BTC Podcast
In Robert J. Sawyer's novel Rollback, aliens send us a message - but what does it mean?
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on September 09 at 08:00 AM
In 2009, scientist Sarah Halifax decoded the first-ever radio message received from aliens. Now, almost four decades later, a second message has come. But at 87, Sarah may not have enough strength left to read it, let alone respond.
In Rollback, award-winning science fiction author Robert J. Sawyer explores the moral complexities of communicating with aliens and of extending human life. The story is told from the point of view of Sarah's husband, Don Halifax. He is beginning life anew in the body of a 25 year old, while his wife is staring death in the face and desperately trying to decipher a message from outer space in the time she has left.
This Between the Covers podcast of the book is read by Alessandro Juliani, fresh from the set of Battlestar Galactica.
Episode one: A second radio transmission comes from Sigma Draconis and Sarah, who decoded the first one more than 40 years ago, is now 87.
Episode two: The encoding of the alien transmission is unlike the first one, and no one has a clue how to decipher it.
Episode three: Billionaire Cody McGavin offers Sarah and Don a radical solution.
Episode four: If Sarah and Don can be rejuvenated, Sarah will be able to maintain a dialogue with Sigma Draconis.
Episode five: Sarah and Don undergo the rejuvenation, or "rollback."
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
It’s the end of the line for Guy Vanderhaeghe’s The Last Crossing
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on September 02 at 08:00 AM
We’ve reached the final episodes of Guy Vanderhaeghe’s frontier tale The Last Crossing (McClelland & Stewart). At this point in the story, Charles is still in the British territories that will one day become the Canadian prairie provinces.
His elder brother Addington has died fighting a grizzly bear and Charles has fallen in love with a young widow, Lucy Stoveall. He still hasn’t found his missing twin, Simon, but there is one final clue.
Episode 19: Charles and Simon are reunited with startling results.
Episode 20: Charles finally discovers what Custis Straw has been trying to tell him.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Family, betrayal, glory, and madness —The Last Crossing has it all
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on August 27 at 08:00 AM
Guy Vanderhaeghe’s novel The Last Crossing (McClelland &Stewart) is full of eccentric characters. It’s set in the late 19th century in what will eventually become the Canadian West.
After months of searching for his missing twin, Charles Gaunt is almost at the end of his rope. His older brother Addington is behaving even more outrageously than usual, adopting a great hunter act that hides a vicious streak Charles does his best to avoid. Most of the other members of the search party are sure Simon is dead and Charles’s only comfort is Lucy Stoveall.
Episode 16: Charles and Lucy try to go to a ball at Fort Edmonton.
Episode 17: Addington Gaunt meets his grizzly bear.
Episode 18: Charles meets someone who knows what happened to Simon.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Some of Canada’s best actors read episodes seven to nine of The Last Crossing
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on August 05 at 12:00 AM
Betrayal, revenge and obsession drive Guy Vanderhaeghe’s novel The Last Crossing (McClelland &Stewart). Charles Gaunt is desperate to find his twin brother, Simon. Addington Gaunt is intrigued by another kind of hunt and their Métis guide Jerry Potts, is trying to reconcile the various parts of his heritage.
And that’s only a few members of their bizarre search party. With so many different agendas how will they ever get to the British territories?
Episode seven: Custis Straw decides to trail the search party.
Episode eight: Charles and Lucy form an unexpected alliance.
Episode nine: The search party finds a clue.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Frontier justice is a missed blessing in this week’s Between the Covers podcast
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on July 30 at 08:00 AM
A town outcast is blamed for a young girl’s murder in Guy Vanderhaeghe’s novel The Last Crossing (McClelland & Stewart).
Custis Straw is not the most popular guy in town plus he knows the murdered girl. When the body is found the local sheriff doesn’t think he has to look too far for the culprit. It’s a good thing that Custis has a friend in the town doctor or he might not have even made it to trial.
The victim’s sister has her own ideas about who the guilty party is and she’s won’t let the real culprit get away with it.
Meanwhile Charles Gaunt is looking for a guide to help him search for his missing brother.
At this point in the novel the various stories start to come together.
Episode four: Custis lends a helping hand while Lucy plots revenge.
Episode five: Custis meets Charles Gaunt.
Episode six: Charles finally meets Jerry Potts.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
High adventure marks this Between the Covers podcast of The Last Crossing
Posted by Barbara Carey on July 22 at 08:00 AM
Award-winning author Guy Vanderhaeghe uses several points of view to tell the story of The Last Crossing (McClelland and Stewart).
It starts in the 1870s, when two Englishmen find themselves on a journey across the unknown landscape of the American and Canadian West in search of a missing brother.
During that journey they meet an assortment of characters who all have private reasons for joining the quest.
Some of Canada’s best performers bring to life this Canada Reads-winning story about love, revenge and boundaries crossed.
You’ll hear from Eric Peterson, Joseph Ziegler, Patrick Galligan, Hardee Lineham and Shauna Black.
Episode one: Charles is sent to America to find his twin brother, Simon.
Episode two: Brother Addington has a hidden agenda.
Episode three: In Fort Benton two new characters join the story.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 14 and 17 minutes. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear a Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Between the Covers wraps up a road trip across Western Canada with Open Arms
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on July 15 at 08:00 AM
Bess Connelly and her grandmother have travelled up into northern Saskatchewan and down into the bars of Calgary in Marina Endicott’s novel Open Arms (Freehand Press).
They are looking for Bess’s mother but so far they are still one step behind Isabelle. Now the two women are back on the road picking up clues along the way.
Episode 13: Bess is delighted to find the new age spa actually works.
Episode 14: Back on the road Bess and her grandmother head for the top of the world.
Episode 15: The trip back to Saskatoon is full of surprises.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
The latest episodes of Open Arms take us from a house with no windows to a down-home bar
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on July 08 at 08:00 AM
In this week’s Between the Covers podcast, Bess and her grandmother travel across Western Canada in search of Bess’s mother Isabelle.
Marina Endicott’s novel Open Arms (Freehand Press) explores the secrets that bind and divide families. Bess’s eccentric clan has plenty of those and Bess is happy to let them be.
Then one day she is surprised by a visit from her grandmother, who insists on tracking down Bess’s mother.
They set out in a borrowed car and find a house with no windows, but once there the two discover it’s only the beginning of a great adventure.
Episode 11: Bess and her grandmother follow a tip to Calgary.
Episode 12: One step behind Isabelle, they follow a lead to Salmon Arm, British Columbia.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Listen to episodes 9 and 10 of Marina Endicott’s Open Arms
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on July 02 at 12:00 PM
Open Arms (Freehand Press) launches Bess Connelly on a bizarre road trip from Saskatoon to the far west.
In Marina Endicott’s novel, four years have passed since Bess and Irene helped welcome the twins into the world.
In this Between the Covers podcast of episodes nine and 10, Bess has been avoiding her family. Her life is starting to look uncomfortably like her mother’s and that’s the last comparison she wants anyone to make. Unfortunately it means she has no idea what’s happening with those most dear to her.
As we join the story Bess is hovering by the phone waiting to hear about some test results.
Episode nine: Bess’ past comes back to haunt her.
