This is a book which should not be tossed lightly aside. It should be hurled across the room. Dorothy Parker.
Your reading in 2009 - send us the best and the worst. If you hated The Time Travellers Wife as much as I did, please add your vote and any others that occur. Or your disagreements. The book does not have to be published this year. Send in the name of a classic you enjoyed - or not.
Send comments, praise and invective to jbaril@tbaytel.net
Monday, December 14, 2009
A Non Fiction Xmas
Some un-fictitious suggestions - all available at the Northern Woman's Bookshop
A wonderful Book Launch was held recently featuring Thunder Bay author, SUSAN GOLDBERG, who with CHLOE BRUSHWOOD ROSE co-edited AND BABY MAKES MORE: Known Donors, Queer Parents, and Our Unexpected Families. AND BABY MAKES MORE “explores the role of the ‘known donor’ in the queer family structure: what happens when would-be dyke moms or gay dads ask a friend or acquaintance to donate sperm or an egg, or to act as a surrogate? A quirky, funny, and occasionally heartbreaking collection of personal essays, this book offers an intimate look at the relative risks and unexpected rewards of queer, do-it-yourself baby-making, and the ways in which families are re-made in the process.”
A book of great local interest, containing beautiful photographs has just arrived. Barbara Lesperance’s HISTORY OF SILVER ISLET AND ITS GARDENS will be enjoyed not only by those who have links to Silver Islet but by all gardeners.
SOCIETIES OF PEACE; Matriarchies Past Present and Future, edited by Heide Goettner-Abendroth, is described by Angela Miles (author of Integrative Feminisms) as “a powerful life-affirming political book. Deep personal and academic knowledge of, and reflection on, surviving matriarchal elements in some contributors’ own Indigenous
cultures and archaeological accounts of lost cultures by others, shape the book’s ambitious and fully realized theoretical and political project. The global dialogues and solidarities among women reflected in this book, as much as its inspiring content, give us hope that this new world is possible.”
DAILY STRUGGLES: The Deepening Racialization and Feminization of Poverty in Canada, edited by Maria A. Wallis and Siu-ming Kwok “offers a unique, critical perspective on poverty by highlighting gender and race analysis simultaneously..... this book connects human rights, political economy perspectives, and citizenship issues to the other areas of social exclusion.”
RESTORING THE BALANCE: First Nations Women, Community and Culture is edited by Gail Guthrie Valaskasis, Madeline Dion Stout, and Eric Guimond. RESTORING THE BALANCE “brings to light the work First Nations women perform in cultural continuity and community development. It illustrates the challenges and successes they have had in areas of law, politics, education, community healing, language, and art, while suggesting significant options for sustained improvement of individual, family and community well-being.”
In FIREKEEPERS OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: FIRST NATION WOMEN CHIEFS, the author CORA VOYAGEUR presents information about sixty-four women chiefs. “She analyses what inspired them to become leaders, how they have determined and maintained their priorities... FIRE KEEPERS examines the unique experience of First Nations women as they negotiate multiple roles and navigate the worlds of gender, race, and reserve politics.”
A wonderful Book Launch was held recently featuring Thunder Bay author, SUSAN GOLDBERG, who with CHLOE BRUSHWOOD ROSE co-edited AND BABY MAKES MORE: Known Donors, Queer Parents, and Our Unexpected Families. AND BABY MAKES MORE “explores the role of the ‘known donor’ in the queer family structure: what happens when would-be dyke moms or gay dads ask a friend or acquaintance to donate sperm or an egg, or to act as a surrogate? A quirky, funny, and occasionally heartbreaking collection of personal essays, this book offers an intimate look at the relative risks and unexpected rewards of queer, do-it-yourself baby-making, and the ways in which families are re-made in the process.”
A book of great local interest, containing beautiful photographs has just arrived. Barbara Lesperance’s HISTORY OF SILVER ISLET AND ITS GARDENS will be enjoyed not only by those who have links to Silver Islet but by all gardeners.
SOCIETIES OF PEACE; Matriarchies Past Present and Future, edited by Heide Goettner-Abendroth, is described by Angela Miles (author of Integrative Feminisms) as “a powerful life-affirming political book. Deep personal and academic knowledge of, and reflection on, surviving matriarchal elements in some contributors’ own Indigenous
cultures and archaeological accounts of lost cultures by others, shape the book’s ambitious and fully realized theoretical and political project. The global dialogues and solidarities among women reflected in this book, as much as its inspiring content, give us hope that this new world is possible.”
