BOOK NEWS
Festival Wrap-Up
The Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival wrapped up this week, with 60 per cent of events at near capacity and more than 13,000 people attending over the six days of the Festival. Events with David Mitchell, Ali Smith, David Grossman, Andrea Levy, Lynda Barry and many others were sell outs. "People want to see and hear the world’s best writers—and the world’s best writers want to come to Vancouver’s literary festival,” says Hal Wake, the Festival’s artistic director.
One hundred national and international authors appeared, coming to Vancouver from Canada, the US, the UK, Italy, France, Ireland, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. The Festival attracted nominees and winners of all the major literary prizes, including the Man Booker, the Giller Prize, the Rogers Trust Prize and the Governor General’s literary awards.
Check our Festival blog to see what our bloggers had to say about events with Andrea Levy and David Mitchell and many others.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/festival/2010/blog
Last chance to get your ticket for the Festival art raffle! Enter the draw to win a exquisite painting by Vancouver artist Jamie Evrard and support the Festival. Tickets are $20 (only 300 printed). The draw takes place Friday October 29 at noon so call now: 604 681 6330 ext 109.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle
Festival Lost and Found
Two scarves, two umbrellas, jacket, t-shirt, keychain, two Festival books, reading glass case, water bottle, earring, cellphone pouch, purple grocery bag. Call the office to identify.
Special Events
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
"The bonobo apes demonstrate more humanity than many of the humans in Sara Gruen's new novel Ape House", writes Monique Polak in the Montreal Gazette. http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Sara+Gruen+novel+House+bonobo+apes+show+more+humanity+than+humans/3535317/story.html
Gary Shteyngart
Vancouver International Writers Festival and the Cherie Smith JCGV Jewish Book Festival present the author of Super Sad True Love Story in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/shteyngart.
AWARDS & LISTS
Miguel Syjuco's Ilustrado has been nominated for Quebec's Hugh MacLennan Prize for fiction, Erin Moure’s O Resplandor for the A.M. Klein Prize for Poetry.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/15/quebec-literary-awards.html#ixzz12T6uNup0
Retired TV writer, producer and host John Leigh Walters has won the $10,000 Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction for A Very Capable Life: The Autobiography of Zarah Petri, a retelling of his mother's immigration from Hungary to Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/13/staebler-award-walters-petri-capable-life.html
Mark Sinnett’s The Carnivore, a novel set at the time of Hurricane Hazel, is the winner of the $15,000 Toronto Book Award.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/875495--mark-sinnett-wins-toronto-book-award
J.K. Rowling has won the inaugural Hans Christian Andersen Literature Prize, a prize created to honour children's authors who write in the spirit of Andersen.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/19/hans-andersen-prize.html
Visions of British Columbia, edited by Bruce Grenville and Scott Steedman, has won the 2010 Vancouver Book Award.
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/cultural/gasp/awards/book/2010/index.htm
Three authors have been awarded ReLit Awards for literature: Michael Kenyon for the novel The Beautiful Children, Stuart Ross, for his short story collection Buying Cigarettes for the Dog and Gillian Jerome, for her poetry collection Red Nest.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/22/relit-awards.html
Sandra Birdsell, Alice Kuipers (twice) and Yann Martel are among the authors shortlisted for the Saskatchewan Book Awards. David Baudemont and Martine Noël-Maw (who have participated in La Joie de Lire) are shortlisted for the Prix du Livre Français category.
http://www.bookawards.sk.ca/images/stories/PDF_Files/PressReleases/2010_Shortlisted_Titles.pdf
Turkish publisher Irfan Sanci, currently being prosecuted for publishing a translation of Apollinaire's 1911 novel Les exploits d'un jeune Don Juan (The Exploits of a Young Don Juan) has been recognized with a special Freedom to Publish award.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/25/turkish-publisher-obscenity-trial-honoured
Books by Kathleen Winter, Michael Winter, Trevor Cole, Emma Donoghue, and Michael Helm have been nominated for the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. The Globe and Mail online offers readers excerpts from each book and the opportunity to vote.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/take-refuge-in-michael-helms-city/article1773821/
NEWS & FEATURES
Stuart Jeffries interviews Howard Jacobson on the experience of winning the 2010 Man Booker Prize.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/13/howard-jacobson-booker-winner-interview
The comic novel is not a genre, Jacobson tells Boyd Tonkin.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/howard-jacobson-funny-jewish-sad-no-its-just-a-novel-2106102.html
Meanwhile, Bloomsbury has printed an additional 150,000 copies of Jacobson's book.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11532332
Laura Miller describes why Salon believes the Booker is the best of the annual literary awards.
http://www.salon.com/books/literary_prizes/index.html?story=/books/laura_miller/2010/10/13/booker
As part of as yet undisclosed 'bigger plans', Orange, sponsor of the Orange prize for fiction has dropped the debut authors' prize, in favour of year-round online promotion.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/14/orange-ditches-award-for-new-writers
At 89, Farley Mowat says his new book, Eastern Passage, is his last. He says that his typewriters are all broken and he's become a house painter.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/the-gospel-according-to-farley-mowat/article1758795/
Nineteen years after the publication of Such a Long Journey, Rohinton Mistry finds himself mounting a vigorous defence of his book and of freedom of speech after the novel was dropped from a Mumbai University curriculum and copies burned by ultra-nationalists.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/19/rohinton-mistry.html
Fiction Uncovered is the title of a new promotion next year intended to identify eight talented British authors who haven't had the exposure they deserve.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/22/fiction-uncovered-highlight-overlooked-novels
For 50 years, historians have assumed the Lady Chatterley's Lover obscenity trial could hardly have been more entertaining than it actually was. Now there are some additional details discovered in letters and papers in the Penguin archive at Bristol University. A 50th anniversary edition of Lady Chatterley's Lover is forthcoming.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-drama-behind-the-lady-c-defence-2115114.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Charles Foran's new biography, Mordecai: The Life and Times, fills a significant void in Richler scholarship, writes Howard Heft. "The new biography is a fitting tribute to Mordecai Richler."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/biography+fitting+tribute+Mordecai+Richler/3713176/story.html
Hans Keilson, a former German resistance fighter who wrote a novel 63 years ago is to see Comedy in a Minor Key published in Britain for the first time. Rave US reviews have given the unknown author belated recognition among "the world's very greatest writers".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/17/german-hans-keilson-comedy-minor-key?CMP=EMCGT_181010&
Player One, Douglas Coupland’s tale of four strangers holed up in an airport cocktail lounge while the world around them crumbles, has an odd tenderness, says Stephanie Merritt.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/24/player-one-douglas-coupland-review
Catherine Bush adds that this is a novel obsessed with time, and with the breakdown of storytelling as a way of making meaning.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/player-one-what-is-to-become-of-us-by-douglas-coupland/article1768724/
Hugo Hamilton admires Bernhard Schlink's The Weekend, a novel that proceeds almost like a stage play.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/23/weekend-bernhard-schlink-reader-review
Donna Rifkind suggests that the notion of literature as echo is useful for readers of David Grossman's To the End of the Land, which seeks to escape the entrenched ways of thinking about what Israelis call "the situation."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/18/AR2010101805159.html
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince has been re-interpreted as a graphic novel by Joann Sfar. The LA Times calls it "a beautiful and well-rendered tribute to the original".
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-little-prince-joann-sfar-20101024,0,4401253.story
In Zero History, William Gibson imagines the links between the billion-dollar fashion industry and the military. Jason Anderson spoke to Gibson about clothes, old-time westerns and how he goes about "executing" his novels.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/25/william-gibson-zero-history.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MAKING WAVES: READING BC AND PACIFIC NORTHWEST LITERATURE
Featuring poets and essayists George McWhirter, Trevor Carolan, Judith Copithorne, Susan McCaslin, and Colin James Sanders. Thursday, October 28 at 7:30pm, free. Café Montmartre (4362 Main Street). More information at info@anvilpress.com.
GHOSTS IN THE HOOD
BC author Robert C. Belyk's collection of true ghost stories will be presented as a dramatic reading. Friday, October 29 at 6:45pm and 8:00pm. Inlet Theatre, 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody. More information at www.cityofportmoody.com/arts.
THE RETURNING JOURNEY
Poetry book launch and concert featuring author Dalannah Gail Bowen and keyboardist Michael Creber. Thursday, October 28 at 8:00pm, free. Centre A (2 W. Hastings). More information at dalannahgailbowen@yahoo.ca.
ONE BOOK, ONE VANCOUVER
Enjoy a double bill of District 9 and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Friday, October 29 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
COLD LAND, WARM HEARTS
Keith Billington will be signing books. Saturday, October 30 at 1:30pm. Black Bond Books, Royal City Centre (102 -610 Sixth Street, New Westminster). For more information please contact 604-528-6226.
GRANT LAWRENCE
Host of CBC Radio 3 Podcast with Grant Lawrence presents a slideshow and book signing for Adventures in Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nudist Potluck, and Other Stories from Desolation Sound. Monday, November 1 at 7:00pm, free. Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). More information at 604-331-3603.
GORDON BITNEY
A humorous and informative story of a summer in Provence, France by the author of Provence, je t'aime. Wednesday, November 3 at 6:30pm, free. Kitsilano Branch, 2425 Macdonald Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
ELIZABETH KOSTOVA
Author of The Historian reads from her new novel about art and obsession, The Swan Thieves. Wednesday, November 3 at 7:00pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
ANNABEL LYON
Reading by the author of The Golden Mean. Thursday, November 4 at 1:00pm, free.Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Room 301 Point Grey Campus, 1961 East Mall. More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
GURJINDER BASRAN
Author reads from her book Everything Was Good-Bye, winner of the Search for the Great B.C. Novel contest, chosen from 64 manuscripts by Jack Hodgins. Thursday, November 4 at 7:00pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at www.vpl.ca.
THE ESSENTIALS: 150 GREAT B.C. BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Alan Twigg discusses his book, a guide to writing and writers that have shaped our literary landscape. Monday, November 8 at 7:00pm, free. Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia. More information at www.vpl.ca.
Upcoming
JOEL HENG HARTSE
Reading by the author of Sects, Love, and Rock & Roll. Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00pm. The Wired Monk, 2610 4th Ave. W. More information at http://ow.ly/30vW8.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
Singer/songwriter, rancher and grassland conservationist Ian Tyson will be here with his new memoir The Long Trail: My Life in the West. Ian reflects on how his love for the West started in Victoria, nurtured and inspired his musical talent, taught him life lessons in the saddle, and has saved his soul. Sunday, November 14. Enter to win free tickets at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
SEE THE VOICE
Visible Verse's 10th anniversary celebration and festival. November 19-20, 2010. Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street. For complete program details, visit http://heatherhaley.com/visibleverse.php.
ATLANTIC/PACIFIC: AN EVENING OF POETRY
Readings by Judy Halebsky and Sandy Shreve. Thursday, November 25 at 7:30pm, free. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Book News Vol. 5 No. 44
BOOK NEWS
Festival News
There are still tickets available for many of the 68 events at next week's Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books & Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Van, check out 32 Books.
Check out the Georgia Straight's VIWF contest - enter to win tickets to one of the events at this year's Vancouver International Writers Festival plus a book from one of the featured authors.
http://www.straight.com/contest/vancouver/vancouver-international-writers-festival-kickoff.
And another Georgia Straight contest featuring books published by Penguin Canada to celebrate their 75th anniversary. http://www.straight.com/contest/vancouver/celebrate-penguin-books-75th-anniversary
The Literati silent auction features a plethora of fabulous items, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati. Tickets for this year's art raffle for a painting by Jamie Evrard will be available at Literati and at Performance Works during the Festival, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Check out our new Festival video, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/festivalvideo. Forward it to friends who are curious about the Festival experience!
Special Events
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
Sandra Kasturi calls Sara Gruen’s Ape House “an entertaining drama of human-animal relations.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/869401--ape-house-an-entertaining-drama-of-human-animal-relations
Gary Shteyngart
Vancouver International Writers Festival and the Cherie Smith JCGV Jewish Book Festival present the author of Super Sad True Love Story in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/shteyngart.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Bill Richardson and British novelist Sarah Waters at the top of their game in this conversation about Waters' novel The Little Stranger.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
The premise of Marc Levy's All Those Things We Never Said is completely insane, writes Anne Sutherland, but if you throw logic and believability out the window, the novel is entertaining.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/reads+Dead+time/3645103/story.html
Dave Bidini's Home and Away about the 2010 Homeless World Cup "demonstrates the capacity of sports to act as a therapeutic agent and a catalyst for social change." Dave Bidini will appear in event 42.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/book-review-home-and-away-by-dave-bidini/article1745848/email/
Part travelogue, part exploration, part mid-winter love story, Breakfast at the Exit Café is both about a road trip from and an exploration of, told in alternating voices by Merilyn Simonds and Wayne Grady, of the nation of the American Dream. Simonds and Grady will appear in event 42.
http://www.dmpibooks.com/book/breakfast-at-the-exit-cafe
Derek Lundy's Borderlands is also about a road trip, this one Lundy's rather wild motorcycle ride along America's borders. Derek Lundy will appear in event 42.
http://www.straight.com/article-341742/vancouver/borderlands-tracks-derek-lundys-wild-motorcycle-ride-along-americas-borders
Prodigal Daughter: A Journey to Byzantium is an historical and cultural odyssey beginning in Edmonton and ranging around the Balkans as Myrna Kostash tracks the origins of her inherited religion. Myrna Kostash will appear in event 42.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Cracking+books/3177690/story.html
Denise Chong's Egg on Mao profiles one of the men who, 20 years ago, dared to lob eggs at a portrait of Mao, an act that even today serves as an inspiration for China's pro-democracy forces, writes Alexander Varty. Denise Chong will appear in event 42.
http://www.straight.com/article-262659/egg-mao-praises-truly-brave-iconoclast
Mishka Mourani writes that Tony Di Nardo's collection Alien, Correspondent is a book to savor. "This collection of poems is reminiscent of the oriental rugs Di Nardo mentions in one of his poems." Both Alien, Correspondent and Soul on Standby were published this spring.
http://www.brickbooks.ca/?p=1382
William Gibson's Zero History features an amnesiac caught up in some high-tech espionage. It is about surveillance and about being on and off the radar. William Gibson will appear in event 37.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/zero-history-by-william-gibson-2061839.html
Anosh Irani's Dahanu Road brings together two families whose fates are dangerously intertwined. Anosh Irani will appear in event 37.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-dahanu-road-by-anosh-irani/article1551350/
Yann Martel's Beatrice and Virgil is a novel of ideas that considers both the bond between humans and animals and man's capacity for committing terrible acts, says the Seattle Times. Yann Martel will appear in event 37.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2011607590_br18martel.html
Adam Lewis Schroeder's In the Fabled East is a gripping and witty romp through colonial Indochina, a novel to lose yourself in. Adam Lewis Schroeder will appear in event 37.
http://www.thestar.com/article/839764--in-the-fabled-east-a-novel-to-lose-yourself-in
Linwood Barclay's latest, Never Look Away, starts as a mystery, revolving around the inexplicable disappearance of a young wife and mother. Then he revs into thriller mode.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-never-look-away-by-linwood-barclay/article1491331/
Growing up on the grounds of a now-defunct sanatorium gave Martha Brooks a setting and experience for Queen of Hearts, which Lucy Silag describes as a novel of friendship.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-queen-of-hearts-by-martha-brooks/article1724024/
"Rhythm is everything in Anthony Doerr's new collection, Memory Wall. His tales all seem somehow to undulate, to surge and recede like the tides, moving gracefully between different places and times." Anthony Doerr will appear in event 55.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/books/review/Rafferty-t.html
Marisa Silver's extraordinary book, Alone With You, is a starkly elegant and superbly rendered collection of short stories. Marisa Silver will appear in event 55.
http://books.google.ca/books?sitesec=reviews&id=5lPXi5pRUVAC
Wells Tower has invented a world of rough men and strong women, and the women have had their patience sorely tried. Wells Tower will appear in event 55.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/books/review/White-t.html
The stories in Yiyun Li's Gold Boy, Emerald Girl create in the reader the shock of commingled pleasure and melancholy. Yiyun Li will appear in event 55.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Prose-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
Aaron Bushkowsky's Curtains for Roy offers a hilarious and poignant peek into the world of theatre, where the greatest drama is offstage and the best performances take place behind the curtain. Aaron Bushkowsky will appear in event 57.
http://www.cormorantbooks.com/titles/curtainsforroy.shtml
In Seven Good Reasons Not to be Good, John Gould does a masterful job of reminding the reader that there is a whole lot in life over which we have no control. John Gould will appear in event 57.
http://www.timescolonist.com/Local+writer+talent+shines+longer+form/3429106/story.html
Rachel Wyatt's Letters to Omar involves three retired women who take on a cause, trying to make the world a better place while one of them writes unsent letters to people she admires, and to a few she despises. Rachel Wyatt will appear in event 57.
http://coteaubooks.com/book_uploads/media_releases/media_159.pdf
How do objects summon memories? What do real images feel like? These types of questions permeate the pages of Lynda Barry's graphic novel What It Is. Lynda Barry will appear in event 57.
http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/shopCatalogLong.php?st=art&art=a45a8141b837f5
Candace Fertile writes that using the graphic novel form to write a memoir of her mother's struggles with Alzheimer's, Sarah Leavitt has re-created her mother, a woman anyone would be privileged to have known.
