Sep 2009: Alice Munro, Too Much Happiness was Knighted with The Order of Arts and Letters and of course won the Man Booker Prize 2009.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 31st Whistler Reads event December 11th at 7:30 PM at the Westin Resort & Spa Hotel in Whistler when our guest was Governor General award winning author John Vaillant. John's fabulous presentation was well received by a fully packed audience. For those of you who missed it, we discussed his new book The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival (Knopf, Canada 2010) is, in the author's own words, "The Golden Spruce with stripes". [video presentation to follow upon editing - stop in here again later. For those of you who attended and wish to continue to support us - please use the Donate button at the top.]
John, of course is an intrepid traveller. He's been to 5 continents and oceans in the course of his work. This book took John to the remote southeast of Russia to a region called Primorye (Pri-mor-ya), a territory about the size of Washington state by the Sea of Japan where ecosystems converge and plants and animals exist that live no place else on earth. It is also the last refuge for an endangered sub-species of Siberian tigers - the Amur tiger - a spectacular killing machine. Weighing up to 600 pounds and 10 feet long from nose to tail it has evolved into a supreme predator. In "Tiger" Vaillant tells of an injured man-eating tiger who is not just striking for food, it's stalking its prey out of vengeance. The team of conservationists is tracking her on foot deep into the Siberian forest on a heart-thumping chase to capture or kill her before she kills again. But who is stalking who? Beautifully written and deeply informative we learn about this unique eco-system and the people who subsist in a grueling lifestyle. Whistler Reads invited you to make this a weekend adventure. The Westin offered Whistler Reads members huge room discounts on Junior suites and threw in 2 dual mountain ski passes per day. With the large volume of snow that has fallen in December, it truly was an amazing weekend for all. In the interests of not spamming you with info, frequent posts to our FB page are a valuable resource of extra links, updates and member feedback.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Join us Tuesday October 5th at 7:30 PM at the Whistler Public Library when Kerry Madden will join us on Skype Video. It has been 50 years since Harper Lee's novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird" came out and rocked our world. The reclusive author almost never gave interviews or speeches to accept her awards, including the Pulitzer Prize she was given in 1960. She did form a lasting relationship with actor Gregory Peck who played the lead figure, Atticus Finch in the film version of her book, a character modeled on Lee's own father who was a newspaperman and former lawyer of the highest moral standard. (Gregory Peck's grandchild is named Harper Peck Voll, in tribute to Harper Lee.) A new biography has come out on Harper Lee, written by Kerry Madden, a Professor at the University of Alabama, titled Harper Lee: Up Close.
Harper Lee, now 86, declined to be interviewed for her biography. She feels biographies are for dead people. As Madden discovered from her ample research of Lee, who despite her age, remains incredibly active; she golfs every week claiming the walk gives her time to think, and her 90-plus year-old sister still works as an attorney in town.
"Madden draws on extensive research—including trips to Monroeville, Ala., and interviews with classmates, colleagues and town residents—to explore how Lee’s life and times inspired her masterpiece. To Kill a Mockingbird has sold 30 million copies in 40 languages and continues to sell 10,000 copies per year, and Lee is 'one of the authors most read by [North]American students.' ...This biography will appeal to fans of the novel and to newcomers. Readers will find a fascinating portrait of an independent young woman stubbornly going her own way to become the one thing she wanted to be: a writer. Extensive source notes and an excellent bibliography round out this superb biography, one of the best in the Up Close series." Get your copy of Harper Lee: Up Close by Kerry Madden—Kirkus Reviews
Purchase both the novel and biography and re-visit this classic novel while learning about the author whose story shaped our views of racism and injustice. If you are in Whistler, get your copy from Armchair Books. WR members receive a 10% discount. Treat yourself to The Guardian's round-up of pics of the author.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
NEW VENUE INFO. The next Whistler Reads discussion takes place this summer on July 10th from 5:00-6:15 pm at the Whistler Public Library community room. Admission is free with donations accepted at the door. We'll be heading down the village stroll directly after to reserved patio tables at a restaurant location for a lovely 3-course dinner to take advantage of two Whistler "greats: great food and great conversation. Enjoy cocktails and wine, fine dining and laughter as we carry on the festivities into the summer evening and watch the alpenglow over the mountain tops. (Cost is your bar bill added to price fix menu of two choices over a three course meal.)
