BOOK NEWS
A Dram Come True
Join us for an evening of good fun and great spirits at our annual Scotch tasting fundraiser, A Dram Come True. We've only got 18 earlybird tickets left, and you don't want to miss the surprises and single malts we've got in
store for you this year, so purchase you tickets today!
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Incite 2015
Two Scotiabank Giller Prize-nominees: Fred Stenson (Who By Fire) and Kim Echlin (Under the Visible Life), plus Chelsea Rooney (Pedal). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, March 11
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Ayelet Tsabari has won the $100,000 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. She appeared at the 2013 Writers Fest, and was awarded the prize for her collection, The Best Place on Earth: Stories.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/02/23/ayelet-tsabari-wins-100000-sami-rohr-prize-for-jewish-literature/
UBC announces 2015 Basil Stuart-Stubbs Book Prize shortlist for outstanding scholarly book on British Columbia.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/02/25/ubc-announces-2015-basil-stuart-stubbs-book-prize-shortlist/
YOUNG READERS
Macbeth "doesn't feature classically adolescent themes... Yet with its simple, linear plot, its witches and its ghosts, its clear-cut moral questions about the lure of evil and whether and how we control our own fates, it is well suited for teenagers." Gareth Hinds' "stellar" graphic-novel is an excellent adaptation of the Shakespeare's classic.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/18/books/review/macbeth-adapted-by-gareth-hinds.html
NEWS & FEATURES
The Oscars are over, with several winning films being based on books. Here are 10 books that just might vie for Academy Awards next year.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/overdrive/10-books-that-will-vie-fo_b_6723178.html
It's Freedom to Read Week in Canada. To mark the occasion, the CBC has "brought together some past features that explore censorship, intellectual freedom, and the power of reading."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/02/freedom-to-read-week.html
The U.S. Postal Service has announced that it will be honouring Maya Angelou with a "forever" postage stamp. Angelou, whose many jobs included poet, professor, Tony-nominated performer, calypso singer and streetcar conductor, passed away last year.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-maya-angelou-stamp-usps-20150223-story.html
A Polish ebookstore that sells self-published works is trying out a new sale model: read first, pay later. Based in Warsaw, OpenBooks.com is also offering writers a 70% share of net revenue from any payment.
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/openbooks-a-self-publishing-bookstore-where-you-read-first-pay-later/
On a more corporate note, Kindle Unlimited has expanded into Canada. In exchange for a membership fee, subscribers have unlimited access to the Kindle library, which contains more that 750,000 eBooks.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/kindle-unlimited-hits-canada-mexico/99443
Cory Doctorow is heading up a campaign to ban digital locks on ebooks, movies and music. According to Doctorow "Any time someone puts a lock on something you own, against your wishes, and doesn't give you the key, they're not doing it for your benefit."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/22/whose-digital-content-is-it-anyway-cory-doctorow
Is there a place for 50 Shades of Grey within the realm of literary theory? Here's one person's try at it.
http://www.mhpbooks.com/50-shades-of-literary-theory-how-the-novel-and-the-film-reflect-and-destroy-three-centuries-of-theory/
A Thai publisher has crowdfunded a translation of Moby Dick. "The true aim of the project isn't about physical copies of the book, but instead the free sharing of knowledge and literature. The translated text of Moby Dick will be made public, meaning that any publisher willing to print it—commercial, educational or otherwise—is welcome to do so under a Creative Commons license."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/thai-publisher-crowdfunds-a-translation-of-moby-dick/
Speaking of literary classics, a lost Sherlock Holmes story has been discovered. "It is believed the story-about Holmes deducing Watson is going on a trip to Selkirk-is the first unseen Holmes story by Doyle since the last was published over 80 years ago."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11424549/Lost-Sherlock-Holmes-story-discovered-in-mans-attic.html
Are you a social media aficionado? If so, you might enjoy this roundup of 15 great literary Instagram accounts to follow.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/20/miranda-july-instagrams_n_6715910.html
Is your favourite novel highbrow? How about experimental, empirical or political? Adventure, mystery or comic? Find out here, in this hilarious and expansive infographic about book genres.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0211/4926/files/P-LitGenres_Zoom2.jpg?17388068195940225238
The New Yorker is turning 90 this month. To celebrate, the magazine has teamed up with Amazon to produce a series of videos featuring "top-notch" filmmakers and writers.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/amazon-creates-video-series-for-the-new-yorkers-90th-birthday/99448
BOOKS & WRITERS
Emma Hooper's debut novel Etta and Otto and Russell and James follows the story of an 82-year-old woman who leaves Saskatchewan on foot, bound for the Atlantic Ocean. It's loosely based on the lives of her grandparents, and has already been published in 18 languages. Hooper is interviewed here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/how-a-move-to-england-helped-emma-hooper-write-about-saskatchewan/article23125586/
"The unnamed narrator of Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club is back, dragging a dependence on prescription drugs, a bored wife and a destructive son along with him." Palahniuk has unveiled six pages of Fight Club 2, a follow-up to the 1996 cult classic.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/23/chuck-palahniuk-fight-club-2-comic-book
Did you enjoy seeing Mariko Tamaki at last year's Writers Fest? If so, you might enjoy her sister's work as well. Jillian Tamaki is an illustrator who has just revealed her new cover for a new translation of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.
http://jilliantamaki.tumblr.com/post/111495899060/received-some-nice-mail-today-the-les-miserables
Helen Macdonald's H is For Hawk "reminds us that excellent nature writing can lay bare some of the intimacies of the wild world as well. Her book is so good that, at times, it hurt me to read it. It draws blood, in ways that seem curative." It's about trying to train one of nature's "most vicious predators" and overcome grief.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/18/books/review-helen-macdonalds-h-is-for-hawk-a-memoir-on-grief-and-falconry.html
Amit Chaudhuri's new novel, Odysseus Abroad, takes its structure from Ulysses, following a 22-year-old student through one day in 1985. "Borrowing the structure of 'Ulysses' may seem like a risk, but Amit Chaudhuri takes it well."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/11422425/Odysseus-Abroad-by-Amit-Chaudhuri.html
"It's a good thing writer Susan Juby is all in on the whole writing thing—because her backup career plan could use a little work." Find out more about Susan Juby and her new novel, Republic of Dirt, here:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2015/02/susan-juby-magic-8.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
RAZIEL REID AND STEVEN GALLOWAY
Freedom to Read Week event bringing together Raziel Reid, author of When Everything Feels Like the Movies, as well as Steven Galloway, a prominent local writer who has publicly defended Reid’s work and denounced the critics who are actively engaged in having the award rescinded on moral grounds. Friday, February 27 at 12:30pm. Room 3008, WAC Bennet Library, SFU Burnaby. More information at www.lib.sfu.ca.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
INTO THE MYSTIC
Susan McCaslin will be a special guest reading from her new poetic memoir at the opening reception of Semiahmoo Arts' Into the Mystic, an Exhibition of Visual Art. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Turnbull Gallery, South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre, 14601-20 Ave., Surrey. More information at semiahmooarts.com.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
Upcoming
WORDS ON THE WATER
Featuring David Carpenter, Ivan Coyote, Steven Galloway, Sarah Leavitt, Bernice Lever, Derek Lundy, Richard Wagamese, and Kathleen Winter. March 13-14, 2015. Maritime Heritage Centre, 621 Island Highway, Campbell River, BC. Details at wordsonthewater.ca.
