Book News Vol. 10 No. 29

BOOK NEWS

The Vancouver Writers Fest presents acclaimed authors from around the world: Vancouver-based author Anakana Schofield (http://writersfest.bc.ca/2015/authors/anakana-schofield) was shortlisted for the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize this week for her novel, Martin John. This past week, VIFF screened 45 Years, a film adaptation of British writer David Constantine’s short story In Another Country. (http://writersfest.bc.ca/2015/authors/david-constantine). Ensaf Haidar (http://writersfest.bc.ca/2015/authors/ensaf-haidar)—whose own memoir was just published in German—has accepted the PEN Pinter Prize on behalf of her husband, Raif Badawi. And Freeman’s, a literary anthology with an all-star line-up of writers edited by John Freeman (http://writersfest.bc.ca/2015/authors/john-freeman) was published last week to rave reviews (http://www.startribune.com/review-freeman-s-arrival-edited-by-john-freeman/330413131/).

To learn more about these authors and more than 100 others, visit our website, writersfest.bc.ca.

Joseph Boyden & Friends
Join us for a very special evening with Joseph Boyden and friends. Expect the unexpected at this intimate evening celebrating great Canadian writing! Enjoy cocktails, hearty appetizers and fireside chats with the authors.

Saturday, October 24th, 2015
7:00-10:00 pm
Bridges Restaurant, Upper Dining Room, Granville Island

Tickets: http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/boyden. A fundraiser for the Vancouver Writers Fest

John Irving in Conversation with Hal Wake
International bestselling author John Irving reads from his highly-anticipated new novel, Avenue of Mysteries on December 1 at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets are on sale. You can find more details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/john-irving.

Volunteers Needed!
See events from the inside out! Volunteer on Food & Beverage for our early evening events Wed the 21st and Thursday the 22nd. More vols with daytime availability also needed on Production and for the Festival Kitchen! Apply now, https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/get-involved/volunteers.

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.

FESTIVALS

The Vancouver Art/Book Fair features nearly 100 local, national and international publishers, programs, performances and installations. Featured artists from Canada and around the globe present books, magazines, zines and printed ephemera as well as digital and other experimental forms of publication. More information at vancouverartbookfair.com.

The Cinematheque and curator Ray Hsu presents the Visible Verse 2015 Festival, an annual celebration of video poetry, that hybrid form that marries verse with media-arts. Twenty-five exceptional works from local, national, and international artists have been selected to screen. More information at http://thecinematheque.ca/visible-verse-2015-festival.

2015 FESTIVAL AUTHORS

In The Reason You Walk, Wab Kinew reveals the "joy and pain of reconciliation." In his words, "we only live once. We're only going to get this one chance to make things right, so let's do it. On a personal level-put all the baggage out on display-but let's also do it for the culture and the language." He's interviewed by the CBC here:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/buffy-sainte-marie-wab-kinew-and-how-dna-remembers-trauma-1.3242375/wab-kinew-reveals-joy-and-pain-of-reconciliation-in-the-reason-you-walk-1.3243687

The Sympathizer, by Viet Thanh Nguyen, takes place in the aftermath of the Vietnam war. In it, a South Vietnamese Army captain and Communist informant flees to America, and then is subsequently captured. "It's a novel much concerned with doubleness (double-agent, doubly minded, doubly raced)."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/05/books/review/the-sympathizer-by-viet-thanh-nguyen.html

Tracey Lindberg's Birdie is "both idiosyncratic and relatable, and very, very Canadian." Its protagonist is a Cree-Métis woman who moves from northern Alberta to the Sunshine Coast, thanks to a "girlhood obsession" with Pat John from the Beachcombers.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-tracey-lindbergs-debut-novel-birdie-introduces-an-important-new-voice-in-canadian-fiction/article24940197/

In Sarah Winman's A Year of Marvellous Ways, the "grounded reality" of her fictional characters unfolds "among the very real events of recent history." Set in 1947 Cornwall, a young traumatized soldier meets the novel's title character, an 87-year-old woman, who coaxes him "back to the land of the living."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/a-year-of-marvellous-ways-by-sarah-winman-book-review-fanciful-imagery-and-beautiful-prose-that-ebbs-10300982.html