Episode 10: Bess and her grandmother head up north.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Events come to a boil in episodes seven and eight of Open Arms
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on June 24 at 08:00 AM
The Between the Covers podcast continues with Marina Endicott’s novel Open Arms (Freehand Press).
Bess can’t decide whether she wants to kill her father or hug him, although it might be easier to decide if he was actually there.
His girlfriend is about to have twins and he hasn’t been seen for days.
Bess and sister Irene have called their mothers for advice and now Bess is thinking that may have been a mistake because Patrick’s ex-wives are on their way.
Episode seven: Doreen is livid when she hears that Patrick’s ex-wives are coming to help with the birth.
Episode eight: Bess’s and Irene’s mothers arrive and so do the twins.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
It’s a mix of family feud and French farce in episodes five and six of Open Arms
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on June 17 at 12:00 AM
Two sisters, their missing father and his extremely pregnant girlfriend make for a lively mix in Marina Endicott’s novel Open Arms (Freehand Books).
The Between the Covers podcast is following the story of Bessie Connelly. She and her sister Irene are visiting the west coast to see their father and his current girlfriend. Unfortunately he’s not there but his girlfriend Doreen is, and she’s about to give birth.
She’s not too keen on seeing the girls under the circumstances but their return ticket doesn’t come due for more than a week.
Episode five: Bessie tries to make a truce with Doreen.
Episode six: When the girls call their mothers for advice it only adds fuel to the fire.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
In the latest episodes of Open Arms, divorce seems like a better option even to the kids
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on June 10 at 08:00 AM
The Between the Covers podcast follows teenager Bessie Connelly as she travels between a flaky mother and an absent-minded father in Open Arms (Freehand Books) by Marina Endicott.
Bessie certainly doesn’t want her parents to get together again but she despairs of getting either of them to grow up.
Her father is on his third wife and her mother is infatuated with a younger man. Most of the time Bessie doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Episode three: Bessie’s plans for her mother’s love life go awry.
Episode four: Bessie and her sister head off to visit their absent-minded father.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Rock ’n’ roll meets a teenage road show in Marina Endicott’s Open Arms
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on June 03 at 08:00 AM
The Between the Covers podcast hitches a ride with a defiant teen in Marina Endicott’s novel Open Arms (Douglas and McIntyre).
Seventeen-year-old Bessie Connelly runs away from the Maritimes to join her mother, a former rock star, in Saskatchewan. Their lively home includes both her father’s former wives along with a stepsister.
So much for a stable, traditional home life. Welcome to hijinks central.
Episode one: Bessie’s reunion with her mother is full of surprises.
Episode two: Bessie has her own ideas about whom her mother should be dating.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Benny Cooperman solves a case of murder most foul in the final episodes of Memory Book
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on May 27 at 12:00 AM
In Howard Engel’s mystery novel Memory Book (Penguin), Benny Cooperman is running up a huge phone bill trying to piece together the final clues in his case. It’s been difficult because he’s still recovering from a nasty blow to the head — his memory isn’t what it should be and he can’t do much investigating on his own. Friends have helped and, whether they know it or not, even a few of his enemies.
Things may look a mess but Benny is almost ready to gather the people involved and expose the murderer.
The question is will they all fit in his hospital room?
Episode 13: Finally a clue as to what happened at Barbarian’s Restaurant.
Episode 14: Benny calls all participants in the case to his hospital room.
Episode 15: Benny finally meets his client.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
(Photo credit: an_untrained_eye from Flickr)
Missing persons and puzzling developments fill episodes 9 to 12 of Memory Book
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on May 20 at 12:00 AM
The Between The Covers podcast is presenting Howard Engel’s mystery Memory Book (Penguin). So far in the story private investigator Benny Cooperman has been hit on the head, lost much of his recent memory, had mysterious visits from a non-existent “wife,” been patronized by the police and threatened by university security. And he’s still trying to figure out the details of the case he’s supposed to be working on.
It’s a good thing he’s so stubborn.
Episode nine: Benny gets a confusing visit from a friend of his missing client.
Episode 10: A second person goes missing and the lies just keep growing.
Episode 11: Benny does some sleuthing outside the hospital.
Episode 12: Benny’s investigation starts to bear fruit.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
(Photo credit: Steve Will)
Sleuth Benny Cooperman faces a unique challenge in episodes five to eight of Memory Book
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on May 13 at 08:00 AM
Sitting in his hospital bed, Benny Cooperman wracks his brain for memories of what put him here. So far he hasn't come up with much. He was hit on the head and left in a dumpster so he might still be in danger. But from whom?
Memory Book (Penguin) is Howard Engel's 11th mystery featuring small town P.I. Benny Cooperman.
In this case Benny has not only lost his memory but also the ability to read his notes. Always prone to mix humor with the grim, Benny finds unique ways to rise to this new challenge in this week's Between the Covers podcast.
Episode five: Benny can't leave hospital so Anna reports back about the case.
Episode six: Benny follows up a clue in the name Rose.
Episode seven: A break in at the office has Benny wondering whom to trust.
Episode eight: Benny's car turns up at a restaurant but nobody knows who was driving.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
During the month of May, the CBC online Book Club is featuring Howard Engel's memoir The Man Who Forgot How To Read (HarperCollins). Join their list of Featured Readers and add your favourites to the conversation.
And if you're interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear a Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
(Photo credit: freefotouk)
The Between the Covers podcast takes on mysteries big and small in Howard Engel’s Memory Book
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on May 06 at 12:00 AM
Benny Cooperman, Howard Engel’s unassuming small-town detective, doesn’t carry a gun or even fight very well. But he’s pretty shrewd and he doesn’t give up easily. That’s fortunate because Memory Book (Penguin), Engel’s 11th Benny Cooperman mystery, is one of the most bizarre cases he (or any other detective) has ever faced.
In 2001 a stroke left author Howard Engel with a condition known as alexia sine agraphia, a condition that allows him to write but not to read. As it turns out “not giving up” is a trait he shares with his fictional detective.
Engel wrote about his painstaking recovery in a memoir called The Man Who Forgot How to Read (HarperCollins). That book is the Book Club* feature this month. In it he describes how he decided to share the condition with his favorite fictional character — Benny Cooperman.
While still struggling to bring his own reading up to Grade 3 level, Engel wrote an entire Cooperman novel.
And so Benny wakes up in hospital with no idea where he is, what happened … or how to read his own notes.
Episode one:
Episode two: Benny’s faulty memory makes solving the mystery even more difficult.
Episode three: The police arrive to see what he remembers and so does an old friend.
Episode four: Benny gets a visit from a mysterious stranger.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Shenanigans and misdirection fill the final episodes of Chokecherry
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on April 30 at 12:00 AM
In Norma Hawkins’ novel Chokecherry (Oberon), a visit from the Bishop has the whole parish in a tizzy.
Janet Wright is narrating this whimsical tale about a new minister and his wife in 1950s Saskatchewan.
Living up to expectations is making Becky anxious. First she has to prepare a special dinner for the Bishop in a house with no running water and then it seems she has to take on communications for the whole parish.
Episode four: Chokecherry prepares for a visit from the Bishop.
