Vol. 4 No. 23
BOOK NEWS
Tickets are on sale for A Dram Come True, the VIWF scotch tasting. Visit our website for the list of fabulous malts that will be featured. Scotch experts will be on hand to guide you through your tasting experience. Tickets are $75 and are available by calling 604 681 6330 ext 109 - quantities are limited. The event is a fundraiser for the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/supportus/dramcometrue.
With the May 12th provincial election coming up very quickly, it's important to drive home the message that arts and culture do matter. http://www.allianceforarts.com/assets/files/voteart2009.pdf
Quebec poet, editor and translator Pierre DesRuisseaux has been appointed Canada's fourth parliamentary poet laureate.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2009/04/28/poetlaureate-desruisseaux-canada.html
Carol Ann Duffy is expected to succeed Andrew Motion as Britain's next poet laureate tomorrow. Duffy will be the first woman ever to hold the post.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/30/poet-laureate-carol-ann-duffy
Margaret Atwood's international bestseller Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth is going to be made into a feature-length documentary by the National Film Board of Canada.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090428.wpayback28art1629/BNStory/Entertainment/home
AWARDS
Lee Henderson won the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize for his first novel The Man Game this past weekend. Find out who won in the other categories at the BC Book Prizes here:
http://www.bcbookprizes.ca/winners
Vancouver writer Mark Leiren-Young has won the Leacock Medal for Humour for his memoir Never Shoot a Stampede Queen: A Rookie Reporter in the Cariboo Country about his time as a young journalist in Williams Lake.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090430.wbkLeacock01/BNStory/globebooks/home
David Bergen's latest novel, The Retreat, won in two categories at the Manitoba Book Awards. The winners in all categories can be found here:
http://www.bookpublishers.mb.ca/mba/
The nominees for the Arthur Ellis Awards, Canada's crime-writing awards, have been announced.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2009/04/23/canadian-mystery-awards.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
The nine-year-old narrator in Carla Gunn's debut novel Amphibian "is a symbol of our times - a child so overwhelmed by information that his childhood is being stolen from him." Read the full review in Quill & Quire.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6495
Gale Zoë Garnett's latest novel, Savage Adoration, is a "light, engaging read," writes the Globe & Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbksavage25/BNStory/globebooks/home
Jim Bartley, first-fiction reviewer for the Globe & Mail, commends Mary Tilberg for the "heart-stirring tension" she creates in her debut novel Oonagh.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkbartley25/BNStory/globebooks/home
The NY Times reviews Colson Whitehead's new novel Sag Harbor in which the main character, Benji, "lives on a "Cosby Show" racial cusp between white bourgeois comforts and black roots."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/books/27masl.html?ref=books
The setting for Paul Yoon's debut story collection, Once the Shore, is a South Korean island where the residents either have jobs in modern tourism or persist in the traditional work of fishing, farming, diving. Yoon's prose is "spare and beautiful" writes the NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/books/review/Silber-t.html?ref=books
C.E. Morgan's debut novel, All the Living, establishes her as a "formidable new voice" in fiction.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090427.wbkliving27/BNStory/globebooks/home
Noah Richler on Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff's new book True Patriot Love.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkiggy25/BNStory/globebooks/home
Four short reviews of poetry collections by Stephen Dunn, J.D. McClatchy, Sharon Olds, and Charles Wright.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/books/review/Brouwer-t.html?ref=books
Jay McInerney discusses his new collection of stories, How it Ended, which assembles much of the short fiction spanning his nearly three decade-long career.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/books/review/Tanenhaus-t.html?ref=books
Of his new book, Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall, acclaimed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro says: "I don't know what proper short story writers would think of this, but I've gone about this in the way a novelist would." Read the full interview with Ishiguro here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/27/kazuo-ishiguro-interview-books
Colm Tóibín's new novel Brooklyn "springs directly from a story he heard in the aftermath of his father's death, when he was just 12. He has been incubating it throughout his creative life." Read an interview Tóibín in the Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/26/colm-toibin-brooklyn
One of the characters in AS Byatt's new novel, The Children's Book, represents the author's greatest terror: "simple domesticity." This interview with Byatt in the Guardian is followed by a review in the Globe & Mail.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/25/as-byatt-interview
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkbyatt25/BNStory/globebooks/home
In this essay, author Susan Swan channels Mary Swann, the protagonist in Carol Shields's critically acclaimed novel Swann.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkread25/BNStory/globebooks/home
For her new novel, The Color of Lightning, Paulette Jiles's traveled throughout much of the southwest United States, following the route that the real life historical figure on which her novel is based traveled to retrieve his family who had been taken captive in the great north Texas raid of October 13, 1864.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090421.wbktuesdayessay_jiles/BNStory/globebooks/home
EVENTS
LARRY LOYIE
Meet award-winning Cree author of Goodbye Buffalo Bay. Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, VPL (350 W. Georgia). And May 1 at 3:00pm, Carnegie Theatre (410 Main).