DAILY STRUGGLES: The Deepening Racialization and Feminization of Poverty in Canada, edited by Maria A. Wallis and Siu-ming Kwok “offers a unique, critical perspective on poverty by highlighting gender and race analysis simultaneously..... this book connects human rights, political economy perspectives, and citizenship issues to the other areas of social exclusion.”
RESTORING THE BALANCE: First Nations Women, Community and Culture is edited by Gail Guthrie Valaskasis, Madeline Dion Stout, and Eric Guimond. RESTORING THE BALANCE “brings to light the work First Nations women perform in cultural continuity and community development. It illustrates the challenges and successes they have had in areas of law, politics, education, community healing, language, and art, while suggesting significant options for sustained improvement of individual, family and community well-being.”
In FIREKEEPERS OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: FIRST NATION WOMEN CHIEFS, the author CORA VOYAGEUR presents information about sixty-four women chiefs. “She analyses what inspired them to become leaders, how they have determined and maintained their priorities... FIRE KEEPERS examines the unique experience of First Nations women as they negotiate multiple roles and navigate the worlds of gender, race, and reserve politics.”
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Burning Books Press
A light show of flaming comets dropping to earth and paintings on the walls created the multi media atmosphere at last night's launch of Definitely Superior's publishing venture burning.books.press.
Add in a table of candles (igniting the flame for the literary arts) , three galleries of sculpture, photography and art works, including miraculous baskets made of wasps nests, walking dresses made of paper, plus food, drink, poetry readings, a few short speeches, a video and lots of music including songs by Shy-Ann Hovorka, the Ukeladies and Jamie Smith of the Auditor General.
Two new Definitely Superior zines, Dieactive and Squeeze, were for sale.
burning.book.press is a three year pilot project funded by the Ontario Arts Council which will also provide a consultant to get the venture off on a good start. The ship is launched, ready for an exciting voyage. Good luck to the good ship burning.books.press.
Check this blog below for submission information to their first book, a compilation titled "Fuel".
"When you pass me on the street, at a crosswalk or on a corner, slow your step. I will leave the breath of a songbird in your coat pocket." from a poem by Ashleigh Gehl in the zine "Squeeze."
Add in a table of candles (igniting the flame for the literary arts) , three galleries of sculpture, photography and art works, including miraculous baskets made of wasps nests, walking dresses made of paper, plus food, drink, poetry readings, a few short speeches, a video and lots of music including songs by Shy-Ann Hovorka, the Ukeladies and Jamie Smith of the Auditor General.
Two new Definitely Superior zines, Dieactive and Squeeze, were for sale.
burning.book.press is a three year pilot project funded by the Ontario Arts Council which will also provide a consultant to get the venture off on a good start. The ship is launched, ready for an exciting voyage. Good luck to the good ship burning.books.press.
Check this blog below for submission information to their first book, a compilation titled "Fuel".
"When you pass me on the street, at a crosswalk or on a corner, slow your step. I will leave the breath of a songbird in your coat pocket." from a poem by Ashleigh Gehl in the zine "Squeeze."
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Last Best Places
Storytelling about Thunder Bay's Historic Buildings by Tania L. Saj.
Just out for all you history buffs, lovers of Thunder Bay and those who want to buy a Xmas present for the history buffs on your list. A celebration of Thunder Bay's historic buildings along with rare photos, voices from the past and commentary by Tania Saj, researcher extraordinaire. Remember brunch at the Royal Eddie, the dots on pagoda, the bear in the basement in the Mariaggi, the double feature at the Lyceum, the old castle-style schools? PACI? OK, no more nostalgia. This good looking book is available at Chapters and Northern Woman's Bookstore.
Just out for all you history buffs, lovers of Thunder Bay and those who want to buy a Xmas present for the history buffs on your list. A celebration of Thunder Bay's historic buildings along with rare photos, voices from the past and commentary by Tania Saj, researcher extraordinaire. Remember brunch at the Royal Eddie, the dots on pagoda, the bear in the basement in the Mariaggi, the double feature at the Lyceum, the old castle-style schools? PACI? OK, no more nostalgia. This good looking book is available at Chapters and Northern Woman's Bookstore.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Ignite the flame for the Literary Arts
DEFINITELY SUPERIOR ART GALLERY'S
burning.books.press
PUBLISHING HOUSE LAUNCH
Saturday, December 12, 2009 @ 7pm
~Igniting the flame for the literary arts!
Experience one red-hot sultry and celebratory night at Definitely Superior Art Gallery's PUBLISHING HOUSE LAUNCH PARTY! A new publishing house that will serve Northwestern Ontario and hundreds of literary artists with generous support from the Ontario Arts Council. Featuring!-the official unveiling of the inspiring new name of our publishing house: burning.books.press, and the launch and sale of the 1st issues of our "Die Active" and "Squeeze" Zines that premiered at the 2009 Toronto CanZine Festival.