There's still time to purchase your copy of Deloume Road published by Knopf Canada. This is our 30th book selection and you're going to love it. It is written by first-time Vancouver Island author, Matthew Hooton. Matthew was named one of Canada's new literary talents to watch. Matthew's prose captures the Pacific Northwest in a style reminiscent of other favorite regional authors whose work shows a reverence for and understanding of the natural physical world; I'm thinking John Vaillant (The Golden Spruce), Steve Gutterson (Snow Falling on Cedars), with a bit of W.O. Mitchell thrown in for good measure. What these authors share is an understanding of place and an understanding of character all wrapped up in a compelling, suspenseful read. They combine the immigrant and native perspective as it intersects the relationships between men and within nature. You will recall Vaillant's book dealt with the mystery surrounding the eco-terrorism of the golden spruce giant destroyed in the Queen Charlottes, and Gutterson's novel was set on a small Gulf Island community of Nordic and Japanese immigrants at conflict over a murder trial. Matthew's novel takes place on Vancouver Island on the titular rural road and it involves several families, acclimated, immigrant and native whose lives intersect with escalating levels of suspense and mystery one hot summer.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
The next Whistler Reads meeting is SATURDAY May 1st, 4:00pm at the Whistler Public Library, in the community room. The book under discussion is FOOD RULES by Michael Pollan. Panelists are: Andrée Janyk (Olympic mom of Michael and Britt Janyk and a leader in health and fitness), Cat Smiley (Fitness Trainer and founder of the Whistler Boot Camp), Craig MacKenzie (Youth Director of WORCA) passionate about community initiatives for youth, Irene Gutteridge (Kinesiologist with a Masters in Biomedical Science) trained in Moshe Feldenkrais method of rehabilitation. Chris Shackleton, MD (former Professor of Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine) who is helping to shape health care policy to reverse obesity trends. And last but not least Anna Helmer (Whistler-Pemberton's SLOW FOOD movement) who will connect us to the local food chain. This covers all the angles and pulls local experts who, as it turns out, are also national experts from the eduction, fitness, community, health and food supply sectors. We invite you to join in and tell us your food rules, your thoughts on these trends.
How on earth did Whistler Reads pick this skinny little book? What's it got to teach (we health-conscious, fitness-obsessed) Whistlerites?
Like you I was impressed by our nation's response to the 2010 Olympics - not just in the host cities of Vancouver and Whistler but from coast to coast. Our athletes, their parents and coaches, and the people who helped fund the athletics are to be congratulated. Canada won an unprecedented number of medals. Regardless of your thoughts on the "own the podium" mantra, we also won the most gold between countries. Delirious spectators dressed in red and white hockey jerseys and all manner of Olympic swag broke into spontaneous choruses of the national anthem everywhere. Canadian flags now adorn porches and house windows, and flutter on the sides of cars confirming that a new era of uncharacteristic patriotism has swept this country. Now is the time to harness the post-Olympic spirit, take that unity of purpose and apply it toward a common goal. Let's encourage each and every Canadian to a higher standard of health and fitness. The shocking fact is that Canadians, like our neighbors to the south, are victims of a national epidemic of obesity. A full 60% of people are overweight or obese. We eat too much (of the wrong foods) and exercise too little. Don't believe me? Watch this
Monday, March 01, 2010
The Whistler Reads initiative is fashioned on the "One Book One City" programs popular across North America. Want to be a part of this exciting community venture, meet authors, discover new books, join the biggest book group in BC? Check out the list of past books and events below. We welcome all newcomers and drop-in resort visitors alike. This is a great place to meet locals if you are new to Whistler.
"Whether you live work or come to play in Whistler—read what Whistler Reads!" says WR Founder, Paula Shackleton.
Here is how to join:
If you are already a member of BookBuffet, check that box.
You can now access the member home page, and begin receiving emails with the latest book and event details and discussion questions.
See what other members are reading and post your current books on our FaceBook Page.