POETRY READING
Readings by Jon Woodward (Rain) and Oni Buchanana (Spring). Thursday, April 30 at 6:00pm. Spartacus Books, 684 East Hastings Street. More information at www.spartacusbooks.org.
GAIL ANDERSON-DARGATZ
Author Gail Anderson-Dargatz reads from her latest novel, Turtle Valley, and discusses the inspirations behind her work. Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). More information at www.vpl.ca/.
BOOKTOPIA
West Vancouver Children's Literature Festival featuring author visits, illustrator's workshops, poetry readings, storytelling, poetry slams and other spoken word events. May 1 - 9. See www.booktopia.ca for complete details.
BOOK LAUNCH
MOA and UBC Press present the launch of two book on First Nations cultural heritage, Protection of First Nations Cultural Heritage: Laws, Policy, and Reform and First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law: Case Studies, Voices, and Perspectives. Friday, May 1 at 3:00pm, free. Museum of Anthropology (6393 NW Marine Dr., UBC).
DAVID ZIEROTH
Join Harbour Publishing for the book launch of The Fly in Autumn, by award-winning poet David Zieroth. Friday, May 1 at 7:30pm, free. 32 Books, 3185 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver. For information, call 604-980-9032 or email info@harbourpublishing.com.
SPRING BOOK HATCHING
A celebration of the release of the latest books by local children's authors and artists. The afternoon will feature presentations, displays, a book sale and the chance to meet your favourite BC author or illustrator. Saturday, May 2 at 1:00pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level
Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
WAYSON CHOY
Canadian author talks about his new release Not Yet, a life-affirming memoir based on his two near-death experiences. Monday, May 4 at 7:00pm. Tickets $18/15. Capilano Performing Arts Theatre (2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver).
HEATHER MENZIES
Award-winning author reads from her new book Enter Mourning: A Memoir on Death, Dementia, and Coming Home. Monday, May 4 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia).
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Poetry slam featuring Derrick Brown. Monday, May 4 at 8:00pm. Admission $5/3. Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at http://vancouverpoetryhouse.com/.
HOPE IN SHADOWS BOOK READING
The contributors of the award-winning book Hope in Shadows will read excerpts from their stories. Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level Central Library 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact VPL - Quick Information Service at 604-331-3603.
KINNIE STARR
Author reads from her first book of poetry and drawings, How I Learned to Run. Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia).
NIGHTWOOD EDITIONS BOOK LAUNCH
Authors Elizabeth Bachinsky, Andrew Binks, Laisha Rosnau, and Gregory Scofield will launch their books of fiction and poetry. Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30pm, free. Heritage Hall (3102 Main).
LUMINIOUS WORD LITERARY SALON
The Luminous Word Literary Salon Featured Author & Open Mic. Wednesday, May 6. To reserve, visit www.bellacandela.com/web/index.php. Bella Candela, 109 West Esplanade, North Vancouver. For more information, phone 32 Books at 604-980-9032.
ON THE NARRATIVE OF MIGRATION
Poet Indran Amirthanayagam and other writers will comment on Ivan Loyola's short fiction book In Search of Batanero. Thursday, May 7 at 6:30pm, free. Sophia Books (450 W. Hastings). More information at www.sophiabooks.com/.
RICK RIORDAN
Kidsbooks presents the author of the Percy Jackson series. Thursday, May 7 at 6:50pm. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Gymnasium (2550 Camosun Street). To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.kidsbooks.ca.
FLIGHTS OF FANTASY
Bird photographer Damon Calderwood gives an illustrated talk on his most recent book. Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). More information at www.vpl.ca/.
KATE BRAID
Author reads from her new work A Well-Mannered Storm: the Glenn Gould Poems, accompanied by bassist Clyde Reed. Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm, free. Burnaby Public Library McGill Branch (4595 Albert St., Burnaby).
CHRISTOPHER LEVENSON
SFU Writing Series presents Christopher Levenson reading from his new autobiography. Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm. Othai Restaurant, West Broadway at Fir.
Upcoming
DOXA 2009
The documentary film festival that runs from May 22-31, presents premieres of eye-opening and unexpected films from Canada and around the world. Films include Hana's Suitcase, based on the book by Toronto writer Karen Levine, and Land of Oil and Water, directed by Winnipeg author Warren Cariou. Information at www.doxafestival.ca.