SOUTHBANKS WRITERS' PROGRAM READING SERIES
Featured poets Pam Galloway & Susan McCaslin will read from their new works. Thursday, March 12 at 6:30m. Surrey City Centre Library, 10350 University Dr., Surrey. More information at surreylibraries.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
NOIR AT THE BAR
Drink, mingle and hear talented local authors read. Featuring Linda L. Richards, Robin Spano, Owen Laukkanen, Sam Weibe, Glynis Whiting, E.R. Brown, Charlotte Morganti, and Dietrich Kalteis. Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00pm. Shebeen Whisk(e)y House, 210 Carrall St., Vancouver.
WRITING THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
Susan McCaslin will be offering a reading and short writing workshop based on her new spiritual autobiography Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga. Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30pm, free. Banyen Books and Sound, 3608 4th Ave. W., Vancouver. More information at banyen.com.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 48
BOOK NEWS
A Dram Come True
Join us for A Dram Come True, a whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest. A Dram Come True has been the best kept secret of the local single malt scotch scene for 13 years—eagerly anticipated by local scotch aficionados, and a delight for those newly initiated to the world of whisky.
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters in Conversation Podcast
Annabel Lyon's interview with Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters at the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest was lively, intimate and very funny. You can listen to their conversation here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/emma-donoghue-and-sarah-waters-conversation.
Incite 2015
An exploration of the human condition: Susan Juby (Republic of Dirt), Julie Paul (The Pull of the Moon), and Marguerite Pigeon (Some Extremely Boring Drives). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
The Other Press interviewed Susan, Julie and Marguerite earlier this week, http://theotherpress.ca/local-writers-offer-incite-ful-readings-at-vancouver-writers-fest-event/.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 25
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Karyn Freedman has won the BC National Award for non-fiction for her "harrowing" memoir, One Hour in Paris: A True Story of Rape and Recovery. Freedman stated that she "hopes the prize brings more attention to the issue–and spurs government action."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/awards-and-festivals/karyn-freedman-wins-bc-national-award-for-non-fiction/article22990122/
The shortlist for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction has been released. This year, the so-called 'Arabic Booker' shortlist has sidestepped "senior novelists for young and unknown writers from six countries."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/16/international-prize-for-arabic-fiction-2015-shortlist-announced
YOUNG READERS
It's Chinese New Year on Sunday! Chinese Fairy Tale Feasts, by Paul Yee, is an "enchanting collection of fairy tales including original stories and interpretations of Chinese folklore." As a bonus, a simple recipe for a traditional Chinese dish follows each tale.
http://www.bookcentre.ca/library/blogs/meghan/kung_hei_fat_choy_chinese_new_year_2015
NEWS & FEATURES
The Writers Trust of Canada is one of six arts organizations in a competition to win a $25,000 grant from RBC to support programs for emerging artists. If you’d like to help new writers get their careers underway, you can vote here:
http://vote.pollstream.com/PollPopupContent.php?short_link=2959&cb=c3ed45ab4461a1df2cd89b185d7862c5
Margaret Atwood, Jackie Collins, Lemony Snicket and Chuck Wendig are among many authors participating in this year's Twitter Fiction Festival, happening May 11-15, 2015.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/twitter-fiction-festival-attracts-big-authors/99354
The International Publishers Association has condemned last week's shootings in Copenhagen. IPA president Richard Charkin stated "we must stand together in our support for freedom of expression. The horrors of Paris and now Copenhagen must not be allowed to silence opinion, creativity, and debate."
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/publishers-condemn-denmark-shootings
Former US Poet Laureate Philip Levine passed away on Valentine's Day. "Mr. Levine's death is a serious blow for American poetry, in part because he so vividly evoked the drudgery and hardships of working-class life in America, and in part because this didn't pull his poetry down into brackishness."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/books/an-appraisal-the-poet-philip-levine-an-outsider-archiving-the-forgotten.html
Assia Djebar, "a writer and filmmaker who explored the plight of women in the male-centric Arab World", has also died. "I am not a symbol," Djebar once stated. "My only activity consists of writing." She added, "Like many writers, I use my culture and I collect several imaginary worlds."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/14/books/assia-djebar-novelist-who-wrote-about-oppression-of-arab-women-dies-at-78.html
Research in the UK has revealed that the top three most desirable jobs are book-related. Can you guess what they are? Author, librarian and academic!
https://yougov.co.uk/news/2015/02/15/bookish-britain-academic-jobs-are-most-desired/
"In the time of Twitter and Internet comments, it's not hard to find language being used for evil. People take the remarkable human capacity for communication and wield it like a big dumb ax, hacking into anything and anyone they don't like." Wonderfully enough, however, a new study has determined that languages are mostly made of "happy words."
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/02/language-is-biased-toward-happiness/385348/
What does Jon Stewart's departure from The Daily Show mean for the book business? Stewart "made time for books in an era when people were making less time for books than ever before and, more importantly, when it was becoming abundantly clear that most media organizations did not see book coverage—or arts coverage in general—as a priority."
http://www.mhpbooks.com/there-are-no-home-runs-left-what-jon-stewarts-departure-from-the-daily-show-may-mean-for-the-publishing-industry/
Have you ever heard of a library hotel? From the Taj Falknuma Palace in Hyderabad (which houses rare manuscript first editions) to Britain's Gladstone's Library (with 26 bedrooms decorated with literary-themed wallpaper), here's a list of some of the best.
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/hotels/national-libraries-day-from-koh-samui-to-flintshire-the-best-library-hotels-10028170.html
Speaking of libraries, Princeton University's one has inherited a rare book collection worth $300 million. The collection includes a 1455 Gutenberg Bible, an original printing of the Declaration of Independence, a number of musical manuscripts as well as music sketchbooks from Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Schubert and Wagner.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/princeton-inherits-300m-worth-of-rare-books/99190
Scholars have unearthed two letters relating to Jane Austen. They were written by Jane's brother Charles, and are believed to "shed a suggestive and unexpectedly saucy light on the ways her literary reputation was kept alive in the decades after her death in 1817."
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/10/pride-prejudice-prostitutes-and-pickles-scholars-identify-two-new-letters-relating-to-jane-austen/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Haruki Murakami has published a new story in The New Yorker. It's called Kino, and you can read it here:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/kino
In Elliot Ackerman's debut novel, Green on Blue, an Afghan Boy narrates a story of war. It's a fitting subject for Mr. Ackerman, a "decorated veteran who served five tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/books/review-in-green-on-blue-an-afghan-boy-narrates-story-of-war.html
Laura van den Berg's debut novel, Find Me, has been earning "deserved comparisons" to Kazuo Ishiguro and Margaret Atwood. Is she "the best young writer in America?" The literary website Salon thinks so.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/17/laura_van_den_berg_is_the_best_young_writer_in_america/
"Will Daniel Galera's Blood-Drenched Beard be a breakout moment for Brazilian literature?" That's the question the Globe and Mail is asking in this review of Galera's English-language debut, which tackles prosopagnosia, also known as "face blindness."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/will-daniel-galeras-blood-drenched-beard-prove-to-be-a-breakout-moment-for-brazilian-literature/article22835405/
"There is something helpless in being a witness," states 2014 Festival author Lee Maracle in the opening line of her moving new novel, Celia's Song. The book is a "magisterial blend of gritty social realism, First Nations myth, lyrical prose and a commitment to the healing to be found in story and song."