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Pictures+capture+pathos/3649176/story.html
Reviews of Charles Foran's Mordecai: The Life and Times, Michael Winter's The Death of Donna Whalen, and Camilla Gibb's The Beauty of Humanity Movement are included in The Walrus' "Seven new titles of note".
http://walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.11-walrus-reads-the-walrus-reads/
Eleanor Catton's The Rehearsal is a debut novel that has already won prizes. But then, isn't everything a performance, in one way or another? Eleanor Catton will appear in event 51.
http://www.listener.co.nz/issue/3560/artsbooks/11584/enter_stage_right_.html
Paul Harding's debut Pultzer Prize-winning novel Tinkers deals with time (clocks), memory, consciousness and identity. Pau Harding will appear in events 51 and 55.
http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/afterword/archive/2010/04/12/paul-harding-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-fiction.aspx
Pascale Quiviger explores the nature of truth in The Breakwater House, a novel about two girls growing up together, so close that they easily pretend to be one another when convenient. How do we know when a true thing is true? Pascale Quiviger will appear in event 51.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-breakwater-house-by-pascale-quiviger/article1571318/
Miguel Syjuco's award-winning Ilustrado features a character named Miguel Syjido who is both biographer and detective—an extraordinary debut. Miguel Syjuco, the author, will appear in event 51.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-ilustrado-by-miguel-syjuco/article1560330/
AWARDS & LISTS
British author Howard Jacobson has won the 2010 Man Booker Prize for his comic novel The Finkler Question.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/howard-jacobson-wins-man-booker-for-comic-novel/article1754042/
David Grossman was handed the prestigious German Book Trade Peace Prize on Sunday at the Frankfurt Book Fair this past weekend. Though the award was announced in June, the actual ceremony didn't happen until Sunday, during the annual fair.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/10/german-prize-grossman.html
Diarmaid MacCulloch's A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, Giancarlo Casale's The Ottoman Age of Exploration and Marla R. Miller's Betsy Ross and the Making of America are finalists for the $75,000 Cundill Prize in History.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872198--history-book-award-finalists
Sandra Birdsell's Waiting for Joe, Emma Donoghue's Room, Drew Hayden Taylor's, Motorcycles & Sweetgrass and Kathleen Winter's Annabel are among the English-language finalists for the Governor General's Literary Awards. Marie-Claire Blais' Mai au bal des prédateurs and Dany Laferrière’s L'énigme du retour are among the French-language finalists.
http://www.canadacouncil.ca/news/releases/2010/lx129310227358016415.htm
NEWS & FEATURES
The NY Times reports that parents are so focused on preparing their children for standardized testing, they dismiss picture books and argue for chapter books as early as kindergarten.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/us/08picture.html?_r=1
In prior years, the name of the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature was often not recognized. The 2010 Nobel Prize has gone to a writer whose name is well known to and widely venerated by the global literary community.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/07/AR2010100703808.html
A profile of Nobel prize-winner Mario Vargas Llosa, a master of humour and humanity, is found here.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/novelist-politician-literary-bruiser-ndash-and-nobel-prize-winner-2101077.html
In a recent interview Henning Mankell ponders the reasons for the extraordinary global popularity of Nordic detectives. And he admits that he follows Graham Greene's example of stopping work in the middle of a sentence.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/henning-mankell-the-special-relationship-2098590.html
Actor Jonathan Pryce reads the recently unearthed Last Letter by Ted Hughes in a (UK) channel 4 video.
http://www.channel4.com/news/newly-discovered-ted-hughes-poem
Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, long described as 'unfilmable' is to be made into a film by a Toronto-based film company.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/the-unfilmable-book-comes-to-the-big-screen-2101807.html
Alice Munro's story Carrie appears in the latest issue of the New Yorker (subscription required).
http://www.newyorker.com/fiction
The Writers' Union of Canada has announced that submissions are being accepted until November 10, 2010 for the 18th annual short prose competition for developing writers. The winning entry will be the best Canadian work of 2,500 words in the English language, fiction or nonfiction, written by an unpublished author. The prize for the winning entry is $2,500.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/call-submissions-18th-annual-short-prose-competition-developing-writers
Walter Skold, the man behind the Dead Poets Society of America is inaugurating what he hopes will one day be a widespread literary holiday to honour and remember poets.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/07/dead-poets-remembrance-day.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Peter C. Newman in his review of Lawrence Martin's Harperland says: "The book’s most telling chapters deal with the Prime Minister's absolute domination of his party, his ministers, his cabinet and the every aspect of government."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/book-review-harperland-by-lawrence-martin/article1749251/
Tim McCarthy's Booker Prize-nominated C and Lee Rourke's Not-the-Booker-Prize nominated The Canal tilt against convention and attempt to define "a new generation in experimental fiction."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872482--c-a-novel-and-the-canal
The NY Times says that John Vaillant's The Tiger bears a striking resemblance to its fictional seafaring predecessors: the white whale and the movie-star shark (both of which are said to have been inspired by real creatures).
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/books/review/Lewine-t.html?ref=books
Arturo Fontaine's La Vida Doble is a remarkable novel of politics, sex and torture in Chile that resists the moral high ground, writes David Gallagher. Carlos Fuentes says that Fontaine is the true heir to José Donoso, generally regarded as the finest novelist in Chile.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article7167160.ece
Bill Bryson's new book At Home: A Short History of Private Life is based on the premise that the homes we live in have much to tell us about our history and ourselves.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872448--at-home-bill-bryson-considers-where-we-live
Poets Gary Geddes in Swimming Ginger and Michael Lista in Bloom engage with the historical record to explore such themes as love, power and politics — subjects that resonate in every era.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872388--swimming-ginger-and-bloom-musing-on-the-past
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ONE SENTENCE MEMORY CONTEST
The Memory Festival, brought to you by the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, Geist and SFU Writing and Publishing Program, wants your memories of Vancouver. Prize is a one year subscription to Geist, deadline is October 31, 2010. Complete details here, http://bit.ly/aNDAab.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Steven Heighton and Ian Williams. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. For more information, phone 604-822-6453.
THE MAKING OF THE SZYK HAGGADAH, A SACRED JEWISH TEXT
Irvin Ungar, Proprietor, Historicana Books, Burlingame, California will speak about the making of this sacred text in Limited, Deluxe and Premier editions. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street (Main & Broadway).
VANCOUVER ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR
33 used and antiquarian booksellers from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and California. Friday, October 15, 3pm-9pm Saturday, October 16, 10am-5pm Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
R.A. SALVATORE
Meet bestelling author R.A. Salvatore as he signs Gauntlgrym, the first book in the the brand new Drizzt trilogy, Neverwinter. Saturday, October 16 at 12:00pm, free. Chapters Robson and Howe, 788 Robson Street. More information at 604-682-4066.
DARLENE FOSTER
Book signing by the author of Amanda in Arabia, The Perfume Flask. Saturday, October 16 at 1:00pm, free. Black Bond Books, 5251 Ladner Trunk Road, Ladner.
A TASTE OF WORDS
A Mother Tongue Publishing night with novelist Gurjinder Basran (Everything Was Good-bye), poets Daniela Elza (4poets) and Mona Fertig (The Unsettled). Music and song by Peter Haase (Liverpool Pete). Saturday, October 16 at 7:00pm, free. Cafe Montmartre, 3941 Main Street.
CV2 MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY COAST TO COAST READING TOUR
CV2 Magazine will be hosting a poetry reading featuring Billeh Nickerson, Bren Simmers, Donato Mancini, and Elizabeth Bachinsky will share the stage. Saturday, October 16 at 8:00pm, free. W2 Storyeum, 151 Cordova St. W.
PEN-IN-HAND READING SERIES
Readings by poets Bernice Lever and Ashok Bhargava. Monday, October 18 at 7:30pm. Suggested donation is $3. Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria. More information at ainbinder.collins@gmail.com.
Upcoming
PLAY CHTHONICS READING SERIES
Readings by Lee Maracle and Fabiola Nabil Naguib. Wednesday, October 20 at 3:00pm, free. Graham House at Green College, 6201 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at http://playchthonics.blogspot.com/.
ARTHUR BLACK
Luncheon, reading and book signing with the author of A Chip Off the Old Black. Thursday, October 21 at 11:00am. Preregistration required. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W. More information at 604-224-4388.
CHARLES CLAPHAM
Author launches his second edition of the Great Walks of Vancouver. Thursday, October 21 at 7:00pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
LAUNCH FOR THE BEST CANADIAN POETRY 2010
Tightrope Books presents the Vancouver launch for The Best Canadian Poetry in English 2010, edited by Lorna Crozier and Series Editor Molly Peacock. Saturday, October 23 at 4:00pm. The Agro Café, 1363 Railspur Alley, Granville Island. More information at www.tightropebooks.com.
PEN-IN-HAND READING SERIES
Readings by poets Steve Mcormond and Steve Noyes. Monday, October 25 at 7:30pm. Suggested donation is $3. Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria. More information at ainbinder.collins@gmail.com.
KEITH BILLINGTON
Join the bestselling author of House Calls by Dogsled as he shares more hair-raising medical emergencies in Cold Land, Warm Hearts: More Memories of an Arctic Medical Outpost. Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00pm, free. Meeting Room, Level 3, Central Library
350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact VPL - Popular Reading Library at 604-331-3691.
COLD LAND, WARM HEARTS
Keith Billington will be signing books. Saturday, October 30 at 1:30pm. Black Bond Books, Royal City Centre (102 -610 Sixth Street, New Westminster). For more information please contact 604-528-6226.
Festival News
There are still tickets available for many of the 68 events at next week's Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books & Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Van, check out 32 Books.
Check out the Georgia Straight's VIWF contest - enter to win tickets to one of the events at this year's Vancouver International Writers Festival plus a book from one of the featured authors.
http://www.straight.com/contest/vancouver/vancouver-international-writers-festival-kickoff.
And another Georgia Straight contest featuring books published by Penguin Canada to celebrate their 75th anniversary. http://www.straight.com/contest/vancouver/celebrate-penguin-books-75th-anniversary
The Literati silent auction features a plethora of fabulous items, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati. Tickets for this year's art raffle for a painting by Jamie Evrard will be available at Literati and at Performance Works during the Festival, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Check out our new Festival video, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/festivalvideo. Forward it to friends who are curious about the Festival experience!
Special Events
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
Sandra Kasturi calls Sara Gruen’s Ape House “an entertaining drama of human-animal relations.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/869401--ape-house-an-entertaining-drama-of-human-animal-relations
Gary Shteyngart
Vancouver International Writers Festival and the Cherie Smith JCGV Jewish Book Festival present the author of Super Sad True Love Story in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/shteyngart.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Bill Richardson and British novelist Sarah Waters at the top of their game in this conversation about Waters' novel The Little Stranger.
http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
The premise of Marc Levy's All Those Things We Never Said is completely insane, writes Anne Sutherland, but if you throw logic and believability out the window, the novel is entertaining.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/reads+Dead+time/3645103/story.html
Dave Bidini's Home and Away about the 2010 Homeless World Cup "demonstrates the capacity of sports to act as a therapeutic agent and a catalyst for social change." Dave Bidini will appear in event 42.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/book-review-home-and-away-by-dave-bidini/article1745848/email/
Part travelogue, part exploration, part mid-winter love story, Breakfast at the Exit Café is both about a road trip from and an exploration of, told in alternating voices by Merilyn Simonds and Wayne Grady, of the nation of the American Dream. Simonds and Grady will appear in event 42.
http://www.dmpibooks.com/book/breakfast-at-the-exit-cafe
Derek Lundy's Borderlands is also about a road trip, this one Lundy's rather wild motorcycle ride along America's borders. Derek Lundy will appear in event 42.
http://www.straight.com/article-341742/vancouver/borderlands-tracks-derek-lundys-wild-motorcycle-ride-along-americas-borders
Prodigal Daughter: A Journey to Byzantium is an historical and cultural odyssey beginning in Edmonton and ranging around the Balkans as Myrna Kostash tracks the origins of her inherited religion. Myrna Kostash will appear in event 42.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Cracking+books/3177690/story.html
Denise Chong's Egg on Mao profiles one of the men who, 20 years ago, dared to lob eggs at a portrait of Mao, an act that even today serves as an inspiration for China's pro-democracy forces, writes Alexander Varty. Denise Chong will appear in event 42.
http://www.straight.com/article-262659/egg-mao-praises-truly-brave-iconoclast
Mishka Mourani writes that Tony Di Nardo's collection Alien, Correspondent is a book to savor. "This collection of poems is reminiscent of the oriental rugs Di Nardo mentions in one of his poems." Both Alien, Correspondent and Soul on Standby were published this spring.
http://www.brickbooks.ca/?p=1382
William Gibson's Zero History features an amnesiac caught up in some high-tech espionage. It is about surveillance and about being on and off the radar. William Gibson will appear in event 37.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/zero-history-by-william-gibson-2061839.html
Anosh Irani's Dahanu Road brings together two families whose fates are dangerously intertwined. Anosh Irani will appear in event 37.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-dahanu-road-by-anosh-irani/article1551350/
Yann Martel's Beatrice and Virgil is a novel of ideas that considers both the bond between humans and animals and man's capacity for committing terrible acts, says the Seattle Times. Yann Martel will appear in event 37.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2011607590_br18martel.html
Adam Lewis Schroeder's In the Fabled East is a gripping and witty romp through colonial Indochina, a novel to lose yourself in. Adam Lewis Schroeder will appear in event 37.
http://www.thestar.com/article/839764--in-the-fabled-east-a-novel-to-lose-yourself-in
Linwood Barclay's latest, Never Look Away, starts as a mystery, revolving around the inexplicable disappearance of a young wife and mother. Then he revs into thriller mode.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-never-look-away-by-linwood-barclay/article1491331/
Growing up on the grounds of a now-defunct sanatorium gave Martha Brooks a setting and experience for Queen of Hearts, which Lucy Silag describes as a novel of friendship.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-queen-of-hearts-by-martha-brooks/article1724024/
"Rhythm is everything in Anthony Doerr's new collection, Memory Wall. His tales all seem somehow to undulate, to surge and recede like the tides, moving gracefully between different places and times." Anthony Doerr will appear in event 55.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/books/review/Rafferty-t.html
Marisa Silver's extraordinary book, Alone With You, is a starkly elegant and superbly rendered collection of short stories. Marisa Silver will appear in event 55.
http://books.google.ca/books?sitesec=reviews&id=5lPXi5pRUVAC
Wells Tower has invented a world of rough men and strong women, and the women have had their patience sorely tried. Wells Tower will appear in event 55.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/books/review/White-t.html
The stories in Yiyun Li's Gold Boy, Emerald Girl create in the reader the shock of commingled pleasure and melancholy. Yiyun Li will appear in event 55.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Prose-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
Aaron Bushkowsky's Curtains for Roy offers a hilarious and poignant peek into the world of theatre, where the greatest drama is offstage and the best performances take place behind the curtain. Aaron Bushkowsky will appear in event 57.
http://www.cormorantbooks.com/titles/curtainsforroy.shtml
In Seven Good Reasons Not to be Good, John Gould does a masterful job of reminding the reader that there is a whole lot in life over which we have no control. John Gould will appear in event 57.
http://www.timescolonist.com/Local+writer+talent+shines+longer+form/3429106/story.html
Rachel Wyatt's Letters to Omar involves three retired women who take on a cause, trying to make the world a better place while one of them writes unsent letters to people she admires, and to a few she despises. Rachel Wyatt will appear in event 57.
http://coteaubooks.com/book_uploads/media_releases/media_159.pdf
How do objects summon memories? What do real images feel like? These types of questions permeate the pages of Lynda Barry's graphic novel What It Is. Lynda Barry will appear in event 57.
http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/shopCatalogLong.php?st=art&art=a45a8141b837f5
Candace Fertile writes that using the graphic novel form to write a memoir of her mother's struggles with Alzheimer's, Sarah Leavitt has re-created her mother, a woman anyone would be privileged to have known.
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Pictures+capture+pathos/3649176/story.html
Reviews of Charles Foran's Mordecai: The Life and Times, Michael Winter's The Death of Donna Whalen, and Camilla Gibb's The Beauty of Humanity Movement are included in The Walrus' "Seven new titles of note".
http://walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.11-walrus-reads-the-walrus-reads/
Eleanor Catton's The Rehearsal is a debut novel that has already won prizes. But then, isn't everything a performance, in one way or another? Eleanor Catton will appear in event 51.
http://www.listener.co.nz/issue/3560/artsbooks/11584/enter_stage_right_.html
Paul Harding's debut Pultzer Prize-winning novel Tinkers deals with time (clocks), memory, consciousness and identity. Pau Harding will appear in events 51 and 55.
http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/afterword/archive/2010/04/12/paul-harding-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-fiction.aspx
Pascale Quiviger explores the nature of truth in The Breakwater House, a novel about two girls growing up together, so close that they easily pretend to be one another when convenient. How do we know when a true thing is true? Pascale Quiviger will appear in event 51.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-breakwater-house-by-pascale-quiviger/article1571318/
Miguel Syjuco's award-winning Ilustrado features a character named Miguel Syjido who is both biographer and detective—an extraordinary debut. Miguel Syjuco, the author, will appear in event 51.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-ilustrado-by-miguel-syjuco/article1560330/
AWARDS & LISTS
British author Howard Jacobson has won the 2010 Man Booker Prize for his comic novel The Finkler Question.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/howard-jacobson-wins-man-booker-for-comic-novel/article1754042/
David Grossman was handed the prestigious German Book Trade Peace Prize on Sunday at the Frankfurt Book Fair this past weekend. Though the award was announced in June, the actual ceremony didn't happen until Sunday, during the annual fair.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/10/german-prize-grossman.html
Diarmaid MacCulloch's A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, Giancarlo Casale's The Ottoman Age of Exploration and Marla R. Miller's Betsy Ross and the Making of America are finalists for the $75,000 Cundill Prize in History.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872198--history-book-award-finalists
Sandra Birdsell's Waiting for Joe, Emma Donoghue's Room, Drew Hayden Taylor's, Motorcycles & Sweetgrass and Kathleen Winter's Annabel are among the English-language finalists for the Governor General's Literary Awards. Marie-Claire Blais' Mai au bal des prédateurs and Dany Laferrière’s L'énigme du retour are among the French-language finalists.
http://www.canadacouncil.ca/news/releases/2010/lx129310227358016415.htm
NEWS & FEATURES
The NY Times reports that parents are so focused on preparing their children for standardized testing, they dismiss picture books and argue for chapter books as early as kindergarten.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/us/08picture.html?_r=1
In prior years, the name of the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature was often not recognized. The 2010 Nobel Prize has gone to a writer whose name is well known to and widely venerated by the global literary community.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/07/AR2010100703808.html
A profile of Nobel prize-winner Mario Vargas Llosa, a master of humour and humanity, is found here.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/novelist-politician-literary-bruiser-ndash-and-nobel-prize-winner-2101077.html
In a recent interview Henning Mankell ponders the reasons for the extraordinary global popularity of Nordic detectives. And he admits that he follows Graham Greene's example of stopping work in the middle of a sentence.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/henning-mankell-the-special-relationship-2098590.html
Actor Jonathan Pryce reads the recently unearthed Last Letter by Ted Hughes in a (UK) channel 4 video.
http://www.channel4.com/news/newly-discovered-ted-hughes-poem
Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, long described as 'unfilmable' is to be made into a film by a Toronto-based film company.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/the-unfilmable-book-comes-to-the-big-screen-2101807.html
Alice Munro's story Carrie appears in the latest issue of the New Yorker (subscription required).
http://www.newyorker.com/fiction
The Writers' Union of Canada has announced that submissions are being accepted until November 10, 2010 for the 18th annual short prose competition for developing writers. The winning entry will be the best Canadian work of 2,500 words in the English language, fiction or nonfiction, written by an unpublished author. The prize for the winning entry is $2,500.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/call-submissions-18th-annual-short-prose-competition-developing-writers
Walter Skold, the man behind the Dead Poets Society of America is inaugurating what he hopes will one day be a widespread literary holiday to honour and remember poets.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/07/dead-poets-remembrance-day.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
Peter C. Newman in his review of Lawrence Martin's Harperland says: "The book’s most telling chapters deal with the Prime Minister's absolute domination of his party, his ministers, his cabinet and the every aspect of government."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/book-review-harperland-by-lawrence-martin/article1749251/
Tim McCarthy's Booker Prize-nominated C and Lee Rourke's Not-the-Booker-Prize nominated The Canal tilt against convention and attempt to define "a new generation in experimental fiction."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872482--c-a-novel-and-the-canal
The NY Times says that John Vaillant's The Tiger bears a striking resemblance to its fictional seafaring predecessors: the white whale and the movie-star shark (both of which are said to have been inspired by real creatures).