Known primarily for his books for young people, A Superior Man marks Paul Yee’s first novel for adults. The book focuses on Chinese-Canadian history, a protagonist who arrives in Victoria from China in 1881 to work as a coolie on the Canadian Pacific Railway.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/review-new-fiction-from-pauline-holdstock-paul-yee-and-daniel-allen-cox/article26332822/

Patti LaBoucane-Benson recently appeared on The Next Chapter with Shelagh Rogers. Listen to her discuss The Outside Circle here:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thenextchapter/lori-lansens-patti-laboucane-benson-1.3090837

I Saw a Man, by Owen Sheers, is "a compelling journey" into "male bereavement, grief and guilt." It's the story of a young writer struggling to cope with the death of his wife, and the subsequent friendship he develops with a neighbour.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/27/i-saw-a-man-owen-sheers-review

In Nino Ricci's "grim and compelling new novel," Sleep, a narcoleptic academic who engages in "moral depravity and self-sabotage" takes centre stage. His own mental breakdown mirrors the physical world, and by the end of the novel, is an extension of it.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-a-mans-life-falls-apart-in-nino-riccis-grim-and-compelling-new-novel-sleep/article26541553/

The first reviews for John Freeman's new anthology are out. Called Freeman's, it's a "first-rate anthology of bold, searching and personal writing by emerging and established writers on the theme of arrival."
http://www.startribune.com/review-freeman-s-arrival-edited-by-john-freeman/330413131/

AWARDS & LISTS

Belarusian writer Svetlana Alexievich won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/nobel-prize-literature-svetlana-alexievich-1.3262060

The Giller Prize has announced its highly anticipated shortlist. Vancouver's own Anakana Schofield is on the list.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/giller-prize-announces-shortlist-which-includes-short-fiction-and-a-work-in-translation/article26652449/

Rosemary Sullivan has won this year's Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction for Stalin's Daughter: The Extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva. The biography has been described as an "insightful yet empathetic portrait" of Alliluyeva, whose life was defined by an "attempt to escape her father's shadow."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/biography-of-stalins-daughter-wins-hilary-weston-writers-trust-prize/article26686237/

Thomas King and Cecil Castellucci have been awarded the 2015 Sunburst Awards. King won in the Fiction category for The Back of the Turtle. Castellucci won in the YA category for Tin Star.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/10/05/thomas-king-and-cecil-castellucci-win-2015-sunburst-awards/

YOUNG READERS

"When teen author James Dawson was growing up he dreaded poetry lessons, but the fuzzy line between songwriting and poetry slowly changed all that-and now he's finally out of the poetry closet." James Dawson discusses the relationship between his YA novels and his life in poetry, here:
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/oct/06/james-dawson-poetry-all-of-the-above

NEWS & FEATURES

Iran has threatened to boycott the world's largest book fair, due to the planned appearance of Salman Rushdie at the event. "A decision to boycott Frankfurt would be a blow to Iranian publishers, 282 of which were represented at the book fair last year, displaying more than 1,200 titles."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/06/iran-threatens-frankfurt-book-fair-boycott-over-rushdie-speech

What would be a dream assignment for a novelist? For Jeannette Winterson, it was to "choose any Shakespeare play she wanted, and adapt it into a novel." As it turns out, it's a real project with numerous authors involved.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/06/books/novelists-reimagine-and-update-shakespeares-plays.html

Here's the map of literary genres that every book nerd needs! "I was always interested in maps and infographics," states its author, "and the elegant, multilayered way they can portray large amounts of information about the world we live in."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/map-of-literary-genres-martin-vargic_56047c70e4b08820d91c5af3

How does an author's reputation shape your response to a book? That's the question for this week's New York Times' Bookends. Zoë Heller and Siddhartha Deb discuss, here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/books/review/how-does-an-authorsreputation-shape-your-response-to-a-book.html