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Maracle+Celia+Song+well+worth+hearing/10812459/story.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
MARK FORSYTHE
The White Rock History Club is hosting the co-author of From the West Coast to the Western Front. Monday, February 23 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
Upcoming
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
A Dram Come True
Join us for A Dram Come True, a whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest. A Dram Come True has been the best kept secret of the local single malt scotch scene for 13 years—eagerly anticipated by local scotch aficionados, and a delight for those newly initiated to the world of whisky.
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters in Conversation Podcast
Annabel Lyon's interview with Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters at the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest was lively, intimate and very funny. You can listen to their conversation here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/emma-donoghue-and-sarah-waters-conversation.
Incite 2015
An exploration of the human condition: Susan Juby (Republic of Dirt), Julie Paul (The Pull of the Moon), and Marguerite Pigeon (Some Extremely Boring Drives). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
The Other Press interviewed Susan, Julie and Marguerite earlier this week, http://theotherpress.ca/local-writers-offer-incite-ful-readings-at-vancouver-writers-fest-event/.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 25
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Karyn Freedman has won the BC National Award for non-fiction for her "harrowing" memoir, One Hour in Paris: A True Story of Rape and Recovery. Freedman stated that she "hopes the prize brings more attention to the issue–and spurs government action."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/awards-and-festivals/karyn-freedman-wins-bc-national-award-for-non-fiction/article22990122/
The shortlist for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction has been released. This year, the so-called 'Arabic Booker' shortlist has sidestepped "senior novelists for young and unknown writers from six countries."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/16/international-prize-for-arabic-fiction-2015-shortlist-announced
YOUNG READERS
It's Chinese New Year on Sunday! Chinese Fairy Tale Feasts, by Paul Yee, is an "enchanting collection of fairy tales including original stories and interpretations of Chinese folklore." As a bonus, a simple recipe for a traditional Chinese dish follows each tale.
http://www.bookcentre.ca/library/blogs/meghan/kung_hei_fat_choy_chinese_new_year_2015
NEWS & FEATURES
The Writers Trust of Canada is one of six arts organizations in a competition to win a $25,000 grant from RBC to support programs for emerging artists. If you’d like to help new writers get their careers underway, you can vote here:
http://vote.pollstream.com/PollPopupContent.php?short_link=2959&cb=c3ed45ab4461a1df2cd89b185d7862c5
Margaret Atwood, Jackie Collins, Lemony Snicket and Chuck Wendig are among many authors participating in this year's Twitter Fiction Festival, happening May 11-15, 2015.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/twitter-fiction-festival-attracts-big-authors/99354
The International Publishers Association has condemned last week's shootings in Copenhagen. IPA president Richard Charkin stated "we must stand together in our support for freedom of expression. The horrors of Paris and now Copenhagen must not be allowed to silence opinion, creativity, and debate."
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/publishers-condemn-denmark-shootings
Former US Poet Laureate Philip Levine passed away on Valentine's Day. "Mr. Levine's death is a serious blow for American poetry, in part because he so vividly evoked the drudgery and hardships of working-class life in America, and in part because this didn't pull his poetry down into brackishness."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/books/an-appraisal-the-poet-philip-levine-an-outsider-archiving-the-forgotten.html
Assia Djebar, "a writer and filmmaker who explored the plight of women in the male-centric Arab World", has also died. "I am not a symbol," Djebar once stated. "My only activity consists of writing." She added, "Like many writers, I use my culture and I collect several imaginary worlds."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/14/books/assia-djebar-novelist-who-wrote-about-oppression-of-arab-women-dies-at-78.html
Research in the UK has revealed that the top three most desirable jobs are book-related. Can you guess what they are? Author, librarian and academic!
https://yougov.co.uk/news/2015/02/15/bookish-britain-academic-jobs-are-most-desired/
"In the time of Twitter and Internet comments, it's not hard to find language being used for evil. People take the remarkable human capacity for communication and wield it like a big dumb ax, hacking into anything and anyone they don't like." Wonderfully enough, however, a new study has determined that languages are mostly made of "happy words."
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/02/language-is-biased-toward-happiness/385348/
What does Jon Stewart's departure from The Daily Show mean for the book business? Stewart "made time for books in an era when people were making less time for books than ever before and, more importantly, when it was becoming abundantly clear that most media organizations did not see book coverage—or arts coverage in general—as a priority."
http://www.mhpbooks.com/there-are-no-home-runs-left-what-jon-stewarts-departure-from-the-daily-show-may-mean-for-the-publishing-industry/
Have you ever heard of a library hotel? From the Taj Falknuma Palace in Hyderabad (which houses rare manuscript first editions) to Britain's Gladstone's Library (with 26 bedrooms decorated with literary-themed wallpaper), here's a list of some of the best.
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/hotels/national-libraries-day-from-koh-samui-to-flintshire-the-best-library-hotels-10028170.html
Speaking of libraries, Princeton University's one has inherited a rare book collection worth $300 million. The collection includes a 1455 Gutenberg Bible, an original printing of the Declaration of Independence, a number of musical manuscripts as well as music sketchbooks from Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Schubert and Wagner.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/princeton-inherits-300m-worth-of-rare-books/99190
Scholars have unearthed two letters relating to Jane Austen. They were written by Jane's brother Charles, and are believed to "shed a suggestive and unexpectedly saucy light on the ways her literary reputation was kept alive in the decades after her death in 1817."
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/10/pride-prejudice-prostitutes-and-pickles-scholars-identify-two-new-letters-relating-to-jane-austen/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Haruki Murakami has published a new story in The New Yorker. It's called Kino, and you can read it here:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/kino
In Elliot Ackerman's debut novel, Green on Blue, an Afghan Boy narrates a story of war. It's a fitting subject for Mr. Ackerman, a "decorated veteran who served five tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/books/review-in-green-on-blue-an-afghan-boy-narrates-story-of-war.html
Laura van den Berg's debut novel, Find Me, has been earning "deserved comparisons" to Kazuo Ishiguro and Margaret Atwood. Is she "the best young writer in America?" The literary website Salon thinks so.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/17/laura_van_den_berg_is_the_best_young_writer_in_america/
"Will Daniel Galera's Blood-Drenched Beard be a breakout moment for Brazilian literature?" That's the question the Globe and Mail is asking in this review of Galera's English-language debut, which tackles prosopagnosia, also known as "face blindness."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/will-daniel-galeras-blood-drenched-beard-prove-to-be-a-breakout-moment-for-brazilian-literature/article22835405/
"There is something helpless in being a witness," states 2014 Festival author Lee Maracle in the opening line of her moving new novel, Celia's Song. The book is a "magisterial blend of gritty social realism, First Nations myth, lyrical prose and a commitment to the healing to be found in story and song."