Get the latest news and features via our Twitter Feed.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The first book event kicking off the 2010 season in Whistler is going to be a doozy. Don't miss the 28th Whistler Reads book group discussion on Febuary 7th 2010 (apres ski) 4:00-5:30pm at 3313 Peak Drive on Blueberry Hill, Whistler - the home of Chris and Angela. (Tickets: $20 at door or online below) We are thrilled to bring you BC author Annabel Lyon, whose third book The Golden Mean (Random House Canada) was shortlisted for not one, not two, but for three of Canada's literary prizes: both the 2009 Governor General the Giller Prize winning her the the Rogers Writers' Trust Prize. (The Golden Mean is currently #3 on amazon.ca) This is the fictionalized story of Greek philosopher Aristotle's unique relationship to the boy who would become Alexander the Great. The title of the book, the golden mean, is a term used to describe the desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency. For example courage, a virtue, if taken to excess would manifest as recklessness and if deficient as cowardice. Socrates teaches that a man "must know how to choose the mean and avoid the extremes on either side, as far as possible". Buddha taught "the Middle Way" in 6th century B.C., sharing the supremely important notion that the main purpose of our existence is to lead a good life. Hence, in heralding the New Year with this book and this author, we are bringing together philosophies from many corners of the earth and from a fascinating point in history. Sound like a great way align your 2010? Purchase a copy of this book for yourself and for those bibliophiles in your world. Join us for Whistler Reads' first event of 2010. RSVP required. (OR your ticket purchase will put you on the guest list.)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What if you were a famous band member who traveled around the world? And what if you liked to take your handy fold-up bike with you when on tour, and get out into the streets and neighborhoods of cities like London, Sydney, Manila, Berlin, Buenos Aires, San Francisco, Detroit, New York? And what if you kept a diary of all the landscapes and architecture you saw, the fashion, culture and art you experienced, and the people that you met? That would be kind of interesting, don't you think? Well, Talking Heads band member, David Byrne did just that. A resident of New York city who started riding his bike exclusively in the 1980s, David has also been touring, cycling, and writing about it from this unique perspective for the past two decades. His notes, photos and musings were published last month in a book titled, Bicycle Diaries. It's a "highly personal mixture of humor, curiosity, and... views on urban planning, art, culture and postmodern society in general." According to Byrne, “Our values and hopes are sometimes awfully embarrassingly easy to read. They’re right there – in the storefronts, museums, temples, shops, and office buildings and in how these structures interrelate, or sometimes don’t… Riding a bike through all this is like navigating the collective neural pathways of some vast global mind“. As candid and engaging as it is cerebral and informative. If you like the band, touring by bike, or are interested in this unique perspective of world cities from a bicycling urban-planner point of view, get Bicycle Diaries. Whistler Read founder, Paula Shackleton says, "This is our 26th book title and it's going to include: chapter readings from the book, videos of Talking Heads band in concert, and our partnered affiliation of Whistler's Off Road Cycling Association - WORCA members talking about their own adventures on bikes. Venue is the FIREROCK LOUNGE, Westin Hotel, Whistler Save the date: November 25th, 7:30-9:30 pm - That's the day before the Whistler/Blackcomb ski mountains open to the public and the beginning of the Winter Olympic Ski seasons commences. The mood will be celebratory! We invite all visitors to Whistler to drop-in, as well as those people curious to see what goes on at a village book group discussion, and extend a warm 'welcome back' to all our regulars from near and far!" (See details for joining WR)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
When Alice Munro publishes a new book of short stories, it becomes an international literary event. Too Much Happiness (available Aug 25th 2009, McClelland & Stewart/Canada; Knopf/US; and Chatto & Windus/UK) is her 14th book. Considered Canada’s most important living writer and a master of the short story genre, Munro's writing routinely receives accolades from luminaries of the literary world and she's bestowed with prestigious national and international awards: the Giller Prize twice, the Governor General award thrice, and in 2009 she was awarded the Man Booker International Prize for her lifetime body of work. (What next, the Nobel?) She has had an international following since the 70s and is described as "Canada's Chekhov" for her style of writing. Wouldn't you agree, it’s about time we all read Alice Munro? Read my review in the Pique and get your tickets ($15) here. Bring a friend and be entered into the draw for free books.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Summer is a favorite season in Whistler. The days grow long, the valley heats up, and people spread out to hike, bike, golf, canoe, dine al-fresco and participate in the village's summer art programs put on by the Whistler Arts Council. This summer Whistler Reads is adding to the fun. On Thursday July 30th, 2009 at 7:30 pm at the Whistler Public Library we'll be discussing Sarah Thornton's award-winning book about the Contemporary Art scene titled, Seven Days In The Art World. "It's a literary-art event", says Founder Paula Shackleton "that starts with delicious Cedar Creek wines and light jazz entertainment, followed by an impressive five-member panel of local to international art specialists who will gather to discuss this book from their various perspectives within the art world. If you are an artist, a collector, a gallery owner or simply interested in this fascinating subculture, ask yourself: Why is the art market thriving despite the economy? What defines art? How does an artist achieve success and even fame? How do curators determine what to collect? Join us!
