Words At Large

Although not as glamorous as fiction, non-fiction writing is finally catching up at least in terms of financial rewards and prizes. Noreen Taylor, wife of author and journalist Charles Taylor, set up a twenty-five thousand dollar prize to honor a man who delighted in story-telling. In this week's podcast we'll go behind the scenes to meet the five nominees for this year's Charles Taylor Prize, and hear their outstanding stories.

Everyone seems to know the name Oskar Schindler, but the world does not remember Reszo Kastzner. He was a Jewish man who stood fearlessly, eyeball to eyeball with the Nazi's. Anna Porter's book "Kasztner's Train: The True Story of Rezso Kastzner. Unknown Hero of the Holocaust" was one of this year's nominees.

Erwin Nyireghazi is also not a household name. When he was 8, he played piano, for the Queen. Author Kevin Bazzana discusses researching and writing his book "Lost Genius: The Story of a Forgotten Musical Maverick." Erwin was brilliant and eccentric: leaving blood on the keyboards, and going on the wildest sex-capades. He once declared that the biggest problem in his life ...was his "pecker!"

Sir John A. had something to say about that. He wisely observed that there is "no wisdom below the belt". He was full of witty oneliners, but he also coped with many sad moments in his life. In a new biography, you get to know the Man Who Made Us...like never before. Author and journalist Richard Gwyn presents "John A.: The Man Who Made Us" The Life and Times of John A. Macdonald"

Also in this mix of nominees, are the stories that come straight from the heart. "From Harvey River" is a luscious memoir, about a family and about Jamaica. If you know what it's like to have your heart in two countries, you will be drawn to Lorna Goodison's book.

Finally there is "The Film Club". Author David Gilmour thinks "A Hard Day's Night", starring the Beatles, is "irresistable", and profound. His teenage son, on the other hand, thinks it is simply "dreadful."

Find out what happens when a father lets his teenager drop out of school...and watch movies instead.