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Maracle+Celia+Song+well+worth+hearing/10812459/story.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
MARK FORSYTHE
The White Rock History Club is hosting the co-author of From the West Coast to the Western Front. Monday, February 23 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
Upcoming
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 47
BOOK NEWS
A Dram Come True
Join us for A Dram Come True, a whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest. A Dram Come True has been the best kept secret of the local single malt scotch scene for 13 years—eagerly anticipated by local scotch aficionados, and a delight for those newly initiated to the world of whisky.
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft Manor
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Ann-Marie MacDonald Podcast
Our latest audio from the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest features actor, playwright, broadcaster and author Ann-Marie MacDonald in conversation with Jerry Wasserman. This sold out event was a highlight of the festival. "We need our stories. MacDonald says. "Remember who we are. Remember where we came from."
Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/ann-marie-macdonald.
Incite 2015
An exploration of the human condition: Susan Juby (The Republic of Dirt), Julie Paul (The Pull of the Moon), and Marguerite Pigeon (Some Extremely Boring Drives). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 25
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Miriam Toews has been shortlisted for the Folio Prize. In its second year, the prize is open to international authors of English-language fiction published in the United Kingdom. Colm Tóibín, who also appeared at the 2014 Writers Fest, made the cut as well.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/folio-fiction-prize-shortlist-includes-canada-s-miriam-toews-others-1.2227440
The Writers' Union of Canada has named the winner of its 2015 Freedom to Read Award: Ron Brown, founder of the prize. The award aims to recognize "advocacy on behalf of free expression in Canada."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/02/09/2015-freedom-to-read-award-goes-to-prizes-founder-ron-brown/
Malala Yousafzai's audiobook, I Am Malala, has won the Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/i-am-malala-audiobook-wins-grammy/98788
The 2015 Carnegie Medal longlist has also been revealed. You can discover it, in pictures, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/feb/10/carnegie-medal-longlist-2015
YOUNG READERS
"Are stories with wishes in them still popular today?" This articles explores the "'if only...' in children's books and discovers it's as important to be careful what you wish for now as it ever was."
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/09/best-childrens-books-with-wishes-book-doctor
NEWS & FEATURES
British author Hilary Mantel has received a Damehood for her "services to literature." The honour is fitting for a writer who specializes in royal intrigue. Her novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, which both won the Booker Prize, chronicle "the machinations" of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to Henry VIII.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-hilary-mantel-is-made-a-dame-20150206-story.html
Margaret Atwood recently visited West Point for "a frank conversation of gender, politics and oppression." The catalyst for discussion was her dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, required reading for first-year cadets.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/08/margaret_atwood_visits_west_point_for_a_frank_conversation_on_gender_politics_and_oppression/
Do you like a little coffee with your morning read? Here's a list called "Beans and Books: Coffee and Book Pairing Recommendations." Of course the pumpkin spice latte has many things in common with James Patterson's novels...it's the same reason why Gary Shteyngart should always be read while sipping "shade-grown, fair-trade, carbon-free Organic Peruvian!"
http://bookriot.com/2015/02/05/beans-books-coffee-book-pairing-recommendations/
What's the fiction writer's most critical task? According to Nick Harkaway, naming characters. "Very often, the name comes with the character, along with of a sense of who they are and what they do...All names are masks, as well as identifiers."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jan/29/name-christen-literary-character-nick-harkaway-tigerman
A new survey has revealed that a mere 54% of Americans read any book last year, whether print or digital. "Poetry saw the sharpest decline in readership of any 'literary genre,' falling from 12% to just 6.7%."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/just-54-americans-read-book-last-year-says-nea/
Americans don't read translated fiction either, claims Daily Beast author Bill Morris. "Like many of us after Patrick Modiano won the Nobel Prize for Literature last fall, Morris was struck by the scarcity of his books to be found in English translation – only a few of his thirty some works."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/asked-dont-americans-read-translated-fiction/
Speaking of all things south of the border, "crime, homelessness and crumbling infrastructure are still a problem in almost every part of America, but two cities have recently cracked down on one of the country's biggest problems: small community libraries where residents can share books." Apparently those little free libraries are on the wrong side of the law.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-little-free-libraries-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-law-20150204-story.html
Back here in Canada, Quill and Quire is launching a survey to find out "what is the most underrated CanLit title?" You can answer the question here. The most popular response will be published in April's 80th anniversary issue.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2015/02/05/survey-what-is-the-most-underrated-canlit-title/
What's your book's "love DNA?" Just in time for Valentine's Day, here's an infographic that measures romance in classic novels.
http://electricliterature.com/infographic-love-dna-of-classic-novels/
On that note, "Christian Grey may lure millions of moviegoers into theaters on Valentine's Day, but not everyone's a fan of the fictional billionaire and the story he's helping to tell." In the wake of Fifty Shades of Grey's film adaptation, a grassroots organization is urging people to donate to women's shelters instead.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/05/activists-fifty-shades_n_6621840.html
In more positive women's news, here's a profile of "seven women in the book industry who are encouraging diversity." The list, which features Canadian-based women, includes Silvia Moreno-Garcia, who appeared at the 2013 Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.quillandquire.com/omni/imprinting-change-seven-women-in-the-book-industry-who-are-encouraging-diversity/1/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Kelowna author Alix Hawley's new novel, All True Not a Lie in It, is a fictionalization of the life of Daniel Boone. "I've always struggled with first-person," states Hawley in this interview with Quill and Quire. "But I gritted my teeth and gave it a try. When the voice came to me, I realized, 'Yeah, this is how it needs to be.'"
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/alix-hawley-on-fictionalizing-the-life-of-frontiersman-daniel-boone/
What's fact and what's fiction? In this piece, Vancouver writer Michael Christie discusses "the art of good, and bad, memoir writing, and the interplay between fact and fabrication." His new book, a novel, is called If I Fall, If I Die.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-art-of-good-and-bad-memoir-writing-and-the-interplay-between-fact-and-fabrication-by-a-fiction-writer-10036313.html
Harper Lee is "hurt and humiliated" that people believe she was "duped" into releasing her new book, Go Set a Watchman. "She is a very strong, independent and wise woman who should be enjoying the discovery of her long lost novel," states her lawyer and friend Tonja Carter. "Instead, she is having to defend her own credibility and decision making."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11399306/Harper-Lee-hurt-and-humiliated-by-speculation-she-was-duped-into-releasing-new-book.html
Actor David Duchovny has written his first novel. As it turns out, it's not your standard Hollywood literary debut—he actually "comes from a family of writers and majored in English at Princeton." Funnily enough, he also something to say about Vancouver.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/10/i_would_rather_my_child_see_a_pig_circumcised_than_a_deers_mom_getting_killed_david_duchovny_on_his_madcap_fairy_tale_holy_cow/
In Amanda Filipacchi's novel, The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty, "a beautiful woman disguises herself as repulsive and tests men in bars." The book is "partly a meditation of the power of beauty, partly a roiling mystery."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/amanda_filipacchi_s_the_unfortunate_importance_of_beauty_reviewed.html
Nick Hornby has always been known for so-called lad's lit, the "bard of young men perennially stuck in place." His new novel, Funny Girl, instead features a woman "who's constantly hungry for more." He's interviewed here:
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/nick_hornby_interview_about_funny_girl_wild_and_television.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
CANOE CROSSINGS
Join author Sanford Osler for an illustrated lecture based on his latest book, Canoe Crossings: Understanding the Craft that Helped Shape British Columbia. Hear about local canoe stories and people, including tales of sailing canoes that crossed the Pacific. Thursday, February 12 at 6:00pm. TK Gallery, Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave., Vancouver. More information and tickets here, http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canoe-crossings-tickets-15602186560.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
WORLD POETRY
Celebrate Black History Month with a book launch for Roger Blenman's new book Dead'er featuring a reading by Adelene da Soul Poet. Hosted by Ariadne Sawyer and Russell Dior. Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm. Britannia Branch, VPL.