Episode five: Becky wonders if she’ll survive the church boys league.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Necessity is the mother of invention in episode three of Chokecherry
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on April 22 at 12:00 AM
In Norma Hawkins’ novel Chokecherry (Oberon), a town full of inventive characters takes on mother nature.
It’s the 1950s in Saskatchewan. Eminently practical, the folk in the parish of Chokecherry have weathered the vagaries of the mail service, stock prices and climate shift.
As the new minister’s wife, Becky is trying to measure up, but wonders how to keep a clean house with no water.
Corner Gas star Janet Wright narrates this Between The Covers podcast.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
(Photo credit: QueenofTarts from Flickr)
Corner Gas star Janet Wright reads Chokecherry, a novel about life with a man of the cloth
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on April 15 at 12:00 AM
Listen here:
Eccentric characters spice up parish life in the second episode of Norma Hawkins’ novel, also available in the Between the Covers podcast.
Chokecherry (Oberon) is set in 1950s Saskatchewan, where a new minister and his wife are trying to decipher local behaviour. At the moment, Geoff and Becky feel a little like aliens first landing on earth. Everyone assumes they already know the rules.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
(Photo credit: Sherlock77 (James) from Flickr)
Join us for chuckles and groans in the opening chapter of Chokecherry
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on April 07 at 12:00 AM
Corner Gas star Janet Wright begins reading a novel about the joys and frustrations of life with a man of the cloth in this week’s Between The Covers podcast.
The opening reading of Chokecherry (Oberon) takes us to 1950s Saskatchewan, where a new pastor and his wife arrive in their first parish. In her first novel, Norma Hawkins drew on her own experiences as a minister’s wife to offer this rich tapestry of triumph and tribulation.
After attending a writers' workshop led by W.O. Mitchell, Hawkins published dozens of short stories and articles over several decades of writing.
Chokecherry concerns a fictional Anglican pastor named Geoffrey Hastings and his new bride Becky. They are trying to cope with Geoffrey’s new assignment in the community of Chokecherry, three hours north of Saskatoon by bus. It’s a poor parish, consisting of only 500 people, but spread over a fair distance. The pair can scrape together enough money to buy an old car, but can’t always find enough for groceries
Episode one: Geoff and Becky get a new car but who’s going to drive?
Each episode of Between The Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Hear episodes 16 to 20 of the 2009 Canada Reads winner The Book of Negroes
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on April 03 at 12:00 PM
The Between The Covers podcast is presenting this year’s Canada Reads winner.
Toronto actress Kim Roberts reads an abridged version of Lawrence Hill’s epic novel The Book of Negroes. She’s narrating the story of Aminata Diallo, a young West African girl who was sold into slavery and brought to the indigo plantations of South Carolina.
After defying the plantation owner and losing her infant son, Aminata is sold to a Jewish indigo inspector who takes her to Charles Town. Here she learns to read and keep books in English.
The Lindos are relatively kind to her, encouraging Aminata to take up her midwifery skills again — but she is still a slave.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between sixteen and seventeen minutes. You can download the next few episodes right here. And join the CBC Book Club to participate in discussions about the Canada Reads winning title and discover more about the author and the novel.
Episode 16: A smallpox epidemic takes the lives of many close to Aminata.
Episode 17: A church choir transports Aminata back to her time aboard ship.
Episode 18: Aminata tastes freedom for the first time.
Episode 19: Aminata settles in Canvas Town as the resident teacher and baby catcher.
Episode twenty: Aminata is given the job of recording the names in The Book of Negroes.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Episode 11 through 15 of The Book of Negroes: Aminata becomes a slave in America
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on April 03 at 12:00 AM
The Between The Covers podcast continues with a reading of this year’s Canada Reads winner.
The Book of Negroes follows Lawrence Hill’s indomitable heroine Aminata Diallo after she is kidnapped from her village in West Africa.
After a long sea voyage and a disastrous revolt at sea, Aminata and the other surviving slaves arrive in America. They are sold off, and Aminata is parted from those she cares for most.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between sixteen and seventeen minutes. You can download the next few episodes right here. Join the CBC Book Club to participate in the celebration about the Canada Reads winning title, and look for news about new book discussions in coming months.
Episode 11: Aminata and Foomba end up at an indigo plantation.
Episode 12: Aminata learns how to make indigo dye.
Episode 13: Aminata is reunited with Chekura.
Episode 14: Aminata marries against the wishes of the plantation owner.
Episode 15: Aminata arrives in Charlestown and the next stage of her life.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Canada Reads winner The Book of Negroes continues with episodes six through 10
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on March 19 at 08:00 AM
The Between the Covers podcast continues with readings from this year’s Canada Reads winner. Lawrence Hill’s epic novel follows the life of a young slave as she faces the horrific sea voyage from Africa to America.
Aminata Diallo is the heroine of The Book of Negroes. At 11 years old, she has lost both her parents and almost everyone she knows. Kidnapped and bound aboard a ship to America she manages to keep her spirits up and tries to find out what is happening and why.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 16 and 17 minutes. You can download the next few episodes right here. And don’t forget to join the online CBC Book Club, hosted by Hannah Sung: participate in our forum about the Canada Reads-winning title, join in live chats, enter contests and more.
Episode six: Aminata becomes a translator for the ship's physician and a spy for the men below decks.
Episode seven: A leader emerges among the slaves.
Episode eight: The slaves revolt.
Episode nine: The survivors are landed on another island.
Episode 10: Aminata attends her first slave market.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Get swept up in the reading of this year’s Canada Reads-winning novel, The Book of Negroes
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on March 18 at 12:00 AM
A remarkable woman is at the centre of Lawrence Hill’s epic novel The Book of Negroes.
Aminata Diallo looks back over her long life, from innocent days in West Africa through kidnapping, slavery and beyond. Starting this week the Between the Covers podcast will present readings from The Book of Negroes that you can listen to at your leisure.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between 16 and 17 minutes. You can download the first few episodes right here.
Episode one: Aminata Diallo begins a story that spans almost 100 years and three continents.
Episode two: Aminata remembers happier times as a child in West Africa.
Episode three: Aminata is captured.
Episode four: Aminata struggles to distinguish friend from foe.
Episode five: The new slaves meet both kindness and cruelty on the long march.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear a Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
And don’t forget to join the CBC Book Club, hosted by Hannah Sung, and participate in online discussions about the Canada Reads-winning title. Check out our daily blog, video and audio special features on the winner, and a contest to win a Sony Reader Digital Book.
Between the Covers features six winning entries from this year’s CBC Literary Awards
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on March 04 at 12:00 AM
On the Between the Covers podcast this week, listen to the English-language winners of the 2008 CBC Literary Awards.
This is the only Canadian literary competition that celebrates original, unpublished works in our country’s two official languages. There are three categories — short story, poetry and creative non-fiction — and awards totalling $60,000, courtesy of the Canada Council for the Arts. In addition, winning entries are published in Air Canada’s enRoute magazine.
The podcasts include introductions to the winning author and their writing.
First prize in the short story category goes to “Circus“ by Claire Battershill.
Next you’ll hear “The American Girl” by Gitanjali Kolonad. It’s the second-prize winner in the fiction category.
