Mann and Philip Roth to the table.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/books/review/whats-your-favorite-out-of-print-book.html
Will Self is a novelist famous for his huge vocabulary and a category-defying life. He recently participated in a live webchat with readers to discuss all this, and more.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/live/2014/aug/07/will-self-live-qa-submit-your-questions-now
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SILVER TOTEM OF SHAME
R.J. Harlick, author of the wilderness-based Meg Harris mystery series, will be discussing and reading from her latest book. Saturday, August 16 at 2:00pm, free. Dunbar branch, 4515 Dunbar Street. For more information, visit vpl.ca.
BC CRIME FICTION
Crime writers E.R. Brown, Sam Wiebe, and R.J. Harlick discuss how B.C.'s dark side plays into their most recent novels. Saturday, August 16 at 2:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver.
DEBORAH HARKNESS
Author presents the finale to her trilogy with the last book, The Book of Life. Monday, August 18 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. More information at 604-431-0463.
LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS
Author Sam Wiebe launches his latest book Last of the Independents. Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whiskey House, 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver.
SEBASTIEN DE CASTELL
Fantasy author reads from his swashbuckling adventure novel Traitor's Blade and gives a talk on the use of swordplay in fantasy and historical literature. Thursday, September 4 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
Upcoming
DOUBLE ENTENDRE
An evening of fiction and poetry with Ann Eriksson reading from her new novel, High Clear Bell of Morning, and Gary Geddes reading selected poems from,"What Does a House Want? Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
ELLEN IN PIECES
Launch of Caroline Adderson's new book. Tuesday, September 7 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at blackbondbooks.com.
RONSDALE'S FALL POETRY
An evening of poetry with three award-winning B.C. poets: Garry Gottfriedson, Pamela Porter and Henry Rappaport—all with new collections to showcase. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cynthia Flood and Elise Partridge plus open mic. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
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 work. Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Diane Tucker reads from her new poetry collection, Bonsai Love. Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm, free. la Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.
ALICIA PRIEST
Local Victoria-based author launches her new book A Rock Fell on the Moon, Dad and the Great Yukon Silver Ore Heist. Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30pm. Bard & Banker Pub, 1022 Government Street, Victoria. More information by calling Munro's Books, 250-382-2464.
BIRTH OF A RARE BOOK
Christopher Levenson, poet and author, will present with Peter Braun, Master Printer of New Leaf Editions, and Sigrid Albert, graphic artist, a discussion about the genesis of producing a rare book of poetry and etchings. Sunday, September 21 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
VANCOUVER IS ASHES
Vancouver Is Ashes is the first detailed exploration of a landmark, yet seldom revisited event in Vancouver's history. Lisa Anne Smith uses eye-witness accounts to investigate events of that pivotal day. Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Festival promoting books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 24-28, 2014. Complete details at wordvancouver.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Pandora's Collective in conjunction with Word Vancouver features Rita Wong, Jami Macarty, Lilija Valis & Kevin Spenst plus open mic. Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
THANKS A LOT EXPRESS-OH!
North Shore Writers' Association invite community & cultural co-creators: writers, dancers, musicians and artists, to join in this fun activity of giving thanks in this 2-hour workshop to expand upon and play with word prompts. Saturday, September 27 at 10:00am, free. North Vancouver City Library, 120 14th St. W., North Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
BOOK SOME TIME FOR CRIME
an afternoon on the edge of your seat with four local mystery authors, Sam Wiebe, E.R. Brown, Robin Spano and Owen Laukkanen. Listen as they share their latest novels, then book a one-on-one session for answers to any of your burning mystery questions. Saturday, September 27 at 1:00pm, free. West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. More information at culturedays.ca.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Book News Vol. 9 No. 23
BOOK NEWS
An Evening with Louise Penny
New York Times bestselling author, Louise Penny is back with her latest Chief Inspector Gamache book, The Long Way Home. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny.
Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12377&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Join in a group re-read of the first nine books of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series to prepare for the release of the latest book, The Long Way Home, http://gamacheseries.com/.