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/books/review/Lewine-t.html?ref=books
Arturo Fontaine's La Vida Doble is a remarkable novel of politics, sex and torture in Chile that resists the moral high ground, writes David Gallagher. Carlos Fuentes says that Fontaine is the true heir to José Donoso, generally regarded as the finest novelist in Chile.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article7167160.ece
Bill Bryson's new book At Home: A Short History of Private Life is based on the premise that the homes we live in have much to tell us about our history and ourselves.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872448--at-home-bill-bryson-considers-where-we-live
Poets Gary Geddes in Swimming Ginger and Michael Lista in Bloom engage with the historical record to explore such themes as love, power and politics — subjects that resonate in every era.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/872388--swimming-ginger-and-bloom-musing-on-the-past
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ONE SENTENCE MEMORY CONTEST
The Memory Festival, brought to you by the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, Geist and SFU Writing and Publishing Program, wants your memories of Vancouver. Prize is a one year subscription to Geist, deadline is October 31, 2010. Complete details here, http://bit.ly/aNDAab.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Steven Heighton and Ian Williams. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. For more information, phone 604-822-6453.
THE MAKING OF THE SZYK HAGGADAH, A SACRED JEWISH TEXT
Irvin Ungar, Proprietor, Historicana Books, Burlingame, California will speak about the making of this sacred text in Limited, Deluxe and Premier editions. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street (Main & Broadway).
VANCOUVER ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR
33 used and antiquarian booksellers from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and California. Friday, October 15, 3pm-9pm Saturday, October 16, 10am-5pm Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
R.A. SALVATORE
Meet bestelling author R.A. Salvatore as he signs Gauntlgrym, the first book in the the brand new Drizzt trilogy, Neverwinter. Saturday, October 16 at 12:00pm, free. Chapters Robson and Howe, 788 Robson Street. More information at 604-682-4066.
DARLENE FOSTER
Book signing by the author of Amanda in Arabia, The Perfume Flask. Saturday, October 16 at 1:00pm, free. Black Bond Books, 5251 Ladner Trunk Road, Ladner.
A TASTE OF WORDS
A Mother Tongue Publishing night with novelist Gurjinder Basran (Everything Was Good-bye), poets Daniela Elza (4poets) and Mona Fertig (The Unsettled). Music and song by Peter Haase (Liverpool Pete). Saturday, October 16 at 7:00pm, free. Cafe Montmartre, 3941 Main Street.
CV2 MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY COAST TO COAST READING TOUR
CV2 Magazine will be hosting a poetry reading featuring Billeh Nickerson, Bren Simmers, Donato Mancini, and Elizabeth Bachinsky will share the stage. Saturday, October 16 at 8:00pm, free. W2 Storyeum, 151 Cordova St. W.
PEN-IN-HAND READING SERIES
Readings by poets Bernice Lever and Ashok Bhargava. Monday, October 18 at 7:30pm. Suggested donation is $3. Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria. More information at ainbinder.collins@gmail.com.
Upcoming
PLAY CHTHONICS READING SERIES
Readings by Lee Maracle and Fabiola Nabil Naguib. Wednesday, October 20 at 3:00pm, free. Graham House at Green College, 6201 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at http://playchthonics.blogspot.com/.
ARTHUR BLACK
Luncheon, reading and book signing with the author of A Chip Off the Old Black. Thursday, October 21 at 11:00am. Preregistration required. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W. More information at 604-224-4388.
CHARLES CLAPHAM
Author launches his second edition of the Great Walks of Vancouver. Thursday, October 21 at 7:00pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
LAUNCH FOR THE BEST CANADIAN POETRY 2010
Tightrope Books presents the Vancouver launch for The Best Canadian Poetry in English 2010, edited by Lorna Crozier and Series Editor Molly Peacock. Saturday, October 23 at 4:00pm. The Agro Café, 1363 Railspur Alley, Granville Island. More information at www.tightropebooks.com.
PEN-IN-HAND READING SERIES
Readings by poets Steve Mcormond and Steve Noyes. Monday, October 25 at 7:30pm. Suggested donation is $3. Serious Coffee, 230 Cook Street, Victoria. More information at ainbinder.collins@gmail.com.
KEITH BILLINGTON
Join the bestselling author of House Calls by Dogsled as he shares more hair-raising medical emergencies in Cold Land, Warm Hearts: More Memories of an Arctic Medical Outpost. Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00pm, free. Meeting Room, Level 3, Central Library
350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact VPL - Popular Reading Library at 604-331-3691.
COLD LAND, WARM HEARTS
Keith Billington will be signing books. Saturday, October 30 at 1:30pm. Black Bond Books, Royal City Centre (102 -610 Sixth Street, New Westminster). For more information please contact 604-528-6226.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Book News Vol. 5 No. 43
BOOK NEWS
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Vancouver, check out 32 Books.
There are some fabulous events for students as this year's Festival that still have room for a class or two, including an event with Kenneth Oppel, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2010festival/event/22-everything-oppel. You can get more information on school events with the best availability here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/teachers/available_school.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents Literati, a gala fundraising dinner in support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Literati is presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join Literati host Bill Richardson and many of the 2010 Festival authors for an evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, and performances by Rebecca Jenkins, Joel Bakan and Ballet BC dancers. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
Check out our new Festival video, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/festivalvideo. Forward it to friends who are curious about the Festival experience!
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Lisa Moore reading from her novel February, the story of a fictional Newfoundland family affected by a real-life tragedy. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Stuart McLean
Stuart McLean talks with Hal Wake about his new book The Vinyl Café Notebooks, a collection of wonderfully eclectic essays selected from 15 years of his CBC radio program. Please join us for a rare, intimate evening with one of Canada's best loved storytellers. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/maclean.
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
Sandra Kasturi calls Sara Gruen's Ape House "an entertaining drama of human-animal relations."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/869401--ape-house-an-entertaining-drama-of-human-animal-relations
Gary Shteyngart
Vancouver International Writers Festival and the Cherie Smith JCGV Jewish Book Festival present the author of Super Sad True Love Story in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/shteyngart.
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
Morgan Entrekin, president of Grove/Atlantic, calls Karl Marlantes' Matterhorn "the Vietnam novel of our generation".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jul/11/marlantes-matterhorn-book-review
Sandra Kasturi writes that Rebecca James' Beautiful Malice is technically a young adult novel – a kind of teen romance/suspense/revenge thriller – but with enough "grown-up" content to recommend it to adults.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-beautiful-malice-by-rebecca-james/article1655982/
Joel Yanofsky says that in To the End of the Land David Grossman "maps the Israeli soul."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/novel+Land+David+Grossman+maps+Israeli+soul/3610415/story.html
Margaret Cannon describes Chevy Stevens' Still Missing as "a very impressive debut".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/new-in-crime-fiction/article1737561/
Matt Baker writes that those acquainted with Richard Van Camp's earlier work will find familiar themes and subjects in The Moon of Letting Go.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6697
Judi Salltman's 2003 interview with Van Camp continues to offer insights into his storytelling.
http://www.richardvancamp.org/JSaltman.html
In her review of The Worst Thing She Ever Did, Dory Cerny writes that "Alice Kuipers' talent lies in creating believable teenaged characters."
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6900
Robert Wiersema writes that The Master of Happy Endings demonstrates the deft skills readers have come to expect from author Jack Hodgins.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2010/06/05/book-review-the-master-of-happy-endings-by%C2%A0jack%C2%A0hodgins/
Wendy Banks comments that, as the title—Waiting for Joe—hints, Sandra Birdsell's novel flirts with a bleak, contemporary Prairie absurdism. Televangelists notwithstanding, God might not have anything special in mind for any of us.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/book-review-waiting-for-joe-by-sandra-birdsell/article1742037/
Anosh Irani's Dahanu Road prompts two key questions: What turns the persecuted into the oppressor? And what makes a person finally stand up against community norms? seattlepi’s reviewer states: "On the surface this is a deceptively simple book, but you will discover there are secrets..."
http://www.seattlepi.com/books/417762_131333-blogcritics.org.html
The Globe & Mail describes the book as "a multigenerational saga set where the fates of two families are dangerously intertwined."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-dahanu-road-by-anosh-irani/article1551350/
AWARDS & LISTS
Peruvian Mario Vargas Llosa, one of the most acclaimed writers in the Spanish-speaking world, won the Nobel Prize for Literature today.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/vargas-llosa-wins-nobel-literature-prize-2100548.html
Yiyun Li has been named a 2010 MacArthur Fellow for her dramatizing the myriad effects of late-twentieth-century China's sweeping social changes in a deeply moving, yet quietly understated, style of storytelling.
http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.6239749/k.1427/Meet_the_2010_Fellows.htm
Seamus Heaney has won the £10k Forward poetry prize for Human Chain, a collection of poems inspired by Heaney's experiences after a stroke.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/06/seamus-heaney-forward-poetry-prize
George Bowering's The Box is one of four books shortlisted for the 2010 Vancouver Book Award. Other shortlisted books include Visions of British Columbia by art curator Bruce Grenville and editor/author Scott Steedman. The winner will be presented with a cash prize of $2,000 by the Mayor at City Hall on October 19.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/city-announces-shortlist-for-vancouver-book-award/article1733731/
Karl Marlantes' Matterhorn has been shortlisted for The 2010 Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize.
http://centerforfiction.org/awards/2010shortlist.pdf
The Alberta Theatre Projects has awarded Lawrence Hill, author of The Book of Negroes, the Bob Edwards Award. The award recognizes a literary figure who has demonstrated outstanding curiosity and respect for freedom of expression.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/04/lawrence-hill.html
Canada Reads, the popular CBC Radio book debate, is taking a new approach to choosing books for 2011—asking Canadians to nominate the best books of the past decade. Only Canadian novels published in the last 10 years are eligible.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/05/canada-reads-2010.html
NEWS & FEATURES
When the Nobel Prize in literature was announced, the choice may be—if the last two years are any indication—a confounding one. David L. Ulin Book Critic at the LA Times examines the question: How do you quantify the best book when reading is such a subjective activity?
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-book-awards-20101004,0,6284604.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+latimes/entertainment+(Entertainment+News)
Key Porter Books has closed its Toronto office; the majority of its Toronto staff have been laid off. Harold Fenn names the extreme challenge of publishing in Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/30/key-porter-layoffs.html
One of Ford Madox Ford's great gifts to readers is the p.99 challenge. "Open the book to page 99 and read, and the quality of the whole will be revealed to you."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/sep/28/test-novel-before-you-read
Chuck Davis has announced that he needs help in finishing a massive history of Vancouver, the city he has chronicled all his adult life.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/tom-hawthorn/mr-vancouver-seeks-help-to-finish-his-magnum-opus/article1733850/
We need decadent novels (think Wilde, Baudelaire Huysman), but there aren't any, argues the Guardian. Where did the decadent novel go? asks John Lucas.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/sep/29/decadent-novel
Anna Porter gives us a word-portrait of Eva Gustafsson, Stieg Larsson's life partner and reminds us that Sweden isn't 'advanced' in all matters, especially recognizing common-law marriage. But there will be more books and there already exist Stieg Larsson Walks.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/exclusive-anna-porter-talks-to-stieg-larssons-life-partner/article1737265/
Salman Rushdie, speaking recently in Edmonton, says that there has never been a more dangerous time for artists who challenge official historical, political and religious doctrine in the world.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Dangerous+times+writers+Rushdie+says/3590338/story.html
Rushdie has written Luka and the Fire of Life, a novel for teenagers, which is to be published this week.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/02/salman-rushdie-luka
Read detective novels to learn about foreign countries? Slate suggests that reading James Church's Detective O series will help one understand why North Koreans don't defect in greater numbers.
http://www.slate.com/id/2262159/
Philip Roth ruminates on God, his penchant for imagined hells, the nature of imagination and the origins of his stories in a conversation with David L. Ulin of the LA Times.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-philip-roth-20101003,0,5694780.story
Nemesis, a tale of a polio outbreak in wartime New Jersey is vintage Philip Roth, says Edward Docx.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/03/philip-roth-nemesis-book-review
The amount of time children spend reading books for enjoyment decreases as they use cellphones and other mobile technology, but e-books might just bring them back to literature.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/868327--do-e-books-spur-kids-to-read
And Other Stories is an imaginative new publishing initiative using reading groups to choose what it will publish. How to avoid the problem of publishing by committee is yet to be determined.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/oct/01/publishing-fiction
BOOKS & WRITERS
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary is David Sedaris' first work of fiction since his 1994 debut collection Barrel Fever. The book features illustrations by Ian Falconer, well known for his children's picture books about a pig named Olivia.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/868158--david-sedaris-animal-tales-he-has-known
Here are two extracts:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/03/david-sedaris-squirrel-seeks-chipmunk
David Bergen's The Matter with Morris, a novel of a father unhinged by his soldier son's loss in Afghanistan, has been longlisted for the Giller Prize.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/869549--the-matter-with-morris-a-mourning-father-unhinged
Carlos Fuentes says that Fontaine is the true heir to José Donoso, generally regarded as the finest novelist in Chile. Fontaine's La Vida Doble is a remarkable novel that resists the moral high ground, writes David Gallagher.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article7167160.ece
All the stories in Colm Tóibín's new collection, The Empty Family, are suffused with loneliness, longing and regret. But, says Thomas Jones, there's an extraordinary restrained steeliness to the storytelling.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/03/empty-family-colm-toibin-review
Lawrence Martin continues to plan to publish Harperland: The Politics of Control despite PMO accusations of bias.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/30/harper-book-lawrence-martin.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ROBSON READING SERIES
Special reading and conversation with Gerard Beirne. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. For more information phone 604-822-6453.
BREN SIMMERS
Author launches her first book of poetry, Night Gears. Also a reading by Ben Hart and live music by Lisa O'Neill. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm. Montmartre Cafe, 4362 Main Street.
CATHRINE ANN
Award-winning entrepreneur Cathrine Ann reads from Beautiful Buttons: A Memoir of Survival and Triumph. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
RAYMOND VERDAGUER
Canadian printmaker and book illustrator Raymond Verdaguer will talk about prints and book illustrations done in the media of copper plates, woodcuts and linocuts. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Oakridge Public Library, southeast corner of Oakridge Shopping Centre; free parking.
GRANT LAWRENCE
Join CBC Radio’s Grant Lawrence for the launch of his debut book Adventures In Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound ($26.95, Harbour Publishing) at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver) on Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 pm. This free event will be held in the MOV Studio with musical performances from Jill Barber and Said the Whale. A cash bar will be available. For more information regarding Grant’s book launch in Vancouver, please call the Museum of Vancouver at 604.736.4431.
DOUG SAUNDERS
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents the author of Arrival City, a new book analyzing the rise of mega-cities in a vastly changing world. Thursday, October 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets $15/$12 and are available at www.capilanou.ca/theatre or 604-990-7810. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver.
BETH ROWLES SCOTT
Author of Pinch Me: A Long Walk from the Prairies, invites you to walk with her as she tells about her prairie childhood. Tuesday, October 12 at 6:00pm. Free but registration required. Firehall Branch, 1455 West 10th Avenue. For more information please contact Firehall Branch at 604-665-3970.
CROSS BORDER POLLINATION
An evening of poetry and prose with the Cross-Border Pollination team. Wednesday, October 13 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Branch, VPL, 350 West Georgia Street.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Steven Heighton and Ian Williams. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. For more information, phone 604-822-6453.
THE MAKING OF THE SZYK HAGGADAH, A SACRED JEWISH TEXT
Irvin Ungar, Proprietor, Historicana Books, Burlingame, California will speak about the making of this sacred text in Limited, Deluxe and Premier editions. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street (Main & Broadway).
VANCOUVER ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR
33 used and antiquarian booksellers from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and California. Friday, October 15, 3pm-9pm Saturday, October 16, 10am-5pm Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
R.A. SALVATORE
Meet bestelling author R.A. Salvatore as he signs Gauntlgrym, the first book in the the brand new Drizzt trilogy, Neverwinter. Saturday, October 16 at 12:00pm, free. Chapters Robson and Howe, 788 Robson Street. More information at 604-682-4066.
DARLENE FOSTER
Book signing by the author of Amanda in Arabia, The Perfume Flask. Saturday, October 16 at 1:00pm, free. Black Bond Books, 5251 Ladner Trunk Road, Ladner.
A TASTE OF WORDS
A Mother Tongue Publishing night with novelist Gurjinder Basran (Everything Was Good-bye), poets Daniela Elza (4poets) and Mona Fertig (The Unsettled). Music and song by Peter Haase (Liverpool Pete). Saturday, October 16 at &;00pm, free. Cafe Montmartre, 3941 Main Street.
CV2 MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY COAST TO COAST READING TOUR
CV2 Magazine will be hosting a poetry reading featuring Billeh Nickerson, Bren Simmers, Donato Mancini, and Elizabeth Bachinsky will share the stage. Saturday, October 16 at 8:00pm, free. W2 Storyeum, 151 Cordova St. W.
Upcoming
ARTHUR BLACK
Luncheon, reading and book signing with the author of A Chip Off the Old Black. Thursday, October 21 at 11:00am. Preregistration required. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W. More information at 604-224-4388.
CHARLES CLAPHAM
Author launches his second edition of the Great Walks of Vancouver. Thursday, October 21 at 7:00pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
BOOK LAUNCH
Tightrope Books presents the Vancouver launch for The Best Canadian Poetry in English 2010, edited by Lorna Crozier and Series Editor Molly Peacock. Saturday, October 23 at 4:00pm. The Agro Café, 1363 Railspur Alley, Granville Island. More information at www.tightropebooks.com.
KEITH BILLINGTON
Join the bestselling author of House Calls by Dogsled as he shares more hair-raising medical emergencies in Cold Land, Warm Hearts: More Memories of an Arctic Medical Outpost. Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00pm, free. Meeting Room, Level 3, Central Library
350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact VPL - Popular Reading Library at 604-331-3691.
COLD LAND, WARM HEARTS
Keith Billington will be signing books. Saturday, October 30 at 1:30pm. Black Bond Books, Royal City Centre (102 -610 Sixth Street, New Westminster). For more information please contact 604-528-6226.
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Vancouver, check out 32 Books.
There are some fabulous events for students as this year's Festival that still have room for a class or two, including an event with Kenneth Oppel, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2010festival/event/22-everything-oppel. You can get more information on school events with the best availability here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/teachers/available_school.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents Literati, a gala fundraising dinner in support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Literati is presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join Literati host Bill Richardson and many of the 2010 Festival authors for an evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, and performances by Rebecca Jenkins, Joel Bakan and Ballet BC dancers. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
Check out our new Festival video, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/festivalvideo. Forward it to friends who are curious about the Festival experience!
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Lisa Moore reading from her novel February, the story of a fictional Newfoundland family affected by a real-life tragedy. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Stuart McLean
Stuart McLean talks with Hal Wake about his new book The Vinyl Café Notebooks, a collection of wonderfully eclectic essays selected from 15 years of his CBC radio program. Please join us for a rare, intimate evening with one of Canada's best loved storytellers. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/maclean.