Use the link to purchase the book online today and slip it into your beach bag or suitcase for summer reading. If you're a local, pick-up a copy from Armchair Books in the village. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate the fusion of art and books," says Shackleton. Listen to BookBuffet's interview with the author, Sarah Thornton. (Podcast here.)
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
When Sir Ernest Shackleton was looking for men to join his expedition to the South Pole in 1914 at the outbreak of WWI, the advertisement read: "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness and constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success."
Over 5,000 people responded to fill 24 positions. What ensued was an epic journey that while a historic failure—has none-the-less become the stuff of legend. Shackleton's autobiography is required reading for every adventurer or outdoors enthusiast—be they ocean mariner, mountain climber, wilderness survivalist or just your average human being interested in epic tales and the bi-gone era of exploration on this earth. There are several versions of the story; the one told by Ernest Shackleton himself and by various historians. Movies and A&E hit television miniseries have been made, and all of them have the key elements of a gripping story: a hero, his quest, a cast of characters, the catastrophe that threatens to destroy them, and the skill, stamina, courage and perseverance required from each to deliver them to safety. This is a story whose ending cannot be spoiled.
This event is sponsored by One Ocean Expeditions with guest speaker Andrew Prossin, Ones' Managing Director who is as passionate as you could get about the polar regions, from his extensive 16 years of travel there. He is bringing along stories and stunning pictures from The South!
Pick up one of the recommended books and join local Whistlerite, Christopher Shackleton in discussion about this epic story about a fascinating man and his contribution to the 20th century. Whistler Public Library, Sunday May 31, 2009 from 3-5 pm. This is the 23rd book that the Whistler Reads public book group will be discussing. Everyone is welcome. Whether you live, work or come to play here, read what Whistler Reads!" Details on how to join, stay in touch with us, and attend follow. RSVP me if you plan to attend, and purchase one of the bulk order of books brought in to Armchair Books here in Whistler. email: paulas (@) bookbuffet.com
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Don't miss the next Whistler Reads discussion March 19th at the Nita Lake Lodge library 2131 Lake Placid Road Whistler, British Columbia. Opening comments by John Weston MP Whistler, West Vancouver, Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast with special guest speaker, Graham E. Fuller (bio enclosed) Tickets $10 ($15 at the door) and your first glass of wine is free. The book selection is The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Harcourt Press) by Mohsin Hamid. It's a short, provocative fiction title—a novelette actually—whose theme and deceptively funny writing style will intrigue you. It's a one-night-stand book. Easy, you think... however, it will leave you thinking long afterwards, and have all of us discussing its many facets at the next meeting!
The premise of "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" is two strangers meet, and over the span of several courses at a restaurant become acquainted. However only one of the two dialogues is represented in the book. The reader is left to envision the reaction of the other guest by the comments of the single narrator. There is a growing tension between the two men, and the climactic ending will leave the reader trying to surmise what may or may not have just happened, who was responsible and how "chance" the meeting was. Interested? Thought so. This book has been optioned by Director Mira Nair of Monsoon Wedding fame. I've read several post 9/11 stories, but none have struck me as such an accurate portrayal of...