An Evening with David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell talks to Hal Wake, the Vancouver Writers Fest's Artistic Director, and reads from his new novel, The Bone Clocks.
Saturday, September 27 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12382&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/davidmitchell) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Stickboy: From Page To Stage
Join us for an enlightening conversation about the process of transforming Stickboy, a book by world-renowned spoken word artist Shane Koyczan, into a contemporary opera. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy.
Tuesday, October 7 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12580&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Bruce Cockburn
Legendary Canadian singer and songwriter Bruce Cockburn talks about his long-awaited memoir, Rumours of Glory.
Monday, November 10 at 7:30 pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12385&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/brucecockburn) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Conrad Black
From the acclaimed biographer and historian Conrad Black comes Rise to Greatness, a major new reexamination of the history of Canada—a revealing, groundbreaking account of the people and events that shaped a nation. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12599&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Alan Doyle
Alan Doyle, singer-songwriter and front man of the Canadian band Great Big Sea, talks about his new memoir, Where I Belong.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island)
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12388&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/alandoyle) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
FESTIVAL
The 32nd annual Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts runs from August 14-17, 2014. The festival features established literary stars and exciting, new voices including Angie Abdou, Steven Galloway, Linda Holeman, Heather O'Neill and Miriam Toews and a finale event with spoken word artists Jillian Christmas, Zaccheus Jackson and Brendan McLeod. Complete details at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
The winners of the 2014 PEN Literary Awards have been announced. Among the chosen few were cultural critic James Wolcott, playwright David Rabe and poet Frank Bidart.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/07/30/winners-of-the-2014-pen-literary-awards/
YOUNG READERS
Four lost Dr. Seuss stories are set to be republished this autumn. A "smooth-talking Grinch and a new adventure for the helpful elephant Horton" are just two of the characters that will appear in Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/31/lost-dr-seuss-stories-republished-the-grinch-horton-the-elephant
NEWS & FEATURES
A century has officially passed since the outbreak of the First World War. "Chosen from 1,000 years of English writing about war, poet and Oxford professor Jon Stallworthy selects some of the best attempts to think through this most extreme of human experiences."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/30/top-10-war-poems-first-world-war-jon-stallworthy
James Joyce's Ulysses is being adapted into a virtual reality game called 'In Ulysses.' In the game, players will experience the full effect of Joyce's stream of consciousness "as they step into the mind of Stephen Dedalus" going through the "infamously daunting" third chapter, 'Proteus.'
http://www.mhpbooks.com/the-ulysses-virtual-reality-game/
A number of books that made it onto last week's 2014 Booker Prize Longlist have yet to be released. Booksellers are frustrated, especially since the prize's official rules declare that nominated books must be made available within ten days of the announcement. "What's the point in keeping it [the prize] just for the publishing industry?"
http://www.mhpbooks.com/some-of-the-books-on-the-man-booker-longlist-arent-out-yet-is-that-a-problem/
And that's just one of the controversies surrounding this year's list. There's also the lack of women and Commonwealth writers, as well as notable omissions and unusual inclusions. Read more, here:
http://www.thebookseller.com/blogs/prize-fights.html
Do you hate internet slang? Do you believe that it's vandalizing our language?" As it turns out, "modern text-speak bears a striking resemblance to the system of abbreviations and shorthand present in medieval manuscripts."
http://www.salon.com/2014/08/03/the_truth_about_internet_slang_it_goes_way_back/
Forget abbreviations...apparently medieval manuscripts weren't so discerning in their content either. At least not the margins, which were often filled with "with imagery depicting everything from scatological humor to mythical beasts to sexually explicit satire."
