The City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»recently revealed the four finalists for their annual Book Award. Now in its 30th year, the 2018 City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Book Award's shortlist includes writings "that each reflect Vancouver's unique character and diverse culture."
Library books/Shutterstock
Featuring an eclectic assortment of genres--poetry, long-form journalism, memoir, and anthology--a central theme for this year's finalists seems to be that of "connection and healing," says the City of Vancouver.
The 2018 finalists are:
- Chelene Knight for Dear Current Occupant (Book*hug), a genre-busting memoire of a childhood in precarious housing in 20 different homes in East Vancouver.
- Travis Lupick for Fighting for Space: How a Group of Drug Users Transformed One City's Struggle with Addiction (Arsenal Pulp Press), a deep dive into the citizen-led advocacy that placed Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»at the vanguard of harm reduction.
- ErÃn Moure for Sitting Shiva on Minto Avenue, by Toots (New Star Books), a meditation on the impermanence of life and memory-especially in our fast-changing city.
- Rachel Rose, Ed for Sustenance: Writers from BC and Beyond on the Subject of Food (Anvil Press), a pairing of bold new voices with award-winning writers who serve us poems, memories, recipes, sumptuous photos, and interviews that satiate and satisfy.
Earlier this year, we spoke at length with finalist Lupick on the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Podcast regarding his work Fighting for Space; you can hear the full interview .
Fighting for Space author Travis Lupick. Photo Bob Kronbauer
Finalists for the City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Book Award are chosen by a independent jury that includes writers and academics. The winner will be announced on Dec. 8 at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Public Library's Central Branch at an event that will also include a panel discussion with the finalists.
A list of previous winners and finalists is available .
2018 City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Book Award event
When: Sat., Dec. 8, 2018 from 2-3:30pm
Where: Ninth floor, VPL Central Library - 350 W. Georgia St.