BOOKS & WRITERS

In this piece for The Globe and Mail, the finalists for the Hilary Weston Prize "reveal the stories behind the stories." Elliott Behar, Douglas Coupland and Rosemary Sullivan (among others) are featured.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/hilary-weston-prize-finalists-reveal-the-stories-behind-the-stories/article26660172/

Claire Vaye Watkins' "enthralling" debut novel, Gold Fame Citrus, takes place in a California that has turned to endless desert. As the writer of this review states, it's "the death of the California dream."
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2015/10/claire_vaye_watkins_gold_fame_citrus_reviewed.2.html

Author and SFU Chancellor Anne Giardini has a new feather in her cap.
http://business.financialpost.com/legal-post/lifetime-achievement-award-caps-anne-giardinis-amazing-career

COMMUNITY EVENTS

POETRY PARTY
Readings by Christine Stewart and Ted Byrne. Thursday, October 10 at 7:30pm, free. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Dr., Vancouver.

PAUL YEE
Author reads from his new adult novel A Superior Man. Conducted in Cantonese and English. Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30pm, free. Central branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

PATRICK NESS
Presentation, Q&A, and book signing by the author of The Rest of Us Just Live Here. Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00pm. Vancouver Kidsbooks, 3083 West Broadway. Tickets and more information at kidsbooks.ca.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Susan McCaslin, LeslieTimmins, Jennifer Zilm plus open mic. Wednesday, Oct. 14th , 7-9:30pm, at 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.

ALCUIN AWARDS FOR CANADIAN BOOK DESIGN
The ceremonies for this year's presentation of the 33rd Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada will precede an informal Panel on Children's Book Publishing. Featuring Sara Gillingham, Julie Flett, Julie Morstad and Cynthia Nugent. Thursday, October 15 at 6:30pm, free. Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Room SB301. More information at http://alcuinsociety.com/book-design-awards-ceremony-in-vancouver/.

MEET THE AUTHOR
Governor General's Award winner Maria Tippett discuses her book, Made in British Columbia: Eight Ways of Making Culture. Thursday, October 15 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.

CATHY ACE
Book launch for The Corpse with the Diamond Hand. Thursday, October 15 at 7:00pm, free. Black Bond Books, Coquitlam Centre Mall, 1306-2929 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam. More information at 604-474-3477.

AGITATE!
Montreal anarchist author, violinist, and cabaret artist Norman Nawrocki launches a new poetry book, Agitate! Anarchist Rants, Raps, Poems. Thursday, October 15 at 7:00pm. Tickets: $5. Spartacus Books, 3378 Findlay, Vancouver.

ROM COM
Dina Del Bucchia and Daniel Zomparelli launch their co-authored collection of poetry. Thursday, October 15 at 7:30pm. Hot Art Wet City, 2206 Main St., Vancouver. More information at talonbooks.com.

WHISTLER READERS AND WRITERS FESTIVAL
Annual event brings together Canadian and international authors for a weekend packed with readings, workshops, speaker panels, spoken word events, and music. October 16-18, 2015. Fairmont Chateau Whistler. More information at whistlerwritersfest.com.

A GOLDEN AFTERNOON
Hosted by UBC's Language and Literacy Education Department (LLED) Alumni and sponsored by the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable (VCLR), this Alice-in-Wonderland-themed celebration will benefit a local school library in Vancouver. Saturday, October 17 at 12:00 noon. Sage Bistro, UBC. Tickets and information at http://blogs.ubc.ca/alice150/.

THE FLOUR PEDDLER
As part of World Food Day, Chris Hergesheimer and Josh Hergesheimer present their book. Saturday, October 17 at 1:00pm. Brighouse branch, Richmond Public Library. More information at yourlibrary.ca.

BREAKING TRADITIONS: FIGHTING FOR JOB EQUALITY THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
Authors Kate Braid and Bonnie Reilly Schmidt will join tradeswomen Mariegold Rondeau and Louisa Robinson where they will read from their latest work and discuss their experiences entering male-dominated work worlds, the changes in these fields over the last forty years and the challenges that remain. Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm. Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

Upcoming

MONIQUE POLAK
Quebec English-language writer will read from her acclaimed teen fiction books, including her latest teen novel, Learning the Ropes. Tuesday, October 20 at 9:30am. Greater Victoria Public Library. Register and information at 250-940-4875.