DR. GEORGE BAXTER-HOLDER
Author of Food Sex and God will be reading and autographing his new book. Monday, February 16 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor talks about his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk about her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
MARK FORSYTHE
The White Rock History Club is hosting the co-author of From the West Coast to the Western Front. Monday, February 23 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
A Dram Come True
Join us for A Dram Come True, a whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest. A Dram Come True has been the best kept secret of the local single malt scotch scene for 13 years—eagerly anticipated by local scotch aficionados, and a delight for those newly initiated to the world of whisky.
7:30pm, June 5
Hycroft Manor
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.
Ann-Marie MacDonald Podcast
Our latest audio from the 2014 Vancouver Writers Fest features actor, playwright, broadcaster and author Ann-Marie MacDonald in conversation with Jerry Wasserman. This sold out event was a highlight of the festival. "We need our stories. MacDonald says. "Remember who we are. Remember where we came from."
Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/ann-marie-macdonald.
Incite 2015
An exploration of the human condition: Susan Juby (The Republic of Dirt), Julie Paul (The Pull of the Moon), and Marguerite Pigeon (Some Extremely Boring Drives). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 25
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
In the Community
Compagnie Marie Chouinard (Montreal): Canada's Reigning Queen of dance returns to the DanceHouse stage with two works; Gymnopédies–set to the music of Eric Satie, and Henri Michaux: Mouvements–inspired by the 1951 book of abstract illustrations by the French artist Michaux. February 27 and 28. Details (http://dancehouse.ca/event/compagnie-marie-chouinard/) and tickets (https://tickets.dancehouse.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=53). Use this code to access a special $10-off rate on premium and regular tickets: WRITER.
AWARDS & LISTS
Miriam Toews has been shortlisted for the Folio Prize. In its second year, the prize is open to international authors of English-language fiction published in the United Kingdom. Colm Tóibín, who also appeared at the 2014 Writers Fest, made the cut as well.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/folio-fiction-prize-shortlist-includes-canada-s-miriam-toews-others-1.2227440
The Writers' Union of Canada has named the winner of its 2015 Freedom to Read Award: Ron Brown, founder of the prize. The award aims to recognize "advocacy on behalf of free expression in Canada."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/02/09/2015-freedom-to-read-award-goes-to-prizes-founder-ron-brown/
Malala Yousafzai's audiobook, I Am Malala, has won the Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/i-am-malala-audiobook-wins-grammy/98788
The 2015 Carnegie Medal longlist has also been revealed. You can discover it, in pictures, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/feb/10/carnegie-medal-longlist-2015
YOUNG READERS
"Are stories with wishes in them still popular today?" This articles explores the "'if only...' in children's books and discovers it's as important to be careful what you wish for now as it ever was."
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/09/best-childrens-books-with-wishes-book-doctor
NEWS & FEATURES
British author Hilary Mantel has received a Damehood for her "services to literature." The honour is fitting for a writer who specializes in royal intrigue. Her novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, which both won the Booker Prize, chronicle "the machinations" of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to Henry VIII.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-hilary-mantel-is-made-a-dame-20150206-story.html
Margaret Atwood recently visited West Point for "a frank conversation of gender, politics and oppression." The catalyst for discussion was her dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, required reading for first-year cadets.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/08/margaret_atwood_visits_west_point_for_a_frank_conversation_on_gender_politics_and_oppression/
Do you like a little coffee with your morning read? Here's a list called "Beans and Books: Coffee and Book Pairing Recommendations." Of course the pumpkin spice latte has many things in common with James Patterson's novels...it's the same reason why Gary Shteyngart should always be read while sipping "shade-grown, fair-trade, carbon-free Organic Peruvian!"
http://bookriot.com/2015/02/05/beans-books-coffee-book-pairing-recommendations/
What's the fiction writer's most critical task? According to Nick Harkaway, naming characters. "Very often, the name comes with the character, along with of a sense of who they are and what they do...All names are masks, as well as identifiers."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jan/29/name-christen-literary-character-nick-harkaway-tigerman
A new survey has revealed that a mere 54% of Americans read any book last year, whether print or digital. "Poetry saw the sharpest decline in readership of any 'literary genre,' falling from 12% to just 6.7%."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/just-54-americans-read-book-last-year-says-nea/
Americans don't read translated fiction either, claims Daily Beast author Bill Morris. "Like many of us after Patrick Modiano won the Nobel Prize for Literature last fall, Morris was struck by the scarcity of his books to be found in English translation – only a few of his thirty some works."
http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/asked-dont-americans-read-translated-fiction/
Speaking of all things south of the border, "crime, homelessness and crumbling infrastructure are still a problem in almost every part of America, but two cities have recently cracked down on one of the country's biggest problems: small community libraries where residents can share books." Apparently those little free libraries are on the wrong side of the law.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-little-free-libraries-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-law-20150204-story.html
Back here in Canada, Quill and Quire is launching a survey to find out "what is the most underrated CanLit title?" You can answer the question here. The most popular response will be published in April's 80th anniversary issue.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2015/02/05/survey-what-is-the-most-underrated-canlit-title/
What's your book's "love DNA?" Just in time for Valentine's Day, here's an infographic that measures romance in classic novels.
http://electricliterature.com/infographic-love-dna-of-classic-novels/
On that note, "Christian Grey may lure millions of moviegoers into theaters on Valentine's Day, but not everyone's a fan of the fictional billionaire and the story he's helping to tell." In the wake of Fifty Shades of Grey's film adaptation, a grassroots organization is urging people to donate to women's shelters instead.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/05/activists-fifty-shades_n_6621840.html
In more positive women's news, here's a profile of "seven women in the book industry who are encouraging diversity." The list, which features Canadian-based women, includes Silvia Moreno-Garcia, who appeared at the 2013 Vancouver Writers Fest.
http://www.quillandquire.com/omni/imprinting-change-seven-women-in-the-book-industry-who-are-encouraging-diversity/1/
BOOKS & WRITERS
Kelowna author Alix Hawley's new novel, All True Not a Lie in It, is a fictionalization of the life of Daniel Boone. "I've always struggled with first-person," states Hawley in this interview with Quill and Quire. "But I gritted my teeth and gave it a try. When the voice came to me, I realized, 'Yeah, this is how it needs to be.'"
