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City of Vancouver Book Award names four finalist scribes for 2018

The City of Vancouver recently revealed the four finalists for their annual Book Award. Now in its 30th year, the 2018 City of Vancouver Book Award's shortlist includes writings "that each reflect Vancouver's unique character and diverse culture."

The City of Vancouver recently revealed the four finalists for their annual Book Award. Now in its 30th year, the 2018 City of Vancouver Book Award's shortlist includes writings "that each reflect Vancouver's unique character and diverse culture."

 Library books/ShutterstockLibrary 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 Vancouver at the vanguard of harm reduction.
  • Erín 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 Vancouver Is Awesome Podcast regarding his work Fighting for Space; you can hear the full interview here.

 Fighting for Space author Travis Lupick. Photo Bob KronbauerFighting for Space author Travis Lupick. Photo Bob Kronbauer

Finalists for the City of Vancouver Book Award are chosen by a independent jury that includes writers and academics. The winner will be announced on Dec. 8 at the Vancouver 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 online.

2018 City of Vancouver Book Award event

When: Sat., Dec. 8, 2018 from 2-3:30pm

Where: Ninth floor, VPL Central Library - 350 W. Georgia St.