Five Canadian Books: #CanadaReads 2024

2024-03-04T09:18:06-05:00

This morning, the 23rd edition of Canada Reads program launches. I’ve missed the voice of a career writer in the program in recent years and now, with Heather O’Neill’s inclusion (whose Lullaby for Little Criminals was a previous Canada Reads winner) as a champion, my affection for the program’s

Five Canadian Books: #CanadaReads 20242024-03-04T09:18:06-05:00

Quarterly Stories, Belated: Spring 2023

2024-01-15T16:41:45-05:00

Fofana, Lam, Morrison, Ogunyemi, Scott, Smith and Smyth Short Stories in January, February and March 2023 Whether read all-in-a-burst or over several weeks, these stories capture a variety of reading moods. This quarter, I returned to three favourite writers and also explored four new-to-me story writers.

Quarterly Stories, Belated: Spring 20232024-01-15T16:41:45-05:00

Margaret Atwood’s “Hair Jewellery” (#MARM Week Two)

2023-11-14T09:58:29-05:00

Reading this, the Take 30 interviewer’s comments from 1977 circled in my mind: an unrealised conversation, where declaration replaces exploration. The interviewer said the stories filled her with sadness, all those rotten situations and dismal romantic relationships; however, she mentioned no details and referenced just one story dedicated to

Margaret Atwood’s “Hair Jewellery” (#MARM Week Two)2023-11-14T09:58:29-05:00

November 2023 #MARM Margaret Atwood Reading Month Week Two: November 8-14

2023-11-09T11:03:53-05:00

Happy Week Two, MARM-ers. The clocks were turned back on the weekend, so it’s dark before five, but no snow quite yet. Most of the bigger trees have lost all their leaves but the sun is shining brightly this afternoon, while I’m munching on roasted pumpkin seeds and thinking

November 2023 #MARM Margaret Atwood Reading Month Week Two: November 8-142023-11-09T11:03:53-05:00

Ten Good Canadian Reads in 2023 #CanLit

2023-10-30T10:34:05-04:00

This year, I’ve been reading backlisted titles I’ve missed along the way. These are mostly well-known titles by established writers, which is why they’re still occupying library space; of these ten, only the two from small presses (named) might be difficult to find overseas. They also lean towards international

Ten Good Canadian Reads in 2023 #CanLit2023-10-30T10:34:05-04:00
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