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/naughty-nuns-flatulent-monks-and-other-surprises-of-sacred-medieval-manuscripts/
Have you ever been fictionalized? Michelle Huneven discusses the trauma of being written into someone else's book, here:
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/07/28/youve-been-fictionalized/
"Read the signs. Identify the authors. Earn your Poetic License!" It was inevitable. As the MFA vs. NYC debate continues, it's only logical that a parody should have arisen called MFA vs. DMV.
http://blog.pshares.org/index.php/mfa-vs-dmv/
A social media campaign called #WeNeedDiverseBooks is just one of many that have been highlighting the lack of diversity in children's publishing. In this interview, Anjali Singh, editorial director of Other Press, discusses "cultivating politically important literature, seeking new voices, and race and class in publishing."
http://www.guernicamag.com/interviews/combing-the-edges/
Speaking of voices that are certainly not new (and most definitely dead, male and white), Shakespeare has come under criticism this week. After seeing King Lear in New York, American radio personality Ira Glass tweeted "Shakespeare sucks." Novelist Rebecca Mead responds to Glass and the "scourge of relatability", here:
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/scourge-relatability
David Sedaris recently wrote a piece in The New Yorker about his habit of picking up litter where he lives in the UK. Now, in recognition of his work, his local council is naming a garbage truck after him. Meet Pig Pen Sedaris.
http://www.mhpbooks.com/david-pig-pen-sedaris-is-hero-litter-picker-has-trash-truck-named-after-him/
The CBC is running a series on literary landmarks all across Canada. This week's feature is on Fredericton, New Brunswick. You can check out that link (and other landmarks in other cities), here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2014/08/literary-landmarks-fredericton-new-brunswick.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Christine Fellows, a Winnipeg musician and adjunct creative-writing instructor at UBC, recently travelled through the Yukon as Dawson City Music Festival's songwriter-in-residence. She's interviewed about her northern-inspired poetry and music project, here:
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2014/07/29/first-listen-christine-fellows-northern-inspired-poetry-and-music-project/
In this month's New Yorker Fiction podcast, Tim Parks reads and discusses a story by Peter Stamm called Sweet Dreams. It is the tale of a young couple in the process of furnishing their apartment and trying to imagine their future together, highlighting "desires and anxieties, which are very much measured off against each other."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/fiction-podcast-tim-parks-reads-peter-stamm
The New Yorker's Poetry podcast has also been released. The August edition features Jennifer Michael Hecht reading Noctuary by Lucie Brock-Broido.
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner
Siegried Sassoon's war diaries have been made available online as a part of a "remarkable archive of 4,100 handwritten pages digitized by the Cambridge University Library Project. Some of the notebooks still bear traces of mud from the battlefields, where Sassoon arrived in 1915."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/02/books/siegfried-sassoons-world-war-i-diaries-become-available-online.html
Who would you invite over for a literary dinner? For author Amy Bloom, the answer would be Sappho, George Bernard Shaw and James Baldwin. She discusses her choices, and more, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/03/books/review/amy-bloom-by-the-book.html
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is this week's guest on the Guardian book club podcast. She talks about her third novel, Americanah, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/audio/2014/aug/01/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-americanah-podcast
Are you feeling nostalgic for last year's Writers Fest? Over at CBC Radio, they've been rebroadcasting interviews with Anthony De Sa and Tomson Highway (among others!) You can check out all those episodes here:
http://www.cbc.ca/thenextchapter
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUSAN K. FOREST
Vancouver author reads from her new kidsbook The Indigo Queen. Sunday, August 10 at 2:00pm, free. Please RSVP to http://eepurl.com/XSBz9. Seating is limited! Y'S Books, 4307 Main Street at 27th, Vancouver. More information at ysbookstore.blogspot.ca.
EVE LAZARUS
Author launches her latest book Sensational Vancouver. Tuesday, August 12 at 7:30pm, free. Vancouver Police Museum, 240 East Cordova, Vancouver. More information at anvilpress.com.
SILVER TOTEM OF SHAME
R.J. Harlick, author of the wilderness-based Meg Harris mystery series, will be discussing and reading from her latest book. Various dates and locations between August 12 and August 16. For more information, visit vpl.ca.
BC CRIME FICTION
Crime writers E.R. Brown, Sam Wiebe, and R.J. Harlick discuss how B.C.'s dark side plays into their most recent novels. Saturday, August 16 at 2:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver.
DEBORAH HARKNESS
Author presents the finale to her trilogy with the last book, The Book of Life. Monday, August 18 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. More information at 604-431-0463.
