Book News Vol. 10 No. 5

BOOK NEWS

A Dram Come True
A whisky tasting fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest.

We're pleased to announced that VonAlbrecht & Associates will be joining us at A Dram Come True this year, and presenting three exclusive bottlings for you to sample. One whisky they'll be pouring is the Coopers Choice Glen
Elgin 17 Year Old, an elusive malt at the best of times and very rare at this age. With only 360 bottles produced, this Scotch is strictly limited edition.

So far we've got 14 whiskies lined up, plus a full slate of Scotch Malt Whisky Society offerings, with plenty more to come. Click here (https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-tasting-menu) for a taste of what to expect at this year's event.

Tickets: $120
Preview Tasting Tickets (access to bars 45 minutes early): Add $40
7:30pm, June 5 at Hycroft
Details and to purchase tickets here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.

Incite 2015
An evening of dark humour with a hint of the supernatural: Russell Smith (Confidence), Adam Lewis Schroeder (All Day Breakfast), and Kristi Charish (Owl and the Japanese Circus). Details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite.

FREE!
7:30pm, May 6
Alice MacKay room, VPL Central Library
Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite

AWARDS & LISTS

Anthony Doerr has won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for All the Light We Cannot See. Elizabeth Kolbert was awarded the Nonfiction price for The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History.
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/all-the-light-we-cannot-see-wins-2015-pulitzer-prize-for-fiction/102302

Pierre Pratt has been awarded the 2015 IBBY Canada Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Picture Book Award for his art in Stop, Thief!, written by Heather Tekavec. "The $1,000 prize recognizes excellent artistic talent in a Canadian picture book published in English or French the previous year."
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/04/20/pierre-pratt-wins-2015-ibby-canada-elizabeth-mrazik-cleaver-picture-book-award/

The Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design is Canada's only national competition for book design. This past year's award winners were just announced, with 31 winning titles from 201 entries, from 9 provinces and 79 publishers.
http://alcuinsociety.com/awards/

YOUNG READERS

Are you looking for a new Young Adult book to check out? Here's a list of this year's best (so far!)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/children_sbookreviews/11340200/The-best-young-adult-books-of-2015.html

NEWS & FEATURES

Haruki Murakami and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have made it into Time Magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people. "It's the rare novelist who in the space of a year finds her words sampled by Beyoncé, optioned by Lupita Nyong'o and honored with the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction."
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/haruki-murakami-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-make-times-influential-people-list/102117

T.H. Tsien, a scholar of Chinese books and printing, has died at 105. Besides being one the world's most renowned scholars of Chinese paleography (the study of ancient writing) and bibliography, he was also responsible for rescuing 30,000 books during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/20/world/asia/th-tsien-scholar-of-chinese-written-word-dies-at-105.html

Which makes better fodder for fiction? Grand historical events or everyday life? Thomas Mallon and Francine Prose discuss.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/19/books/review/are-grand-historical-events-better-fodder-for-fiction-than-everyday-life.html

The U.S. Library of Congress has launched an Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature. So far you can listen to 50 different poetry selections, spanning 75 years in time.
http://www.openculture.com/2015/04/library-of-congress-launches-new-online-poetry-archive.html

"Is there a relationship between the quantity of books available to us, the ease with which they can be written and published, and our reading experience?" Here's one man's take on our "era of massive overproduction."
http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2015/apr/16/too-many-books/

Are you a fan of literary apps? Here are ten that you might not have heard of.
http://bookriot.com/2015/04/20/10-bookish-iphone-apps-may-not-heard/

BOOKS & WRITERS

"Many Canadian novelists and poets (Jane Urquhart is both) have some deep connection to the visual arts as well...Urquhart's new novel The Night Stages reminds us, as though we needed reminding, that her own relationship to art is a rich and especially meaningful one." This article outlines that relationship, as well as her new book.
http://www.straight.com/life/430601/jane-urquhart-continues-upward-night-stages

Here are two new poetry collections worth checking out, both of which offer different ways of looking at identity: The Road In Is Not the Same Road Out, by Karen Solie and Their Biography: an organism of relationships by Kevin McPherson.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/observe-and-report-two-new-poetry-collections-offer-different-ways-of-looking-at-identity/article24008435/