First prize in the creative non-fiction category goes to “Columbus Burning” by Sarah de Leeuw.
Second prize in the creative non-fiction category was awarded to “My Father, Smoking” by Denise Ryan.
And finally selections from the two poetry winners: the top award went to “Outskirts” by Sue Goyette and second place to “Invertebrate Poems” by Jim Johnstone.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Sneak-peek readings from the five Canada Reads contenders, presented on the Between the Covers podcast
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on February 25 at 12:00 AM
With the Canada Reads debates starting next week, here’s your opportunity to listen to actors reading from all five books. The Between the Covers podcast offers selections from each novel to listen to at your leisure. Prepare for the discussion and sort out which story you think should end up on top.
The Fat Woman Next Door Is Pregnant by Michel Tremblay, translated by Sheila Fischman
Michel Tremblay's portrait of 1942 Montreal comes to life through the eyes, ears and imaginations of a number of its inhabitants. In this selection, read by France Perras, we meet Beatrice and Mercedes, two lively ladies who have their own way of surviving tough times.
The Outlander by Gil Adamson
Gil Adamson's suspenseful debut novel stalks turn-of-the-century characters across the prairies and all the way to the Rockies. In this selection, read by Ann-Marie McDonald, a young widow tries to outrun two ominous men packing rifles.
Fruit by Brian Francis
Brian Francis' novel takes a whimsical look at the challenges of being 13 in the suburbs in the 1980s. In this selection, read by David Beazely, we learn about the tyranny of school cliques.
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
Lawrence Hill’s novel centers on a woman of remarkable insight and fortitude who overcomes slavery, learning to read and write and finally carrying her story to the wider world. In this selection, actor Kim Roberts brings the resilient Aminata to life.
Mercy Among the Children by David Adams Richards
How should we act in the face of evil? In his novel, David Adams Richards explores the depths of human compassion and violence. In this excerpt, read by Jim Fowler, a young man tries to understand his father’s choices.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and seventeen minutes. If you missed previous podcasts, you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
This week on the podcast catch the final adventures of King Leary
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on February 18 at 12:00 AM
The Between the Covers podcast has been featuring Paul Quarrington’s funny and poignant novel King Leary (Anchor Canada). Last year’s winner of Canada Reads explores the life of an aging and self-involved hockey star whose last hurrah just might create a bigger bang than even he imagines.
Percival Leary has been invited back to Maple Leaf Gardens for King Leary Night — a chance to be feted and meet the newest hockey legend, Duane Killebrew. In the process his memories of the past begin to merge with the present, and old business that he’s put out of his mind for years comes to the surface.
In this week’s instalments, the final pieces of Leary’s past fall into place with a little help from a couple of friendly ghosts.
Episode 16: Leary is challenged as King of the Ice.
Episode 17: Leary must face the truth about both his sons.
Episode 18: A ghost visits Percival Leary.
Episode 19: The television commercial brings everything to a head.
Episode 20: A shocking gift is left in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts. And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Hockey highs and personal lows: King Leary continues with episodes 13 -15
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on February 11 at 12:00 AM
Paul Quarrington explores ambition, commitment and human frailty in this ironic tale of an aging hockey star. King Leary (Anchor Canada) tickled the Canada Reads panel and the public last year with a story of an ordinary guy who had more than ordinary talent. Most of that talent was on the ice but some of it was for self-delusion.
The reading is narrated by Vancouver actor Michael Hogan (Battlestar Galactica). He animates the life and times of hockey legend Percival Leary, who looks back on his glory days and misadventures dating back to the early 1900s.
In these instalments, Leary is struck with memories both sublime and disturbing: the moment he was crowned King of the Ice and the less than vigilant way he and Clay dealt with their friend Manny’s drinking problem.
Episode 13: How Leary picked up his Indian nickname.
Episode 14: Leary is celebrated at a special night in Maple Leaf Gardens.
Episode 15: Their friendship changes when Clay becomes manager of the hockey team.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts. And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
(Photo credit: bitpicture from Flickr)
The hockey rivalry heats up in parts 10-12 of King Leary
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on February 04 at 12:00 AM
Memories are flying hot and heavy this week in the Between the Covers podcast. Paul Quarrington’s novel King Leary (Random House) tickled the Canada Reads panel and the public last year with the story of an ordinary guy who had more than ordinary talent. Most of that talent was on the ice but some of it was for self-delusion.
The aging Percival Leary is remembering the glory days of his youth but as he gets closer to his old hockey stomping grounds, Leary is haunted by old ghosts.
Episode 10: Past and present merge as Leary takes the train to the big city.
Episode 11: Leary continues both his quest for the crown and his delusions.
Episode 12: Blue reminds Leary that not all his accomplishments were honorable.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Shauna Singh Baldwin’s epic What the Body Remembers (Knopf).
(Photo credit: Goose Frabaaa from Flickr)
War interrupts a promising hockey career in episodes seven to nine of King Leary
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on January 28 at 12:00 AM
Last year Paul Quarrington’s novel King Leary (Random House) brought home the Canada Reads gold. It’s the quirky tale of an aging hockey star, Percival Leary, remembering younger days and the glory of his career. The Between the Covers podcast is presenting the 2008 winner as this year’s battle of the books approaches.
At this point in our tale little Leary and Manny Oz are developing their hockey skills but the rest of the world is drifting towards war. As we pick up the story the joys of winning an all-Ontario championship are balanced against some pressing decisions the young men must make.
Episode seven: War comes to little Leary and the Bowmanville Boys Reformatory.
Episode eight: Manny Oz and Leary return from war.
Episode nine: We meet the love of Manny's life.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Lawrence Hill’s media satire Some Great Thing (Turnstone Press) and Shauna Singh Baldwin’s epic What the Body Remembers (Knopf).
(Photo credit: Bill Barber from Flickr)
Pranks and comeuppance pepper episodes four to six of King Leary
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on January 21 at 12:00 AM
On this week’s Between the Covers podcast we continue with King Leary (Random House) by Paul Quarrington. The 2008 Canada Reads winning book examines the life of an aging hockey star who travels with a cast of eccentric characters.
When an ad agency invites Percival Leary to the city to make a commercial he jumps at the chance. He’s in a nursing home and long past his prime, so there aren’t many fans who remember his exploits. But the event that actually started him on the road to becoming King of the Ice is crystal clear in Leary’s mind.
It was a prank that went wrong.
Episode four: As a teen Leary follows his friend from one load of trouble to another.
Episode five: Leary’s new home has a motto—to keep a boy out of hot water, put him on ice.
Episode six: Someone challenges Leary as best player on the ice.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Lawrence Hill’s media satire Some Great Thing (Turnstone Press) and Shauna Singh Baldwin’s epic What The Body Remembers (Knopf).
(Photo credit: u16panthers from Flickr)
Anticipating this year’s battle of the books, Between the Covers revisits the 2008 Canada Reads winner
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on January 14 at 12:00 AM
Paul Quarrington's novel King Leary (Random House) brought home the prize in last year's Canada Reads debates. As we anticipate this year’s passionate discussion of five great CanLit choices, you can hear King Leary read on the Between The Covers podcast.