Upcoming
LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS
Author Sam Wiebe launches his latest book Last of the Independents. Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whiskey House, 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver.
SEBASTIEN DE CASTELL
Fantasy author reads from his swashbuckling adventure novel Traitor's Blade and gives a talk on the use of swordplay in fantasy and historical literature. Thursday, September 4 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
DOUBLE ENTENDRE
An evening of fiction and poetry with Ann Eriksson reading from her new novel, High Clear Bell of Morning, and Gary Geddes reading selected poems from,"What Does a House Want? Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
RONSDALE'S FALL POETRY
An evening of poetry with three award-winning B.C. poets: Garry Gottfriedson, Pamela Porter and Henry Rappaport—all with new collections to showcase. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cynthia Flood and Elise Partridge plus open mic. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
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 work. Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Diane Tucker reads from her new poetry collection, Bonsai Love. Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm, free. la Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.
BIRTH OF A RARE BOOK
Christopher Levenson, poet and author, will present with Peter Braun, Master Printer of New Leaf Editions, and Sigrid Albert, graphic artist, a discussion about the genesis of producing a rare book of poetry and etchings. Sunday, September 21 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
VANCOUVER IS ASHES
Vancouver Is Ashes is the first detailed exploration of a landmark, yet seldom revisited event in Vancouver's history. Lisa Anne Smith uses eye-witness accounts to investigate events of that pivotal day. Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Festival promoting books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 24-28, 2014. Complete details at wordvancouver.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Pandora's Collective in conjunction with Word Vancouver features Rita Wong, Jami Macarty, Lilija Valis & Kevin Spenst plus open mic. Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
An Evening with Louise Penny
New York Times bestselling author, Louise Penny is back with her latest Chief Inspector Gamache book, The Long Way Home. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny.
Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12377&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/louisepenny) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Join in a group re-read of the first nine books of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series to prepare for the release of the latest book, The Long Way Home, http://gamacheseries.com/.
An Evening with David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell talks to Hal Wake, the Vancouver Writers Fest's Artistic Director, and reads from his new novel, The Bone Clocks.
Saturday, September 27 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12382&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/davidmitchell) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Stickboy: From Page To Stage
Join us for an enlightening conversation about the process of transforming Stickboy, a book by world-renowned spoken word artist Shane Koyczan, into a contemporary opera. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy.
Tuesday, October 7 at 7:30pm
Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12580&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/stickboy) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Bruce Cockburn
Legendary Canadian singer and songwriter Bruce Cockburn talks about his long-awaited memoir, Rumours of Glory.
Monday, November 10 at 7:30 pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12385&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/brucecockburn) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Conrad Black
From the acclaimed biographer and historian Conrad Black comes Rise to Greatness, a major new reexamination of the history of Canada—a revealing, groundbreaking account of the people and events that shaped a nation. Details: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12599&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/conradblack) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
Alan Doyle
Alan Doyle, singer-songwriter and front man of the Canadian band Great Big Sea, talks about his new memoir, Where I Belong.
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island)
Purchase tickets online: http://vancouvertix.artsclub.com/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=12388&type=rentals
Click here (http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/alandoyle) for event details and to find out more about our special offer for bookclubs.
FESTIVAL
The 32nd annual Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts runs from August 14-17, 2014. The festival features established literary stars and exciting, new voices including Angie Abdou, Steven Galloway, Linda Holeman, Heather O'Neill and Miriam Toews and a finale event with spoken word artists Jillian Christmas, Zaccheus Jackson and Brendan McLeod. Complete details at writersfestival.ca.