"In this book, I was very interested in childhood trauma paralyzing us in the contemporary world" states Toni Morrison in relation to her latest novel, God Help the Child. Listen to her interview with the CBC, here:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-edition-1.3040660/toni-morrison-on-her-new-novel-god-help-the-child-race-and-racism-1.3040693

Poetry Notebook: Reflections on the Intensity of Language, is a "valedictory" book of poetry citicism by Clive James that "wrestles with how art is long, but life is short." The book is a collection of short essays—"brief and fluent," yet also representing "the distillation of years of thought and study."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/04/clive_james_poetry_notebook_reviewed.html

"Poet Gary Snyder has hung with the Beats, studied Buddhism, worked as a logger and he's still going strong." In this interview with NPR, Snyder discusses his new collection, This Present Moment.
http://www.npr.org/2015/04/18/400573636/at-84-poet-gary-snyder-lives-in-this-present-moment

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ASHLEY LITTLE
Reading by the author of Anatomy of A Girl Gang. Thursday, April 23 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

ARTHUR ELLIS SHORTLIST EVENT
Cathy Ace will be grilling a panel of her fellow BC crime writers including Don Hauka, Owen Laukkanen, Kay Stewart and Sam Wiebe about their latest, and forthcoming, works, as well as their writing styles and habits. Thursday, April 23 at 7:00pm, free but registration required. Bob Prittie Metrotown branch, Burnaby Public Library. Information and registration at 604-436-5410.

MEET THE AUTHOR: JOHN VAILLANT
John Vaillant discuses his novel, The Jaguar's Children. Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 PM. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. $22 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Featuring YA writers Jacquie Pearce and Lois Peterson plus open mic for youth. Thursday, April 23 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.

BOOK LAUNCH
An evening of reading, laughs and conversation with poets Jeff Steudel (Foreign Park), Melissa Bull (Rue), and Kevin Spenst (Jabbering with Bing Bong). Thursday, April 23 at 7:00pm, free. The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver. More information at 604-876-8710.

LITFEST NEW WEST
The Arts Council of New Westminster, in partnership with Douglas College, New Westminster Public Library and Royal City Literary Arts Society, presents the 5th Annual LitFest New West. April 24-25, 2015. Details at artscouncilnewwest.org/litfest.

A FEAST OF POETRY
Readings from five local poets, including Vancouver's Poet Laureate, Rachel Rose, Governor General's Award-winner David Zieroth, as well as Raoul Fernandes, Pam Galloway and Rob Taylor. Appetizers available; cash bar. Friday, April 24 at 7:00pm. North Vancouver City Library, 120 W. 14th St., North Vancouver. Details and registration at nvcl.ca.

JABBERING WITH BC
Canadian poets Kevin Spenst, Raoul Fernandes and Elena E. Johnson read from their recent works, discuss their writing processes, and take questions about poetry and writing. Saturday, April 25 at 3:00pm. Central branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

BC BOOK PRIZES GALA
Winners in all seven categories will be announced and the recipient of the 2015 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence, Betty Keller, will be celebrated. Saturday, April 25 at 5:30pm. Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel, 1133 West Hastings St., Vancouver. Details and tickets at bcbookprizes.ca.

RACHEL HARTMAN
Author of Seraphina reads from her latest book, Shadow Scale. Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00pm, free but registration required. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library. Information and registration at 604-299-8955.

TEEN POETRY SLAM
Teens in grades 8 through 12 perform an original poem in front of an audience, including a panel of judges. April 29 at 7:00pm. City Centre branch, Coquilam Public Library. For information and registration, phone 604-554-7339.

CASCADIA POETRY FESTIVAL
Features more than forty poets from across Cascadia, a bioregion that stretches from California to Alaska, including Sam Hamill, Brenda Hillman, Robert Bringhurst, Susan Musgrave, Sharon Thesen, Joanne Arnott, and Stephen Collis. April 30-May 3, 2015 in Nanaimo, BC. Complete details at cascadiapoetryfestival.org.