Michael Hogan left the bridge of Battlestar Galactica to narrate the story of 87-year-old Percival Leary — a dryly funny, cantankerous man who lives in a nursing home and relives his days of hockey glory with an equally ancient roommate and a quirky nurse.
Episode one: An aging hockey star is given the opportunity to relive past glory.
Episode two: We meet Leary’s best friend — a man who would influence his whole life.
Episode three: Leary’s memories of his career are different from everyone else’s.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Lawrence Hill’s media satire Some Great Thing (Turnstone Press) and Shauna Singh Baldwin’s epic What the Body Remembers (Knopf).
Chaos continues in episodes seven to 10 of Still Life with Children
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on January 07 at 12:00 AM
As our new year begins and we recover from various forms of seasonal celebration, so does the stay-at-home dad in Richard Scrimger’s novel Still Life with Children (HarperCollins).
He has survived Christmas and looks forward longingly to the simple pleasures of folding laundry. With four young children to “help” what could go wrong?
Episode seven: Fears both real and imagined are top of the list in this chapter.
Episode eight: Scrimger regrets his promise to take the kids to the amusement park.
Episode nine: Is cottage country ready for the Scrimgers?
Episode 10: The Scrimgers plan to move and set out to tie up all those loose ends.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Lawrence Hill’s media satire Some Great Thing (Turnstone Press).
(Photo credit: bdnegin from Flickr)
Getting down to the business of parenthood in episodes four to six of Still Life with Children
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on December 31 at 12:00 AM
There’s more to raising kids than toilet training and proper diets. Richard Scrimger takes us along for the ride with his charming anecdotes about a year in the life, collected in his book Still Life with Children (HarperCollins).
So far we’ve met the four tornadoes that rule the Scrimger household and weathered a birthday for twins. Now it’s time to get down to some of the real business of parenthood.
Episode four: An encounter with an elderly hero at the playground.
Episode five: It's the season of colds in the Scrimger household — so many possibilities.
Episode six: The holiday season brings fresh fodder for family feuds.
Each episode of Between The Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Lawrence Hill’s media satire Some Great Thing (Turnstone Press).
(Photo credit: Striatic on Flickr)
Richard Scrimger tells true tales of his adventures as a stay-at-home dad in Still Life with Children
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on December 24 at 12:00 AM
Columnist and author Richard Scrimger spent a year raising his four rambunctious young kids and survived to tell the tale. His insightful musings are collected in Still Life with Children (Harper Collins).
Since that year in his life, Scrimger has gone on to publish several more books, some for children, some for young adults and one or two for fully fledged grown-ups.
But fledged or not, listeners to our reading of Still Life with Children should buckle up and get ready for a roller-coaster ride.
Episode one: Adventures in parenthood with a stay-at-home dad.
Episode two: A birthday shared by twins.
Episode three: Time to open the presents but whose party is it?
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to the final episodes of Wayne Johnston’s fictional biography The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage) plus Lawrence Hill’s media satire Some Great Thing (Turnstone Press).
A manipulative editor causes trouble in the final episodes of Some Great Thing
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on December 17 at 12:00 AM
Mahatma Grafton goes all the way to Cameroon in search of a story in Lawrence Hill’s media satire Some Great Thing (Turnstone).
The book is set in Winnipeg in the 1980s and Manitobans are battling over bilingualism. It all makes for good news stories but Mahatma wonders whether journalism is really his life’s calling.
He has made a friend of a reporter from Cameroon, been adopted by an eccentric welfare activist and broken some major stories. In these final instalments a trip to Cameroon brings everything to a head.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.*
Episode 13: Yoyo returns home to Cameroon and Mahatma follows.
Episode 14: Mahatma’s editor twists the stories he's filing from Cameroon.
Episode 15: Mahatma becomes a news story himself when he's deported.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Wayne Johnston’s fictional biography The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage).
A tragic fire marks episodes 10 through 12 of Some Great Thing
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on December 10 at 12:00 AM
Lawrence Hill’s debut novel Some Great Thing (Turnstone) follows a young reporter as he tries to avoid the infighting on his own editorial floor while he pursues stories of political corruption.
So far Mahatma has stumbled into a riot between anglo and francophone Manitobans, alienated the city editor by refusing to sensationalize a story about Winnipeg’s mayor and been suspended for making a mistake in print.
He’s back on the job now and he’s found a story that he won’t let go.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. Catch up with previous episodes here.
Episode 10: Mahatma gets a big scoop but inadvertently harms Chuck’s career.
Episode 11: Mahatma learns the perils of reporting when Chuck covers a fire.
Episode 12: Jake Corbett becomes a celebrity and travels abroad.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear a Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Wayne Johnston’s fictional biography The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage).
(Photo: Rofltosh)
A breaking news story plunges a young reporter into trouble in episodes seven to nine of Some Great Thing
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on December 03 at 12:00 AM
The Between the Covers podcast continues with Lawrence Hill’s satiric first novel Some Great Thing (Turnstone).
Full of colorful characters from home and abroad, the novel follows one young reporter as he tries to find something important to do with his life.
At this point in the story Mahatma Grafton is chasing crime stories for a local Winnipeg paper. After a tragic hockey incident, he shows up at a local Franco-Manitoban demonstration and stumbles into a fierce battle.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode seven: A riot erupts at a demonstration and Mahatma is there.
Episode eight: Mahatma makes a big mistake in his story.
Episode nine: Mahatma decides to do something about his suspension.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.*
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Richard Scrimger’s poignant novel Still Life With Children (HarperCollins) and Wayne Johnston’s fictional biography The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage).
Canada Reads contender Lawrence Hill started out with a media satire called Some Great Thing
Posted by Kimberly Walsh on November 26 at 12:00 AM
It’s just been announced that Lawrence Hill’s latest novel The Book of Negroes (HarperCollins) is one of the Canada Reads contenders this year. Long before that work made the must-read list there had to be the prerequisite debut novel and the Between the Covers podcast has it. Some Great Thing (Turnstone) is Lawrence Hill’s sometimes comic look at life in the journalism trenches for a young reporter gifted—or burdened—with a famous name.
Mahatma Grafton’s father decided his son would do “some great thing” so gave him a name befitting a hero.
Unfortunately Mahatma is too busy chasing local newspaper stories to give proper consideration to his larger potential.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and seventeen minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.*
Episode four: Mahatma is drawn into the trials and tribulations of Jake Corbett.
Episode five: Mahatma gets the police beat and learns about French-English tensions in Manitoba.
Episode six: Tensions escalate after a francophone boy is killed in a hockey game.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Richard Scrimger’s poignant novel Still Life With Children (HarperCollins) and Wayne Johnston’s fictional biography The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage).
(Photo credit: Lisa Sak)
Lawrence Hill’s Some Great Thing is a rollicking journey from Winnipeg to Cameroon
Posted by Words At Large Admin on November 19 at 12:00 AM
This week Between the Covers takes us to Canada’s centre with Lawrence Hill’s debut novel Some Great Thing (Turnstone). Mahatma Grafton’s father decided his son would do “some great thing” so gave him a name befitting a hero. But the main character in this story isn’t exactly inspired— at least not at first. As the book begins Mahatma returns home to Winnipeg after university and gets a job chasing crime stories for a local paper.
