I’m so behind on my reading it’s not even funny. There was a time, I knew everything on the best seller lists and kept up to date on every literary masterpiece…paying special attention to the Canadian authors.
But, this last number of years…not so much. Time, I believe, is the biggest problem…and I think quite frankly the fact that I write way more than I used to has played a part in why I don’t read as much as I once did. I read online…but the days of strolling the aisles of a book store…stopping to grab a tea and curling up in a chair…seem to have faded into my distant memory.
Then, this week, I received an amazing invite to “Between the Pages”…a chance to mingle with the literary world as the FIVE Scotiabank Giller Award Finalists will be sharing excerpts from their books…hosted by Mary Walsh…a night that will be FANTASTIC.
Except, it will sort of be like going to a concert and not knowing any of the music!
I’ve read NOTHING on the list and admittedly, I’m a little embarrassed about that fact. However, if I really thing about it, chances are I was invited because they’d like me to do a reading of my own book, Full Speed Ahead, and who am I to turn down such an opportunity!
Alright, alright…it’s best I not set up a table and start signing books in amongst the top literary geniuses and brilliant creative minds that will be mingling around me!
So, I have a few options:
- I could turn down the invite and say I’m busy (which isn’t a far stretch as my kids keep me running amok with their incessant desire to play sports.)
- I could run to the book store and purchase all five books and hope I can speed read through every one before Monday.
- I could see if I can find the “Coles Notes” versions and pretend I was back in high school literature class.
Or, I could go! And have a WONDERFUL evening…and maybe a night like this might just kick-start my reading back up again as I’ve sort of forgotten the thrill of discovering a new, amazing, refreshing and brilliant author.
WIN TICKETS TO JOIN ME!
Between the Pages: An Evening with the 2015 Giller Prize Finalists, is a chance to peer inside the minds and creative lives of the writers who’ve made it on to the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize shortlist. The event will feature special guest appearances and entertainment drawn from each locale. It takes place this Monday, November 2nd at 8:00 at the Dalhousie Arts Centre and is hosted by the wonderful Canadian actress and comedian, Mary Walsh.
The night will feature the works of the five Scotiabank Giller finalists:
AndréAlexis – FifteenDogs
SamuelArchibald – Arvida
RachelCusk – Outline
HeatherO’Neill -Daydreams of Angels
Anakana Schofield – MartinJohn
Tickets can be purchased through the Dalhousie Arts Centre.
I’ll be going and taking a date (my wonderful friend Victoria) AND, you should join us!
If you’re in Halifax on Monday evening and LOVE to read…whether you’ve read every single Giller finalist book or, like me, have to get a grip and get back to reading…I’m giving away two tickets to a Curtains are Open reader on behalf of Scotiabank…so you can attend and bring a friend.
All you need to do, leave a comment on THIS post telling me what your FAVOURITE book is…and if you’ve read any of the Scotiabank Giller Finalist books, tell me a little about it! I’ll draw a name (using random.org) on Sunday evening at 10pm and notify the winner via email.
GOOD LUCK…I’m looking forward to a night out and can’t wait to see who’ll be joining me!
My favourite book? That’s like asking who your favourite child is. Who could ever pick one book? Ok, if I have to pick one….Full Speed Ahead. 🙂
Would love to go to this event. Just because I love books. And I am idle most evenings. I haven’t read any, but belong to a book club and we are always looking for suggestions.
Agree with earlier comment that it’s SO tough to pick a favorite book but here’s my choice(s) since I’m pressed.
1) Life of Pi…loved the “better” story angle
2) Jane Eyre…a love story beyond beautiful
and of course I devour Full Speed Ahead on a regular basis!
So I have read every book on the short list this year, except Martin John (I am waiting for it to come in to the library).
I love reading so much, I don’t really watch TV.
The books are all good this year, although they are quite dark.
I am a huge dog lover, so I found 15 dogs very hard to read.
My top pick would be Heather O’Neils shorts for the year (DayDreams of Angels)
hard to pick a fav book when you read about 80 a year, but I think my favourite of all time might be
East of Eden
by John Steinbeck.
My favourite book since sixth grade has always been The Hobbit. It tells so much about bravery, self-confidence and learning about your own abilities. And we all don’t have to visit Mordor to do that.
I am like you, haven’t read any of the nominees but am looking forward to it!
I miss reading as well. I use to go to the library and spend hours just looking at all the books..seeing what I hadn’t read yet. My time off was spent reading my favourite authors. I try to get back into reading now but I never seem to have the time. I wish I wasn’t working Monday night, I’d love to see and hear them. Have fun!
I’m in the same boat as you Colleen……love to read, haven’t had much time to do so lately and haven’t read any of these books.
My favorite book? Mmmm…..anything by M. Atwood.
I would love to attend tomorrow night!