Book News Vol. 10 No. 41

BOOK NEWS

On Monday, we announced the winners of our 2015 Short Story and Poetry Contest. Congratulations to Mark MacKichan (first place, short story), Claire Matthews (runner up, short story), Susan Alexander (first place, poetry) and Cornelia Hoogland (runner up, poetry). Read the winning entries on our website here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/writingcontest, and look for Mark and Susan's entries in an upcoming issue of subTerrain magazine.

Do you like to plan far in advance? Tickets are now on sale for two great events coming up in May. On May 8, VWF is presenting David Sedaris at the Vogue Theatre. To purchase tickets during the pre-sale (ending Feb 11), use the promo code OWLS. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketfly at https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1032659/tfly?__utma=1.797300158.1452127610.1452551493.1453333174.9&__utmb=1.3.10.1453333174&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1452282302.4.4.utmcsr=writersfest.bc.ca|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/events/david-sedaris&__utmv=-&__utmk=5347891 or by calling 888-732-1682. In addition, early bird tickets are on sale for A Dram Come True, our annual whisky tasting fundraiser on May 13. Save $15/ticket by purchasing your ticket today on our website here, http://writersfest.bc.ca/events/dram-come-true.

AWARDS & LISTS

Finalists have been named for the National Book Critics Circle Prize. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Helen MacDonald and Lauren Groff made the cut.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/19/ta-nehisi-coates-lauren-groff-amid-national-book-critics-circle-prize-finalists

The Costa short story prize has revealed the identities of its anonymised finalists. "The six-strong shortlist, which the public have been voting for 'blind', includes work by Rupert Thomson, Peggy Riley and Annalisa Crawford."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/18/costa-short-story-prize-reveals-identities-of-anonymised-finalists

The shortlist for the RBC Taylor prize, which celebrates Canadian non-fiction, has been announced. The finalists include "several high-profile authors," including journalist Ian Brown and biographer Rosemary Sullivan.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2016/01/13/rosemary-sullivan-ian-brown-among-2016-rbc-taylor-prize-finalists/

YOUNG READERS

Paper Wishes, by Lois Sepahban, is a middle-grade novel that recounts a Japanese-American family's life in a Second World War detention camp. Its protagonist, Manami, is an introvert who uses drawing to express herself.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/books/review/paper-wishes-by-lois-sepahban.html

NEWS & FEATURES

Writers have joined a worldwide action to protest the death sentence of Palestinian poet Ashraf Fayadh in Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of writers in 44 countries are taking part in coordinated readings to support Fayadh, who is condemned to death for "allegedly promoting atheism."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/14/writers-join-worldwide-action-to-protest-palestinian-poets-death-sentence-in-saudi-arabia

Anne of Green Gables is returning to CBC Television. "The eight-part series follows news that a movie adaptation will appear on YTV this year."
http://www.quillandquire.com/book-culture/2016/01/12/anne-of-green-gables-is-coming-to-cbc-television/

Penguin has eliminated degree requirements for its job applicants. The publisher's "attempt to open employment opportunities to [a] more diverse range of candidates follows [a] similar step by Ernst & Young."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/18/penguin-ditches-the-need-for-job-seekers-to-have-university-degrees

What were pop-up books like in the 17th century? Here's a chance to take a glimpse!
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/check-out-medical-pop-up-book-from-17th-century-180957803/?is_pocket=1

Philip Pullman has resigned as patron of the Oxford Literary Festival over "lack of pay for authors." Pullman has stated that the organisers' expectation that authors work for free conflicts with his role as president of a society "that campaigns for author wages."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/14/philip-pullman-resigns-oxford-literary-festival-patron-pay-authors

What's more romantic than Valentine's Day at Hogwarts? "Warner Brothers entertainment company said its Harry Potter studio tour will see the venue open its doors to couples on the evening of 13 and 14 February, when they can enjoy a 'bewitching' romantic dinner for two on the set."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/couples-can-enjoy-bewitching-valentines-banquet-on-the-harry-potter-set-a6811371.html

Irish-Canadian writer Emma Donoghue has been nominated for an Oscar for her screenplay adaptation of her 2010 novel, Room. Donoghue appeared at the Writers Fest in 2014.
http://www.quillandquire.com/awards/2016/01/14/emma-donoghue-nominated-for-best-adapted-screenplay-oscar/

BOOKS & WRITERS

David Constantine, who appeared at last year's Writers Fest, appeared on CBC's Writers & Company this past week. You can listen to the interview here:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/writersandcompany/david-constantine-on-the-immense-power-of-memory-1.3400858