PATRICK TAYLOR
Local Irish-Canadian author will read from the recently released An Irish Doctor in Love and at Sea: An Irish Country Novel. Wednesday, October 21 at 5:00pm, free. Library Program Room, Salt Spring Public Library. More information at 250-537-4666.

SURREY INTERNATIONAL WRITERS' FEST
Annual event offers professional development for writers. October 22-25, 2015. Sheraton Guildford Hotel, Surrey. Details at siwc.ca.

AUTHOR READING
Featuring B.C. authors Eileen Kernaghan and Mix Hart. Thursday, October 22 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

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.

HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL IN A MONTH
Helpful hints and tips from award-winning BC mystery author Cathy Ace to help you succeed with your NaNoWriMo Challenge. Friday, October 23. Free. Maple Ridge Public Library, 130-22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge. More information at 604-467-7417.

ROBERT WIERSEMA
Author reads from his latest thriller, Black Feathers. Saturday, October 24 at 2:00pm, free. Agassiz Library, 7140 Cheam Ave., Aggasiz. More information at 604-796-9510.

TRIPLE THREAT
Crime Writers of Canada presents three BC mystery authors: Cathy Ace, Allan J. Emerson, Debra Purdy Kong. Saturday, October 24 at 3:00pm, free. Langley Chapters, 20015 Langley Bypass, Langley. More information at 604-514-8663.

POETS WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE
Special Halloween event from Poetic Justice with extended open mic and costume contest. Sunday, October 25 at 3:00pm, suggested donation: $5. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster. More information at 604-767-6908.

BEN MIKAELSEN
Touching Spirit Bear author talks about the inspiration for his popular novel. Individuals or small groups can enquire about seating by contacting Chris at 604-554-7339. Tuesday, October 27 at 11:00am. City Centre branch, Coquitlam Public Library.

RON MACLEAN
National bestselling co-author, co-host of Coach's Corner and host of Rogers Hometown Hockey shares brand new hockey tales from his newest book Hockey Towns: Untold Stories from the Heart of Canada. Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00pm. Chapters Metrotown, Burnaby. More information at chapters-indigo.ca.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Lucas Crawford, Amber Dawn, Shannon Rayne plus open mic. Thursday, October 29th, 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. More information at www.pandorascollective.com.

FRED WAH
Launch of authors latest book. Scree: The Collected Earlier Poems, 1962-1991. Thursday, October 29 at 8:00pm. Western Front, 303 8th Ave. E. More information at talonbooks.com.

TRIPLE THREAT
Crime Writers of Canada presents three BC mystery authors: Cathy Ace, Allan J. Emerson, Debra Purdy Kong. Saturday, October 31 at 1:00pm, free. Chapters Strawberry Hill Centre, 100-12107 72 Ave., Surrey. More information at 604-501-2877.

BOOK CLUB
Inaugural event featuring The Corpse with the Platinum Hair by Cathy Ace. Presented by Vancouver Public Library and Crime Writers of Canada. Tuesday, November 3 at 6:30pm, free. Central branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at cathyace.com/events.

OPEN CITY
SFU Library is pleased to announce a special event at SFU Vancouver as part of SFU's 50th anniversary celebrations. Open City: One Book, One SFU will feature author Teju Cole in conversation with CBC Radio's Eleanor Wachtel. This free event will be held on Thursday, November 5th at 7PM in the Goldcorp Centre for the Arts at SFU Vancouver. For more details about this event and to book your ticket, visit: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/onebookonesfu.

air india [redacted]
World premiere of music, theatre, poetry and projections experience based on the book, children of air india, by Renée Sarojini Saklikar. November 6-11, 2015. SFU's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings, Vancouver. For tickets and information, visit turningpointensemble.ca.