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/alix-hawley-on-fictionalizing-the-life-of-frontiersman-daniel-boone/
What's fact and what's fiction? In this piece, Vancouver writer Michael Christie discusses "the art of good, and bad, memoir writing, and the interplay between fact and fabrication." His new book, a novel, is called If I Fall, If I Die.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-art-of-good-and-bad-memoir-writing-and-the-interplay-between-fact-and-fabrication-by-a-fiction-writer-10036313.html
Harper Lee is "hurt and humiliated" that people believe she was "duped" into releasing her new book, Go Set a Watchman. "She is a very strong, independent and wise woman who should be enjoying the discovery of her long lost novel," states her lawyer and friend Tonja Carter. "Instead, she is having to defend her own credibility and decision making."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11399306/Harper-Lee-hurt-and-humiliated-by-speculation-she-was-duped-into-releasing-new-book.html
Actor David Duchovny has written his first novel. As it turns out, it's not your standard Hollywood literary debut—he actually "comes from a family of writers and majored in English at Princeton." Funnily enough, he also something to say about Vancouver.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/10/i_would_rather_my_child_see_a_pig_circumcised_than_a_deers_mom_getting_killed_david_duchovny_on_his_madcap_fairy_tale_holy_cow/
In Amanda Filipacchi's novel, The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty, "a beautiful woman disguises herself as repulsive and tests men in bars." The book is "partly a meditation of the power of beauty, partly a roiling mystery."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/amanda_filipacchi_s_the_unfortunate_importance_of_beauty_reviewed.html
Nick Hornby has always been known for so-called lad's lit, the "bard of young men perennially stuck in place." His new novel, Funny Girl, instead features a woman "who's constantly hungry for more." He's interviewed here:
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/02/nick_hornby_interview_about_funny_girl_wild_and_television.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
CANOE CROSSINGS
Join author Sanford Osler for an illustrated lecture based on his latest book, Canoe Crossings: Understanding the Craft that Helped Shape British Columbia. Hear about local canoe stories and people, including tales of sailing canoes that crossed the Pacific. Thursday, February 12 at 6:00pm. TK Gallery, Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave., Vancouver. More information and tickets here, http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canoe-crossings-tickets-15602186560.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
WORLD POETRY
Celebrate Black History Month with a book launch for Roger Blenman's new book Dead'er featuring a reading by Adelene da Soul Poet. Hosted by Ariadne Sawyer and Russell Dior. Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm. Britannia Branch, VPL.
DR. GEORGE BAXTER-HOLDER
Author of Food Sex and God will be reading and autographing his new book. Monday, February 16 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor talks about his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk about her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
MARK FORSYTHE
The White Rock History Club is hosting the co-author of From the West Coast to the Western Front. Monday, February 23 at 7:00pm. White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock. More information at 604-541-2201.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Rob Taylor and Ruth Kozak with open mic. Thursday, February 26, 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.
Upcoming
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear writers E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis and Sam Wiebe share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Book News Vol. 9 No. 46
BOOK NEWS
Waking from the American Dream Podcast
Exciting voices from a new generation of American writers. Joshua Ferris, Cristina Henríquez and Matthew Thomas talk with John Freeman about the meaning of life, love and truth, and the demise of the American Dream. Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/waking-american-dream.
Incite 2015
New fiction from John Vaillant (The Jaguar's Children), Marianne Apostolides (Sophrosyne) and Alix Halwey (All True Not a Lie in It). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 11
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
AWARDS & LISTS
The American Library Association has announced the winners of its 2015 Book and Media awards, including the prestigious Ralph Caldecott Medals. Two Canadian artists earned Caldecott Honors: Jillian Tamaki for This One Summer (created with Writers Fest author Mariko Tamaki), and Jon Klassen for Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/02/03/jillian-tamaki-jon-klassen-receive-2015-caldecott-honors/
Man Booker Prize winner Anne Enright has been named Ireland's first Laureate for Fiction. Enright is known for her family saga called The Gathering.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11379773/anne-enright-ireland-first-fiction-laureate.html
The Crossover, a novel-in-verse about twin brothers who are basketball stars, has won the Newbery medal. The Newbery is the highest honour for children's literature in the United States.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/kwame-alexander-newbery-medal-dan-santat-caldecott
YOUNG READERS
Gordon Korman wrote his first book when he was twelve, "kicking off a career as a popular author of more than 60 books for middle-grade and young-adult readers." His newest is called Masterminds, and he's interviewed here,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-gordon-korman-always-hears-you-were-my-dads-favourite-author-when-he-was-my-age/article22720761/
NEWS & FEATURES
Award-winning Vancouver poet Elise Partridge has died of cancer. "The spectre of illness hangs over The Exiles' Gallery," her third collection, which is set to be published in April.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/award-winning-bc-poet-elisa-partridge-dies/article22752206/
The Thorn Birds author Colleen McCullough died last week at the age of 77. Her obituary in The Australian, which focused on her physical appearance, has spawned a social media backlash and a wave of parodies.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11379636/myozobituary-fans-mock-sexist-obituary-for-novelist-Colleen-McCullough.html
Roger Hargreaves' iconic Mr. Men and Little Miss books are coming to the big screen. "Hargreaves first introduced the world to his colourful characters in 1971 with his first book Mr. Tickle. He created new characters up until his death in 1988, including Mr. Sneeze, Mr. Mean, Mr. Dizzy, Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Sunshine and Little Miss Trouble."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/mr-men-and-little-miss-books-coming-to-big-screen.html
Who are your favourite "baddies" in books? "From Charles Dickens to Stephen King, fiction offers plenty of troubled children–but Anthony Burgess's teenage narrator is in a league of his own." Here's The Guardian's profile of Alex from A Clockwork Orange.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/feb/03/baddies-in-books-alex-a-clockwork-orange-anthony-burgess
Speaking of bad boys, this week marks the 101st birthday of William S. Burroughs. To celebrate, here's a list of things you might not know about the Beat Generation renegade.
http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/23472/1/things-you-might-not-know-about-william-s-burroughs
How does a typeface get lost? "Between August 1916 and January 1917 Cobden-Sanderson, a printer and bookbinder, dropped more than a tonne of metal printing type" into the Thames River. Now, almost 100 years later, the typeface has been revived digitally.
http://www.casualoptimist.com/blog/2015/01/28/the-doves-type-revival/
"Being a playwright in Canada is like being an ice sculptor: you are a practitioner of an obscure art form that is ephemeral, impractical as a career choice, misunderstood, romantic." In this piece for Quill and Quire, playwright Hanna Moscovitch discusses the necessity of publishing theatre works.
