Book News Vol. 10 No. 25

BOOK NEWS

It's the best time of the year: the leaves are changing, the kids have gone back to school and tickets for the 2015 Writers Fest are now on sale! Many events are already selling quickly, so make sure to book your tickets today. Visit vancouvertix.com, call 604.629.8849 or visit our box office at 1398 Cartwright St. to buy.

Tickets for our December 1 event with John Irving at the Vancouver Playhouse are on sale now. John Irving will be talking about his new book, The Avenue of Mysteries, on Tuesday December 1st at the Vancouver Playhouse. You can find more details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/john-irving.

Help jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi be heard.

We'll soon be wrapping up our crowdfunding campaign to bring Ensaf Haidar (wife of the jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi) to the Writers Fest next month. if you haven't already given, please consider donating today. Help make Raif's voice heard despite the Saudi Arabian government's attempts to silence him.

You can help the campaign go viral-donations of any size are welcomed. Click here, https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/811vgd/ab/e54kg4.

Volunteer registration is now open!
Prospective volunteers should check out the volunteer pages, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/volunteers, of our Festival website and register through My Volunteer Page here,
https://app.volunteer2.com/Public/SignUp?organizationGUID=5c4eca8b-95ae-4e41-99a5-6a0e5843faa8&signupFormId=1.

Featured Event

Meet the Authors!
Join us at Chapters Granville Street for chance to meet 2015 Vancouver Writers Fest authors Jordan Abel, Darren Groth, Irina Kovalyova, Susin Neilsen, Carellin Brooks and Sheryda Warrener.

Chapters Granville Street
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Tuesday September 15

Join us for refreshments and get your books signed.

Poetry and Short Story Contest
The 17th Vancouver Writers Fest Poetry and Short Story Contest is now open! Entries will be accepted until October 25th, so get writing or start polishing up your best work. The contest is open to all writers, so this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get published for the first time, kick start your writing career or add to your already impressive resume. First place winners will receive $500 and be published in subTERRAIN Magazine. Details and to enter: http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest

Know a young writer? Tell them about our writing contest for BC grades 8-12 students, http://writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest.

AWARDS & LISTS

The 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize long list has been announced:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/giller-longlist-is-intriguing-and-wonderfully-unexpected/article26273552/

The list includes 2015 Festival authors Samuel Archibald, Patrick deWitt, Marina Endicott and Anakana Schofield. The short list will be announced on October 5-all shortlisted authors are schedule to appear in a Scotiabank Giller Prize event at the Festival: http://writersfest.bc.ca/2015/events/29-between-pages-evening-scotiabank-giller-prize-finalists

Stephen King is set to receive the National Medal of the Arts from US president Barack Obama. The award is the highest award for artists given by the American government.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/sep/07/stephen-king-national-medal-of-arts-barack-obama

Don DeLillo is being honored with a lifetime achievement award at the upcoming National Book Award ceremony this fall. "The presenting organization, the National Book Foundation, will present DeLillo with its 2015 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters."
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-national-book-awards-don-delillo-20150902-story.html

YOUNG READERS

It's almost fall, which means a whole new crop of Young Adult fiction to get excited about. Here are some reviews of new YA fiction from Daniel Kraus, Betsy Cornwell, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Moira Fowley-Doyle and more!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-new-young-adults-fiction-from-moira-fowley-doyle-betsy-cornwell-stephen-emond-darren-groth-stephanie-tromly-guillermo-del-toro-and-daniel-kraus/article26143503/

NEWS & FEATURES

An author-driven refugee appeal has raised more than £500,000. Patrick Ness, who has won the Carnegie medal twice, began the fundraiser last week when he was "tired of just tweeting my despair about the current refugee crisis that the UK government is responding to with inhumane feebleness."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/sep/07/patrick-nesss-refugee-appeal-tops-500000