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
Sandra Kasturi calls Sara Gruen's Ape House "an entertaining drama of human-animal relations."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/869401--ape-house-an-entertaining-drama-of-human-animal-relations
Gary Shteyngart
Vancouver International Writers Festival and the Cherie Smith JCGV Jewish Book Festival present the author of Super Sad True Love Story in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/shteyngart.
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
Morgan Entrekin, president of Grove/Atlantic, calls Karl Marlantes' Matterhorn "the Vietnam novel of our generation".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jul/11/marlantes-matterhorn-book-review
Sandra Kasturi writes that Rebecca James' Beautiful Malice is technically a young adult novel – a kind of teen romance/suspense/revenge thriller – but with enough "grown-up" content to recommend it to adults.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-beautiful-malice-by-rebecca-james/article1655982/
Joel Yanofsky says that in To the End of the Land David Grossman "maps the Israeli soul."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/novel+Land+David+Grossman+maps+Israeli+soul/3610415/story.html
Margaret Cannon describes Chevy Stevens' Still Missing as "a very impressive debut".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/new-in-crime-fiction/article1737561/
Matt Baker writes that those acquainted with Richard Van Camp's earlier work will find familiar themes and subjects in The Moon of Letting Go.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6697
Judi Salltman's 2003 interview with Van Camp continues to offer insights into his storytelling.
http://www.richardvancamp.org/JSaltman.html
In her review of The Worst Thing She Ever Did, Dory Cerny writes that "Alice Kuipers' talent lies in creating believable teenaged characters."
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6900
Robert Wiersema writes that The Master of Happy Endings demonstrates the deft skills readers have come to expect from author Jack Hodgins.
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2010/06/05/book-review-the-master-of-happy-endings-by%C2%A0jack%C2%A0hodgins/
Wendy Banks comments that, as the title—Waiting for Joe—hints, Sandra Birdsell's novel flirts with a bleak, contemporary Prairie absurdism. Televangelists notwithstanding, God might not have anything special in mind for any of us.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/book-review-waiting-for-joe-by-sandra-birdsell/article1742037/
Anosh Irani's Dahanu Road prompts two key questions: What turns the persecuted into the oppressor? And what makes a person finally stand up against community norms? seattlepi’s reviewer states: "On the surface this is a deceptively simple book, but you will discover there are secrets..."
http://www.seattlepi.com/books/417762_131333-blogcritics.org.html
The Globe & Mail describes the book as "a multigenerational saga set where the fates of two families are dangerously intertwined."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-dahanu-road-by-anosh-irani/article1551350/
AWARDS & LISTS
Peruvian Mario Vargas Llosa, one of the most acclaimed writers in the Spanish-speaking world, won the Nobel Prize for Literature today.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/vargas-llosa-wins-nobel-literature-prize-2100548.html
Yiyun Li has been named a 2010 MacArthur Fellow for her dramatizing the myriad effects of late-twentieth-century China's sweeping social changes in a deeply moving, yet quietly understated, style of storytelling.
http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.6239749/k.1427/Meet_the_2010_Fellows.htm
Seamus Heaney has won the £10k Forward poetry prize for Human Chain, a collection of poems inspired by Heaney's experiences after a stroke.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/06/seamus-heaney-forward-poetry-prize
George Bowering's The Box is one of four books shortlisted for the 2010 Vancouver Book Award. Other shortlisted books include Visions of British Columbia by art curator Bruce Grenville and editor/author Scott Steedman. The winner will be presented with a cash prize of $2,000 by the Mayor at City Hall on October 19.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/city-announces-shortlist-for-vancouver-book-award/article1733731/
Karl Marlantes' Matterhorn has been shortlisted for The 2010 Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize.
http://centerforfiction.org/awards/2010shortlist.pdf
The Alberta Theatre Projects has awarded Lawrence Hill, author of The Book of Negroes, the Bob Edwards Award. The award recognizes a literary figure who has demonstrated outstanding curiosity and respect for freedom of expression.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/04/lawrence-hill.html
Canada Reads, the popular CBC Radio book debate, is taking a new approach to choosing books for 2011—asking Canadians to nominate the best books of the past decade. Only Canadian novels published in the last 10 years are eligible.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/10/05/canada-reads-2010.html
NEWS & FEATURES
When the Nobel Prize in literature was announced, the choice may be—if the last two years are any indication—a confounding one. David L. Ulin Book Critic at the LA Times examines the question: How do you quantify the best book when reading is such a subjective activity?
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-book-awards-20101004,0,6284604.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+latimes/entertainment+(Entertainment+News)
Key Porter Books has closed its Toronto office; the majority of its Toronto staff have been laid off. Harold Fenn names the extreme challenge of publishing in Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/30/key-porter-layoffs.html
One of Ford Madox Ford's great gifts to readers is the p.99 challenge. "Open the book to page 99 and read, and the quality of the whole will be revealed to you."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/sep/28/test-novel-before-you-read
Chuck Davis has announced that he needs help in finishing a massive history of Vancouver, the city he has chronicled all his adult life.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/tom-hawthorn/mr-vancouver-seeks-help-to-finish-his-magnum-opus/article1733850/
We need decadent novels (think Wilde, Baudelaire Huysman), but there aren't any, argues the Guardian. Where did the decadent novel go? asks John Lucas.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/sep/29/decadent-novel
Anna Porter gives us a word-portrait of Eva Gustafsson, Stieg Larsson's life partner and reminds us that Sweden isn't 'advanced' in all matters, especially recognizing common-law marriage. But there will be more books and there already exist Stieg Larsson Walks.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/exclusive-anna-porter-talks-to-stieg-larssons-life-partner/article1737265/
Salman Rushdie, speaking recently in Edmonton, says that there has never been a more dangerous time for artists who challenge official historical, political and religious doctrine in the world.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/Dangerous+times+writers+Rushdie+says/3590338/story.html
Rushdie has written Luka and the Fire of Life, a novel for teenagers, which is to be published this week.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/02/salman-rushdie-luka
Read detective novels to learn about foreign countries? Slate suggests that reading James Church's Detective O series will help one understand why North Koreans don't defect in greater numbers.
http://www.slate.com/id/2262159/
Philip Roth ruminates on God, his penchant for imagined hells, the nature of imagination and the origins of his stories in a conversation with David L. Ulin of the LA Times.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-philip-roth-20101003,0,5694780.story
Nemesis, a tale of a polio outbreak in wartime New Jersey is vintage Philip Roth, says Edward Docx.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/03/philip-roth-nemesis-book-review
The amount of time children spend reading books for enjoyment decreases as they use cellphones and other mobile technology, but e-books might just bring them back to literature.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/868327--do-e-books-spur-kids-to-read
And Other Stories is an imaginative new publishing initiative using reading groups to choose what it will publish. How to avoid the problem of publishing by committee is yet to be determined.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/oct/01/publishing-fiction
BOOKS & WRITERS
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary is David Sedaris' first work of fiction since his 1994 debut collection Barrel Fever. The book features illustrations by Ian Falconer, well known for his children's picture books about a pig named Olivia.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/868158--david-sedaris-animal-tales-he-has-known
Here are two extracts:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/03/david-sedaris-squirrel-seeks-chipmunk
David Bergen's The Matter with Morris, a novel of a father unhinged by his soldier son's loss in Afghanistan, has been longlisted for the Giller Prize.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/869549--the-matter-with-morris-a-mourning-father-unhinged
Carlos Fuentes says that Fontaine is the true heir to José Donoso, generally regarded as the finest novelist in Chile. Fontaine's La Vida Doble is a remarkable novel that resists the moral high ground, writes David Gallagher.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article7167160.ece
All the stories in Colm Tóibín's new collection, The Empty Family, are suffused with loneliness, longing and regret. But, says Thomas Jones, there's an extraordinary restrained steeliness to the storytelling.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/03/empty-family-colm-toibin-review
Lawrence Martin continues to plan to publish Harperland: The Politics of Control despite PMO accusations of bias.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/30/harper-book-lawrence-martin.html
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ROBSON READING SERIES
Special reading and conversation with Gerard Beirne. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. For more information phone 604-822-6453.
BREN SIMMERS
Author launches her first book of poetry, Night Gears. Also a reading by Ben Hart and live music by Lisa O'Neill. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm. Montmartre Cafe, 4362 Main Street.
CATHRINE ANN
Award-winning entrepreneur Cathrine Ann reads from Beautiful Buttons: A Memoir of Survival and Triumph. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
RAYMOND VERDAGUER
Canadian printmaker and book illustrator Raymond Verdaguer will talk about prints and book illustrations done in the media of copper plates, woodcuts and linocuts. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Oakridge Public Library, southeast corner of Oakridge Shopping Centre; free parking.
GRANT LAWRENCE
Join CBC Radio’s Grant Lawrence for the launch of his debut book Adventures In Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound ($26.95, Harbour Publishing) at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver) on Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 pm. This free event will be held in the MOV Studio with musical performances from Jill Barber and Said the Whale. A cash bar will be available. For more information regarding Grant’s book launch in Vancouver, please call the Museum of Vancouver at 604.736.4431.
DOUG SAUNDERS
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents the author of Arrival City, a new book analyzing the rise of mega-cities in a vastly changing world. Thursday, October 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets $15/$12 and are available at www.capilanou.ca/theatre or 604-990-7810. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver.
BETH ROWLES SCOTT
Author of Pinch Me: A Long Walk from the Prairies, invites you to walk with her as she tells about her prairie childhood. Tuesday, October 12 at 6:00pm. Free but registration required. Firehall Branch, 1455 West 10th Avenue. For more information please contact Firehall Branch at 604-665-3970.
CROSS BORDER POLLINATION
An evening of poetry and prose with the Cross-Border Pollination team. Wednesday, October 13 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Branch, VPL, 350 West Georgia Street.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Steven Heighton and Ian Williams. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street. For more information, phone 604-822-6453.
THE MAKING OF THE SZYK HAGGADAH, A SACRED JEWISH TEXT
Irvin Ungar, Proprietor, Historicana Books, Burlingame, California will speak about the making of this sacred text in Limited, Deluxe and Premier editions. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street (Main & Broadway).
VANCOUVER ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR
33 used and antiquarian booksellers from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and California. Friday, October 15, 3pm-9pm Saturday, October 16, 10am-5pm Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
R.A. SALVATORE
Meet bestelling author R.A. Salvatore as he signs Gauntlgrym, the first book in the the brand new Drizzt trilogy, Neverwinter. Saturday, October 16 at 12:00pm, free. Chapters Robson and Howe, 788 Robson Street. More information at 604-682-4066.
DARLENE FOSTER
Book signing by the author of Amanda in Arabia, The Perfume Flask. Saturday, October 16 at 1:00pm, free. Black Bond Books, 5251 Ladner Trunk Road, Ladner.
A TASTE OF WORDS
A Mother Tongue Publishing night with novelist Gurjinder Basran (Everything Was Good-bye), poets Daniela Elza (4poets) and Mona Fertig (The Unsettled). Music and song by Peter Haase (Liverpool Pete). Saturday, October 16 at &;00pm, free. Cafe Montmartre, 3941 Main Street.
CV2 MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY COAST TO COAST READING TOUR
CV2 Magazine will be hosting a poetry reading featuring Billeh Nickerson, Bren Simmers, Donato Mancini, and Elizabeth Bachinsky will share the stage. Saturday, October 16 at 8:00pm, free. W2 Storyeum, 151 Cordova St. W.
Upcoming
ARTHUR BLACK
Luncheon, reading and book signing with the author of A Chip Off the Old Black. Thursday, October 21 at 11:00am. Preregistration required. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W. More information at 604-224-4388.
CHARLES CLAPHAM
Author launches his second edition of the Great Walks of Vancouver. Thursday, October 21 at 7:00pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
BOOK LAUNCH
Tightrope Books presents the Vancouver launch for The Best Canadian Poetry in English 2010, edited by Lorna Crozier and Series Editor Molly Peacock. Saturday, October 23 at 4:00pm. The Agro Café, 1363 Railspur Alley, Granville Island. More information at www.tightropebooks.com.
KEITH BILLINGTON
Join the bestselling author of House Calls by Dogsled as he shares more hair-raising medical emergencies in Cold Land, Warm Hearts: More Memories of an Arctic Medical Outpost. Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00pm, free. Meeting Room, Level 3, Central Library
350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact VPL - Popular Reading Library at 604-331-3691.
COLD LAND, WARM HEARTS
Keith Billington will be signing books. Saturday, October 30 at 1:30pm. Black Bond Books, Royal City Centre (102 -610 Sixth Street, New Westminster). For more information please contact 604-528-6226.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Book News Vol. 5 No. 42
BOOK NEWS
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Vancouver, check out 32 Books.
There are some fabulous events for students as this year's Festival that still have room for a class or two. A great event with some of our world-renowned authors will inspire, entertain and educate young people of all ages. You can get more information on available events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/teachers/available_school.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents Literati, a gala fundraising dinner in support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Literati is presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join Literati host Bill Richardson and many of the 2010 Festival authors for an evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, and performances by Rebecca Jenkins, Joel Bakan and Ballet BC dancers. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
This year's Festival art raffle prize is a painting by Bau-Xi Gallery artist Jamie Evrard, which will be on display at Performance Works during the Festival - or stop by the VIWF office at 1398 Cartwright Street on Granville Island to view it now! Raffle details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Andrea Levy, who is appearing in three events at this year's Writers Festival. No one reads quite like her. Sit back and enjoy her on stage interview with Bill Richardson. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Stevie Cameron
Vancouver International Writers Festival presents a special free event with journalist Stevie Cameron. Her new book is On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the tragic story of Vancouver’s missing women. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/cameron.
Stuart McLean
Stuart McLean talks with Hal Wake about his new book The Vinyl Café Notebooks, a collection of wonderfully eclectic essays selected from 15 years of his CBC radio program. Please join us for a rare, intimate evening with one of Canada's best loved storytellers. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/maclean.
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
The bonobo apes demonstrate more humanity than many of the humans in Sara Gruen's new novel Ape House, writes Monique Polak.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Sara+Gruen+novel+House+bonobo+apes+show+more+humanity+than+humans/3535317/story.html
Gary Shteyngart
Vancouver International Writers Festival and the Cherie Smith JCGV Jewish Book Festival present the author of Super Sad True Love Story in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/shteyngart.
James Urquhart says that some of the strongest scenes in Gary Shteyngart's SuperSad True Love Story "sustain...snatched intimacy in defiance of the debased, wired world around. None is so allusive or erotic as when Lenny indulges his taboo addiction for reading actual books, as opposed to superficially 'text-scanning for data'."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/super-sad-true-love-story-by-gary-shteyngart-2087677.html
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
In his review of David Grossman's To the End of the Land, Colm Tóibin writes: "This is one of those few novels that feel as though they have made a difference to the world."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/Toibin-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema1
The New Yorker includes a profile of David Grossman by George Packer.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/09/27/100927fa_fact_packer
In her review of The End of the Ice Age, Cherie Thiessen writes that Terence Young uses poetry and deft phrasing to flesh out his characters.
http://www.abcbookworld.com/view_author.php?id=5391
Ken Finkleman and Trevor Cole take very different approaches toward black-hearted laughs, says Nathan Whitlock. Finkleman's Noah's Turn is "a nasty joy".
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866101--noah-s-turn-and-practical-jean
Caroline Adderson's The Sky Is Falling blends two time frames—the mid-1980s, a time in a Vancouver filled with idealistic views of peace, feminism, and other social issues and then 20 years later—examining the radicalism of youth and the wisdom of age.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/radicalism+youth+wisdom/3579263/story.html
Michael Winter has turned the very real facts of a St. John's murder trial into a compelling work of fiction in The Death of Donna Whalen, says Alex Good.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866193--the-death-of-donna-whalen-true-crime-means-art
Of Gail Bowen's The Nesting Dolls, Gail Kasturi writes: "this latest Kilbourn mystery is a good read with some nicely shocking moments, and fans of the series will enjoy it."
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2010/09/24/book-review-the-nesting-dolls-by-gail-bowen/
Margaret Cannon writes about Quintin Jardine's A Rush of Blood: "It’s difficult to believe that the 20th Bob Skinner novel could be as good as the first, but it is."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/new-in-crime-fiction/article1711946/
Kevin Sylvester's Neil Flambé and the Aztec Abduction is the second in the Neil Flambé Capers series of mysteries. Reviewer Joan Yolleck writes that the two books are best read in sequence to fully grasp the history, humour and intensity of the very likeable main characters.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-neil-flamb-and-the-aztec-abduction-by-kevin-sylvester/article1727656/
AWARDS & LISTS
Michael Helm, Sarah Selecky, Joan Thomas, Jane Urquhart, and Kathleen Winter—who are all appearing at the Festival in October—are among the authors on the longlist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/20/giller-longlist.html
Michael Helm, Emma Donoghue, and Kathleen and Michael Winter are among the finalists for the $25,000 Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. And local author Sarah Leavitt is nominated for the Writer's Trust Non-Fiction Prize.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/emma-donoghue-kathleen-and-michael-winter-among-finalists-for-writers-trust/article1732371/
Nigerian-born writer Chinua Achebe has captured the $300,000 US Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, recognition for his life's work of more than 20 volumes of short stories, essays, poems, and novels.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/25/achebe-gish-prize.html
Crime writer Peter Robinson has won the 2010 Harbourfront Festival Prize, which rewards writers who have had a "substantial contribution to the world of books."
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/22/robinson-harbourfront-prize.html
Top 100 Food Plants: The World's Most Important Culinary Crops by Ernest Small won the inaugural Lane Anderson Prize of $10,000 for Canadian science writing.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/21/edible-plants-lane-anderson-ernest-small.html
Canadian author Melissa Madore is the "Canada and Europe" regional prize-winner in the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition for her story Swallow Dive.
http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/Howwedeliver/Prizes/CommonwealthShortStoryCompetition/2010winners
Don DeLillo has won the PEN/Saul Bellow Award.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/27/don-delillo-pen-saul-bellow-award
Denise Chong is one of the finalists for the Ottawa Book Awards, in the category of English Non-Fiction, for her book Egg on Mao: the Story of an Ordinary Man Who Defaced an Icon and Unmasked a Dictatorship.
http://www.city.ottawa.on.ca/residents/arts/funding_awards/book_awards/finalists_en.html
Hiromi Goto has won the 2010 Sunburst young adult award for Half World, a book she presented at the 2009 Festival.
http://www.sunburstaward.org/content/2010-sunburst-winners
NEWS & FEATURES
Vintage has re-issued Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale in honour of the book's 25th anniversary this year. Charlotte Newman writes that "this novel seems ever more vital in the present day".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/26/the-handmaids-tale-margaret-atwood
Penguin has launched Allen Lane Canada, a non-fiction imprint which will focus on serious non-fiction, not just history.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866590--penguin-launches-new-non-fiction-imprint
American libraries and bookshops are celebrating the freedom to read this week but attempts to force books off shelves are still rife across the country. Toni Morrison and Kurt Vonnegut are among those to have faced recent bans in American schools.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/27/celebrated-novels-us-censors
Memoirists have occasionally had difficulty with references to family members in a book. Now Irish poet Rita Ann Higgins has been forced to have Hurting God, her latest work, pulped following objections from her millionaire brother who took exception to references to him and their mother.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/poet-forced-to-pulp-book-after-row-with-her-family-2091318.html
BC's Poetry in Transit program has launched this year's poems for public transit.
http://thetyee.ca/ArtsAndCulture/2010/09/27/MovingWords/?utm_source=mondayheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=270910
BOOKS & WRITERS
David Rakoff's essays make the case for expecting the worst and the book jacket warns "No Inspirational Life Lessons Will Be Found in These Pages".