http://www.quillandquire.com/opinion/2015/01/30/playwright-hannah-moscovitch-on-the-necessity-to-publish-theatre-works/
Michael Bourne recently used a single sentence from Anthony Doerr's bestselling novel, All the Light You Cannot See, to demonstrate Doerr's mastery of narrative. The exercise got him wondering: "If I looked at the same line—the first sentence of the fifth paragraph on page 40—in other books, would it offer the same window onto the author's style?"
http://www.themillions.com/2015/01/the-page-40-test.html
Is book reviewing a public service or an art? In this week's edition of the New York Times' Bookends, James Parker and Anna Holmes take on the book review.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/books/review/is-book-reviewing-a-public-service-or-an-art.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Harper Lee is set to publish a new novel in July. Called Go Set a Watchman, it's a follow-up to her iconic 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The manuscript was written in the mid-1950s, and thought lost.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/02/03/harper-lee-to-publish-new-novel-in-july/
Milan Kundera's first novel in more than a decade is also set to be published in English this year. Faber will release Kundera's The Festival of Insignificance, translated from the original French by Linda Asher, on June 18th. The short work was first published in Italy in 2013, and has since topped charts in Italy, Spain and France.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/milan-kundera-new-novel-the-festival-of-insignificance
Penguin Canada has acquired Canadian rights to the next book in Stieg Larsson's best-selling Millennium series. "Written by Swedish crime writer David Lagercrantz, What Doesn't Kill Us will receive a different title for North America, as was the case with the first and third books in the series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest)."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/01/28/penguin-canada-to-publish-continuation-of-stieg-larssons-millenium-trilogy/
"My curiosity has always leaned to the north," states Steve Himmer in this interview. His new book is called Fram, "part spy thriller, part Arctic exploration story, part meditation on work, and mostly something completely new—as Will Wiles calls it, ‘a miniature bureaucratic epic somewhere between David Foster Wallace and Jules Verne.'"
http://electricliterature.com/my-curiosity-has-always-leaned-to-the-north-a-conversation-with-steve-himmer-author-of-fram/
Here are two short story collections that converge on the themes of crime and punishment: The Martini Shot by George Pelecanos, and Cover Before Striking, by Priscila Uppal. "Pelecanos restricts his formal canvas to the crime genre, whereas Uppal is much more profligate, preferring to range among different styles and approaches." Both authors have appeared at the Vancouver Writers Fest!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/crime-and-punishment-two-short-story-collections-converge-on-a-theme/article22721356/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
INTO THE MYSTIC
Susan McCaslin will be launching her new mixed-genre memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, at The Fort Gallery's First Thursday Arts Evening, 9048 Glover Rd., Fort Langley, Thursday, February 5, 7-9 pm, with local visual artists in the Full Circle Alumni Show (Susan J. Falk, Suzanne Northcott, Donna Usher, Myrna Pfeifer, Nancy Crawford, Betty Spackman and others). Contact: Emma Pavey at fortgallery@hotmail.com.
THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Candie Tanaka, Graham J. Darling, Kelly Ryan, Yaana Dancer, Alyson Quinn, Meharoona Ghani, Joanne Betzler, and Carleigh Baker. Thursday, February 5 at 8:00pm, admission by donation. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 778-782-8000.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor in discussion of his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk of her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Upcoming
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of Adrian, an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear Canadian writers share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis, and Sam Wiebe. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Waking from the American Dream Podcast
Exciting voices from a new generation of American writers. Joshua Ferris, Cristina Henríquez and Matthew Thomas talk with John Freeman about the meaning of life, love and truth, and the demise of the American Dream. Details here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/audio-archives/waking-american-dream.
Incite 2015
New fiction from John Vaillant (The Jaguar's Children), Marianne Apostolides (Sophrosyne) and Alix Halwey (All True Not a Lie in It). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.
FREE!
7:30pm, February 11
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite
AWARDS & LISTS
The American Library Association has announced the winners of its 2015 Book and Media awards, including the prestigious Ralph Caldecott Medals. Two Canadian artists earned Caldecott Honors: Jillian Tamaki for This One Summer (created with Writers Fest author Mariko Tamaki), and Jon Klassen for Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/02/03/jillian-tamaki-jon-klassen-receive-2015-caldecott-honors/
Man Booker Prize winner Anne Enright has been named Ireland's first Laureate for Fiction. Enright is known for her family saga called The Gathering.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/11379773/anne-enright-ireland-first-fiction-laureate.html
The Crossover, a novel-in-verse about twin brothers who are basketball stars, has won the Newbery medal. The Newbery is the highest honour for children's literature in the United States.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/kwame-alexander-newbery-medal-dan-santat-caldecott
YOUNG READERS
Gordon Korman wrote his first book when he was twelve, "kicking off a career as a popular author of more than 60 books for middle-grade and young-adult readers." His newest is called Masterminds, and he's interviewed here,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/author-gordon-korman-always-hears-you-were-my-dads-favourite-author-when-he-was-my-age/article22720761/
NEWS & FEATURES
Award-winning Vancouver poet Elise Partridge has died of cancer. "The spectre of illness hangs over The Exiles' Gallery," her third collection, which is set to be published in April.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/award-winning-bc-poet-elisa-partridge-dies/article22752206/
The Thorn Birds author Colleen McCullough died last week at the age of 77. Her obituary in The Australian, which focused on her physical appearance, has spawned a social media backlash and a wave of parodies.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/11379636/myozobituary-fans-mock-sexist-obituary-for-novelist-Colleen-McCullough.html
Roger Hargreaves' iconic Mr. Men and Little Miss books are coming to the big screen. "Hargreaves first introduced the world to his colourful characters in 1971 with his first book Mr. Tickle. He created new characters up until his death in 1988, including Mr. Sneeze, Mr. Mean, Mr. Dizzy, Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Sunshine and Little Miss Trouble."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/01/mr-men-and-little-miss-books-coming-to-big-screen.html
Who are your favourite "baddies" in books? "From Charles Dickens to Stephen King, fiction offers plenty of troubled children–but Anthony Burgess's teenage narrator is in a league of his own." Here's The Guardian's profile of Alex from A Clockwork Orange.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/feb/03/baddies-in-books-alex-a-clockwork-orange-anthony-burgess
Speaking of bad boys, this week marks the 101st birthday of William S. Burroughs. To celebrate, here's a list of things you might not know about the Beat Generation renegade.
http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/23472/1/things-you-might-not-know-about-william-s-burroughs
How does a typeface get lost? "Between August 1916 and January 1917 Cobden-Sanderson, a printer and bookbinder, dropped more than a tonne of metal printing type" into the Thames River. Now, almost 100 years later, the typeface has been revived digitally.
http://www.casualoptimist.com/blog/2015/01/28/the-doves-type-revival/
"Being a playwright in Canada is like being an ice sculptor: you are a practitioner of an obscure art form that is ephemeral, impractical as a career choice, misunderstood, romantic." In this piece for Quill and Quire, playwright Hanna Moscovitch discusses the necessity of publishing theatre works.
