Four books that reflect Vancouver’s unique character, culture and history have been selected as finalists for the 2015 City of Vancouver Book Award.
The 2015 finalists, which cover non-fiction, short stories, poetry, and children’s literature are Aaron Chapman for Live at the Commodore (Arsenal Pulp Press), an homage to the historic Commodore Ballroom, a music venue which for 85 years has served as a cultural barometer for Vancouver; Wayde Compton for The Outer Harbour (Arsenal Pulp Press), a story collection that acts as a creative manifesto for radical change in Vancouver’s attitude toward its marginalized citizens and land use; Bren Simmers for Hastings-Sunrise (Nightwood Editions), a whimsical, yet political collection of poetry which balances vibrancy and eccentricity against the anxiety and despair of living amidst an affordability crisis in East Vancouver; and Lois Simmie and Cynthia Nugent for Mister Got To Go, Where are you? (Red Deer Press), an illustrated Vancouver-based children’s book featuring an impromptu journey by the iconic cat from the Sylvia Hotel.
The 27th annual City of Vancouver Book Award will be presented at the Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre on Nov. 12. For more information, click here.