On a similar subject, the Calais refugee library (mentioned in last week's Booknews) has been flooded with thousands of books. Its creator is urging people now to "donate money, not books, so refugees can cook–and read–in safety."
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/07/calais-refugee-library-flooded-with-thousands-of-books

Two homeless men have started Toronto's only underpass library. "Pedestrians used to walk by without acknowledging the men living in the underpass. But now they stop, take photos, ask questions and often leave with a book."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/with-no-fixed-address-two-men-start-toronto-s-only-underpass-library-1.3214286

In the age of social media, book tours can sometimes feel redundant. Why meet readers in person "when you can reach zillions of readers lounging around tweeting from your living room sofa?" Here's Mary Louise Kelly's take on the matter. According to her: "the book tour ain't dead yet!"
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/18/do-book-tours-sell-books-maybe-not-but-that-shouldnt-stop-you-having-a-good-time/

It's September, and a new school year is starting. What kind of courses should you be taking? An introductory literature class that forces you to memorize poems.
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/classes/2015/09/should_you_take_a_poetry_class_memorizing_poems_will_make_your_life_richer.html

"How exactly does one go about making a map of a make-believe place?" There's a whole universe out there of mapmakers who work with authors in order to create the maps we see at the beginning of many beloved books. Here's a chance to hear from some of them.
http://bookriot.com/2015/09/02/making-maps-books-two-cartographers-tell-us-done/

BOOKS & WRITERS

The recent refugee crisis in Europe has illuminated Canada's place in the world, especially when it comes to welcoming refugees. Here's a Globe and Mail compilation of books that "capture what it's like to be a refugee arriving in Canada."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/four-books-that-capture-what-its-like-to-be-a-refugee-arriving-in-canada/article26237887/

Lawrence Hill's new novel, The Illegal, also tackles that very "timely topic: the plight of refugees." One of the most anticipated books of the fall, it features a protagonist named Keita Ali, who comes from a fictional island country in the Indian Ocean, and wants to run marathons. See Lawrence Hill at this year's Vancouver Writers Fest in these events, http://writersfest.bc.ca/2015/authors/lawrence-hill.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/immigration-and-the-art-of-running-from-lawrence-hill/article26229326/

Karl Ove Knausgaard recently accused the Swedes of "being unable to tolerate ambiguity or enjoy literature." That hasn't stopped them from appreciating his work, however. A stage version of My Struggle is now playing at Stockholm's city theatre, and its director is interviewed here:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/sep/06/knausgaard-my-struggle-stage-adaptation-sweden

New fiction from Liza Klaussman, Jennifer Weiner, Lauren Fox and more has been featured in this week's Globe and Mail book section. Check out the collection of mini reviews here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-new-fiction-from-liza-klaussmann-jennifer-weiner-lauren-fox-taylor-jenkins-reid-charlotte-silver-and-karma-brown/article26227565/

Can one book change a person's life? Yes, "even in prison." Reginald Dwayne Betts Junior ‘s life changed when, at age 18 and in solitary confinement, The Black Poets came sliding under his door. His new book of poetry, Bastards of the Reagan Era, will be released in October.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/yes-one-book-can-change-your-life-even-in-prison_55e630dbe4b0aec9f3551027

Canoe Country: The Making of Canada is "a rollicking good read" that "weaves a convincing argument that the canoe is one of Canada's great characters." Written by Roy MacGregor, it features appearances by "lots of the usual suspects in the Canadian canoe dramatis personae," including Pierre Trudeau, Anahareo, Tom Thomson, Frances Anne Hopkins and Fannie Case.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-in-canoe-country-roy-macgregor-pays-tribute-to-canadas-still-favourite-means-for-getting-around/article26227338/

Here's something that you might never have expected: a novel written by a Hollywood star that has been described as a "parable for all ages!" Ethan Hawke's third novel, Rules for a Knight, features a Cornish knight who writes to his children before riding into battle.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/sep/07/ethan-hawke-third-novel-rules-for-a-knight