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/Scheft-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
An excerpt can be found here.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/excerpt-half-empty.html?ref=review
Rakoff's writing and response to his cancer is quite different from his sister Ruth's writing about hers.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/david-and-ruth-rakoff-one-disease-two-very-different-books/article1728446/
David fears cancer but what he really hates is the musical Rent. Vit Wagner's review reminds us of Rakoff's capacity to see the half-full glass.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/863097--author-david-rakoff-s-negative-charge
While driving with his publisher and a box of books in the trunk on a low-key publicity tour, Alexander MacLeod learned that his debut short story collection, Light Lifting, was on the longlist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866164--alexander-macleod-s-giller-surprise
Jim Bartley writes: "Like most of these seven stories, Light Lifting offers a vivid rendering of settings and cast and a satisfying scene-to-scene momentum."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-light-lifting-by-alexander-macleod/article1723850/
Geoff Nicholson reviews Alain de Botton's A Week at the Airport, the result of de Botton's having accepted an invitation to spend a week at Heathrow Airport as writer in residence at the newly opened Terminal 5, and then, in full view of passengers and staff, to draw together material for a book. "De Botton seems well aware of the inherent absurdity of his project," says Nicholson, adding that "a few hours with de Botton, even in an airport, will be time well spent."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/24/RVCQ1F1T7Q.DTL
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Reading by poet Garry Morse. Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. Library, Emily Carr University, Granville Island. More information here, http://www.ecuad.ca/about/news/71335.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Mette Bach (Off the Highway) and Melanie Siebert (Deepwater Vee). Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
DAN GREEN
Readings from the author's debut work of fiction, Blue Saltwater, an historical drama which follows one Haida teenager's experience within the residential school system and his struggle to return home. Friday, October 1 at 7:30pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
BOB MERSEREAU
Launch of author's new book, Top 100 Canadian Singles. Sunday, October 3 at 5:00pm. Zulu Records, 1972 4th Ave. W. More information at www.zulurecords.com.
ANNABEL LYON
Discussion by the author of The Golden Mean. Monday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CAROLINE ADDERSON
Award-winning author reads from her new novel, The Sky is Falling. Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On October 5, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club is pleased to once again partner with CBC Ideas to present the 2010 Massey Lecturer in an exclusive book club taping. This year Vancouver's own Douglas Coupland presents the first ever Massey in fiction! In "Player One: What is to Become of Us", Doug has created a five hour story that explores time, human identity, society, religion and the afterlife. Enter to win free tickets and a preview of the Masseys at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
GILLIAN JEROME
Author reads from her first book of non-fiction, Hope in Shadows: Stories and Photographs from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Thursday, October 7 at 12:30pm, free. Room 7100, Special Collections, W.A.C. Bennett Library, SFU, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby. More information at 778-782-6676.
BREN SIMMERS
Author launches her first book of poetry, Night Gears. Also a reading by Ben Hart and live music by Lisa O'Neill. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm. Montmartre Cafe, 4362 Main Street.
RAYMOND VERDAGUER
Canadian printmaker and book illustrator Raymond Verdaguer will talk about prints and book illustrations done in the media of copper plates, woodcuts and linocuts. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Oakridge Public Library, southeast corner of Oakridge Shopping Centre; free parking.
GRANT LAWRENCE
Join CBC Radio’s Grant Lawrence for the launch of his debut book Adventures In Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound ($26.95, Harbour Publishing) at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver) on Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 pm. Grant’s days spent in Desolation Sound as a child led him away from the coast to a life in music and journalism and eventually back again. In Adventures in Solitude, Grant returns to regale us with tales of this unique place. This free event will be held in the MOV Studio with musical performances from Jill Barber and Said the Whale. A cash bar will be available. For more information regarding Grant’s book launch in Vancouver, please call the Museum of Vancouver at 604.736.4431.
DOUG SAUNDERS
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents the author of Arrival City, a new book analyzing the rise of mega-cities in a vastly changing world. Thursday, October 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets $15/$12 and are available at www.capilanou.ca/theatre or 604-990-7810. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver.
CROSS BORDER POLLINATION
An evening of poetry and prose with the Cross-Border Pollination team. Wednesday, October 13 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Branch, VPL, 350 West Georgia Street.
GURJINDER BASRAN
Winner of the Great BC Novel contest launches her new novel, Everything Was Good-bye. Wednesday, October 13 at 7:30pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at www.mothertonguepublishing.com.
THE MAKING OF THE SZYK HAGGADAH, A SACRED JEWISH TEXT
Irvin Ungar, Proprietor, Historicana Books, Burlingame, California will speak about the making of this sacred text in Limited, Deluxe and Premier editions. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street (Main & Broadway).
Upcoming
ARTHUR BLACK
Luncheon, reading and book signing with the author of A Chip Off the Old Black. Thursday, October 21 at 11:00am. Preregistration required. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W. More information at 604-224-4388.
CHARLES CLAPHAM
Author launches his second edition of the Great Walks of Vancouver. Thursday, October 21 at 7:00pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
BOOK LAUNCH
Tightrope Books presents the Vancouver launch for The Best Canadian Poetry in English 2010, edited by Lorna Crozier and Series Editor Molly Peacock. Saturday, October 23 at 4:00pm. The Agro Café, 1363 Railspur Alley, Granville Island. More information at www.tightropebooks.com.
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Vancouver, check out 32 Books.
There are some fabulous events for students as this year's Festival that still have room for a class or two. A great event with some of our world-renowned authors will inspire, entertain and educate young people of all ages. You can get more information on available events here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/teachers/available_school.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents Literati, a gala fundraising dinner in support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Literati is presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join Literati host Bill Richardson and many of the 2010 Festival authors for an evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, and performances by Rebecca Jenkins, Joel Bakan and Ballet BC dancers. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
This year's Festival art raffle prize is a painting by Bau-Xi Gallery artist Jamie Evrard, which will be on display at Performance Works during the Festival - or stop by the VIWF office at 1398 Cartwright Street on Granville Island to view it now! Raffle details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Andrea Levy, who is appearing in three events at this year's Writers Festival. No one reads quite like her. Sit back and enjoy her on stage interview with Bill Richardson. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Stevie Cameron
Vancouver International Writers Festival presents a special free event with journalist Stevie Cameron. Her new book is On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the tragic story of Vancouver’s missing women. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/cameron.
Stuart McLean
Stuart McLean talks with Hal Wake about his new book The Vinyl Café Notebooks, a collection of wonderfully eclectic essays selected from 15 years of his CBC radio program. Please join us for a rare, intimate evening with one of Canada's best loved storytellers. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/maclean.
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
The bonobo apes demonstrate more humanity than many of the humans in Sara Gruen's new novel Ape House, writes Monique Polak.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Sara+Gruen+novel+House+bonobo+apes+show+more+humanity+than+humans/3535317/story.html
Gary Shteyngart
Vancouver International Writers Festival and the Cherie Smith JCGV Jewish Book Festival present the author of Super Sad True Love Story in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/shteyngart.
James Urquhart says that some of the strongest scenes in Gary Shteyngart's SuperSad True Love Story "sustain...snatched intimacy in defiance of the debased, wired world around. None is so allusive or erotic as when Lenny indulges his taboo addiction for reading actual books, as opposed to superficially 'text-scanning for data'."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/super-sad-true-love-story-by-gary-shteyngart-2087677.html
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
In his review of David Grossman's To the End of the Land, Colm Tóibin writes: "This is one of those few novels that feel as though they have made a difference to the world."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/Toibin-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema1
The New Yorker includes a profile of David Grossman by George Packer.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/09/27/100927fa_fact_packer
In her review of The End of the Ice Age, Cherie Thiessen writes that Terence Young uses poetry and deft phrasing to flesh out his characters.
http://www.abcbookworld.com/view_author.php?id=5391
Ken Finkleman and Trevor Cole take very different approaches toward black-hearted laughs, says Nathan Whitlock. Finkleman's Noah's Turn is "a nasty joy".
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866101--noah-s-turn-and-practical-jean
Caroline Adderson's The Sky Is Falling blends two time frames—the mid-1980s, a time in a Vancouver filled with idealistic views of peace, feminism, and other social issues and then 20 years later—examining the radicalism of youth and the wisdom of age.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/radicalism+youth+wisdom/3579263/story.html
Michael Winter has turned the very real facts of a St. John's murder trial into a compelling work of fiction in The Death of Donna Whalen, says Alex Good.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866193--the-death-of-donna-whalen-true-crime-means-art
Of Gail Bowen's The Nesting Dolls, Gail Kasturi writes: "this latest Kilbourn mystery is a good read with some nicely shocking moments, and fans of the series will enjoy it."
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2010/09/24/book-review-the-nesting-dolls-by-gail-bowen/
Margaret Cannon writes about Quintin Jardine's A Rush of Blood: "It’s difficult to believe that the 20th Bob Skinner novel could be as good as the first, but it is."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/new-in-crime-fiction/article1711946/
Kevin Sylvester's Neil Flambé and the Aztec Abduction is the second in the Neil Flambé Capers series of mysteries. Reviewer Joan Yolleck writes that the two books are best read in sequence to fully grasp the history, humour and intensity of the very likeable main characters.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-neil-flamb-and-the-aztec-abduction-by-kevin-sylvester/article1727656/
AWARDS & LISTS
Michael Helm, Sarah Selecky, Joan Thomas, Jane Urquhart, and Kathleen Winter—who are all appearing at the Festival in October—are among the authors on the longlist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/20/giller-longlist.html
Michael Helm, Emma Donoghue, and Kathleen and Michael Winter are among the finalists for the $25,000 Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. And local author Sarah Leavitt is nominated for the Writer's Trust Non-Fiction Prize.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/emma-donoghue-kathleen-and-michael-winter-among-finalists-for-writers-trust/article1732371/
Nigerian-born writer Chinua Achebe has captured the $300,000 US Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, recognition for his life's work of more than 20 volumes of short stories, essays, poems, and novels.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/25/achebe-gish-prize.html
Crime writer Peter Robinson has won the 2010 Harbourfront Festival Prize, which rewards writers who have had a "substantial contribution to the world of books."
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/22/robinson-harbourfront-prize.html
Top 100 Food Plants: The World's Most Important Culinary Crops by Ernest Small won the inaugural Lane Anderson Prize of $10,000 for Canadian science writing.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/21/edible-plants-lane-anderson-ernest-small.html
Canadian author Melissa Madore is the "Canada and Europe" regional prize-winner in the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition for her story Swallow Dive.
http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/Howwedeliver/Prizes/CommonwealthShortStoryCompetition/2010winners
Don DeLillo has won the PEN/Saul Bellow Award.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/27/don-delillo-pen-saul-bellow-award
Denise Chong is one of the finalists for the Ottawa Book Awards, in the category of English Non-Fiction, for her book Egg on Mao: the Story of an Ordinary Man Who Defaced an Icon and Unmasked a Dictatorship.
http://www.city.ottawa.on.ca/residents/arts/funding_awards/book_awards/finalists_en.html
Hiromi Goto has won the 2010 Sunburst young adult award for Half World, a book she presented at the 2009 Festival.
http://www.sunburstaward.org/content/2010-sunburst-winners
NEWS & FEATURES
Vintage has re-issued Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale in honour of the book's 25th anniversary this year. Charlotte Newman writes that "this novel seems ever more vital in the present day".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/26/the-handmaids-tale-margaret-atwood
Penguin has launched Allen Lane Canada, a non-fiction imprint which will focus on serious non-fiction, not just history.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866590--penguin-launches-new-non-fiction-imprint
American libraries and bookshops are celebrating the freedom to read this week but attempts to force books off shelves are still rife across the country. Toni Morrison and Kurt Vonnegut are among those to have faced recent bans in American schools.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/27/celebrated-novels-us-censors
Memoirists have occasionally had difficulty with references to family members in a book. Now Irish poet Rita Ann Higgins has been forced to have Hurting God, her latest work, pulped following objections from her millionaire brother who took exception to references to him and their mother.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/poet-forced-to-pulp-book-after-row-with-her-family-2091318.html
BC's Poetry in Transit program has launched this year's poems for public transit.
http://thetyee.ca/ArtsAndCulture/2010/09/27/MovingWords/?utm_source=mondayheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=270910
BOOKS & WRITERS
David Rakoff's essays make the case for expecting the worst and the book jacket warns "No Inspirational Life Lessons Will Be Found in These Pages".
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/Scheft-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
An excerpt can be found here.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/excerpt-half-empty.html?ref=review
Rakoff's writing and response to his cancer is quite different from his sister Ruth's writing about hers.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/david-and-ruth-rakoff-one-disease-two-very-different-books/article1728446/
David fears cancer but what he really hates is the musical Rent. Vit Wagner's review reminds us of Rakoff's capacity to see the half-full glass.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/863097--author-david-rakoff-s-negative-charge
While driving with his publisher and a box of books in the trunk on a low-key publicity tour, Alexander MacLeod learned that his debut short story collection, Light Lifting, was on the longlist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/866164--alexander-macleod-s-giller-surprise
Jim Bartley writes: "Like most of these seven stories, Light Lifting offers a vivid rendering of settings and cast and a satisfying scene-to-scene momentum."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-light-lifting-by-alexander-macleod/article1723850/
Geoff Nicholson reviews Alain de Botton's A Week at the Airport, the result of de Botton's having accepted an invitation to spend a week at Heathrow Airport as writer in residence at the newly opened Terminal 5, and then, in full view of passengers and staff, to draw together material for a book. "De Botton seems well aware of the inherent absurdity of his project," says Nicholson, adding that "a few hours with de Botton, even in an airport, will be time well spent."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/24/RVCQ1F1T7Q.DTL
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Reading by poet Garry Morse. Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. Library, Emily Carr University, Granville Island. More information here, http://www.ecuad.ca/about/news/71335.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Mette Bach (Off the Highway) and Melanie Siebert (Deepwater Vee). Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
DAN GREEN
Readings from the author's debut work of fiction, Blue Saltwater, an historical drama which follows one Haida teenager's experience within the residential school system and his struggle to return home. Friday, October 1 at 7:30pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
BOB MERSEREAU
Launch of author's new book, Top 100 Canadian Singles. Sunday, October 3 at 5:00pm. Zulu Records, 1972 4th Ave. W. More information at www.zulurecords.com.
ANNABEL LYON
Discussion by the author of The Golden Mean. Monday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CAROLINE ADDERSON
Award-winning author reads from her new novel, The Sky is Falling. Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On October 5, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club is pleased to once again partner with CBC Ideas to present the 2010 Massey Lecturer in an exclusive book club taping. This year Vancouver's own Douglas Coupland presents the first ever Massey in fiction! In "Player One: What is to Become of Us", Doug has created a five hour story that explores time, human identity, society, religion and the afterlife. Enter to win free tickets and a preview of the Masseys at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
GILLIAN JEROME
Author reads from her first book of non-fiction, Hope in Shadows: Stories and Photographs from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Thursday, October 7 at 12:30pm, free. Room 7100, Special Collections, W.A.C. Bennett Library, SFU, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby. More information at 778-782-6676.
BREN SIMMERS
Author launches her first book of poetry, Night Gears. Also a reading by Ben Hart and live music by Lisa O'Neill. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm. Montmartre Cafe, 4362 Main Street.
RAYMOND VERDAGUER
Canadian printmaker and book illustrator Raymond Verdaguer will talk about prints and book illustrations done in the media of copper plates, woodcuts and linocuts. Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, free. Oakridge Public Library, southeast corner of Oakridge Shopping Centre; free parking.
GRANT LAWRENCE
Join CBC Radio’s Grant Lawrence for the launch of his debut book Adventures In Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound ($26.95, Harbour Publishing) at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver) on Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 pm. Grant’s days spent in Desolation Sound as a child led him away from the coast to a life in music and journalism and eventually back again. In Adventures in Solitude, Grant returns to regale us with tales of this unique place. This free event will be held in the MOV Studio with musical performances from Jill Barber and Said the Whale. A cash bar will be available. For more information regarding Grant’s book launch in Vancouver, please call the Museum of Vancouver at 604.736.4431.
DOUG SAUNDERS
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents the author of Arrival City, a new book analyzing the rise of mega-cities in a vastly changing world. Thursday, October 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets $15/$12 and are available at www.capilanou.ca/theatre or 604-990-7810. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver.
CROSS BORDER POLLINATION
An evening of poetry and prose with the Cross-Border Pollination team. Wednesday, October 13 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, Central Branch, VPL, 350 West Georgia Street.
GURJINDER BASRAN
Winner of the Great BC Novel contest launches her new novel, Everything Was Good-bye. Wednesday, October 13 at 7:30pm, free. Central Branch, VPL, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at www.mothertonguepublishing.com.
THE MAKING OF THE SZYK HAGGADAH, A SACRED JEWISH TEXT
Irvin Ungar, Proprietor, Historicana Books, Burlingame, California will speak about the making of this sacred text in Limited, Deluxe and Premier editions. Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm, free. Pulp Fiction Books, 2422 Main Street (Main & Broadway).
Upcoming
ARTHUR BLACK
Luncheon, reading and book signing with the author of A Chip Off the Old Black. Thursday, October 21 at 11:00am. Preregistration required. West Point Grey United Church, 4595 8th Ave. W. More information at 604-224-4388.
CHARLES CLAPHAM
Author launches his second edition of the Great Walks of Vancouver. Thursday, October 21 at 7:00pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
BOOK LAUNCH
Tightrope Books presents the Vancouver launch for The Best Canadian Poetry in English 2010, edited by Lorna Crozier and Series Editor Molly Peacock. Saturday, October 23 at 4:00pm. The Agro Café, 1363 Railspur Alley, Granville Island. More information at www.tightropebooks.com.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Book News Vol. 5 No. 41
BOOK NEWS
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Vancouver, check out 32 Books.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival invites you to Literati, our annual Gala Dinner, presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join a host of 2010 Festival authors for an unforgettable evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, hosted by Bill Richardson. In support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
Writers Festival Art Raffle! Win a beautiful Jamie Evrard painting, Leap of Faith II-Yellow, Green and Red Flowers (Edition 1/1). Jamie Evrard creates rich and exuberant still life and floral paintings using several mediums, including oil paint, monotype and watercolour. Jamie has an exhibition the Bau-Xi Gallery until October 2. Raffle details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Kate Braid, accompanied by musician Clyde Reed, reading from her collection Turning Left to the Ladies—an autobiographical account of her experiences building homes and high rises. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Stevie Cameron
Vancouver International Writers Festival presents a special event with journalist Stevie Cameron. Her new book is On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the tragic story of Vancouver’s missing women. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/cameron.