Saturday, December 20, 2008
You'd be forgiven if you thought Hot, Flat, and Crowded is a nightmare vacation experience instead of the title of Thomas Friedman's latest book published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and rated #16 of all books on Amazon and bestseller lists everywhere. But if we don't all read this book, we may be in for conditions like this world-wide, and sooner than we think. This coming January 4th, 2009 Whistler Read's pick will be discussed by a panel of local Whistlerites and you at the Whistler Public Library 1:30-2:30. We hope you join us in tackling a serious discussion on the material brought forward in Friedman's book. The Boston Globe writes, "A compelling manifesto that deserves a wide reading, especially by members of Congress and candidates for President." Still not convinced? View this compelling video of the author speaking to Charlie Rose. See details for speakers and other resources and how to JOIN WR.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
What has 88 keys, is tuned by a blind man, and played by an obsessive compulsive genius? Answer: The object of desire in Katie Hafner's new biography A Romance on Three Legs: Glenn Gould's Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Piano (MCcLelland & Stewart). Meet CD318. A concert grand piano hand-made by Steinway; she's a little old, a little battered and almost forgotten when she's discovered at the back of the Eatons flagship store showroom in Toronto back in 1960 by the young iconic Canadian pianist, Glenn Gould. The third "leg" of the story comes from Verne Edquist, the near-blind Saskatchewan farm boy who possessed the ear and training to meet Gould's demanding standards. All three combined to produce the sound that would be recorded for posterity in the famous sessions of Gould's most productive 10 years of life before his untimely death. Join me Thursday November 6th, 7:30pm at the Whistler Public Library in discussing this three-pronged tale. You don't have to be a Canadian or a particularly sophisticated music lover to enjoy this story. I've just completed the author podcast, which we'll debut at the next Whistler Reads book club meeting. If we have sufficient early interest, we will bring the author herself to speak to us. I'll let you know when the first 20 people sign up to attend. As well, we'll view segments of a related film documentary and hear expert guest speaker Paula McLaughlin, Professor of Music from UBC. Visit Katie Hafner's website.
Locals can stop into Armchair Books in the village where we have reserve copies for WR members at 10% discount. Get your $15 ticket now. (Your receipt is your ticket.) Tickets purchased at the door are $20. WR is a proud partner of the Whistler Public Library.
Monday, August 25, 2008
May 28th was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond 007. To commemorate the date the Fleming estate commissioned renowned British fiction author, Sebastian Faulks to write a new novel for the series, released around the world in 21 languages amid a blaze of publicity not seen since the last Harry Potter book. It's titled Devil May Care (James Bond). It was the Whistler Reads pick for the summer, and members had frivolous fun at the September 13th party! Check out the event pictures and the resources we collected for you. Consider making a donation to Whistler Reads
Saturday, March 08, 2008
The next Whistler Reads (WR) meeting will take place May 10th at the WPL. This is our eighteenth book pick. Alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles, we have chosen The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. With the Democratic primaries heating-up in the neck-to-neck race between Hillary and Obama, this is going to be a stunning meeting. We have a political skit planned by a former Second City actor and his team. Conservative candidate John Weston (Sea to Sky Corridor + Sunshine Coast) will discuss the book and field questions. John is himself an author, and he is passionate about Obama's non-partisan politics. Listening to John's voice message I learned he is muliti-lingual, and speaks English, French and Mandarin fluently. Don't forget - Sunday is Mothers Day. Bring yours and we'll have a long-stemmed rose waiting for her.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Libration joins "celebration" with "library," though I'm uncertain whether it's a noun or a verb - possibly both! April 11th-19th. Details are inside, but Save The Date for Saturday April 12th when BookBuffet/Whistler Reads Founder, Paula Shackleton hosts four stunning Vancouver writers: David Chariandy, Shaena Lambert, Timothy Taylor and Teresa McWhirter come to Whistler. What do they have in common? They each live in Vancouver. They each published a new book in 2007 that is garnering popular and critical acclaim. Join us fireside at the WPL from 6-8 pm for "Writing On The Edge: Perspectives of BC Writers." What is it about Vancouver's geography, economy, politics, history, climate, multiculturalism, or our proximity to the border that affects these writers? Check-out the Libration poster for all the events and activities
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Our next Whistler Reads book selection is going to appeal to all the male (and female) members who joined last month who tend to nonfiction. Challenge yourself to some world-class fiction. To our regular members, you are in for a treat. The spare, haunting prose of Per Petterson, Norway's most prominent fiction writer, has been receiving critical acclaim worldwide for his third novel, Out Stealing Horses: A Novel. Published by Graywolf Press, this story will captivate you from the first page forward. The style is nothing like typical North American prose. Here is a book I would encourage you to read out loud to family or friends in segments each night,for the pure pleasure of capturing this beautiful translated work. Join us at the Whistler Public Library on Thursday, March 6th 7-9 pm. Discussion Questions Below
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Follow the example of Whistler Reads - a village book group that is now on its sixteenth book selection, The Age of Turbulence by Alan Greenspan. This discussion promises to be one of the most thought provoking of the year. It is a must-read for anyone involved in business, finance, economics, politics or who simply wants to understand how the world operates. Penguin writes, "This book is the distillation of a life's worth of wisdom and insight into an elegant expression of a coherent world view. The Age of Turbulence will stand as Alan Greenspan's personal and intellectual legacy." Hosted by BC Entrepreneur of the Year Lukas Lundin, and with special guest speaker Glen Donaldson PhD from the Sauder School of Business. With economists forecasting a recession, the changes to the Cnd-US currency exchange rates, and the banks reeling from the sub-prime mortgage crisis - it behooves you to attend this talk. Don't miss the chance to meet Mr. Greenspan at a sold out event in Vancouver later in January. Sponsorship generously provided by Lundin Mining. Plus, Lukas Lundin has donated two tickets to see Greenspan that will be up for raffle at the January 4th discussion.