Enjoy a varied spectrum of award-winning word and song that will entice and delight! Featuring music by: Shy-Anne Hovorka, Vov Abraxas, Solomon, Jamie Smith of The Auditor General, Jess Horricks, and The Ukeladies; as well as author readings by: Duncan Weller, Dr. Scott Pound, Taina Maki Chahal, Sara Mackie, Chris Roy, Rick Fedorick, Douglas Livingston, Mary Frost, Chris Waite, Marianne Jones, Kaitlyn Khubyar, and Katie-Ann Berube. Plus: guest speakers-including an OAC rep, publication submission info, fire juggling by Eric The Juggler, video projections, and refreshments with arty servers dealing out treats! All ages/by donation.
burning.books.press
PUBLISHING HOUSE LAUNCH
Saturday, December 12, 2009 @ 7pm
~Igniting the flame for the literary arts!
Experience one red-hot sultry and celebratory night at Definitely Superior Art Gallery's PUBLISHING HOUSE LAUNCH PARTY! A new publishing house that will serve Northwestern Ontario and hundreds of literary artists with generous support from the Ontario Arts Council. Featuring!-the official unveiling of the inspiring new name of our publishing house: burning.books.press, and the launch and sale of the 1st issues of our "Die Active" and "Squeeze" Zines that premiered at the 2009 Toronto CanZine Festival.
Enjoy a varied spectrum of award-winning word and song that will entice and delight! Featuring music by: Shy-Anne Hovorka, Vov Abraxas, Solomon, Jamie Smith of The Auditor General, Jess Horricks, and The Ukeladies; as well as author readings by: Duncan Weller, Dr. Scott Pound, Taina Maki Chahal, Sara Mackie, Chris Roy, Rick Fedorick, Douglas Livingston, Mary Frost, Chris Waite, Marianne Jones, Kaitlyn Khubyar, and Katie-Ann Berube. Plus: guest speakers-including an OAC rep, publication submission info, fire juggling by Eric The Juggler, video projections, and refreshments with arty servers dealing out treats! All ages/by donation.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Xmas Time is Here by Golly...
Book suggested by the Northern Woman's Bookstore. Here are their picks in fiction.
ALICE MUNRO, recipient of this year’s Mann Booker prize, gives us TOO MUCH HAPPINESS, while multi-award winner MARGARET ATWOOD returns with THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD. Each of these books has received glowing reviews, and rather than repeat the reviews I’ll simply say READ THE BOOKS.
Radiant, richly layered and timeless, THE WINTER VAULT is the eagerly anticipated new novel by ANNE MICHAELS, author of the internationally celebrated long-time best seller FUGITIVE PIECES. “Vivid in its descriptions of both the physical and emotional worlds of its characters, this breathtaking, deeply moving novel reveals the inescapability of memories, the devastation of loss, and the restorative powers of love.”
Her first novel since the Giller Prize winning A GOOD HOUSE ten years ago, BONNIE BURNARD’S new novel SUDDENLY is a poignant story of three friends as they recover their shared past and face an uncertain future. Some will find this novel emotionally difficult, but the beauty of the prose is so compelling you will want to accompany these three women on their journey.
Readers who love the work of BARBARA KINGSOLVER will be pleased to discover her new novel THE LACUNA, which is described as “a rich and daring work of literature, establishing its author as one of the most provocative and important of her time.”
Although I haven’t read THE GIRLS, everyone I know who has says it is marvellous. I will say that I absolutely loved LORI LANSENS’ new novel THE WIFE’S TALE. On the eve of their 25th wedding anniversary, Mary Gooch’s husband runs away (despite having helped planned the anniversary party). After the initial shock Mary decides to go looking for him, and thus embarks on an adventure, the result being that Mary finds herself. Read this wonderful TALE and smile.
A novel about Aristotle and Alexander the Great -- Really? Well, THE GOLDEN MEAN by ANNABEL LYON is that novel and it is garnering great praise! Short-listed for the Giller, the Governor General’s Award, and the Writers Trust Fiction Prize, THE GOLDEN MEAN is described as “An exhilarating book, both brilliant and profound”.
CHIMIMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’s first two magnificent novels, PURPLE HIBISCUS and HALF OF A YELLOW SUN, provide a portrait of the author’s country, Nigeria. In her new book of stories, THE THING AROUNG YOUR NECK, Adichie’s penetrating insight is turned not only Africa but also America. “Searing and profound, suffused with beauty, sorrow, and longing, these stories map, with Adichie’s signature emotional wisdom, the collision of two cultures and the deeply human struggle to reconcile them.”