In his review of On the Farm, Rafe Mair writes: “Stevie Cameron has written yet another great book exposing, as is her wont, the "comfortable establishment" in our country of indifference to societal ills that might be expensive nuisances to deal with.”
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2010/09/13/PicktonHorror/?utm_source=mondayheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=130910
Neil Boyd writes that Cameron gives us women who were much more than drug-addled prostitutes, women with families and hopes.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-on-the-farm-by-stevie-cameron-pickton/article1711472/?cmpid=rss1
Read chapter 1 here:
http://www.mysterybooks.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780676975840&view=excerpt
Stuart McLean
Stuart McLean talks with Hal Wake about his new book The Vinyl Café Notebooks, a collection of wonderfully eclectic essays selected from 15 years of his CBC radio program. Please join us for a rare, intimate evening with one of Canada's best loved storytellers. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/maclean.
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
Sara Gruen talks to Martin Levin about her preparation for, and visits and talking with, bonobos.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/talk-to-the-animals-and-theyll-talk-back/article1702488/
But are we really listening, asks Diane Baker Mason in her review of Ape House.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-ape-house-by-sara-gruen/article1702481/
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
Jeffrey Simpson comments that Charlotte Gray's Gold Diggers allows us to experience the greed, debauchery and hardship endured by prospectors during the Klondike gold rush: one of the most astonishing moments in Canadian history.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/grays-account-of-the-klondike-gold-rush-deserves-to-strike-it-rich/article1707485/
Pascale Quiviger's The Breakwater House is a riddle that entertains and delights, but refuses solution...it rejects the easy endings offered by most novels.” writes Casey N. Cap.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-breakwater-house-by-pascale-quiviger/article1571318/
Ron Charles describes Emma Donoghue's Room as one of the most affecting and subtly profound novels of the year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/14/AR2010091406235.html
What gives Room particular authenticity was the author's decision to tell the story through the eyes of Jack, who was born in captivity, says reviewer Stephen Amidon.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-room-by-emma-donoghue/article1702566/
Aimee Bender finds the child narrator one of the most engaging in years—"his voice so pervasive I could hear him chatting away during the day when I wasn’t reading the book".
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Bender-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema1
Francine Prose writes that in Yiyun Li's subtle stories of hapless souls, destiny continually subverts plans for happiness.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Prose-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
Quill and Quire describes Chevy Stevens' Still Missing as a gripping debut novel.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6908
Stevens' character Annie is kept captive differently than the characters in Donoghue's Room. Annie is a strong, smart woman who won't stop fighting to regain her sanity and equilibrium, says Janet Maslin.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/books/05book.html
Edmund White writes that every one of Wells Tower's stories in Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned is polished and distinctive. His range is wide, writing with equal power about men older than he is, young women and boys.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/books/review/White-t.html
Commenting on Joan Thomas' Curiosity, J.C. Sutcliffe writes "being able to sink fully into a novel-length, fictionalized exploration of Mary Anning's life is a bit like eating comfort food at a high-end restaurant."
“http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-curiosity-by-joan-thomas/article1513447/
This is a love story with a narrative dynamic as old as Cinderella, says Philip Marchand.
http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/afterword/archive/2010/04/03/open-book-by-philip-marchand-joan-thomas-s-curiosity.aspx
Russell Wangersky returns to the Festival with his first novel The Glass Harmonica, which sketches the history of an inner-city street in St. John's through the eyes of multiple characters.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-glass-harmonica-by-russell-wangersky/article1551301/
David Grossman's To the End of the Land is the Guardian's Book of the Week.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/18/david-grossman-end-of-the-land
Charles Foran's Mordecai is one of the ten books Martin Levin has identified as 'must reads' for this fall.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/10-books-you-have-to-read-this-fall/article1711599/
Richard Helm writes that Michael Winter's The Death of Donna Whalen weaves its spell in small increments and that Winter has produced one of the best documentary accounts of a Canadian crime ever written.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Michael+Winter+does+true+crime/3543361/story.html
Lynn Coady adds: "His respect for his 'characters' who have given him his story and lent him their voices...brings an entirely new kind of Michael Winter to the page."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-death-of-donna-whalen-by-michael-winter/article1711436/
T.F. Rigelhof says Caroline Adderson's The Sky is Falling "has the most memorable final chapter of anything I’ve read in years."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-sky-is-falling-by-caroline-adderson/article1711435/
The surprise Canadian publishing success is Shilpi Somaya Gowda's Secret Daughter—now No. 2 on Canada's bestsellers list.
http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20100918.RVGOWDA0918ATL/TPStory/TPEntertainment/
Michael Winter talks about his new novel The Death of Donna Whalen and how it's a departure from his previous work.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/michael-winter-st-johns-with-no-veneer-no-romance/article1717039/
AWARDS & LISTS
Tom Wolfe, author of The Right Stuff and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, has won the 2010 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/15/wolfe-national-book-foundation.html
Seán Cullen’s children’s novel The Prince of Neither Here Nor There is one of five books shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/862135--sean-cullen-makes-toronto-book-awards-short-list
Five of the authors on the longlist for the 2010 Scotiabank Giller Prize will be appearing at the Festival this fall.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/small-presses-dominate-giller-long-list/article1715325/
NEWS & FEATURES
The Nobel Prize winning Turkish author Orhan Pamuk has turned his fictional Museum of Innocence into fact.
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/The+museum+that+was+written+down/21427
Daniel Pennac and Michael Morpurgo share the experience of having been regarded as dunces. They both now write and are teachers. Pennac’s latest book Chagrin d’école (published this month in English as School Blues) is about a dunce.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/daniel-pennac-head-teacher-from-the-school-of-joy-2081187.html
Leah McLaren argues that Sisterhood is the hottest memoir topic right now.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/let-the-boys-have-their-bromances-sisterhood-is-the-hot-memoir-topic/article1712340/
BOOKS & WRITERS
To coincide with Granta's publication of its issue devoted to the best new writing from Pakistan, an extract from one of its standout stories.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/13/extract-leila-wilderness-nadeem-aslam
Richard Wright's Mr. Shakespeare’s Bastard, may be the final proof that he is indeed CanLit's answer to Meryl Streep, says Emily Donaldson in The Star.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/862481--mr-shakespeare-s-bastard-the-wright-stuff
What is the essence of a human being when everything that defines her humanity has been taken from her? That is the underlying question in Ingrid Betancourt's recently published Even Silence Has An End, about her six years in captivity.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/18/ingrid-betancourt-i-still-have-nightmares
Kate Kellaway in her review of Robert Bringhurst's Selected Poems, writes that Bringhurst's work – funny, fond and devastating – grasps the essence of what it is to be alive.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/19/robert-bringhurst-selected-poems-review
Poet and family doctor Shane Neilson on why editors of poetry anthologies should leave themselves out of the mix.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/editor-heel-thyself/article1716728/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
IN MANIA'S MEMORY
Launch of Vancouver writer Lisa Birnie's latest book. Thursday, September 23 at 6:00pm. Bau-Xi Gallery, 3045 Granville Street. For more information, 604-733-7011.
THE RAVEN'S GIFT
Author John Turk will read from his new book. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. West.
THE ARTEMIS ROCKS!
Launch of best-selling author Eoin Colfer's seventh book in his Artemis Fowl adventure series. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Free admission but tickets required via online contest at www.vpl.ca. Alice MacKay room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
WRITER'S STUDIO SNEAK PREVIEW
The SFU Writer's Studio will be launching emerge, its 2010 anthology, at the Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival, but for those people looking for a sneak preview, the authors will be performing pre-release readings at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, on Thursday, September 23, from 7-10 p.m. More information at www.thewritersstudio.ca.
ROB HALPERN AND TAYLOR BRADY
Reading by poet Rob Halpern and talk by Taylor Brady. Friday, September 24 at 8:00pm. Suggested donation: $3-$5. Spartacus Books, 684 East Hastings Street.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
Discuss four books in small groups throughout the weekend. This year's books are The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry and our guest author, Anita Rau Badami's book Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? September 24-26, 2010, Nelson BC. Further information and registration forms can be found here, www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
DAVID GLENN
The Burnaby Arts Council will host a launch of The Queen's Sword and The Queen's Jewels. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
BOOK ARTS MOSAIC OPENING
Books by award-winning local writers will be showcased for the opening of A Book Arts Mosaic. A book sale and meet the authors event happen in conjunction. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Burnaby Arts Council's Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Details at info@burnabyartscouncil.org.
ROBERT BATEMAN
One of the world's greatest wildlife artists signs his new book, Bateman: New Works. Saturday, September 25 at 2:00pm. Chapters Broadway and Granville, 2505 Granville Street. More information at 604-731-7822.
WRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS
An interactive program led by Silvana Goldemberg Faifman, designed for those who love stories and want to unlock their creative potential. Saturday, September 25 at 3:30pm, free. Limited seating, please register here: http://behappyalltogether.wordpress.com. Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond.
SHILPI SOMAYA GOWDA
Meet Canadian author Shilpi Somaya Gowda as she signs copies of her debut novel, Secret Daughter. Saturday, September 25 at 4:00pm. Chapters Park Royal, 900 Park Royal South, West Vancouver. More information at 604-922-3222.
POETRY READING
Governor-General's Award nominated poet Barry McKinnon (In the Millennium) and Terrace poet Simon Thompson (Why Does It Feel So Late?) will fete the new People's Co-op with readings from their books. Saturday, September 25 at 7:00pm, free. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive.
TAYLOR BRADY AND ROB HALPERN
Reading by the author of Microclimate (Brady) and talk by Rob Halpern. Saturday, September 25 at 8:00pm. Suggested donation: $3-$5. W2 Storyeum, 151 West Cordova Street.
WORD ON THE STREET
Annual event dedicated to promoting reading and literacy throughout the community. Sunday, September 26 from 11am to 6pm. Library Square, Central Libray, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information, visit www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver.
EVENING THE FRAYED EDGES
Launch of the Recovery Narrative Project's first anthology of collected works, edited by Susan J. Katz, featuring a series of narratives and poems bringing first-hand accounts of turning points in recovery from mental illness. Sunday, September 26 at 7:00pm, free. John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver.
JACK WHYTE
Bestselling author from Kelowna, BC, signs the first book in his exciting new trilogy, The Forest Laird. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm. Chapters Marine Drive, 1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. More information at 604-988-6681.
EVOLVE: VAMPIRE STORIES OF THE NEW UNDEAD
Listen to Vancouver writers Mary Choo, Sandra Wickham and Celdae (Colleen) Anderson, 3 of 22 Canadian authors featured in this most unusual and compelling collection as they re-imagine the future of vampires. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information phone 604-331-3691.
GAIL ANDERSON-DARGATZ
Reading by the author of The Stalker, a Good Reads novel written for adult literacy learners. Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00pm, free. Bob Prittie Metrotown, 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby. For more information, phone 604-436-5400.
SO LARGE AN ANIMAL
Reading by New Westminster poet Bibiana Tomasic. Wednesday, September 29 at 7:00pm. Museum of Vancouver Studio, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On September 29, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club will welcome author Marina Nemat with her second memoir "After Tehran: A Life Reclaimed". Marina was thrown into Iran's most notorious prison at the age of 16 after demanding her teacher stop teaching religious propaganda and resume teaching math. After two years of hell, she finally emigrated to Canada in 1991. A powerful, shocking, and ultimately inspiring story, enter to win free tickets to see Marina at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
MICHAEL NICHOLL YAHGULANAAS
Reading by the author of Red. Thursday, September 30 at 1:00pm, free. Lillooet Room (level 3), Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall, Vancouver. More information at www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca.
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Reading by poet Garry Morse. Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. Library, Emily Carr University, Granville Island. More information here, http://www.ecuad.ca/about/news/71335.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Mette Bach (Off the Highway) and Melanie Siebert (Deepwater Vee). Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
Upcoming
DAN GREEN
Readings from the author's debut work of fiction, Blue Saltwater, an historical drama which follows one Haida teenager's experience within the residential school system and his struggle to return home. Friday, October 1 at 7:30pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
ANNABEL LYON
Discussion by the author of The Golden Mean. Monday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CAROLINE ADDERSON
Award-winning author reads from her new novel, The Sky is Falling. Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On October 5, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club is pleased to once again partner with CBC Ideas to present the 2010 Massey Lecturer in an exclusive book club taping. This year Vancouver's own Douglas Coupland presents the first ever Massey in fiction! In "Player One: What is to Become of Us", Doug has created a five hour story that explores time, human identity, society, religion and the afterlife. Enter to win free tickets and a preview of the Masseys at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
GRANT LAWRENCE
Join CBC Radio’s Grant Lawrence for the launch of his debut book Adventures In Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound ($26.95, Harbour Publishing) at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver) on Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 pm. Grant’s days spent in Desolation Sound as a child led him away from the coast to a life in music and journalism and eventually back again. In Adventures in Solitude, Grant returns to regale us with tales of this unique place. This free event will be held in the MOV Studio with musical performances from Jill Barber and Said the Whale. A cash bar will be available. For more information regarding Grant’s book launch in Vancouver, please call the Museum of Vancouver at 604.736.4431.
DOUG SAUNDERS
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents the author of Arrival City, a new book analyzing the rise of mega-cities in a vastly changing world. Thursday, October 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets $15/$12 and are available at www.capilanou.ca/theatre or 604-990-7810. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver.
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books. In North Vancouver, check out 32 Books.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival invites you to Literati, our annual Gala Dinner, presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join a host of 2010 Festival authors for an unforgettable evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, hosted by Bill Richardson. In support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
Writers Festival Art Raffle! Win a beautiful Jamie Evrard painting, Leap of Faith II-Yellow, Green and Red Flowers (Edition 1/1). Jamie Evrard creates rich and exuberant still life and floral paintings using several mediums, including oil paint, monotype and watercolour. Jamie has an exhibition the Bau-Xi Gallery until October 2. Raffle details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Kate Braid, accompanied by musician Clyde Reed, reading from her collection Turning Left to the Ladies—an autobiographical account of her experiences building homes and high rises. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Stevie Cameron
Vancouver International Writers Festival presents a special event with journalist Stevie Cameron. Her new book is On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the tragic story of Vancouver’s missing women. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/cameron.
In his review of On the Farm, Rafe Mair writes: “Stevie Cameron has written yet another great book exposing, as is her wont, the "comfortable establishment" in our country of indifference to societal ills that might be expensive nuisances to deal with.”
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2010/09/13/PicktonHorror/?utm_source=mondayheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=130910
Neil Boyd writes that Cameron gives us women who were much more than drug-addled prostitutes, women with families and hopes.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-on-the-farm-by-stevie-cameron-pickton/article1711472/?cmpid=rss1
Read chapter 1 here:
http://www.mysterybooks.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780676975840&view=excerpt
Stuart McLean
Stuart McLean talks with Hal Wake about his new book The Vinyl Café Notebooks, a collection of wonderfully eclectic essays selected from 15 years of his CBC radio program. Please join us for a rare, intimate evening with one of Canada's best loved storytellers. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/maclean.
Sara Gruen
The Vancouver International Writers Festival and Random House Canada present the author of Water for Elephants reading from her new book Ape House. Details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/gruen.
Sara Gruen talks to Martin Levin about her preparation for, and visits and talking with, bonobos.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/talk-to-the-animals-and-theyll-talk-back/article1702488/
But are we really listening, asks Diane Baker Mason in her review of Ape House.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-ape-house-by-sara-gruen/article1702481/
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
Jeffrey Simpson comments that Charlotte Gray's Gold Diggers allows us to experience the greed, debauchery and hardship endured by prospectors during the Klondike gold rush: one of the most astonishing moments in Canadian history.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/grays-account-of-the-klondike-gold-rush-deserves-to-strike-it-rich/article1707485/
Pascale Quiviger's The Breakwater House is a riddle that entertains and delights, but refuses solution...it rejects the easy endings offered by most novels.” writes Casey N. Cap.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-breakwater-house-by-pascale-quiviger/article1571318/
Ron Charles describes Emma Donoghue's Room as one of the most affecting and subtly profound novels of the year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/14/AR2010091406235.html
What gives Room particular authenticity was the author's decision to tell the story through the eyes of Jack, who was born in captivity, says reviewer Stephen Amidon.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-room-by-emma-donoghue/article1702566/
Aimee Bender finds the child narrator one of the most engaging in years—"his voice so pervasive I could hear him chatting away during the day when I wasn’t reading the book".
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Bender-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema1
Francine Prose writes that in Yiyun Li's subtle stories of hapless souls, destiny continually subverts plans for happiness.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Prose-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
Quill and Quire describes Chevy Stevens' Still Missing as a gripping debut novel.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6908
Stevens' character Annie is kept captive differently than the characters in Donoghue's Room. Annie is a strong, smart woman who won't stop fighting to regain her sanity and equilibrium, says Janet Maslin.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/books/05book.html
Edmund White writes that every one of Wells Tower's stories in Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned is polished and distinctive. His range is wide, writing with equal power about men older than he is, young women and boys.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/books/review/White-t.html
Commenting on Joan Thomas' Curiosity, J.C. Sutcliffe writes "being able to sink fully into a novel-length, fictionalized exploration of Mary Anning's life is a bit like eating comfort food at a high-end restaurant."
“http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-curiosity-by-joan-thomas/article1513447/
This is a love story with a narrative dynamic as old as Cinderella, says Philip Marchand.
http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/afterword/archive/2010/04/03/open-book-by-philip-marchand-joan-thomas-s-curiosity.aspx
Russell Wangersky returns to the Festival with his first novel The Glass Harmonica, which sketches the history of an inner-city street in St. John's through the eyes of multiple characters.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-glass-harmonica-by-russell-wangersky/article1551301/
David Grossman's To the End of the Land is the Guardian's Book of the Week.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/18/david-grossman-end-of-the-land
Charles Foran's Mordecai is one of the ten books Martin Levin has identified as 'must reads' for this fall.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/10-books-you-have-to-read-this-fall/article1711599/
Richard Helm writes that Michael Winter's The Death of Donna Whalen weaves its spell in small increments and that Winter has produced one of the best documentary accounts of a Canadian crime ever written.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Michael+Winter+does+true+crime/3543361/story.html
Lynn Coady adds: "His respect for his 'characters' who have given him his story and lent him their voices...brings an entirely new kind of Michael Winter to the page."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-death-of-donna-whalen-by-michael-winter/article1711436/
T.F. Rigelhof says Caroline Adderson's The Sky is Falling "has the most memorable final chapter of anything I’ve read in years."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-sky-is-falling-by-caroline-adderson/article1711435/
The surprise Canadian publishing success is Shilpi Somaya Gowda's Secret Daughter—now No. 2 on Canada's bestsellers list.
http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20100918.RVGOWDA0918ATL/TPStory/TPEntertainment/
Michael Winter talks about his new novel The Death of Donna Whalen and how it's a departure from his previous work.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/michael-winter-st-johns-with-no-veneer-no-romance/article1717039/
AWARDS & LISTS
Tom Wolfe, author of The Right Stuff and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, has won the 2010 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/15/wolfe-national-book-foundation.html
Seán Cullen’s children’s novel The Prince of Neither Here Nor There is one of five books shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/862135--sean-cullen-makes-toronto-book-awards-short-list
Five of the authors on the longlist for the 2010 Scotiabank Giller Prize will be appearing at the Festival this fall.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/small-presses-dominate-giller-long-list/article1715325/
NEWS & FEATURES
The Nobel Prize winning Turkish author Orhan Pamuk has turned his fictional Museum of Innocence into fact.