Join WR and get your ticket for Jan 4th online today! $20 advance/ $25 at the door
Your receipt is your ticket.
Friday, November 02, 2007
What makes us women? Whistler Reads fifteenth reading selection November 1st at the Durlacher Hof was a resounding success as members new and old (with tourist visitors attending from Mexico and Switzerland) had a one-hour conversation with the author, Dr. Louann M. Brizendine, via speaker phone. Available as podcast shortly As a neurobiology undergrad at Berkeley in the '70s, Louann asked the question, "Why is there no research study results of female animal behavior and brain physiology?" Since that time, researchers like Louann have, along with advances in non-invasive MRI and PET scanners, learned a wealth of information encapsulated in Dr. Brizendine's book, The Female Brain. Written in an easy to read, "Ahhah!" format that weaves what Publisher's Weekly calls "a trove of information and stunning facts" and that Huffington exclaims is "bloody brilliant ... answers questions that have plagued me for years, as well as ones I hadn't even formulated yet."
Sunday, September 09, 2007
The Whistler Writers and Readers Festival takes place September 14-16th. This year event organizer Stella Harvey and her Vicious Circle team invited Whistler Reads to take part. Sign up for a class. Don't miss our readers and writers mixer, Saturday Sept 15th 8-10 pm at Millennium Place. This evening is arranged and moderated by Whistler Reads founder, Paula Shackleton. It's Book Club Night when you get to chat with author Jen Sookfong Lee about her wonderful novel that is set in Vancouver's Chinatown, The End of East
(Knopf, Canada). Thanks to our sponsors who are providing door prizes. WR now boasts ~200 members. Everyone is welcome. "Whether you live, work or play in Whistler -- read what Whistler is reading." Join the WR Shanghai Tang After-
Party, 10-12 pm at Ric's Mix Lounge located nearby. Tickets and how to join WR below.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
&deThe Whistler Reads group is set to discuss this year's Mann-Booker prize winner, Inheritance Of Loss
by Kiran Desai on Thursday July 5th at 7pm at the Tandoori Grill restaurant in Whistler. With the group membership approaching 200, Founder Paula Shackleton is thrilled to see the support of the Sea to Sky corridor that includes the communities of West Vancouver, Squamish and Pemberton. "It is very exciting to see members from each of these communities participating in Whistler Reads. We welcome everyone - individuals, member of other groups, locals and visitors. Our mantra is, 'whether you live, work or play here'. Exciting opportunities are on the way!" Here is a list of research and discussion points the group will cover. Why not join WR today?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Interested in meeting people and exploring new ideas? Then throw down the gauntlet and take The Whistler Reads Challenge!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Path Gallery, owned by Brit Germann was the perfect location for this month's Whistler Reads (the village book group) discussion of Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden. This critically and popularly acclaimed novel is set in both Ontario and the trenches of WWI France where Canadians distinguished themselves in the courageous battle of Vimy Ridge. Three Day Road
powerfully evokes this history from a Canadian Native perspective in the same way that Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five
has etched in our minds the bombing of Dresden WWII. Horrifying and beautiful, it will resonate with the group for a very long time. Take a look at the discussion of this novel, which is certainly destined to become a Canadian classic.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
The Whistler Reads village book group met March 7th at 7pm at Millennium Place to discuss Margaret MacMillan's award winning, Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World (Random House) Three community members (City Councillors and the former Mayor of Whistler) brought history to life with a fun MadLib of the world leaders from the conference; (see pictures) the audience watched them argue and debate the terms of the peace and participated with their own comments and questions. Margaret MacMillan "addressed" the WR group via an earlier podcast interview with WR Director, Paula Shackleton. Fabulous Alsace regional wine was provided by Dundarave Wine Cellar with tasting notes and given out as door prizes. Thanks to Telus, for their support of WR literacy arts in our community.