Fans of SARAH WATERS, “one of the finest and most exciting novelists writing today” will be delighted with THE LITTLE STRANGER, “a nuanced evocation of 1940’s England and the most chill-inducing novel of psychological suspense in years.”
ALICE MUNRO, recipient of this year’s Mann Booker prize, gives us TOO MUCH HAPPINESS, while multi-award winner MARGARET ATWOOD returns with THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD. Each of these books has received glowing reviews, and rather than repeat the reviews I’ll simply say READ THE BOOKS.
Radiant, richly layered and timeless, THE WINTER VAULT is the eagerly anticipated new novel by ANNE MICHAELS, author of the internationally celebrated long-time best seller FUGITIVE PIECES. “Vivid in its descriptions of both the physical and emotional worlds of its characters, this breathtaking, deeply moving novel reveals the inescapability of memories, the devastation of loss, and the restorative powers of love.”
Her first novel since the Giller Prize winning A GOOD HOUSE ten years ago, BONNIE BURNARD’S new novel SUDDENLY is a poignant story of three friends as they recover their shared past and face an uncertain future. Some will find this novel emotionally difficult, but the beauty of the prose is so compelling you will want to accompany these three women on their journey.
Readers who love the work of BARBARA KINGSOLVER will be pleased to discover her new novel THE LACUNA, which is described as “a rich and daring work of literature, establishing its author as one of the most provocative and important of her time.”
Although I haven’t read THE GIRLS, everyone I know who has says it is marvellous. I will say that I absolutely loved LORI LANSENS’ new novel THE WIFE’S TALE. On the eve of their 25th wedding anniversary, Mary Gooch’s husband runs away (despite having helped planned the anniversary party). After the initial shock Mary decides to go looking for him, and thus embarks on an adventure, the result being that Mary finds herself. Read this wonderful TALE and smile.
A novel about Aristotle and Alexander the Great -- Really? Well, THE GOLDEN MEAN by ANNABEL LYON is that novel and it is garnering great praise! Short-listed for the Giller, the Governor General’s Award, and the Writers Trust Fiction Prize, THE GOLDEN MEAN is described as “An exhilarating book, both brilliant and profound”.
CHIMIMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’s first two magnificent novels, PURPLE HIBISCUS and HALF OF A YELLOW SUN, provide a portrait of the author’s country, Nigeria. In her new book of stories, THE THING AROUNG YOUR NECK, Adichie’s penetrating insight is turned not only Africa but also America. “Searing and profound, suffused with beauty, sorrow, and longing, these stories map, with Adichie’s signature emotional wisdom, the collision of two cultures and the deeply human struggle to reconcile them.”
Fans of SARAH WATERS, “one of the finest and most exciting novelists writing today” will be delighted with THE LITTLE STRANGER, “a nuanced evocation of 1940’s England and the most chill-inducing novel of psychological suspense in years.”
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Artery flows on
I dreamed of returning home last night, A dreamscape of sight and sounds...
From the poem Sleep-Walker by Megan DeRoover, published in the 2009 Artery.
I'm not good at much, but I'll think you under the table. From the poem napkin poetry - the ismization of civilization by Edward Pugliese
The launch of issue 4 of Lakehead University's literary magazine The Artery was held at the university last Friday. A warm welcome included the reading of poetry both new and old, and the best hot chocolate in town. The magazine is full of interesting, odd, lovely, intriguing stuff, a typical lit mag. A small, neat package which fits well in the hand, it's cover drawing, a collage of art deco pens by Callen Banning, extends the literary theme. Congrats to Paula Theissen for the imaginative design and a big "gosh, this is good!" to The Artery collective headed by Tamar Ibrahim, Jessica Brinkman and Sean Divine.
Students at L.U., faculty and alumnae can submit their writing at any time but a formal call for submissions will issue forth in February. Watch this space.
From the poem Sleep-Walker by Megan DeRoover, published in the 2009 Artery.
I'm not good at much, but I'll think you under the table. From the poem napkin poetry - the ismization of civilization by Edward Pugliese
The launch of issue 4 of Lakehead University's literary magazine The Artery was held at the university last Friday. A warm welcome included the reading of poetry both new and old, and the best hot chocolate in town. The magazine is full of interesting, odd, lovely, intriguing stuff, a typical lit mag. A small, neat package which fits well in the hand, it's cover drawing, a collage of art deco pens by Callen Banning, extends the literary theme. Congrats to Paula Theissen for the imaginative design and a big "gosh, this is good!" to The Artery collective headed by Tamar Ibrahim, Jessica Brinkman and Sean Divine.