Tickets are on sale for A Dram Come True, the VIWF scotch tasting. Visit our website for the list of fabulous malts that will be featured. Scotch experts will be on hand to guide you through your tasting experience. Tickets are $75 and are available by calling 604 681 6330 ext 109 - quantities are limited. The event is a fundraiser for the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Details at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/supportus/dramcometrue.
With the May 12th provincial election coming up very quickly, it's important to drive home the message that arts and culture do matter. http://www.allianceforarts.com/assets/files/voteart2009.pdf
Quebec poet, editor and translator Pierre DesRuisseaux has been appointed Canada's fourth parliamentary poet laureate.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2009/04/28/poetlaureate-desruisseaux-canada.html
Carol Ann Duffy is expected to succeed Andrew Motion as Britain's next poet laureate tomorrow. Duffy will be the first woman ever to hold the post.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/30/poet-laureate-carol-ann-duffy
Margaret Atwood's international bestseller Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth is going to be made into a feature-length documentary by the National Film Board of Canada.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090428.wpayback28art1629/BNStory/Entertainment/home
AWARDS
Lee Henderson won the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize for his first novel The Man Game this past weekend. Find out who won in the other categories at the BC Book Prizes here:
http://www.bcbookprizes.ca/winners
Vancouver writer Mark Leiren-Young has won the Leacock Medal for Humour for his memoir Never Shoot a Stampede Queen: A Rookie Reporter in the Cariboo Country about his time as a young journalist in Williams Lake.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090430.wbkLeacock01/BNStory/globebooks/home
David Bergen's latest novel, The Retreat, won in two categories at the Manitoba Book Awards. The winners in all categories can be found here:
http://www.bookpublishers.mb.ca/mba/
The nominees for the Arthur Ellis Awards, Canada's crime-writing awards, have been announced.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2009/04/23/canadian-mystery-awards.html
BOOKS & WRITERS
The nine-year-old narrator in Carla Gunn's debut novel Amphibian "is a symbol of our times - a child so overwhelmed by information that his childhood is being stolen from him." Read the full review in Quill & Quire.
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6495
Gale Zoë Garnett's latest novel, Savage Adoration, is a "light, engaging read," writes the Globe & Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbksavage25/BNStory/globebooks/home
Jim Bartley, first-fiction reviewer for the Globe & Mail, commends Mary Tilberg for the "heart-stirring tension" she creates in her debut novel Oonagh.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkbartley25/BNStory/globebooks/home
The NY Times reviews Colson Whitehead's new novel Sag Harbor in which the main character, Benji, "lives on a "Cosby Show" racial cusp between white bourgeois comforts and black roots."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/books/27masl.html?ref=books
The setting for Paul Yoon's debut story collection, Once the Shore, is a South Korean island where the residents either have jobs in modern tourism or persist in the traditional work of fishing, farming, diving. Yoon's prose is "spare and beautiful" writes the NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/books/review/Silber-t.html?ref=books
C.E. Morgan's debut novel, All the Living, establishes her as a "formidable new voice" in fiction.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090427.wbkliving27/BNStory/globebooks/home
Noah Richler on Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff's new book True Patriot Love.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkiggy25/BNStory/globebooks/home
Four short reviews of poetry collections by Stephen Dunn, J.D. McClatchy, Sharon Olds, and Charles Wright.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/books/review/Brouwer-t.html?ref=books
Jay McInerney discusses his new collection of stories, How it Ended, which assembles much of the short fiction spanning his nearly three decade-long career.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/books/review/Tanenhaus-t.html?ref=books
Of his new book, Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall, acclaimed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro says: "I don't know what proper short story writers would think of this, but I've gone about this in the way a novelist would." Read the full interview with Ishiguro here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/27/kazuo-ishiguro-interview-books
Colm Tóibín's new novel Brooklyn "springs directly from a story he heard in the aftermath of his father's death, when he was just 12. He has been incubating it throughout his creative life." Read an interview Tóibín in the Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/26/colm-toibin-brooklyn
One of the characters in AS Byatt's new novel, The Children's Book, represents the author's greatest terror: "simple domesticity." This interview with Byatt in the Guardian is followed by a review in the Globe & Mail.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/25/as-byatt-interview
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkbyatt25/BNStory/globebooks/home
In this essay, author Susan Swan channels Mary Swann, the protagonist in Carol Shields's critically acclaimed novel Swann.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090424.wbkread25/BNStory/globebooks/home
For her new novel, The Color of Lightning, Paulette Jiles's traveled throughout much of the southwest United States, following the route that the real life historical figure on which her novel is based traveled to retrieve his family who had been taken captive in the great north Texas raid of October 13, 1864.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090421.wbktuesdayessay_jiles/BNStory/globebooks/home
EVENTS
LARRY LOYIE
Meet award-winning Cree author of Goodbye Buffalo Bay. Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, VPL (350 W. Georgia). And May 1 at 3:00pm, Carnegie Theatre (410 Main).