Lauren Groff is a writer whose books "are too exotic and unusual to be missed." Fates and Furies is her third novel, a book about marriage that "features a wife who's full of surprises." Lauren Groff will be appearing at this year's Vancouver Writers Fest in these events, http://writersfest.bc.ca/2015/authors/lauren-groff.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/07/books/review-lauren-groffs-fates-and-furies-features-a-wife-whos-full-of-surprises.html

A trailer for John Irving's new novel, Avenue of Mysteries, has been released. The book will be coming out on November 3rd, just in time for Irving's special event on December 1, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/john-irving.
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-news/2015/09/04/watch-first-look-at-john-irvings-avenue-of-mysteries/

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SOUTHBANK READING SERIES
Presents Karim Alrawi, author of the novel Book of Sands. Thursday, September 10 at 6:30pm. Admission by donation. Surrey Libraries (City Centre), 10350 University Dr., Surrey. More information at 604-598-7420.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Russell Thornton & Elena Johnson + Open Mic. Thursday, September 10th, 7–9:30pm, at The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Sign up for open mic at 7 pm. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Twisted Poets runs the 2nd Wednesday and the 4th Thursday of the month. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.

ZERO - 360: OPEN MIC
Share your recent writing on the second Thursday each month, or just come to listen. All genres welcome, but readings are limited to 6 minutes. Pelican Rouge Coffee: 15142 - 16 Ave. (in Central Plaza), WR. Sign up: 7:05; Readings 7:30 - 8:45pm Fall dates: Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. More information at semiahmooarts.com.

W. JAMES DICKINSON
Local author will read from his book Raptor Night. Friday, September 11 at 4:00pm, free. Salt Spring Island Public Library, Salt Spring Island. More information at saltspring.bc.libraries.coop.

DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Five poets/poetry-lovers/readers/writers bring to life the works of their favourite deceased poets. Each reader will give a brief presentation on the life and work of their chosen poet, followed by a poetry reading. Sunday, September 13 at 3:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at deadpoetslive.com.

LET'S READ-EFINE YA LIT
What happens when our stories don't represent us? How can we make YA literature more inclusive of our identities? Discuss these questions and more at this free workshop presented as part of Check Your Head's Open House series. Mon. September 14, 6-8pm at #605-207 W. Hastings. Email aleks@checkyourhead.org to reserve a seat.

THE HISTORY OF WOMEN IN THE RCMP
Historian and former RCMP officer, Bonnie Reilly Schmidt, launches her new book, Silenced: The Untold Story of the Fight for Equality in the RCMP. Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse on Main Street, 4118 Main ST. More information andrea@caitlin-press.com.

SPOKEN INK READING SERIES
Features poets Bren Simmers and Raoul Fernandes. Tuesday, September 15 at 8:00pm. La Fontana Caffe, 101-3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. More information at harbourpublishing.com.

NOVEL NIGHTS
Raziel Reid discusses his novel When Everything Feels Like The Movies. Wednesday, September 16 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse, 4118 Main Street. More information at 604-879-7737.

W.P. KINSELLA
Author launches his new book, The Essential W.P. Kinsella. Wednesday, September 16 at 7:00pm. Chilliwack Library.

Upcoming

THE BOOK OF NEGROES: FROM PAGE TO SCREEN WITH LAWRENCE HILL
Book of Negros author Lawrence Hill talks to CBC's Margaret Gallagher about transforming his best-selling novel into a major television series. Thursday September 17 at 7:00 pm. Goldcorps Centre for the Arts, 149 W. Hastings St. hapapalooza.com.

KOOTENAY BOOKWEEKEND
The Kootenay Bookweekend features discussions on The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, Local Customs by Audrey Thomas and our guest author, Arno Kopecky's book The Oil Man and the Sea. September 18-20, 2015 in Nelson, BC. Registration forms and information at kootenaybookweekend.ca.

