Book News Vol. 10 No. 30

BOOK NEWS

Festival week is fast approaching. There are still tickets available for events with acclaimed writers from Canada and around the world: Weird Fiction stars Kelly Link and Jeff VanderMeer (US), crime fiction writer Denise Mina (Scotland), bestselling authors Sarah Dunant and Paula Hawkins (UK) and Simon Winchester (US), and Canadians Patrick deWitt, Camilla Gibb, Elizabeth Hay, Lawrence Hill and Nino Ricci, among others. See writersfest.bc.ca for full details.

Tickets are also available for Between the Pages: An Evening with the Scotiabank Giller Prize Finalists, hosted by Bill Richardson.

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!
Ever wanted to know about ticket sales from the Festival side of the desk? We have open Box Office shifts, and welcome your applications! Apply here, 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

Greg Hollingshead's new collection of short stories, Act Normal, is a "fiendishly good Schrödinger's-cat-of-a-book." What makes it interesting? Among other things, "catharsis and resolution are consistently, almost sadistically, denied!"
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/08/29/fiendishly-good-greg-hollingsheads-new-collection-of-short-stories.html

In Elisabeth de Mariaffi's The Devil You Know, terror runs through the veins of young girls in Toronto. As a psychological thriller, it's a "compelling study of the landscape of fear that de Mariaffi describes as a persistent backdrop in women's lives."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/01/15/the-devil-you-know-by-elisabeth-de-mariaffi-review.html

His Whole Life, by Elizabeth Hay, "looks at the division of loyalties shaping the existence of a 10-year-old boy." Told on the eve of the 1995 Quebec referendum, many stories are at play: "a country and a marriage that may not survive" and "sins that may or may not be forgiven."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/08/15/his-whole-life-by-elizabeth-hay-review.html

Two Writers Fest authors have been featured in The Globe and Mail's small press roundup this week. Farzana Doctor's All Inclusive and Lori Shenher's That Lonely Section of Hell: The Botched Investigation of a Serial Killer Who Almost Got Away, are reviewed here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/review-new-small-press-books-by-lori-shenher-farzana-doctor-jim-bartley/article26743874/

In Gene Luen Yang's, Secret Coders, a young girl makes friends and discovers secrets about her "creepy new school" through binary numbers and computer programming software. The material is close to Yang's heart: he used to work as a computer science teacher. He's interviewed here:
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-10-12-robot-birds-comics-and-binary-numbers-gene-luen-yang-teaches-us-computer-science

Sigal Samuel's The Mystics of Mile End "tells the story of a dysfunctional family's dangerous obsession with Kabbalah and the Tree of Life. Set in Jewish Montreal, the culture and place of the story are specific, yet also "universal." As Samuel says in this interview, "I realized that the best or maybe only way to get to the universal is through the particular."
http://forward.com/culture/books/322226/talking-montreal-hasids-and-bagels-with-mystics-of-mile-end-author-sigal-sa/

AWARDS & LISTS

Festival Author Marlon James has won the Booker Prize. He's the first Jamaican writer to win the prestigious prize. His book, A Brief History of Seven Killings, is "like a Tarantino remake of the The Harder They Come, but with a soundtrack by Bob Marley and a script by Oliver Stone and William Faulkner...sweeping, mythic, over-the-top, colossal and dizzyingly complex."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/13/marlon-james-wins-the-man-booker-prize-2015

The Canada Council for the Arts has announced the finalists for this year's Governor General's Literary Awards. Several Writers Fest authors are among the finalists, including Susan Nielsen and Darren Groth, both nominated in the Children's literature category.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/10/07/helen-humphreys-susin-nielsen-among-governor-generals-literary-awards-shortlist/

Rosemary Sullivan has won the Hilary Weston Prize for Non-fiction for Stalin's Daughter: The Extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva. The book was deemed an "insightful yet empathetic portrait" of the famous dictator's only daughter.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2015/10/06/rosemary-sullivan-wins-weston-prize-for-stalins-daughter/

YOUNG READERS

Author and illustrator Sandra Boynton is profiled in this week's New Yorker. "These books are written so simply, for children so young—'A cow says moo. A sheep says baa'—that it's hard to imagine that they could have hidden depths. But I have begun to realize, perhaps belatedly, that they do."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-hidden-depths-of-sandra-boyntons-board-books

NEWS & FEATURES

The Kitchener Public Library has embraced the digital age by starting a Wi-Fi hotspot loan program. "There's still a large population that don't have access, in any form, to the internet... The library is the greatest equalizer in our society."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/kitchener-library-lends-portable-wifi-1.3258791

Now here's something to look forward to, come December: an advent calendar that brings literary gifts from authors like Heather O'Neill and Pasha Malla! "The 2015 Short Story Advent Calendar, also known as the perfect early Christmas present for the bibliophile in your life, comes with 24 sealed short stories - one for every day from December 1 until Christmas Eve."
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2015/10/new-advent-calendar-offers-a-story-a-day-instead-of-chocolate.html

Feminists in the UK are sneaking into bookstores in order to leave "gender busting" bookmarks in children's stories. As one of them says, "As a parent, I do not want my children's reading choices to be restricted by their gender. Reading is an amazing way for children and adults to explore other worlds and possibilities."
http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Feminists-sneak-Cheltenham-bookshops-leave-gender/story-27923383-detail/story.html#ixzz3oPP0d177

Should art be timeless, or should it speak to something more current? In this week's New York Times' Bookends, Adam Kirsch and James Parker tackle the question.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/books/review/should-art-be-timeless-or-should-it-speak-to-something-more-current.html

BOOKS & WRITERS

A new "vastly expanded edition" of Martin Garden's The Annotated Alice has been released. Amplified and amended by Carroll scholar Mark Burstein, it contains riches that "are too many to itemize."
http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/who-can-be-finished-with-alice

Colum McCann's latest collection, Thirteen Ways of Looking, is filled with stories "linked by unease." Their uneasiness comes from the fact that they're informed by an incident McCann experienced last year: he was attacked and knocked unconscious in New Haven, Connecticut.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/12/books/review-colum-mccanns-thirteen-ways-of-looking-stories-linked-by-unease.html

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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. Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm. Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

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' CONFERENCE
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.

Upcoming

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.

CAROL M. CRAM
Author launches her latest book A Woman of Note. Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00pm. Central branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

MICHAEL CHRISTIE
Author reads from his latest book If I Fall, If I Die. Thursday, November 5 at 7:30pm. Smilin' Buddha Restaurant, 109 East Hastings, Vancouver. More information at vpl.ca.

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.

DEAD POETS READING SERIES
Five poets/poetry-lovers/readers/writers bring to life the works of their favourite deceased poets. Sunday, November 8 at 3:00pm. Central branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver. More information at deadpoetslive.com.