AWARDS & LISTS
The winners of the 2014 PEN Literary Awards have been announced. Among the chosen few were cultural critic James Wolcott, playwright David Rabe and poet Frank Bidart.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/07/30/winners-of-the-2014-pen-literary-awards/
YOUNG READERS
Four lost Dr. Seuss stories are set to be republished this autumn. A "smooth-talking Grinch and a new adventure for the helpful elephant Horton" are just two of the characters that will appear in Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/31/lost-dr-seuss-stories-republished-the-grinch-horton-the-elephant
NEWS & FEATURES
A century has officially passed since the outbreak of the First World War. "Chosen from 1,000 years of English writing about war, poet and Oxford professor Jon Stallworthy selects some of the best attempts to think through this most extreme of human experiences."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/30/top-10-war-poems-first-world-war-jon-stallworthy
James Joyce's Ulysses is being adapted into a virtual reality game called 'In Ulysses.' In the game, players will experience the full effect of Joyce's stream of consciousness "as they step into the mind of Stephen Dedalus" going through the "infamously daunting" third chapter, 'Proteus.'
http://www.mhpbooks.com/the-ulysses-virtual-reality-game/
A number of books that made it onto last week's 2014 Booker Prize Longlist have yet to be released. Booksellers are frustrated, especially since the prize's official rules declare that nominated books must be made available within ten days of the announcement. "What's the point in keeping it [the prize] just for the publishing industry?"
http://www.mhpbooks.com/some-of-the-books-on-the-man-booker-longlist-arent-out-yet-is-that-a-problem/
And that's just one of the controversies surrounding this year's list. There's also the lack of women and Commonwealth writers, as well as notable omissions and unusual inclusions. Read more, here:
http://www.thebookseller.com/blogs/prize-fights.html
Do you hate internet slang? Do you believe that it's vandalizing our language?" As it turns out, "modern text-speak bears a striking resemblance to the system of abbreviations and shorthand present in medieval manuscripts."
http://www.salon.com/2014/08/03/the_truth_about_internet_slang_it_goes_way_back/
Forget abbreviations...apparently medieval manuscripts weren't so discerning in their content either. At least not the margins, which were often filled with "with imagery depicting everything from scatological humor to mythical beasts to sexually explicit satire."
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/naughty-nuns-flatulent-monks-and-other-surprises-of-sacred-medieval-manuscripts/
Have you ever been fictionalized? Michelle Huneven discusses the trauma of being written into someone else's book, here:
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/07/28/youve-been-fictionalized/
"Read the signs. Identify the authors. Earn your Poetic License!" It was inevitable. As the MFA vs. NYC debate continues, it's only logical that a parody should have arisen called MFA vs. DMV.
http://blog.pshares.org/index.php/mfa-vs-dmv/
A social media campaign called #WeNeedDiverseBooks is just one of many that have been highlighting the lack of diversity in children's publishing. In this interview, Anjali Singh, editorial director of Other Press, discusses "cultivating politically important literature, seeking new voices, and race and class in publishing."
http://www.guernicamag.com/interviews/combing-the-edges/
Speaking of voices that are certainly not new (and most definitely dead, male and white), Shakespeare has come under criticism this week. After seeing King Lear in New York, American radio personality Ira Glass tweeted "Shakespeare sucks." Novelist Rebecca Mead responds to Glass and the "scourge of relatability", here:
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/scourge-relatability
David Sedaris recently wrote a piece in The New Yorker about his habit of picking up litter where he lives in the UK. Now, in recognition of his work, his local council is naming a garbage truck after him. Meet Pig Pen Sedaris.
http://www.mhpbooks.com/david-pig-pen-sedaris-is-hero-litter-picker-has-trash-truck-named-after-him/
The CBC is running a series on literary landmarks all across Canada. This week's feature is on Fredericton, New Brunswick. You can check out that link (and other landmarks in other cities), here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2014/08/literary-landmarks-fredericton-new-brunswick.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Christine Fellows, a Winnipeg musician and adjunct creative-writing instructor at UBC, recently travelled through the Yukon as Dawson City Music Festival's songwriter-in-residence. She's interviewed about her northern-inspired poetry and music project, here:
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2014/07/29/first-listen-christine-fellows-northern-inspired-poetry-and-music-project/
In this month's New Yorker Fiction podcast, Tim Parks reads and discusses a story by Peter Stamm called Sweet Dreams. It is the tale of a young couple in the process of furnishing their apartment and trying to imagine their future together, highlighting "desires and anxieties, which are very much measured off against each other."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/fiction-podcast-tim-parks-reads-peter-stamm
The New Yorker's Poetry podcast has also been released. The August edition features Jennifer Michael Hecht reading Noctuary by Lucie Brock-Broido.