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/The+museum+that+was+written+down/21427
Daniel Pennac and Michael Morpurgo share the experience of having been regarded as dunces. They both now write and are teachers. Pennac’s latest book Chagrin d’école (published this month in English as School Blues) is about a dunce.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/daniel-pennac-head-teacher-from-the-school-of-joy-2081187.html
Leah McLaren argues that Sisterhood is the hottest memoir topic right now.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/let-the-boys-have-their-bromances-sisterhood-is-the-hot-memoir-topic/article1712340/
BOOKS & WRITERS
To coincide with Granta's publication of its issue devoted to the best new writing from Pakistan, an extract from one of its standout stories.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/13/extract-leila-wilderness-nadeem-aslam
Richard Wright's Mr. Shakespeare’s Bastard, may be the final proof that he is indeed CanLit's answer to Meryl Streep, says Emily Donaldson in The Star.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/862481--mr-shakespeare-s-bastard-the-wright-stuff
What is the essence of a human being when everything that defines her humanity has been taken from her? That is the underlying question in Ingrid Betancourt's recently published Even Silence Has An End, about her six years in captivity.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/18/ingrid-betancourt-i-still-have-nightmares
Kate Kellaway in her review of Robert Bringhurst's Selected Poems, writes that Bringhurst's work – funny, fond and devastating – grasps the essence of what it is to be alive.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/19/robert-bringhurst-selected-poems-review
Poet and family doctor Shane Neilson on why editors of poetry anthologies should leave themselves out of the mix.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/editor-heel-thyself/article1716728/
COMMUNITY EVENTS
IN MANIA'S MEMORY
Launch of Vancouver writer Lisa Birnie's latest book. Thursday, September 23 at 6:00pm. Bau-Xi Gallery, 3045 Granville Street. For more information, 604-733-7011.
THE RAVEN'S GIFT
Author John Turk will read from his new book. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. West.
THE ARTEMIS ROCKS!
Launch of best-selling author Eoin Colfer's seventh book in his Artemis Fowl adventure series. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Free admission but tickets required via online contest at www.vpl.ca. Alice MacKay room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
WRITER'S STUDIO SNEAK PREVIEW
The SFU Writer's Studio will be launching emerge, its 2010 anthology, at the Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival, but for those people looking for a sneak preview, the authors will be performing pre-release readings at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, on Thursday, September 23, from 7-10 p.m. More information at www.thewritersstudio.ca.
ROB HALPERN AND TAYLOR BRADY
Reading by poet Rob Halpern and talk by Taylor Brady. Friday, September 24 at 8:00pm. Suggested donation: $3-$5. Spartacus Books, 684 East Hastings Street.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
Discuss four books in small groups throughout the weekend. This year's books are The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry and our guest author, Anita Rau Badami's book Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? September 24-26, 2010, Nelson BC. Further information and registration forms can be found here, www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
DAVID GLENN
The Burnaby Arts Council will host a launch of The Queen's Sword and The Queen's Jewels. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
BOOK ARTS MOSAIC OPENING
Books by award-winning local writers will be showcased for the opening of A Book Arts Mosaic. A book sale and meet the authors event happen in conjunction. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Burnaby Arts Council's Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Details at info@burnabyartscouncil.org.
ROBERT BATEMAN
One of the world's greatest wildlife artists signs his new book, Bateman: New Works. Saturday, September 25 at 2:00pm. Chapters Broadway and Granville, 2505 Granville Street. More information at 604-731-7822.
WRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS
An interactive program led by Silvana Goldemberg Faifman, designed for those who love stories and want to unlock their creative potential. Saturday, September 25 at 3:30pm, free. Limited seating, please register here: http://behappyalltogether.wordpress.com. Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond.
SHILPI SOMAYA GOWDA
Meet Canadian author Shilpi Somaya Gowda as she signs copies of her debut novel, Secret Daughter. Saturday, September 25 at 4:00pm. Chapters Park Royal, 900 Park Royal South, West Vancouver. More information at 604-922-3222.
POETRY READING
Governor-General's Award nominated poet Barry McKinnon (In the Millennium) and Terrace poet Simon Thompson (Why Does It Feel So Late?) will fete the new People's Co-op with readings from their books. Saturday, September 25 at 7:00pm, free. People's Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive.
TAYLOR BRADY AND ROB HALPERN
Reading by the author of Microclimate (Brady) and talk by Rob Halpern. Saturday, September 25 at 8:00pm. Suggested donation: $3-$5. W2 Storyeum, 151 West Cordova Street.
WORD ON THE STREET
Annual event dedicated to promoting reading and literacy throughout the community. Sunday, September 26 from 11am to 6pm. Library Square, Central Libray, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information, visit www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver.
EVENING THE FRAYED EDGES
Launch of the Recovery Narrative Project's first anthology of collected works, edited by Susan J. Katz, featuring a series of narratives and poems bringing first-hand accounts of turning points in recovery from mental illness. Sunday, September 26 at 7:00pm, free. John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver.
JACK WHYTE
Bestselling author from Kelowna, BC, signs the first book in his exciting new trilogy, The Forest Laird. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm. Chapters Marine Drive, 1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. More information at 604-988-6681.
EVOLVE: VAMPIRE STORIES OF THE NEW UNDEAD
Listen to Vancouver writers Mary Choo, Sandra Wickham and Celdae (Colleen) Anderson, 3 of 22 Canadian authors featured in this most unusual and compelling collection as they re-imagine the future of vampires. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information phone 604-331-3691.
GAIL ANDERSON-DARGATZ
Reading by the author of The Stalker, a Good Reads novel written for adult literacy learners. Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00pm, free. Bob Prittie Metrotown, 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby. For more information, phone 604-436-5400.
SO LARGE AN ANIMAL
Reading by New Westminster poet Bibiana Tomasic. Wednesday, September 29 at 7:00pm. Museum of Vancouver Studio, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On September 29, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club will welcome author Marina Nemat with her second memoir "After Tehran: A Life Reclaimed". Marina was thrown into Iran's most notorious prison at the age of 16 after demanding her teacher stop teaching religious propaganda and resume teaching math. After two years of hell, she finally emigrated to Canada in 1991. A powerful, shocking, and ultimately inspiring story, enter to win free tickets to see Marina at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
MICHAEL NICHOLL YAHGULANAAS
Reading by the author of Red. Thursday, September 30 at 1:00pm, free. Lillooet Room (level 3), Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall, Vancouver. More information at www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca.
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Reading by poet Garry Morse. Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. Library, Emily Carr University, Granville Island. More information here, http://www.ecuad.ca/about/news/71335.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Mette Bach (Off the Highway) and Melanie Siebert (Deepwater Vee). Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
Upcoming
DAN GREEN
Readings from the author's debut work of fiction, Blue Saltwater, an historical drama which follows one Haida teenager's experience within the residential school system and his struggle to return home. Friday, October 1 at 7:30pm, free. Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. For more information, phone 604-925-7292.
ANNABEL LYON
Discussion by the author of The Golden Mean. Monday, October 4 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CAROLINE ADDERSON
Award-winning author reads from her new novel, The Sky is Falling. Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, lower level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On October 5, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club is pleased to once again partner with CBC Ideas to present the 2010 Massey Lecturer in an exclusive book club taping. This year Vancouver's own Douglas Coupland presents the first ever Massey in fiction! In "Player One: What is to Become of Us", Doug has created a five hour story that explores time, human identity, society, religion and the afterlife. Enter to win free tickets and a preview of the Masseys at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
GRANT LAWRENCE
Join CBC Radio’s Grant Lawrence for the launch of his debut book Adventures In Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound ($26.95, Harbour Publishing) at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver) on Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 pm. Grant’s days spent in Desolation Sound as a child led him away from the coast to a life in music and journalism and eventually back again. In Adventures in Solitude, Grant returns to regale us with tales of this unique place. This free event will be held in the MOV Studio with musical performances from Jill Barber and Said the Whale. A cash bar will be available. For more information regarding Grant’s book launch in Vancouver, please call the Museum of Vancouver at 604.736.4431.
DOUG SAUNDERS
Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents the author of Arrival City, a new book analyzing the rise of mega-cities in a vastly changing world. Thursday, October 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets $15/$12 and are available at www.capilanou.ca/theatre or 604-990-7810. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Book News Vol. 5 No. 40
BOOK NEWS
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival invites you to Literati, our annual Gala Dinner, presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join a host of 2010 Festival authors for an unforgettable evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, hosted by Bill Richardson. In support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
Writers Festival Art Raffle! Win a beautiful Jamie Evrard painting, Leap of Faith II-Yellow, Green and Red Flowers (Edition 1/1). Jamie Evrard creates rich and exuberant still life and floral paintings using several mediums, including oil paint, monotype and watercolour. Look for her latest exhibition at the Bau-Xi Gallery. Raffle details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Gillian Slovo talking to Bill Richardson about what led her to write not a historical novel, but a novel set in history. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Just announced - Stevie Cameron
Vancouver International Writers Festival presents a special event with journalist Stevie Cameron. Her new book is On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the tragic story of Vancouver’s missing women. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/cameron.
Alissa York and Richard Harvell
Please join us as Giller-shortlisted author Alissa York and debut novelist Richard Harvell read from their new works. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/yorkharvell.
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
Donna Bailey Nurse describes Jane Urquhart's Sanctuary Line as a book lover's novel.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-sanctuary-line-by-jane-urquhart/article1694290/
Michael Helm's Cities of Refuge explores what happens when two types of exiles—the dispossessed and the spiritually homeless—come together writes Stephen Amidon.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-cities-of-refuge-by-michael-helm/article1544884/
The NY Times calls Eleanor Catton's The Rehearsal a "wildly brilliant and precocious first novel", a coming-of-age story with secrets.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/books/review/Ross-t.html
The Globe and Mail offers a few more details. Apparently a simple plot, but Catton reveals no clear distinction between what is the scandal, what is the saxophone lesson and what is the play.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-rehearsal-by-eleanor-catton/article1600727/
Barbara Casey says of Emma Donoghue's Room "Both gripping and poignant, it's a tribute to human resourcefulness and resilience in extremity, and a stirring portrait of a mother's devotion...a worthy Booker Prize contender."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/859420--room-a-worthy-booker-prize-contender
The San Francisco Chronicle's Michael Berry writes that William Gibson's "Zero History can be enjoyed in isolation from its predecessors, but the entire trilogy rewards a thorough and sequential reading."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/10/RVHN1F93TL.DTL
The Washington Post's Art Taylor says that "Zero History proves momentous...Gibson remains as coolly incisive as ever in his observations, whether about technology or marketing or, yes, fashion."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/10/AR2010091006689.html
And in the NY Times, Scarlett Thomas writes that "Gibson is also celebrating a world where people do still care about something."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/books/review/Thomas-t.html?ref=books
Alex Clark hails Yiyun Li's delicate and haunting short-story collection, Gold Boy, Emerald Girl. "A hugely impressive collection."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/11/gold-boy-emerald-girl-yiyun-li
Fan Wu in the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the sophistication and honesty of Li's collection often derives from a deep understanding of the history, culture and politics of China, and of their impact on ordinary people."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/10/RVHN1F93MU.DTL
Drew Hayden Taylor uses Nanabush, the mischievous trickster, shapeshifter, and culture hero as inspiration in Motorcycles & Sweetgrass, his first novel for adults. A modern twist to ancient native folklore, says Erin Balser.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6809
Jon Paul Fiortina has a new poem in the October issue of The Walrus.
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.10-poetry-dying-in-winnipeg/
Charles Foran's biography Mordecai: The Life and Times will appear in October. Meanwhile, Noah Richler experiences his father's ghost on the set of the filming of Barney's Version.
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.10-arts-my-dad-the-movie-and-me/
Leah Hager Cohen finds Sara Gruen’s Ape House to be “fun, in an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink way”.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/books/review/Cohen-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
Here is an excerpt:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/books/review/excerpt-ape-house.html?ref=review
Gary Shteyngart's life story is more colourful than most fiction, says Peter Conrad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/05/shteyngart-super-sad-love-story-interview
AWARDS & LISTS
The finalists of the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and the Bolen Book Children's Book Prize have been announced.
http://www.victoria.ca/contentmanager/press/100909_mr.pdf
Dominick Parenteau-Lebeuf, a playwright and screenwriter based in Montreal, is one of seven mid-career artists to win Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Awards, each worth $15,000.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/08/mid-career-artists.html
Andrew Motion, chair of the judges, explains how the shortlist for this year's Man Booker prize was decided, "We didn't mean to be popular."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/11/booker-prize-andrew-motion-judging
NEWS & FEATURES
The New Republic writes that the numbers have been crunched and it's official: The New York Times really does review more fiction by men than by women. Far more.
http://www.tnr.com/article/books-and-arts/77506/the-read-franzen-fallout-ruth-franklin-sexism
It is well known that the trapped Chilean miners are organized and have been assigned various leadership responsibilities. The Guardian reports that among these positions are an Official Biographer and an Official Poet—perhaps not so surprising in the country that produced the Nobel prize-winning poets Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/09/chilean-miners-typical-day
The film Life, Above All, based on a novel by Toronto author Allan Stratton and a screenplay by Vancouver-based Dennis Foon, will be South Africa's official entry for the 2011 Academy Awards.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/s-africa-enters-oscars-with-movie-based-on-toronto-authors-novel/article1702681/
William Gibson speaks to the Wall Street Journal about the future of publishing: made to order books.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/09/06/william-gibson-on-the-future-of-book-publishing/
After Wallander: the bleak Scandinavian landscapes have inspired a series of hit books about dour detectives. More writers are lining up to claim the Nordic crime crown.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/12/stieg-larsson-henning-mankell-wallander
Monday, September 13 was Roald Dahl Day 2010. To mark the day, Philip Ardagh, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny prize set up in his memory, selected his top ten Dahl tales.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/13/top-10-roald-dahl-children-books
BOOKS & WRITERS
Now that the publication bans have been lifted, Stevie Cameron has produced On The Farm: Robert William Pickton and The Tragic Story of Vancouver's Missing Women, the first comprehensive overview of how Willie Pickton became a psychopathic monster and how he wasn't caught for so long.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/predator+prey/3510795/story.html
Dan Falk finds Sam Keen's The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements—to be jargon-free, with its focus on the magic (including parlour tricks) and the horrors of chemical science.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-disappearing-spoon-by-sam-kean/article1699796/
David Suzuki sums up his life's work in his new book The Legacy: An Elder's Vision for our Sustainable Future. Despite everything, he is optimistic.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Despite+everything+David+Suzuki+optimistic/3495656/story.html
Wait for Me! Memoirs of the Youngest Mitford Sister, Deborah Mitford's story, written at age 90, is a worthy addition to the family oeuvre, says Rachel Cooke.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/12/mitford-debo-deborah-devonshire-nancy-decca
In an interview, the Duchess says she embarked on her memoir because she felt her family, and her parents in particular, had been portrayed unfairly in the media.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/sep/12/deborah-duchess-of-devonshire-chatsworth?CMP=EMCGT_130910&
Donald Sturrock's Storyteller: The Life of Roald Dahl informs us that Dahl was controlling and bullying, that critics and librarians deprecated him and Ursula K. Le Guin reported that exposure to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory had turned her daughter ‘quite nasty'. But Dahl knew the road to the hearts of his readers.
http://www.spectator.co.uk/books/6257818/beating-his-demons.thtml
Dahl described himself in his later years as "a geriatric child".
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/storyteller-the-life-of-roald-dahl-by-donald-sturrock-2073902.html
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, a picture book written by President Obama before he took office in 2009, will be released November 16. Meanwhile, illustrator Loren Long is completing the illustrations.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/obama-writes-childrens-book/?ref=books
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Annabel Lyon (The Golden Mean) and Naomi Beth Wakan (Book Ends: A year between the covers). Thursday, September 16 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
THE LEGACY
People's Co-op Bookstore and Greystone Books present a live appearance by David Suzuki in support of his book The Legacy: An Elder's Vision for Our Sustainable Future. Friday, September 17 at 8:00pm. Kitsilano Secondary (2550 W. 10th). More information at www.legacy.davidsuzuki.org.
EILEEN MYLES AND LISA ROBERTSON
Contemporary poets Myles and Robertson read from their latest books Inferno: A Poet's Novel and R's Boat. Saturday, September 18 at 2:00pm. Charles H. Scott Gallery, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston, Granville Island. More information at 604-844-3809.
FREE WRITING WORKSHOP
In partnership with the North Vancouver District Library, the Lynn Valley Literary Society is holding free writing workshops for adults and youth. At noon, drop in for information about the society's upcoming adult workshops and its Young Writers' Club program. Saturday, September 18 at 12:00pm, free. Lynn Valley branch, North Vancouver District Library, 1277 Lynn Valley Rd. For times and information, visit www.nvdpl.north-van.bc.ca.
KATHY PAGE AND ALISSA YORK
Authors will be reading from their works. Saturday, September 18. Bolen Books (111 - 1644 Hillside Avenue, Victoria). For more information, visit www.kathypage.info or contact Bolen Books, (250) 595-4232.
PEN IN HAND
Readings by Patricia Young and Eve Joseph. Monday, September 20 at 7:30pm. Serious Coffee, Cook Street Village, 230 Cook Street, Victoria. More information at 250-590-8010.
SARAH LEAVITT
Book launch of Tangles: A story about Alzheimer's, my mother and me. Also live music and a silent auction to benefit selected Alzheimer's charities. Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00pm, free. Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street.
ERIC ENNO TAMM
The author reads from his book The Horse that Leaps through Clouds, a cautionary tale about the rise of modern China. Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
SUSAN BOYD
Join the author as she reads from her book Hooked: Drug War Films in Britain, Canada and the United States. Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information, phone 604-331-3738.
JOHN PASS AND THERESA KISHKAN
Authors will be reading from their works. Thursday, September 23 at 12:30pm, free. Refreshments will be served. Special Collections, room 7100, 7th floor of the W.A.C. Bennett Library, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby.