Monday, January 08, 2007
The life of doctors and the medical profession has been a source of fascination to the general public for years as witnessed by the success of television series from "ER" and "House," going back to "Marcus Welby" and "Ben Casey." Doctors and nurses do consult on the sets to ensure authenticity, and sometimes they cross-over careers to become professional writers. Vincent Lam's first novel, Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures (Anchor Canada 2006) won Canada's most prestigious literary award -- the Giller Prize for this first work. It gives the raw and honest perspective of medical students and young physicians struggling with the demands of the profession in the Canadian healthcare system. Click on the title for the full article. This is Whistler Reads "January" book discussion: Spruce Grove Field House 7pm Jan 24th. WR partners with the Whistler Public Library
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Our Whistler Reads Cornucopia party last year was such a success, they have asked us to do it again! Join us in Whistler, November 10th for a "Suffragette Luncheon" with Seattle author, Kit Bakke whose first novel, Ms. Alcott's E-mail (David R Godine Books, Sept 2006) is getting rave reviews. Wine provided by Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and a delicious lunch and demonstration by Vancouver's hottest new restaurant, NU. Purchase Tickets Here. Learn more...
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
You live in Whistler or own recreation property. You've just learned of our village wide book group and want to participate. You found a book mark or viewed a poster talking about WHISTLER READS during your vacation and want to stay in touch with the community and people. You're a BookBuffet member and have never been to Whistler but are intrigued by our group and the books we choose.
All good reasons to Join WHISTLER READS!! Here's how.
Monday, May 29, 2006
The Golden Spruce was three hundred years old—an arboreal miracle. In 1997 it was tragically cut down by an eco-terrorist, whose identity it emerged, was a handsome, increasingly disturbed professional forester by the name of Grant Hadwin. The tree was revered by Haida Indians, and had become a destination the world over for people fascinated by its uniqueness, its golden beauty. This is the story of a man, a tree, and the forest industry that was the economic backbone of the Pacific Northwest -- a must read for anyone living in BC.
Come meet John Vaillant. June 7th at 7pm hosted in a beautiful Whistler view home. Advance Ticket Purchase Required. Buy this book online or at Armchair Books in Whistler Village where Whistler Reads members receive 10% off. Join WR today [click on "Register" select "New member of existing group" type Whistler Reads in the Group name box] and be a part of Whistler's reading community - whether near or far!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
March 4th through 11th was Women’s Week in Whistler. The whole resort turns it on for ladies with a series of ski, snowboard and sport camps, spa packages and shopping sprees, charity dinners to benefit women’s issues such as breast and ovarian cancer, and fun nights out on the town with hip-hop and pole dancing sessions. Millennium Place hosted a panel discussion with five diverse professional women from the village, and BookBuffet’s President Paula Shackleton was one of the speakers addressing the issue of “Finding Balance,” that elusive but necessary goal of modern life facing all women juggling careers, businesses, family with fitness and health. Here’s what they said.
Friday, November 11, 2005
If last night's event is any indication, book groups everywhere can look forward to fun-filled times when they join the wineandbook group sponsored by WomenWine.com and Bookbuffet.com. Pauline Holdstock, shortlisted Giller Prize nominated author of Beyond Measure (Cormorant. Canada) A Rare and Curious Gift (Norton, USA) was special guest at an Italian Renaissance themed event in Whistler. BC.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
BookBuffet Founder Paula Shackleton announces a new partnership with Women & Wine, a website dedicated toward educating women about wine and offering fabulous trips to wine country. You already drink wine while discussing books -- why not present wines with books as chosen by experts? Wait -- there's a great launch party!
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Whistler, British Columbia is a full-season destination resort offering unparalleled skiing and snowboarding in the winter—and opportunities for aprés reading. BookBuffet's Paula Shackleton spent her holiday doing both.
For Whistler Reads members, our next book discussion will be Canadian author Wayne Johnston's new novel, 
Whistler Reads members have been asking for a fun piece of popular fiction and our next book will not disappoint. Abraham Varghese's 