PAUL YEE
Meet the author of Dead Man's Gold and Ghost Train. April 30 at 10:00am. Newton Library meeting room, Newton Library, Surrey. More information at 604-598-7408.

BOOKFEST 2015
29th annual festival presented by Vancouver Island Children's Book Festival. Saturday, May 2, 2015 in downtown Nanaimo, BC. For complete details and ticket information, visit bookfest.ca.

E.D BLODGETT AND RAY NURSE
A concert of poetry and lute music in which poetry is read throught the filter of music. Saturday, May 2 at 2:00pm. Tickets: $15. Visualspace Gallery, 3352 Dunbar Street, Vancouver. For more information and tickets, email yukiko@yukikoonley.com.

JAN COATES
Readings for children and teens by the author of The Power of Harmony and Rocket Man. Part of TD Canadian Children's Book Week, bookweek.ca. Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5. For times and locations, visit surreylibraries.ca.

JUDY YUNG AND EDDIE FUNG
Readings by the authors of Island: Poetry and History of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island and The Adventures of Eddie Fung. Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

JOHN VAILLANT
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with award-winning author, John Vaillant as he introduces his latest book, The Jaguar's Children. Presented by Semiahmoo Arts in partnership with Black Bond Books, May 5, 7:30 pm at the Turnbull Gallery, South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre, 14601 20th Avenue, Surrey. $10. Pre-registration recommended: info@semiahmooarts.com or 604-536-8333.

CATHIE BORRIE
Author reads from her memoir, The Long Hello: Memory, My Mother and Me. Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm. McGill branch, Burnaby Public Library.

TWS READING SERIES
Celebrate 15 years of The Writer's Studio! Special reading event with a line-up of TWS alumni authors, featuring Betsy Warland, founder and first director of TWS and author of Breathing the Page–Reading the Act of Writing. Thursday, May 7 at 8:00pm. Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver.

JACQUELINE WOODSON
An evening with Jacqueline Woodson, 2014 National Book Award Winner for her memoir, Brown Girl Dreaming. Friday, May 8 at 7:00pm. Cost: $25. Robson Square Auditorium. Registration and information at vclr.ca.

AUTHORS AMONG US
Meet authors who use historical events to create fictional worlds or share narrative experiences. Featuring Sumi Kinoshita, Robert W. Mackay, Roger R. Blenman, and Sabina Khan. Saturday, May 9 at 2:00pm. Readability Lounge, City Centre Library, Surrey. For information and registration, call 604-598-7426.

THIS PLACE A STRANGER
Caitlin Press and Room magazine celebrate women's literature with the launch of This Place A Stranger: Canadian Women Travelling Along. Take a trip around the world with readings from Karen J Lee, Nadine Pedersen and others. Saturday, May 9 at 7:00pm. Artspeak, 233 Carrall St. Vancouver.

Upcoming

MUSLIM WOMEN BETWEEN FICTION AND REALITY
Author Monia Mazigh leads a presentation and discussion of her novel Mirrors and Mirages. Monday, May 11 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at vpl.ca.

IAN WEIR
Award-winning local author Ian Weir presents his critically acclaimed recent work, Will Starling. Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Patrick Friesen, Kayla Czaga, and Jillian Christmas plus open mic. May 13 at 7:00pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.

EE COOPER
Book signing and launch party for the author's latest YA book, Vanished. Sunday, May 17 at 2:00pm. Chapters/Indigo, 1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver.

SPOKEN INK
Kayla Czaga reads from her first poetry collection For Your Safety Please Hold On. Tuesday, May 19 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca.

LUNCH POEMS AT SFU
Featuring Chelene Knight and Dina Del Bucchia. Wednesday, May 20 at 12:00 noon. Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. More information at sfu.ca.

NVCL LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES
Featuring Janie Chang, Carol M. Cram and Marie Sadro. Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00pm. 3rd floor program room, North Van City Library, 120 14th Street W., North Vancouver.

NEIL MCKINNON
Award winning author and Stephen Leacock Medal finalist will read from his latest novel, The Greatest Lover of Last Tuesday. Saturday, May 30 at 3:00pm. New Westminster Public Library, 716 6th Ave., New Westminster. Register at 604-527-4667 or listener@nwpl.ca.