To me, there is nothing like immersing yourself in a good book. From my guilty pleasure murder mysteries, to classic non-fiction’s like “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank, books have the ability to capture moments in words that fill our imaginations to the brim. Here are some picks from Albertan authors and writers that have captivated them.
Marcello Di Cintio
Author and writer, winner of the 2013 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “If I Were Another”, a book of poetry by beloved Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.
What is your favourite book?
Off the top of my head, I’ll say “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” by Joan Didion.
Sam Hester
Autobiographical and local event comic book author and illustrator
What are you reading now?
“Dominic” by William Steig – a fantastical novel by the famous children’s writer and illustrator – best known these days for having written the book “Shrek” on which the movies are based.
What is your favourite book?
“Apple Bough” by Noel Streatfeild.The story is about how she figures out that it’s all right to have a talent, not for anything glamorous, but “for wisdom and for being a good sister”. I think this message is particularly topical in today’s world of reality TV and social media, in which we’re encouraged to be “on camera” all the time. It’s not the performance, but the person underneath that really matters!
Lee Kvern
Author of “The Matter of Sylvie” – Nominated for the 2011 Alberta Book Awards and The Ottawa Relit Award
What are you reading now?
“The Shore Girl” by Fran Kimmel.
What is your favourite book?
Anything by Alice Munro. My favourite new book is “Tracie’s Revenge & Other Stories” by Wade Bell.
Richard White
Magazine and newspaper writer, blogger at everydaytourist.ca
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “Blazing the Old Cattle Trail” by Grant MacEwan. A wonderful look at the early pioneer life on the prairies amazing how we have evolved over 150 years.
What is your favourite book?
My favourite book would have to be “The Life and Death of American Cities” by Jane Jacobs. I have quoted it more often than any other book.