IN MANIA'S MEMORY
Launch of Vancouver writer Lisa Birnie's latest book. Thursday, September 23 at 6:00pm. Bau-Xi Gallery, 3045 Granville Street. For more information, 604-733-7011.
THE RAVEN'S GIFT
Author John Turk will read from his new book. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. West.
THE ARTEMIS ROCKS!
Launch of best-selling author Eoin Colfer's seventh book in his Artemis Fowl adventure series. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Free admission but tickets required via online contest at www.vpl.ca. Alice MacKay room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
WRITER'S STUDIO SNEAK PREVIEW
The SFU Writer's Studio will be launching emerge, its 2010 anthology, at the Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival, but for those people looking for a sneak preview, the authors will be performing pre-release readings at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, on Thursday, September 23, from 7-10 p.m. More information at www.thewritersstudio.ca.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
Discuss four books in small groups throughout the weekend. This year's books are The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry and our guest author, Anita Rau Badami's book Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? September 24-26, 2010, Nelson BC. Further information and registration forms can be found here, www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
DAVID GLENN
The Burnaby Arts Council will host a launch of The Queen's Sword and The Queen's Jewels. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
BOOK ARTS MOSAIC OPENING
Books by award-winning local writers will be showcased for the opening of A Book Arts Mosaic. A book sale and meet the authors event happen in conjunction. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Burnaby Arts Council's Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Details at info@burnabyartscouncil.org.
ROBERT BATEMAN
One of the world's greatest wildlife artists signs his new book, Bateman: New Works. Saturday, September 25 at 2:00pm. Chapters Broadway and Granville, 2505 Granville Street. More information at 604-731-7822.
WRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS
An interactive program led by Silvana Goldemberg Faifman, designed for those who love stories and want to unlock their creative potential. Saturday, September 25 at 3:30pm, free. Limited seating, please register here: http://behappyalltogether.wordpress.com. Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond.
SHILPI SOMAYA GOWDA
Meet Canadian author Shilpi Somaya Gowda as she signs copies of her debut novel, Secret Daughter. Saturday, September 25 at 4:00pm. Chapters Park Royal, 900 Park Royal South, West Vancouver. More information at 604-922-3222.
EVENING THE FRAYED EDGES
Launch of the Recovery Narrative Project's first anthology of collected works, edited by Susan J. Katz, featuring a series of narratives and poems bringing first-hand accounts of turning points in recovery from mental illness. Sunday, September 26 at 7:00pm, free. John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver.
WORD ON THE STREET
Annual event dedicated to promoting reading and literacy throughout the community. Sunday, September 26 from 11am to 6pm. Library Square, Central Libray, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information, visit www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver.
Upcoming
JACK WHYTE
Bestselling author from Kelowna, BC, signs the first book in his exciting new trilogy, The Forest Laird. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm. Chapters Marine Drive, 1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. More information at 604-988-6681.
EVOLVE: VAMPIRE STORIES OF THE NEW UNDEAD
Listen to Vancouver writers Mary Choo, Sandra Wickham and Celdae (Colleen) Anderson, 3 of 22 Canadian authors featured in this most unusual and compelling collection as they re-imagine the future of vampires. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information phone 604-331-3691.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On September 29, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club will welcome author Marina Nemat with her second memoir "After Tehran: A Life Reclaimed". Marina was thrown into Iran's most notorious prison at the age of 16 after demanding her teacher stop teaching religious propaganda and resume teaching math. After two years of hell, she finally emigrated to Canada in 1991. A powerful, shocking, and ultimately inspiring story, enter to win free tickets to see Marina at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
MICHAEL NICHOLL YAHGULANAAS
Reading by the author of Red. Thursday, September 30 at 1:00pm, free. Lillooet Room (level 3), Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall, Vancouver. More information at www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Mette Bach (Off the Highway) and Melanie Siebert (Deepwater Vee). Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On October 5, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club is pleased to once again partner with CBC Ideas to present the 2010 Massey Lecturer in an exclusive book club taping. This year Vancouver's own Douglas Coupland presents the first ever Massey in fiction! In "Player One: What is to Become of Us", Doug has created a five hour story that explores time, human identity, society, religion and the afterlife. Enter to win free tickets and a preview of the Masseys at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
Festival News
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. For up-to-the-moment Festival information please visit our website: writersfest.bc.ca, or pick up a copy of the Festival program guide at various Lower Mainland locations including Book Warehouse locations, Chapters, Sitka Books and Art, Vancouver Public Library branches and on Granville Island at Blackberry Books.
The Vancouver International Writers Festival invites you to Literati, our annual Gala Dinner, presented by Scotia Private Client Group. Join a host of 2010 Festival authors for an unforgettable evening of festivity, food and literary laughs, hosted by Bill Richardson. In support of Spreading the Word, the educational program of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Complete details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati.
Writers Festival Art Raffle! Win a beautiful Jamie Evrard painting, Leap of Faith II-Yellow, Green and Red Flowers (Edition 1/1). Jamie Evrard creates rich and exuberant still life and floral paintings using several mediums, including oil paint, monotype and watercolour. Look for her latest exhibition at the Bau-Xi Gallery. Raffle details here, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/literati/raffle.
Virtual Festival
The latest recording in our recently launched series of archived events from Festivals-past features Gillian Slovo talking to Bill Richardson about what led her to write not a historical novel, but a novel set in history. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/multimedia/audio-archives
Special Events
Just announced - Stevie Cameron
Vancouver International Writers Festival presents a special event with journalist Stevie Cameron. Her new book is On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the tragic story of Vancouver’s missing women. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/cameron.
Alissa York and Richard Harvell
Please join us as Giller-shortlisted author Alissa York and debut novelist Richard Harvell read from their new works. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/yorkharvell.
2010 FESTIVAL AUTHORS
The following authors are among those appearing at the Festival in October or participating in special events in the fall.
Donna Bailey Nurse describes Jane Urquhart's Sanctuary Line as a book lover's novel.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-sanctuary-line-by-jane-urquhart/article1694290/
Michael Helm's Cities of Refuge explores what happens when two types of exiles—the dispossessed and the spiritually homeless—come together writes Stephen Amidon.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-cities-of-refuge-by-michael-helm/article1544884/
The NY Times calls Eleanor Catton's The Rehearsal a "wildly brilliant and precocious first novel", a coming-of-age story with secrets.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/books/review/Ross-t.html
The Globe and Mail offers a few more details. Apparently a simple plot, but Catton reveals no clear distinction between what is the scandal, what is the saxophone lesson and what is the play.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-rehearsal-by-eleanor-catton/article1600727/
Barbara Casey says of Emma Donoghue's Room "Both gripping and poignant, it's a tribute to human resourcefulness and resilience in extremity, and a stirring portrait of a mother's devotion...a worthy Booker Prize contender."
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/859420--room-a-worthy-booker-prize-contender
The San Francisco Chronicle's Michael Berry writes that William Gibson's "Zero History can be enjoyed in isolation from its predecessors, but the entire trilogy rewards a thorough and sequential reading."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/10/RVHN1F93TL.DTL
The Washington Post's Art Taylor says that "Zero History proves momentous...Gibson remains as coolly incisive as ever in his observations, whether about technology or marketing or, yes, fashion."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/10/AR2010091006689.html
And in the NY Times, Scarlett Thomas writes that "Gibson is also celebrating a world where people do still care about something."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/books/review/Thomas-t.html?ref=books
Alex Clark hails Yiyun Li's delicate and haunting short-story collection, Gold Boy, Emerald Girl. "A hugely impressive collection."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/11/gold-boy-emerald-girl-yiyun-li
Fan Wu in the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the sophistication and honesty of Li's collection often derives from a deep understanding of the history, culture and politics of China, and of their impact on ordinary people."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/10/RVHN1F93MU.DTL
Drew Hayden Taylor uses Nanabush, the mischievous trickster, shapeshifter, and culture hero as inspiration in Motorcycles & Sweetgrass, his first novel for adults. A modern twist to ancient native folklore, says Erin Balser.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6809
Jon Paul Fiortina has a new poem in the October issue of The Walrus.
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.10-poetry-dying-in-winnipeg/
Charles Foran's biography Mordecai: The Life and Times will appear in October. Meanwhile, Noah Richler experiences his father's ghost on the set of the filming of Barney's Version.
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.10-arts-my-dad-the-movie-and-me/
Leah Hager Cohen finds Sara Gruen’s Ape House to be “fun, in an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink way”.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/books/review/Cohen-t.html?nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3
Here is an excerpt:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/books/review/excerpt-ape-house.html?ref=review
Gary Shteyngart's life story is more colourful than most fiction, says Peter Conrad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/05/shteyngart-super-sad-love-story-interview
AWARDS & LISTS
The finalists of the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and the Bolen Book Children's Book Prize have been announced.
http://www.victoria.ca/contentmanager/press/100909_mr.pdf
Dominick Parenteau-Lebeuf, a playwright and screenwriter based in Montreal, is one of seven mid-career artists to win Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Awards, each worth $15,000.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/09/08/mid-career-artists.html
Andrew Motion, chair of the judges, explains how the shortlist for this year's Man Booker prize was decided, "We didn't mean to be popular."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/11/booker-prize-andrew-motion-judging
NEWS & FEATURES
The New Republic writes that the numbers have been crunched and it's official: The New York Times really does review more fiction by men than by women. Far more.
http://www.tnr.com/article/books-and-arts/77506/the-read-franzen-fallout-ruth-franklin-sexism
It is well known that the trapped Chilean miners are organized and have been assigned various leadership responsibilities. The Guardian reports that among these positions are an Official Biographer and an Official Poet—perhaps not so surprising in the country that produced the Nobel prize-winning poets Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/09/chilean-miners-typical-day
The film Life, Above All, based on a novel by Toronto author Allan Stratton and a screenplay by Vancouver-based Dennis Foon, will be South Africa's official entry for the 2011 Academy Awards.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/s-africa-enters-oscars-with-movie-based-on-toronto-authors-novel/article1702681/
William Gibson speaks to the Wall Street Journal about the future of publishing: made to order books.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/09/06/william-gibson-on-the-future-of-book-publishing/
After Wallander: the bleak Scandinavian landscapes have inspired a series of hit books about dour detectives. More writers are lining up to claim the Nordic crime crown.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/12/stieg-larsson-henning-mankell-wallander
Monday, September 13 was Roald Dahl Day 2010. To mark the day, Philip Ardagh, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny prize set up in his memory, selected his top ten Dahl tales.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/13/top-10-roald-dahl-children-books
BOOKS & WRITERS
Now that the publication bans have been lifted, Stevie Cameron has produced On The Farm: Robert William Pickton and The Tragic Story of Vancouver's Missing Women, the first comprehensive overview of how Willie Pickton became a psychopathic monster and how he wasn't caught for so long.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/predator+prey/3510795/story.html
Dan Falk finds Sam Keen's The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements—to be jargon-free, with its focus on the magic (including parlour tricks) and the horrors of chemical science.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-disappearing-spoon-by-sam-kean/article1699796/
David Suzuki sums up his life's work in his new book The Legacy: An Elder's Vision for our Sustainable Future. Despite everything, he is optimistic.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Despite+everything+David+Suzuki+optimistic/3495656/story.html
Wait for Me! Memoirs of the Youngest Mitford Sister, Deborah Mitford's story, written at age 90, is a worthy addition to the family oeuvre, says Rachel Cooke.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/12/mitford-debo-deborah-devonshire-nancy-decca
In an interview, the Duchess says she embarked on her memoir because she felt her family, and her parents in particular, had been portrayed unfairly in the media.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/sep/12/deborah-duchess-of-devonshire-chatsworth?CMP=EMCGT_130910&
Donald Sturrock's Storyteller: The Life of Roald Dahl informs us that Dahl was controlling and bullying, that critics and librarians deprecated him and Ursula K. Le Guin reported that exposure to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory had turned her daughter ‘quite nasty'. But Dahl knew the road to the hearts of his readers.
http://www.spectator.co.uk/books/6257818/beating-his-demons.thtml
Dahl described himself in his later years as "a geriatric child".
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/storyteller-the-life-of-roald-dahl-by-donald-sturrock-2073902.html
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, a picture book written by President Obama before he took office in 2009, will be released November 16. Meanwhile, illustrator Loren Long is completing the illustrations.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/obama-writes-childrens-book/?ref=books
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Annabel Lyon (The Golden Mean) and Naomi Beth Wakan (Book Ends: A year between the covers). Thursday, September 16 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
THE LEGACY
People's Co-op Bookstore and Greystone Books present a live appearance by David Suzuki in support of his book The Legacy: An Elder's Vision for Our Sustainable Future. Friday, September 17 at 8:00pm. Kitsilano Secondary (2550 W. 10th). More information at www.legacy.davidsuzuki.org.
EILEEN MYLES AND LISA ROBERTSON
Contemporary poets Myles and Robertson read from their latest books Inferno: A Poet's Novel and R's Boat. Saturday, September 18 at 2:00pm. Charles H. Scott Gallery, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston, Granville Island. More information at 604-844-3809.
FREE WRITING WORKSHOP
In partnership with the North Vancouver District Library, the Lynn Valley Literary Society is holding free writing workshops for adults and youth. At noon, drop in for information about the society's upcoming adult workshops and its Young Writers' Club program. Saturday, September 18 at 12:00pm, free. Lynn Valley branch, North Vancouver District Library, 1277 Lynn Valley Rd. For times and information, visit www.nvdpl.north-van.bc.ca.
KATHY PAGE AND ALISSA YORK
Authors will be reading from their works. Saturday, September 18. Bolen Books (111 - 1644 Hillside Avenue, Victoria). For more information, visit www.kathypage.info or contact Bolen Books, (250) 595-4232.
PEN IN HAND
Readings by Patricia Young and Eve Joseph. Monday, September 20 at 7:30pm. Serious Coffee, Cook Street Village, 230 Cook Street, Victoria. More information at 250-590-8010.
SARAH LEAVITT
Book launch of Tangles: A story about Alzheimer's, my mother and me. Also live music and a silent auction to benefit selected Alzheimer's charities. Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00pm, free. Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street.
ERIC ENNO TAMM
The author reads from his book The Horse that Leaps through Clouds, a cautionary tale about the rise of modern China. Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00pm, free. Alice MacKay room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
SUSAN BOYD
Join the author as she reads from her book Hooked: Drug War Films in Britain, Canada and the United States. Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen room, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information, phone 604-331-3738.
JOHN PASS AND THERESA KISHKAN
Authors will be reading from their works. Thursday, September 23 at 12:30pm, free. Refreshments will be served. Special Collections, room 7100, 7th floor of the W.A.C. Bennett Library, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby.
IN MANIA'S MEMORY
Launch of Vancouver writer Lisa Birnie's latest book. Thursday, September 23 at 6:00pm. Bau-Xi Gallery, 3045 Granville Street. For more information, 604-733-7011.
THE RAVEN'S GIFT
Author John Turk will read from his new book. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Banyen Books & Sound, 3608 4th Ave. West.
THE ARTEMIS ROCKS!
Launch of best-selling author Eoin Colfer's seventh book in his Artemis Fowl adventure series. Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm. Free admission but tickets required via online contest at www.vpl.ca. Alice MacKay room, VPL, 350 W. Georgia Street. More information at 604-331-3603.
WRITER'S STUDIO SNEAK PREVIEW
The SFU Writer's Studio will be launching emerge, its 2010 anthology, at the Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival, but for those people looking for a sneak preview, the authors will be performing pre-release readings at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, on Thursday, September 23, from 7-10 p.m. More information at www.thewritersstudio.ca.
KOOTENAY BOOK WEEKEND
Discuss four books in small groups throughout the weekend. This year's books are The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry and our guest author, Anita Rau Badami's book Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? September 24-26, 2010, Nelson BC. Further information and registration forms can be found here, www.kootenaybookweekend.ca.
DAVID GLENN
The Burnaby Arts Council will host a launch of The Queen's Sword and The Queen's Jewels. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
BOOK ARTS MOSAIC OPENING
Books by award-winning local writers will be showcased for the opening of A Book Arts Mosaic. A book sale and meet the authors event happen in conjunction. Saturday, September 25 at 1:00pm. Burnaby Arts Council's Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Details at info@burnabyartscouncil.org.
ROBERT BATEMAN
One of the world's greatest wildlife artists signs his new book, Bateman: New Works. Saturday, September 25 at 2:00pm. Chapters Broadway and Granville, 2505 Granville Street. More information at 604-731-7822.
WRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS
An interactive program led by Silvana Goldemberg Faifman, designed for those who love stories and want to unlock their creative potential. Saturday, September 25 at 3:30pm, free. Limited seating, please register here: http://behappyalltogether.wordpress.com. Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond.
SHILPI SOMAYA GOWDA
Meet Canadian author Shilpi Somaya Gowda as she signs copies of her debut novel, Secret Daughter. Saturday, September 25 at 4:00pm. Chapters Park Royal, 900 Park Royal South, West Vancouver. More information at 604-922-3222.
EVENING THE FRAYED EDGES
Launch of the Recovery Narrative Project's first anthology of collected works, edited by Susan J. Katz, featuring a series of narratives and poems bringing first-hand accounts of turning points in recovery from mental illness. Sunday, September 26 at 7:00pm, free. John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver.
WORD ON THE STREET
Annual event dedicated to promoting reading and literacy throughout the community. Sunday, September 26 from 11am to 6pm. Library Square, Central Libray, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information, visit www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver.
Upcoming
JACK WHYTE
Bestselling author from Kelowna, BC, signs the first book in his exciting new trilogy, The Forest Laird. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm. Chapters Marine Drive, 1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. More information at 604-988-6681.
EVOLVE: VAMPIRE STORIES OF THE NEW UNDEAD
Listen to Vancouver writers Mary Choo, Sandra Wickham and Celdae (Colleen) Anderson, 3 of 22 Canadian authors featured in this most unusual and compelling collection as they re-imagine the future of vampires. Monday, September 27 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, lower level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street. For more information phone 604-331-3691.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On September 29, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club will welcome author Marina Nemat with her second memoir "After Tehran: A Life Reclaimed". Marina was thrown into Iran's most notorious prison at the age of 16 after demanding her teacher stop teaching religious propaganda and resume teaching math. After two years of hell, she finally emigrated to Canada in 1991. A powerful, shocking, and ultimately inspiring story, enter to win free tickets to see Marina at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
MICHAEL NICHOLL YAHGULANAAS
Reading by the author of Red. Thursday, September 30 at 1:00pm, free. Lillooet Room (level 3), Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall, Vancouver. More information at www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca.
ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings by Mette Bach (Off the Highway) and Melanie Siebert (Deepwater Vee). Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library, Robson Square (plaza level, 800 Robson Street).More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
CBC RADIO STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
On October 5, the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club is pleased to once again partner with CBC Ideas to present the 2010 Massey Lecturer in an exclusive book club taping. This year Vancouver's own Douglas Coupland presents the first ever Massey in fiction! In "Player One: What is to Become of Us", Doug has created a five hour story that explores time, human identity, society, religion and the afterlife. Enter to win free tickets and a preview of the Masseys at www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub.
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