Books

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Hot Shopping: 5 for Readers

Atlantic News

• Bookmark, Spring Garden Road: Atlantic Canada’s largest independent bookseller; best-sellers, local works, travel books, unique gifts.

• Woozles, Birmingham Street: Canada’s oldest bookstore for children; classic picture books, educational volumes, toys and games aplenty.

• Maps & More , Lower Water Street: City maps, travel guides, road atlases, nautical charts, travel accessories and
reference books.

• Atlantic News, Morris Street: Magazines and newspapers from around the globe; same-day editions of 400 newspapers from over 60 countries printed on site.

• Veritas Catholic Books, Barrington Street: Books and devotional items from the Catholic tradition; books by recent popes, literary fiction on religious topics, prayer books, religious art and more.

Hot Shopping: Wild Kat

Kat Von D's new book hits shelves this month

Tattoo artist, television star, author and all-around badass Kat Von D just released a new book: The Tattoo Chronicles (HarperCollins Canada, $33.99). This glimpse into the life of Von D includes diary entries, sketches and photos. Visit Chapters on Robson Street on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. for a chance to meet Miss Von D and purchase a signed copy.—Jennifer Patterson

Food for Thought

A Feast for All Seasons by Andrew George Jr.

In the sustainability era, where people are increasingly choosing local over international and cloth over plastic, it seems appropriate that North American food adopt a similar eco-friendly stance. Canadian First Nations chef Andrew George Jr.’s A Feast For All Seasons (Arsenal Pulp Press, $24.95), available at local bookstores, features 120 recipes about creating authentic Aboriginal cuisine with organic ingredients, such as braised bear or blueberry cookies. Bon appetit or so’h ga nec kewh dalt!—Kendra Wong

Hot Date: Book Bonanza

Jonathan Franzen appears at this year's International Festival of Authors

OCTOBER 20 TO 30 Rub shoulders with some renowned writers as they gather for the International Festival of Authors, an annual meet-and-greet of the best and brightest from contemporary literature. Boasting a number of events—from readings and roundtables to interviews and book signings—the event gives due credit to the written word. Award-winning writers including Jonathan Franzen, David Mitchell, Dionne Brand and Yann Martel are expected to attend. Harbourfront Centre, various times, $15 to $25, some events free; call 416-973-4000 or click here for tickets.

Hot Shopping: Tried and True

Charming home accessories at Gastown's Old Faithful Shop

Tucked away in Gastown sits Old Faithful, a rustic shop with loads of charm. Owners Walter Manning and Savannah Olsen gave a tip-of-the-hat to the general stores of an era gone by with a brick-walled space chock-full of cleverly crafted items. Having spent many years working in the retail industry, both Manning and Olsen decided it was time to open a place of their own and stock it with the types of products they found interesting. Rugged backpacks, handmade soaps, home-on-the-range dishware, lanterns, Opinel knives, books, cacti and candles—you name it, they’ve probably got it.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Saving the Planet

David Suzuki photo courtesy David Suzuki Foundation

Where has the time gone? Seems like only yesterday that recycling was a foreign concept and we all drank out of non-biodegradable Styrofoam cups. This month, the David Suzuki Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary. Created as a catalyst for social change in light of the world’s environmental problems, the bilingual organization is practically synonymous with tireless local activist David Suzuki, who turns 75 in the new year. To mark these major milestones, Sturla Gunnarsson’s documentary Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie and Suzuki’s book The Legacy: An Elder’s Vision for Our Sustainable Future (Greystone Books, $25; at local bookstores) are being released, and the man himself is embarking on a national lecture tour. For more information on anniversary activities and how you can go green, visit www.davidsuzuki.org. The planet will thank you.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dining: Tasty Souvenir

A delightful read for budding sommeliers

Oenophiles sip and spit their way through more than 1,000 wineries in BC, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. This burgeoning wine region is also blessed with an abundance of seafood, wild game, fruits and vegetables. Carol Frieberg and Andy Perdue’s Swirl, Sip and Savor: Northwest Wine and Small Plate Pairings (Sasquatch Books, $26.95) brings the best of local food and wine together in recipes such as a minted crab salad with chilled cucumber water paired with a Mission Hill Reserve Riesling. At local bookstores.—Sheri Radford

Hot Entertainment: Snapshots of History

Glimpse into Vancouver's past with this coffee-table tome

In 1939, the Marine Building and the Hotel Vancouver protruded above the Vancouver skyline. Nowadays, the city is chock-a-block with highrises. Discover these differences—and many more—in the fascinating paired photos in Francis Mansbridge’s Vancouver Then and Now (Thunder Bay Press, $22.95), at local bookstores.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Spirit of the Games

Photo copyright VANOC/COVAN

The official commemorative book for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games has finally arrived. With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits (VANOC, $85) celebrates the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with 400 pages of beautiful photos, iconic moments and inspiring stories. Purchase your own copy—and keep the memories alive—at local bookstores.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Dining: Imbiber’s Bible

Plan a tour of the Okanagan Valley with this handy wine tour guide

Chances are nobody knows more about BC’s burgeoning wine scene than John Schreiner. His latest edition (number three) of The Okanagan Wine Tour Guide offers a comprehensive summary of the Okanagan’s wineries, numbering 130—and counting. The author, a true raconteur, injects a personal element into every story. Whether you’re planning a tour or just looking for a vintage souvenir, don’t leave town without it. Available at local bookstores.—Tim Pawsey