News release: City book award finalists to be honoured at public event

September 21, 2001

City book award finalists to be honoured at public event

The field for the 2001 City of Vancouver Book Award has been narrowed down to four finalists whose works cover a range of styles from literary travelogue and short stories, to novel and art exposition, all with a link to the city.

The finalists, chosen by an independent panel of judges, are:

• Douglas Coupland for City of Glass – Douglas Coupland’s Vancouver (Douglas & McIntyre), a unique, witty journey through the city, infused with the author’s thoughts, memories and passion for Vancouver.

• Madeleine Thien for Simple Recipes (McClelland & Stewart), a haunting, emotional collection of short stories about the complexity of family relationships and conflict between generations and cultures against a Vancouver backdrop.

• Timothy Taylor for Stanley Park (Knopf Canada), a compelling novel that weaves together two unsolved murders, the homeless in Stanley Park, a chef and the colourful cast of people in his life.

• Gary Wyatt for Susan Point: Coast Salish Artist (Douglas & McIntyre), a beautifully produced volume of photographs and essays from several contributors that chronicle the life and work of Point and traditional Coast Salish art, culture and beliefs.

The nominees will be honoured at an evening of free public readings by finalists hosted by Councillor Gordon Price on:

Thursday, October 4, 2001
at 7:30 p.m.
Chapters, 788 Robson Street

The City of Vancouver Book Award is a $2,000 prize that has been presented annually since 1989 to authors of books in any genre that demonstrate excellence and contribute to the appreciation and understanding of Vancouver’s history, unique character or the achievements of its residents.

This year’s judges are: Brenda Peterson, a UBC librarian; writer Shamina Senaratne; and Don Stewart, a bookseller for MacLeod’s Books. The judges will select the winner, and Mayor Philip Owen will present the award in Council Chambers on October 16.

For more information:

Nancy Duxbury
Office of Cultural Affairs
871-6003

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