Each episode of Between the Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode one: Mahatma has no idea how to live up to his father's ambitions.
Episode two: Mahatma gets a taste of down-and-dirty reporting.
Episode three: Mahatma gets his first big story.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Brad Smith’s racetrack thriller All Hat (Penguin) and Richard Scrimger’s poignant novel Still Life With Children (HarperCollins).
Between the Covers presents the final compelling episodes of Ascension
Posted by Words At Large Admin on November 12 at 12:00 AM
A family of highwire performers rises to the pinnacle of the circus world in Steven Galloway’s novel Ascension (Vintage). The Ursaris have left behind a life of poverty and persecution in Europe, survived a circus fire and returned to the wire with a spectacular act. All of Salvo’s dreams appear to have come true.
Each episode is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode 13: The Ursari family is back at the pinnacle of the circus world.
Episode 14: The remaining Ursaris can no longer stay together.
Episode 15: The threads of Salvo’s life come together.
Next week on the podcast, Lawrence Hill’s first novel Some Great Thing (Turnstone Press).
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Brad Smith’s racetrack thriller All Hat (Penguin).
(Photo credit: Lee Henderson)
Tragedy and triumph follow a circus family in episodes 10 to 12 of Ascension
Posted by Words At Large Admin on November 05 at 12:00 AM
The Between the Covers podcast features the dramatic exploits of a family highwire act.
Steven Galloway’s novel Ascension (Vintage) explores the roller-coaster life of Salvo Ursari, a young gypsy boy who becomes one of the most famous wire-walkers in the world.
At this point in the story the Ursaris are in America. Salvo is head of the family’s circus act and he’s about to bring a new member onto the wire.
Each episode is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode 10: The Ursari troupe gains a new member.
Episode 11: An investigation at the circus points at the Ursari troupe.
Episode 12: The Ursaris split up.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Brad Smith’s racetrack thriller All Hat (Penguin).
Hard times and espionage follow a circus performer in episodes 7 to 9 of Ascension
Posted by Words At Large Admin on October 29 at 12:00 AM
Between the Covers is following the story of Salvo Ursari, a young gypsy wire-walker who struggles to find a way to live after his parents are murdered by a mob. Steven Galloway’s novel explores Salvo’s growing love of the high wire as he is reunited with his brother and sister. At this point in Ascension (Vintage) the Ursaris face great opportunities and great danger.
Each episode is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode seven: Salvo’s skill on the wire surpasses his tutor.
Episode eight: The head of the largest circus in America comes to watch the Ursaris.
Episode nine: Salvo escapes Europe for America.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Brad Smith’s racetrack thriller All Hat (Penguin).
Walk the high wire with episodes four to six of Ascension
Posted by Words At Large Admin on October 22 at 12:00 AM
Between The Covers continues Steven Galloway’s novel about a wirewalker from the heyday of the Big Top.
Salvo Ursari has traveled from Transylvania through America to end up in small-town B.C. Ascension (Vintage) takes us on a dazzling trip through carnival culture. The rise and fall of the circus era is a brilliant backdrop for the story of a man who only truly comes alive at fearsome heights.
As he walks the wire one final time, Salvo remembers how the persecution of his family started his journey to the Big Top.
Each episode is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode four: Salvo flees the mob to find relatives in Budapest.
Episode five: Salvo's life in Budapest takes an unexpected turn.
Episode six: Salvo is introduced to the high wire.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to the first episodes of Brad Smith’s racetrack thriller All Hat (Penguin).
Ascension takes us on a roller-coaster ride from WWII Europe to the Canadian West
Posted by Words At Large Admin on October 15 at 12:00 AM
This week Between the Covers begins a reading about a man who only felt alive hundreds of feet above the ground. Steven Galloway’s novel Ascension (Vintage) follows the life of a Romany tightrope walker from his early years in Transylvania to America and then on to British Columbia.
As the novel begins it is 1976. The twin towers still stand in New York City and Salvo Ursari is about to do the impossible.
Each episode is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode one: Salvo prepares to walk the gap between the World Trade Towers.
Episode two: Salvo remembers how his journey to the high wire began.
Episode three: A good job has bizarre results.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to the final episodes of Frank Parker Day’s Rockbound (University of Toronto Press), which was the Canada Reads winner in 2005.
Between The Covers presents the final episodes of The Restoration of Emily
Posted by Words At Large Admin on October 08 at 12:00 AM
Emily Harada is besieged on all sides in Kim Moritsugu’s novel The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn). Pressed by suitors, clients and friends it looks like Emily will have to face her ambiguous feelings about work and relationships. In the midst of it all her gruff sense of humour keeps getting Emily into trouble until the only way out is to fess up.
Each episode of The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn) is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode thirteen: All of Emily’s relationships come to a head.
Episode fourteen: Emily’s integrity is called to account.
Episode fifteen: Emily rediscovers her sense of humour.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Frank Parker Day’s Rockbound (University of Toronto Press), which was the Canada Reads winner in 2005 and also to Steven Galloway’s novel Ascension (Knopf).
The Restoration of Emily continues with episodes 10 through 12
Posted by Words At Large Admin on October 01 at 12:00 AM
Between The Covers is presenting The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn), Kim Moritsugu’s witty commentary on midlife crises. The story so far has freelance architect Emily Harada balancing work, motherhood and a budding romance.
Unfortunately for Emily’s peace of mind, her suitor is almost young enough to be her son. Neighbour Sylvia doesn’t see what the problem is but Emily can’t stop worrying.
Meanwhile Emily’s teenage son, Jesse, is acting secretive and her clients are giving her grief.
Each episode of The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn) is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode 10: Sylvia grills Emily about her date.
Episode 11: Emily is concerned about how fast Jesse is growing up.
Episode 12: Emily’s friend Sylvia brings her some unsettling news about Nils.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Frank Parker Day’s Rockbound (University of Toronto Press), which was the Canada Reads winner in 2005 and also to Steven Galloway’s novel Ascension (Knopf).
Between the Covers presents episodes seven to nine of The Restoration of Emily
Posted by Words At Large Admin on September 24 at 12:00 AM
Kim Moritsugu’s witty exploration of middle age follows 50-year-old architect Emily Harada. Essentially a private and solitary person, Emily finds herself dealing with a wide assortment of demands on her time.
A chance meeting brings her back in contact with a former student who still has a mad crush on her. Although this particular challenge is more pleasant than dealing with a grumpy teenager or a domineering client, Emily finds it no easier to come up with the appropriate response. That’s not a problem shared by her neighbour Sylvia, who is contemplating a brief affair while her husband is away on business. Another neighbour, Vera, has a different problem entirely — and everyone involved relies on Emily to referee.
Each episode of The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn) is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode seven: Emily is suddenly the center of attention.
Episode eight: Emily's ex-husband returns with his own opinion of what's going on.
Episode nine: More voices from Emily's past and a date with a younger man.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to stories from Vincent Lam’s award-winning book Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures (Doubleday) as well as Frank Parker Day’s Rockbound (University of Toronto Press), which was the Canada Reads winner in 2005.
