By JK, on February 10th, 2011
Today was the final day of Canada Reads 2011, and rather than follow the format of the last couple days and focus on this specific episode, I think some more general comments are in order. Because you see, I’m feeling a bit despondent. There’s been a lot of talk in the blogosphere from people I really respect about why they’re giving up on Canada Reads, and I’m sad to see it, because their contributions are part of what makes me look forward to the competition. This year might not have been the best Canada Reads to date, but I think the real problem is that we all have different expectations of Canada Reads, and it can’t be everything to everyone. So what is it? And what should it be?
First: Audience. This year’s panelists were very focused on getting people reading — namely reluctant readers whose relationship with the written word is so fragile one bad book might make them stop reading street signs, let alone books. Melodramatic, yes, but is it possible this is the show’s primary audience? Charlotte Ashley says no, saying Canada Reads is a national book club, one that should be targeted to people who are readers [...]
By JK, on February 8th, 2011
Sorry for the late post, readers. Attending the debates live plus a busy workday means I’m not quite as quick off the mark as I used to be. Anywho, we’ve reached Day 2 of the Canada Reads debates. Yesterday Julie and I caught the show live (and posted our thoughts on the day’s goings-on) and today we headed back to the studio, where we reassumed our positions over Jian’s right shoulder. Sadly, America has now reclaimed my temporary blogging ally, but Julie’s added in her insights via email. Here’s what I thought of day 2:
The Good:
Lorne gave his strongest defense to date in his 30-second pitch. He hit the right notes discussing loss and her skill as a wordsmith, including “A great ability to take the mundane and illuminate it.” Later, he earned more points by touching on the under-represented female voice in literature. I must say, I am enjoying that this book has a male defender. Even later in the show he noted that Shields writes about “the fragility of our lives,” really nailing a key aspect of the novel.
Holla to Georges for praising Larry’s Party, which is a stellar Shields novel. (Possibly my fave after [...]
By JK, on February 7th, 2011
Hey remember Canada Reads? It’s that competition that comes after Civilians Read. And today my favourite librarian, Julie (an American more Canadian than many Canadians) attended the live taping. (You can see us here, right over Jian’s right shoulder.) Since I couldn’t be blogging away in studio, Julie and have assembled a few thoughts on today’s goings on.
The Good:
Debbie Travis’s argument for how The Birth House is still relevant as an example of a rapidly changing society, dealing with issues that are re-emerging as relevant issues (that cyclical Lady Moon at work no doubt).
Sara Quin calling Essex County haunting was perfect word choice, as I think this is one of the essential words to describe it. I also enjoyed her noting that it “reframes the lives of Canadians in a contemporary form.” She was well-prepared and quite eloquent, though I would have liked to have seen a little more focus on the content of the book, rather than the form.
Georges Laraque threatening that if they don’t like the chosen book, “They will never read again!” Doooom! Doooooom!
Jian almost having to physically separate Sara and Ali during the iPod Essex County debate. That’s some impassioned discussion.
Ali Velshi tying The Best Laid [...]
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