http://www.quillandquire.com/opinion/2015/01/30/playwright-hannah-moscovitch-on-the-necessity-to-publish-theatre-works/
Michael Bourne recently used a single sentence from Anthony Doerr's bestselling novel, All the Light You Cannot See, to demonstrate Doerr's mastery of narrative. The exercise got him wondering: "If I looked at the same line—the first sentence of the fifth paragraph on page 40—in other books, would it offer the same window onto the author's style?"
http://www.themillions.com/2015/01/the-page-40-test.html
Is book reviewing a public service or an art? In this week's edition of the New York Times' Bookends, James Parker and Anna Holmes take on the book review.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/books/review/is-book-reviewing-a-public-service-or-an-art.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Harper Lee is set to publish a new novel in July. Called Go Set a Watchman, it's a follow-up to her iconic 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The manuscript was written in the mid-1950s, and thought lost.
http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/2015/02/03/harper-lee-to-publish-new-novel-in-july/
Milan Kundera's first novel in more than a decade is also set to be published in English this year. Faber will release Kundera's The Festival of Insignificance, translated from the original French by Linda Asher, on June 18th. The short work was first published in Italy in 2013, and has since topped charts in Italy, Spain and France.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/03/milan-kundera-new-novel-the-festival-of-insignificance
Penguin Canada has acquired Canadian rights to the next book in Stieg Larsson's best-selling Millennium series. "Written by Swedish crime writer David Lagercrantz, What Doesn't Kill Us will receive a different title for North America, as was the case with the first and third books in the series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest)."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/01/28/penguin-canada-to-publish-continuation-of-stieg-larssons-millenium-trilogy/
"My curiosity has always leaned to the north," states Steve Himmer in this interview. His new book is called Fram, "part spy thriller, part Arctic exploration story, part meditation on work, and mostly something completely new—as Will Wiles calls it, ‘a miniature bureaucratic epic somewhere between David Foster Wallace and Jules Verne.'"
http://electricliterature.com/my-curiosity-has-always-leaned-to-the-north-a-conversation-with-steve-himmer-author-of-fram/
Here are two short story collections that converge on the themes of crime and punishment: The Martini Shot by George Pelecanos, and Cover Before Striking, by Priscila Uppal. "Pelecanos restricts his formal canvas to the crime genre, whereas Uppal is much more profligate, preferring to range among different styles and approaches." Both authors have appeared at the Vancouver Writers Fest!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/crime-and-punishment-two-short-story-collections-converge-on-a-theme/article22721356/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
INTO THE MYSTIC
Susan McCaslin will be launching her new mixed-genre memoir, Into the Mystic: My Years with Olga, at The Fort Gallery's First Thursday Arts Evening, 9048 Glover Rd., Fort Langley, Thursday, February 5, 7-9 pm, with local visual artists in the Full Circle Alumni Show (Susan J. Falk, Suzanne Northcott, Donna Usher, Myrna Pfeifer, Nancy Crawford, Betty Spackman and others). Contact: Emma Pavey at fortgallery@hotmail.com.
THE WRITER'S STUDIO READING SERIES
Readings by Candie Tanaka, Graham J. Darling, Kelly Ryan, Yaana Dancer, Alyson Quinn, Meharoona Ghani, Joanne Betzler, and Carleigh Baker. Thursday, February 5 at 8:00pm, admission by donation. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 778-782-8000.
RED BRICK READINGS
Features Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane. Friday, February 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $10. Red Brick Cafe, Sidney. More information at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
PAINFUL JOURNEY
The remarkable story of Burnaby resident Jerry Gbardy, author of Painful Journey-A Story of Escape and Survival. Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Free but register at 604-522-3971. Tommy Douglas branch, Burnaby Public Library.
SPOKEN INK
Reading by mystery writer Debra Purdy Kong. Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings, Burnaby. More information at bwscafe@gmail.com.
LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Alex Leslie and Roy Miki are the featured poets. Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 noon, free. SFU Harbour Centre's Teck Gallery, 515 W Hastings St. For more information visit www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/lunchpoems.
TIMOTHY TAYLOR
Timothy Taylor in discussion of his novel Stanley Park. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main Street, 4118 Main Street. Details at Book Warehouse Main Street, 604-879-7737.
JEAN BARMAN
Author presents an illustrated talk of her book French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest. Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
Upcoming
RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS
Reading by the author of Daughters in the City, about the lives of young Mennonite women working as domestic servants in Vancouver from 1930 to 1960. Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm. Registration required. Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford. More information at 604-859-7814.
JOSEPH BOYDEN
Author of Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce, and The Orenda discusses writing and approaching First Nation issues in Canada. Saturday, February 21 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival featuring Theodora Armstrong, George Bowering, Bill Gaston, Elizabeth May, Spider Robinson and others. February 20-22, 2015. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.
ELSIE PAUL
Author talks about her book Written as I Remember It. Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.com.
MICHAEL HETHERINGTON
Michael Hetherington's latest novel Hooked tells the story of Adrian, an innocent schoolteacher whose life becomes a nightmare after a chance encounter with a woman and a fish hook. Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Welsh Hall West, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.
ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her novel High Clear Bell of Morning. Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum, 3696 8th Ave. W.
CEA SUNRISE PERSON
Author talks about her memoir, North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Counterculture Family, and How I Survived Both. Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at vpl.ca.
JANE EATON HAMILTON
Author reads from her book love will burst into a thousand shapes. Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-6138.
SERENDIPITY 2015
The Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable invites you to an Edgy, Eerie, Exceptional Serendipity 2015 with Holly Black, Andrew Smith, Mariko Tamaki, Molly Idle, and Kelli Chipponeri. March 7, 2015 at the University of British Columbia, 8:00am to 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch included. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rates. More information at www.vclr.ca.
MISSION WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL
Features Evelyn Lau, Daniel Elza, Lois Peterson, Chris Gilpin, and John Carroll. Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Park Centre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, Mission. Details at http://www.lifetimelearningcentre.org/uncategorized/8th-annual-mission-writers-and-readers-festival-linking-generations/.
MYSTERY AND CRIME
Hear Canadian writers share their experience on writing mystery and crime stories. Featuring E.R. Brown, Robin Spano, Dietrich Kalteis, and Sam Wiebe. Saturday, March 7 at 11:45am. Fleetwood Library, Surrey.
HEART OF A HOOFBEAT
Margaret Evans will take you on a journey that begins 35,000 years ago in southern France to tell the fascinating story of the evolution of the horse. Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Yarrow Library, Chilliwack. More information at 604-823-4664.
MIRIAM TOEWS
Vancouver Institute lecture featuring Governor General's Award for Fiction winner Miriam Toews. Saturday, March 7 at 8:15pm. Lecture Hall No. 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, 2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC. More information at greencollege.ubc.ca.
A CELEBRATION OF GAIA AS A MUSE
North Vancouver based poet, librettist and non-fiction writer Elaine Woo reads from her debut poetry collection Cycling With The Dragon. Saturday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Brittania branch, VPL, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver. More information at nightwoodeditions.com.
PEN AND SWORD
Authors C.C. Humphreys, Sebastien de Castell and Kris Sayer will discuss their personal journeys studying swordplay to enrich their writing, characters and stories. Monday, March 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL. More information at 604-331-3603.
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