POETRY READING
Readings by Jon Woodward (Rain) and Oni Buchanana (Spring). Thursday, April 30 at 6:00pm. Spartacus Books, 684 East Hastings Street. More information at www.spartacusbooks.org.
GAIL ANDERSON-DARGATZ
Author Gail Anderson-Dargatz reads from her latest novel, Turtle Valley, and discusses the inspirations behind her work. Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). More information at www.vpl.ca/.
BOOKTOPIA
West Vancouver Children's Literature Festival featuring author visits, illustrator's workshops, poetry readings, storytelling, poetry slams and other spoken word events. May 1 - 9. See www.booktopia.ca for complete details.
BOOK LAUNCH
MOA and UBC Press present the launch of two book on First Nations cultural heritage, Protection of First Nations Cultural Heritage: Laws, Policy, and Reform and First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law: Case Studies, Voices, and Perspectives. Friday, May 1 at 3:00pm, free. Museum of Anthropology (6393 NW Marine Dr., UBC).
DAVID ZIEROTH
Join Harbour Publishing for the book launch of The Fly in Autumn, by award-winning poet David Zieroth. Friday, May 1 at 7:30pm, free. 32 Books, 3185 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver. For information, call 604-980-9032 or email info@harbourpublishing.com.
SPRING BOOK HATCHING
A celebration of the release of the latest books by local children's authors and artists. The afternoon will feature presentations, displays, a book sale and the chance to meet your favourite BC author or illustrator. Saturday, May 2 at 1:00pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level
Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.
WAYSON CHOY
Canadian author talks about his new release Not Yet, a life-affirming memoir based on his two near-death experiences. Monday, May 4 at 7:00pm. Tickets $18/15. Capilano Performing Arts Theatre (2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver).
HEATHER MENZIES
Award-winning author reads from her new book Enter Mourning: A Memoir on Death, Dementia, and Coming Home. Monday, May 4 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia).
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Poetry slam featuring Derrick Brown. Monday, May 4 at 8:00pm. Admission $5/3. Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at http://vancouverpoetryhouse.com/.
HOPE IN SHADOWS BOOK READING
The contributors of the award-winning book Hope in Shadows will read excerpts from their stories. Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level Central Library 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact VPL - Quick Information Service at 604-331-3603.
KINNIE STARR
Author reads from her first book of poetry and drawings, How I Learned to Run. Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia).
NIGHTWOOD EDITIONS BOOK LAUNCH
Authors Elizabeth Bachinsky, Andrew Binks, Laisha Rosnau, and Gregory Scofield will launch their books of fiction and poetry. Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30pm, free. Heritage Hall (3102 Main).
LUMINIOUS WORD LITERARY SALON
The Luminous Word Literary Salon Featured Author & Open Mic. Wednesday, May 6. To reserve, visit www.bellacandela.com/web/index.php. Bella Candela, 109 West Esplanade, North Vancouver. For more information, phone 32 Books at 604-980-9032.
ON THE NARRATIVE OF MIGRATION
Poet Indran Amirthanayagam and other writers will comment on Ivan Loyola's short fiction book In Search of Batanero. Thursday, May 7 at 6:30pm, free. Sophia Books (450 W. Hastings). More information at www.sophiabooks.com/.
RICK RIORDAN
Kidsbooks presents the author of the Percy Jackson series. Thursday, May 7 at 6:50pm. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Gymnasium (2550 Camosun Street). To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.kidsbooks.ca.
FLIGHTS OF FANTASY
Bird photographer Damon Calderwood gives an illustrated talk on his most recent book. Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). More information at www.vpl.ca/.
KATE BRAID
Author reads from her new work A Well-Mannered Storm: the Glenn Gould Poems, accompanied by bassist Clyde Reed. Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm, free. Burnaby Public Library McGill Branch (4595 Albert St., Burnaby).
CHRISTOPHER LEVENSON
SFU Writing Series presents Christopher Levenson reading from his new autobiography. Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm. Othai Restaurant, West Broadway at Fir.
Upcoming
DOXA 2009
The documentary film festival that runs from May 22-31, presents premieres of eye-opening and unexpected films from Canada and around the world. Films include Hana's Suitcase, based on the book by Toronto writer Karen Levine, and Land of Oil and Water, directed by Winnipeg author Warren Cariou. Information at www.doxafestival.ca.