Students at L.U., faculty and alumnae can submit their writing at any time but a formal call for submissions will issue forth in February. Watch this space.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
A Short Interview with Hazel Fulford
Joan. A new book, a book of short stories called Wabigoon Burning and Other Stories. What made you chose Wabigoon as your theme?
Hazel. Oh, oh. Must a short story collection have a theme? This one doesn't. It is made up of fiction (Part One) and non fiction (Part Two) published in various places over the years. Two new stories, recently completed, are exceptions. I chose Wabigoon Burning as the title story because it makes a neat title. However, I did grow up in Wabigoon, and that place, as it was then, does creep into the settings of several of my stories
Joan. Interesting structure, a fiction/non-fiction split.Does Wabigoon burn?
Hazel: Part of it burned all one night in 1930. Passing train crews saw the blaze, and soon telegraph operators were sending Morse messages up and down the line:"Wabigoon Burning, Wabigoon Burning.." Villagers worked all night to save the General Store that stood next to a burning hotel. This is a true story but I gave it a fictional ending.
Joan:Anything else you would like to say about the book?
Hazel: The locale ranges from the wilds of Northwestern Ontario to the deserts of Arizona. The characters are children, retirees, and the aged. A few characters, in one story, are nice people who are gradually led into a life of crime..
Joan: You have been writing the northwestern Ontario scene for some time. Anything other projects on your plate?
Hazel: This collection was to have been my swan song However, one more idea has entered the picture as a maybe - still in the embryo stage.
Hazel. Oh, oh. Must a short story collection have a theme? This one doesn't. It is made up of fiction (Part One) and non fiction (Part Two) published in various places over the years. Two new stories, recently completed, are exceptions. I chose Wabigoon Burning as the title story because it makes a neat title. However, I did grow up in Wabigoon, and that place, as it was then, does creep into the settings of several of my stories
Joan. Interesting structure, a fiction/non-fiction split.Does Wabigoon burn?
Hazel: Part of it burned all one night in 1930. Passing train crews saw the blaze, and soon telegraph operators were sending Morse messages up and down the line:"Wabigoon Burning, Wabigoon Burning.." Villagers worked all night to save the General Store that stood next to a burning hotel. This is a true story but I gave it a fictional ending.
Joan:Anything else you would like to say about the book?
Hazel: The locale ranges from the wilds of Northwestern Ontario to the deserts of Arizona. The characters are children, retirees, and the aged. A few characters, in one story, are nice people who are gradually led into a life of crime..
Joan: You have been writing the northwestern Ontario scene for some time. Anything other projects on your plate?
Hazel: This collection was to have been my swan song However, one more idea has entered the picture as a maybe - still in the embryo stage.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Short short by Jim Foulds
Fast Hands
The coach called him off the ice.
"You can't skate worth shit can you, Johnston?"
"No, sir."
"They tell me you've got a fast mouth."
"Yes, sir."
"And fast hands"
"I think so, sir."
"You like this game?"
"Oh, yes, sir!"
"You want to try goal?'
"Okay, sir."
"Go strap on the pads."
"YES, SIR!"
"Oh don't be grateful, kid. Nobody else wants the job."
This delightful story of 66 words was first published in The Artery, Autumn 2008.
The coach called him off the ice.
"You can't skate worth shit can you, Johnston?"
"No, sir."
"They tell me you've got a fast mouth."
"Yes, sir."
"And fast hands"
"I think so, sir."
"You like this game?"
"Oh, yes, sir!"
"You want to try goal?'
"Okay, sir."
"Go strap on the pads."
"YES, SIR!"
"Oh don't be grateful, kid. Nobody else wants the job."
This delightful story of 66 words was first published in The Artery, Autumn 2008.
Hazel Fulford's Newest.
Wabigoon Burning and Other Stories
Hazel Fulford, a highly regarded Thunder Bay writer, has just published Wabigoon Burning and Other Stories.
The launch is pending. Wabigoon Burning is, at this time, available at Kijiji, at The Bookcase in Dryden, and from the author at fulhouse3@shaw.ca or 807-345-8325.
Just in time for Xmas! Keep an eye out for Hazel's other books
...The Gold Rock Letters: Secrets of Watson's Point
...The Morrisseau Papers: An Inside Story
... When Trains Stopped in Dinorwic
...Yellow Brick Roads to Gold Rock: Chasing the Dream
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