The Guardian's Poem of the week is The Gartan Mother's Lullaby, by Joseph Campbell. "Originally written as a folk song, with Herbert Hughes, figures from Irish mythology are used here to weave a fresh, beguiling spell."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2016/jan/18/poem-of-the-week-the-gartan-mothers-lullaby-by-joseph-campbell

In Vladimir Sorokin's novel, The Blizzard, a Russian doctor's mission to "deliver a much-need vaccine in a snowstorm is plagued by dangers and temptations." It begins "as a kind of Chekhovian tale" and evolves "into a phantasmagorical allegory sprinkled with surrealistic scenes."
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/19/books/review-in-vladimir-sorokins-the-blizzard-a-doctors-long-and-strange-trip.html

Elizabeth Strout's newest novel, My Name is Lucy Barton, is about a woman's reconciliation with her mother. She discusses her new book, the best advice she's ever received and more, here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/elizabeth-strout-in-real-life-we-have-only-our-imaginations-to-know-what-the-lives-of-others-may-be-like/article28212214/

Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air is "an exquisitely moving exploration of mortality." It details Dr. Kalanithi's diagnosis and demise from cancer, and in doing so, enlarges "our understanding and enhance our perceptions of what it is to be human."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-paul-kalanithis-when-breath-becomes-air-is-an-exquisitely-moving-exploration-of-mortality/article28212547/

What do Academy Award nominations mean for Emma Donoghue's book, Room? Donoghue is interviewed here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/emma-donoghue-on-what-oscar-nominations-mean-for-room/article28183079/

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SALON SPEAKER SERIES
Featuring JJ Lee discussing his critically acclaimed memoir The Measure of a Man. Friday, January 22 at 7:00pm. Cost: $5. Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam.

POETICS OF APPROACH
Please join Cecily Nicholson and Jordan Scott for an evening of poetry and conversation moderated by David Chariandy. Friday, January 22 at 7:00pm. Gallery Gachet, 88 East Cordova Street, Vancouver. More information at gachet.org.

CROCS AT WORK
Book launch for the latest picture book from award-winning author Robert Heidbreder and illustrator Rae Mate. Saturday, January 23 at 3:45pm. Arts Umbrella, 1286 Cartwright St., Vancouver. More information at tradewindbooks.com.

POETIC JUSTICE
Featuring Frances Boyle, Bren Simmers and DN Simmers. Hosted by James Felton. Sunday, January 24 at 3:00pm. Original's Restaurante Mexicano, 800 Carnarvon St., New Westminster.

MARK WINSTON
Reading by the author of Bee Time: Lessons From the Hive, winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for Non-Fiction. Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00pm, free. St. Catherine's Church, 1058 Ridgewood Dr., North Vancouver.

READINGS BY THE SALISH SEA
Celebrated writer Susan Musgrave brings her most recent book A Taste of Haida Gwaii: Foraging and Feasting at the Edge of the World to the shores of White Rock. January 28, 7 pm, Turnbull Gallery in South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre, 14601-20th Avenue. Tickets $10 at Semiahmooarts.com or call 604-536-8333.

MEET THE AUTHOR: CAROLINE ADDERSON
Caroline Adderson discusses her book, Ellen in Pieces. Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm. Christianne's Lyceum. 3696 W. 8th Ave. Cost: $22 (includes refreshments). To reserve your space call 604.733.1356 or email lyceum@christiannehayward.com. More information at christiannehayward.com.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Frances Boyle, Keith Garebian, Nasreen Pejvack, Manolis Aligizakis plus open mic. Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Sign up for open mic at 7pm. Suggested donation at
the door: $5. More information at pandorascollective.com.

POETIC JUSTICE
Featuring Navaro Franco, Keith Garebian, and Alan Hill. Hosted by Franci Louann. Sunday, January 31 at 3:00pm. Original's Restaurante Mexicano, 800 Carnarvon St., New Westminster.

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
Features Amber Dawn, Carolyn Smart, Lucas Crawford and Shannon Rayne plus open mic. Wednesday, February 10 at 7:00pm. The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver. Suggested donation at the door: $5. Sign up for open mic
at 7pm. More information at pandorascollective.com.

ALYX DELLAMONICA
Storm Crow Tavern Reading Series presents the author of Daughter of No Nation. Saturday, February 13 at 3:00pm. Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. More information at 604-366-9669.

GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Sixth annual festival with over 25 writers. February 19-21, 2016. Galiano Island, BC. Complete details at galianoliteraryfestival.com.