Four titles that reveal Vancouver’s history of diversity have been selected as finalists for the 2011 City of Vancouver Book Award.
This year’s short list of books is:
- Whoever Gives us Bread (Douglas & McIntyre) by Lynne Bowen- This comprehensive non-fiction title recounts the history of Italian immigrant settlement in a burgeoning British Columbia and the Italian-Canadian contribution to Vancouver.
- The Beggar’s Garden (HarperCollins) by Michael Christie – Set in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, this debut collection links nine stories, each full of wit and sensitivity for its misfit characters.
- After Canaan: Essays on Race, Writing, and Region (Arsenal Pulp Press) by Wayde Compton – This insightful collection of essays examines the politics of race in Western Canada and Vancouver’s black history, politics and contemporary culture.
- Vancouver Kids (Brindle & Glass) by Lesley McKnight – Based on the real lives of Vancouver kids, this unique collection of 22 stories tells the tale of Vancouver’s diverse and eclectic history through the eyes of children.
The shortlisted titles were chosen by an independent jury made up of the following members: bookseller Emilie Dierking; author and 2009 City of Vancouver Book Award winner Lee Henderson; and poet and editor Jim Wong-Chu. To be eligible for the award, submissions must demonstrate excellence and enhance readers’ understanding of Vancouver’s rich history and culture. This jury will also select the winning entry from among the finalists.
Mayor Gregor Robertson will present the 2011 City of Vancouver Book Award and a $2,000 cash prize to the winning author on October 18, 2011 at City Hall in Council Chambers.
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