EUROPEAN BOOK CLUB
Presents My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. Moderated by Dr. Elisa Segnini. Saturday, September 19 at 3:00pm, free but register at eubookclub.vancouver@gmail.com. Kitsilano Branch, VPL. More information at alliancefrancaise.ca.

THE BEST LAID PLANS: A MUSICAL
The world premiere of a musical based Terry Fallis' award-winning first novel. Presented by Touchstone Theatre and Patrick Street Productions. September 19-October 3, 2015. Added: An intimate pre-show chat with Terry Fallis on September 20 at 1pm. The York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive. For tickets, visit tickets.thecultch.com.

COMPLETELY MIXED UP
A display of creativity exploring what it means to be of mixed Asian-North American Heritage. Monday, September 21 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

POETRY LAUNCH
Elizabeth Ross launches her book of poetry Kingdom on September 21 at Pulp Fiction Books, Main St. location, at 7 p.m. Guest readers include Kevin Spenst and Elena Johnson. Hosted by Dina Del Bucchia.

LAUGHTER ALERT
Readings by the Salish Sea welcomes acclaimed humourist, Terry Fallis. Monday, September 21 at 7:30pm Turnbull Gallery in the South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre, 14601 - 20th Ave, Surrey. Tickets $10 at 604-536-8333 or info@semiahmooarts.com. More information at semiahmooarts.com.

POETRY READING
Kate Braid and Liz Ross welcome the arrival of fall with poems that celebrate transitions, the beauty of small moments and craft. Tuesday, September 22 at 6:30pm. Firehall branch, 1455 10th Ave. W. More information at 604-665-3970.

DORIS GREGORY
Author reads from her memoir How I Won the War for the Allies. Tuesday, September 22 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.

TRIPLE READING
Poets Kate Braid, Liz Ross, and Bren Simmers read from their latest books at the Carnegie VPL. September 23, 6 p.m.

WORD VANCOUVER
Featuring books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. September 23-27, 2015. Various locations. For complete details, visit wordvancouver.ca.

DOUBLE READING
Elizabeth Ross and Kyla Czaga read at People's Co-Op Bookstore on September 26. Doors at 7 p.m., reading starts at 7:30.

BEN HATKE
Kidsbooks presents the creator of the popular Zita the Spacegirl graphic novels presents his new book Little Robot. Monday, September 28. For times and locations and to purchase tickets, visit kidsbooks.ca.

CAROLINE WOODWARD
Author reads from her memoir Light Years: Memoir of a Modern Lighthouse Keeper. Monday, September 28 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main, Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.

AUTHORS UNBOUND UNINTERRUPTED
An evening of entertainment and inspiration provided by six local People of the Page: Mauro Azzano, Margo Bates, Kempton Dexter, Pattry Emry, Ron Kearse and Lillja Valis. Monday, September 28 at 7:00pm. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

PLUM JOHNSON
Author reads from her memoir They Left Us Everything. Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main St., Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.

THREE'S A THRILL
Panel featuring Mauro Azzano, author of the Ian McBriar Murder Mystery Series, Robin Spano, author of the Clare Vengel Undercover Series and Sam Weibe, author of The Last of the Independants. Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00p. Welsh Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library. More information at 604-925-7403.

KEN MURRAY
Author reads from his novel Eulogy: A Novel. Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00pm. Book Warehouse Main St., Vancouver. More information at 604-879-7737.

AUTHOR FEST
Meet Fraser Valley writers and learn first-hand about their work, the experience of writing, publishing, and marketing. Saturday, October 3 at 1:00pm. Clearbrook Library.

CAITLIN PRESS POETRY LAUNCH
Join Sarah de Leeuw, Arleen Paré, Kate Braid and Beth Kope as they read from their newest work. Thursday, October 22 at 7:30pm. Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main St. More information andrea@caitlin-press.com.