Can Emily be wise and funny? Tune in to parts four to six of The Restoration of Emily
Posted by Words At Large Admin on September 17 at 12:00 AM
Between The Covers presents the next instalments of Kim Moritsugu’s entertaining look at middle age.
The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn) follows the roller-coaster life of architect Emily Harada. A single mom, she’ s managed to carve out a living for herself and her teenage son Jesse. But recently she’s begun to find the combined challenge of dealing with teen angst and eccentric clients to be a bit of a strain.
Then there are the concerns of her elderly neighbour, along with the intrigues of a married friend with a roving eye.
Each episode of this Between the Covers reading is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode four: Emily meets a domineering new client.
Episode five: Emily faces a challenge from a young architect.
Episode six: Emily's past comes back to haunt her.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to stories from Vincent Lam’s award-winning book Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures (Doubleday) and the first chapters of Frank Parker Day’s Rockbound (University of Toronto Press), which was the Canada Reads winner in 2005. (Photo of Kim Moritsugu: Anne Koyama)
The Restoration of Emily begins on Between the Covers
Posted by Words At Large Admin on September 10 at 12:00 AM
A solitary architect navigates her way through a storm of teen drama and cranky clients in Kim Moritsugu’s entertaining novel The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn).
Emily Harada is facing middle age with complete confidence. She restores historic homes for a living and manages her teenage son with relative calm. Then life gets in the way and all bets are off.
Toronto writer Kim Moritsugu is the author of three previous novels: Looks Perfect (shortlisted for the City of Toronto Book Award), Old Flames and The Glenwood Treasure (a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Best Crime Novel Award).
Each episode of this Between the Covers reading is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode one: Emily finds odd connections between motherhood and career.
Episode two: Emily discovers that teen behaviour is not limited to teenagers.
Episode three: Emily is surprised by a voice from the past.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Richard B. Wright 's Clara Callan (HarperCollins, a tale of two sisters in the early part of the last century, plus stories from Vincent Lam’s award-winning book Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures (Doubleday).
It’s the end of the line for the amazing Constantine brothers in Last Seen by Matt Cohen
Posted by Words At Large Admin on September 02 at 12:00 AM
(Photo: Seth McAllister) Between the Covers presents the final episodes of Last Seen (Vintage), Matt Cohen’s tragicomedy about two brothers and their relationship in life and death.
Alec and Harold Constantine have a very strong bond. When younger brother Harold dies, Alec is paralyzed with grief and regret.
In his search for understanding, Alec enters a very strange after-hours club called Club Elvis. There he meets his dead brother dancing to the music. Is Alec going insane?
Canadian actor R.H.Thompson narrates Alec’s desperate search through his memories for the answer to that and other questions.
Each episode of this Between The Covers reading is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode seven: Alec escapes to Paris where he has a strange visitor.
Episode eight: Alec gets another visit, this one much closer to home.
Episode nine: Alec goes back to Club Elvis to meet his dead brother.
Episode 10: Harold has one more surprise for brother Alec.
Our next audio book is The Restoration of Emily (Dundurn). Author Kim Moritsugu uses acerbic wit to portray the challenges of a middle-aged architect and single mom in this sparkling story.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
If you’d like to listen to other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Richard B. Wright's tale of two sisters, Clara Callan (HarperFlamingo), which won the Governor General’s Award and the Scotiabank Giller Prize, as well as stories from Vincent Lam’s Scotiabank Giller Award-winning book, Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures (Doubleday).
Miracles or delusions? Between the Covers presents episodes 4-6 of Last Seen
Posted by Words At Large Admin on August 27 at 12:00 AM
(Photo: Jay Lee) How do you bear the death of someone you love? Matt Cohen explores the question with grace and humor in his novel Last Seen (Vintage).
It’s the tale of two brothers, middle-aged Alec and his younger sibling Harold. When Harold dies of cancer, Alec stumbles through a time of grief and confusion, acting in ways that worry his family and friends.
Things bizarre and miraculous begin to occur. Alec finds himself in a surreal fantasy, visiting a bar called Club Elvis where the dead and the living mingle.
Asked about inventing Club Elvis, Cohen said "If you're going to entertain the notion that someone can come back from the dead and if you're part of the rock 'n' roll generation, then Elvis has got to cross your mind."
Nuff said.
Canadian actor R.H.Thompson narrates.
Each episode of this Between The Covers reading is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode four: Just back from Club Elvis, Alec tries to make sense of the experience.
Episode five: When he sees his dead brother, Alec fears he's going insane.
Episode six: Alec remembers his tangled relationship with his brother's girlfriend.
Cohen lost his own brother to cancer in the early '90s and less than a decade later succumbed to the disease himself. The Matt Cohen Prize is presented annually in Cohen's memory by the Writers’ Trust of Canada. The $20,000 prize honors a distinguished lifetime contribution to Canadian literature.
If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between The Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Clara Callan (HarperFlamingo), Richard B. Wright ‘s tale of two sisters in the early part of the last century, plus stories from Vincent Lam’s award-winning book Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures (Doubleday).
A journey from despair to laughter begins in Matt Cohen’s acclaimed novel Last Seen
Posted by Words At Large Admin on August 20 at 12:00 AM
Award-winning actor R.H. Thompson narrates this Between the Covers reading of Matt Cohen’s novel. Last Seen (Vintage) is a darkly comic portrait of a man who despairs after his brother dies — and of the curious woman who tries to bring them both back to life.
The novel is based on the death of Cohen’s younger brother in 1992 and shows his deft touch at treating life's difficult moments with a lightness and celebration, while still honouring their significance.
Diagnosed with lung cancer in 1998, just six years after his brother’s death, Matt Cohen kept on writing and in the fall of 1999 won the prestigious Governor General's Award for his novel Elizabeth and After (Vintage). Two weeks after that he succumbed to the disease.
Cohen authored more than 20 books in his career including an internationally acclaimed mystery called The Bookseller (Vintage) plus a number of books for children (under the pseudonym Teddy Jam) and works of translation from French to English.
In Last Seen grief is transformed to magic as two brothers reach across the line between life and death to celebrate love.
Each episode of Between the Covers is 15 to 16 minutes.
Episode one: In which we meet Harold, whose wry humour survives even a serious illness.
Episode two: Alec remembers an earlier time with Harold and wonders when it all began.
Episode three: As Alec struggles with grief over his brother's death, a miracle occurs.
You can also listen to previous Between the Covers podcasts.
And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear a Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to the final episodes of Rohinton Mistry’s novel of a family in conflict — Family Matters (Emblem Editions) — as well as Richard B. Wright's Clara Callan (HarperFlamingo), the tale of two sisters in the early part of the last century.
The final bittersweet episodes of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams unfold on Between the Covers
Posted by Words At Large Admin on August 13 at 12:00 AM
(Photo: Jerry Bauer) We’ve come to the final instalments of Wayne Johnston’s sweeping bestseller about one of this country’s most controversial characters. The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage) is a fictional account of Joey Smallwood’s rise from poverty to become Newfoundland’s first premier.
Taking the historical facts that made up Smallwood’s public life, Johnston imagines a rich private life for this man of many passions.