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner
Siegried Sassoon's war diaries have been made available online as a part of a "remarkable archive of 4,100 handwritten pages digitized by the Cambridge University Library Project. Some of the notebooks still bear traces of mud from the battlefields, where Sassoon arrived in 1915."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/02/books/siegfried-sassoons-world-war-i-diaries-become-available-online.html
Who would you invite over for a literary dinner? For author Amy Bloom, the answer would be Sappho, George Bernard Shaw and James Baldwin. She discusses her choices, and more, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/03/books/review/amy-bloom-by-the-book.html
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is this week's guest on the Guardian book club podcast. She talks about her third novel, Americanah, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/audio/2014/aug/01/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-americanah-podcast
Are you feeling nostalgic for last year's Writers Fest? Over at CBC Radio, they've been rebroadcasting interviews with Anthony De Sa and Tomson Highway (among others!) You can check out all those episodes here:
http://www.cbc.ca/thenextchapter
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUSAN K. FOREST
Vancouver author reads from her new kidsbook The Indigo Queen. Sunday, August 10 at 2:00pm, free. Please RSVP to http://eepurl.com/XSBz9. Seating is limited! Y'S Books, 4307 Main Street at 27th, Vancouver. More information at ysbookstore.blogspot.ca.
EVE LAZARUS
Author launches her latest book Sensational Vancouver. Tuesday, August 12 at 7:30pm, free. Vancouver Police Museum, 240 East Cordova, Vancouver. More information at anvilpress.com.
SILVER TOTEM OF SHAME
R.J. Harlick, author of the wilderness-based Meg Harris mystery series, will be discussing and reading from her latest book. Various dates and locations between August 12 and August 16. For more information, visit vpl.ca.
BC CRIME FICTION
Crime writers E.R. Brown, Sam Wiebe, and R.J. Harlick discuss how B.C.'s dark side plays into their most recent novels. Saturday, August 16 at 2:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver.
DEBORAH HARKNESS
Author presents the finale to her trilogy with the last book, The Book of Life. Monday, August 18 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. More information at 604-431-0463.
Upcoming
LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS
Author Sam Wiebe launches his latest book Last of the Independents. Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whiskey House, 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver.
SEBASTIEN DE CASTELL
Fantasy author reads from his swashbuckling adventure novel Traitor's Blade and gives a talk on the use of swordplay in fantasy and historical literature. Thursday, September 4 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
DOUBLE ENTENDRE
An evening of fiction and poetry with Ann Eriksson reading from her new novel, High Clear Bell of Morning, and Gary Geddes reading selected poems from,"What Does a House Want? Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
RONSDALE'S FALL POETRY
An evening of poetry with three award-winning B.C. poets: Garry Gottfriedson, Pamela Porter and Henry Rappaport—all with new collections to showcase. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at vpl.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Cynthia Flood and Elise Partridge plus open mic. Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
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 work. Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Diane Tucker reads from her new poetry collection, Bonsai Love. Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm, free. la Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.
BIRTH OF A RARE BOOK
Christopher Levenson, poet and author, will present with Peter Braun, Master Printer of New Leaf Editions, and Sigrid Albert, graphic artist, a discussion about the genesis of producing a rare book of poetry and etchings. Sunday, September 21 at 3:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
VANCOUVER IS ASHES
Vancouver Is Ashes is the first detailed exploration of a landmark, yet seldom revisited event in Vancouver's history. Lisa Anne Smith uses eye-witness accounts to investigate events of that pivotal day. Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia St. More information at vpl.ca.
WORD VANCOUVER
Festival promoting books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 24-28, 2014. Complete details at wordvancouver.ca.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Pandora's Collective in conjunction with Word Vancouver features Rita Wong, Jami Macarty, Lilija Valis & Kevin Spenst plus open mic. Thursday, September 25 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at pandorascollective.com.
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