Born in 1900, Joseph Smallwood started out as one of 13 children, son of a bootmaker. All too aware of the plight of the working poor on the island, he soon became involved in trying to unionize fishermen and railroad workers. Later, as a journalist, radio personality and politician, he traveled across Newfoundland in an effort to convince the citizens to vote for Confederation.
All this is fact — but Johnston goes beyond the public record to create his vision of a man wracked by betrayal and unable to express love. For this Johnston invents the totally fictional character of Sheilagh Fielding, an old school friend of Smallwood’s, the woman he has always loved and never told. She is his foil throughout the novel, challenging his exploits at every turn, exposing both strength and weakness.
Each episode of Between the Covers is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode 13: Fielding pokes holes in Joey's dreams of confederation.
Episode 14: Neither his father nor Fielding are impressed by Joey's success.
Episode 15: Joey finally learns Fielding's secret.
You can also listen to previous episodes of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams.
If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Family Matters (Emblem Editions) by Rohinton Mistry and Clara Callan (HarperFlamingo) by Richard B.Wright.
Next week on the podcast, acclaimed actor R. H. Thompson will begin a reading of Last Seen (Vintage), Matt Cohen’s darkly comic novel about two brothers.
Love, politics and mystery haunt episodes 10 to 12 of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams
Posted by Words At Large Admin on August 06 at 12:00 AM
(Photo: Colin Peddle) Inspired by historical events, Wayne Johnston’s entertaining fictional biography of Newfoundland’s first premier reveals a brash, ambitious man of contradictions whose bold dreams were often naive.
The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage) is told in the first person by Johnston’s version of Joey Smallwood. This Between the Covers reading of the book is a tale full of lengthy journeys and thwarted loves.
At this point in the story Smallwood endures political betrayal and continues to strive for a better lot for the working poor in Newfoundland.
At the same time as he’s openly passionate about Newfoundland’s future, Smallwood can’t seem to express his personal feelings for the love of his life — journalist and former school chum Sheilagh Fielding.
Each episode of Between the Covers is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode 10: Joey's dreams for the country of Newfoundland take a terrible blow.
Episode 11: Joey becomes a radio personality and Fielding gives up drinking.
Episode 12: Joey feels betrayed when Fielding is seen with an American soldier.
You can also listen to previous episodes of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams.
If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Family Matters (Emblem Editions) by Rohinton Mistry and Clara Callan (HarperFlamingo) by Richard B. Wright.
Fact and fiction blur in episodes seven to nine of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams
Posted by Words At Large Admin on July 30 at 12:00 AM
Newfoundland actor Boyd Norman brings to life a man of destiny in this Between the Covers reading.
The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage) by Wayne Johnston is a fictional biography of the last Father of Confederation: Joey Smallwood.
It’s been almost 60 years since Newfoundland joined Confederation, largely due to Smallwood’s efforts. He tramped the length and breadth of the island to persuade isolated folk to put their lives in the hands of people from the mainland.
The act creating the new province came into force just before midnight on March 31, 1949, but ceremonies marking the occasion did not take place until April 1. Some local wags noted that the joke may have been on them, and you can still find that thought echoed on the island today.
It was no joke for Joseph Smallwood, though. Author Wayne Johnston takes the few things known of Smallwood’s private life and weaves a gripping fictional portrait of a poor boy from the wrong side of the tracks who reached the pinnacle of success.
Each episode of Between the Covers is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode seven: The enigmatic Fielding comes back into Smallwood’s life.
Episode eight: Smallwood's passion to make a better life for the islanders is viewed with suspicion.
Episode nine: Broken promises force Smallwood to try a new tack.
You can also listen to previous episodes of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams.
If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Family Matters (Emblem Editions) by Rohinton Mistry.
Destiny calls in episodes four to six of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams
Posted by Words At Large Admin on July 24 at 12:00 AM
(Photo: NFB / Library and Archives Canada) Between the Covers continues its reading of Wayne Johnston’s novel about one of Newfoundland’s most controversial figures, Joey Smallwood. The narration is by an actor who comes from Newfoundland, Boyd Norman.
In The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Knopf), Johnston invented an inner life and personal history for a very public man. Little was recorded about Smallwood’s life before the age of 50, so Johnston had a lot of leeway in creating the politician’s early influences and “backstory.”
This bestselling novel is historical fiction about relatively recent times. The last father of Confederation died in 1991, and Johnston actually met Smallwood when the author was a teenager.
Smallwood began in abject poverty, and worked as a journalist for a socialist newspaper and as a union leader before he entered politics and dreamed up a new destiny for his homeland.
The New York Times called The Colony of Unrequited Dreams a “biting, entertaining and inventive saga…a brilliant and bravura literary performance.”
Each episode of Between the Covers is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode four: At 15, Smallwood becomes a court reporter.
Episode five: Shocked by desperate conditions in Newfoundland, Smallwood goes abroad to find the answer.
Episode six: Smallwood’s experience in New York is an eye opener.
You can also listen to previous episodes of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams.
If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Alias Grace (Seal Books) by Margaret Atwood and Family Matters (Emblem Editions) by Rohinton Mistry.
A legend begins in Wayne Johnston’s best-selling novel, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams
Posted by Words At Large Admin on July 16 at 12:00 AM
How do your fictionalize a man who was already larger than life? Between the Covers takes us to the East Coast to begin a reading of Wayne Johnston’s fictional biography of Joey Smallwood, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage).
Johnston’s novel about the man who brought Newfoundland into Confederation is full of incident and intrigue. The author uses both fact and invention to chart Smallwood's rise to power, from his poverty-stricken beginnings to his appointment to the premier's office. The narration is done with verve and energy by actor Boyd Norman, who hails from the Rock.
Each episode of this book reading is 17 to 18 minutes.
Episode one: A poor boy discovers the beginning of a great dream.
Episode two: Smallwood struggles to fit in at Bishop Field School.
Episode three: Smallwood's cleverness gets him into trouble.
If you’re interested in other audio books, go to the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Alias Grace (Seal Books) by Margaret Atwood and Family Matters (Emblem Editions) by Rohinton Mistry.
This week on Between the Covers, the final thrilling episodes of All Hat
Posted by Words At Large Admin on July 09 at 12:00 AM
We’re in the home stretch of Brad Smith’s novel All Hat (Penguin). It’s a modern western set amid the racetracks of southern Ontario. True to form, the good guys and the bad guys are heading for a showdown.
Ray Dokes, an ex-ballplayer as well as an ex-con, is on the side of the angels. So are his motley assortment of friends: a temperamental jockey named Chrissie, a part-time nurse named Etta, a gifted ranch hand named Paulie and an aging farmer named Pete.
They have a plan to get back at Sonny Stanton, the scheming rich boy who’s trying to force some of the locals to sell their farms.
Ray is sure he can outwit Sonny using the stolen Stanton thoroughbred — but can he risk being sent back to jail just to right some old wrongs?
As this week’s readings begin, Ray brings in a couple of last minute additions to the team.
Each episode of Between the Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode 13: Ray gathers the team that will pull the scam on Sonny.
Episode 14: It's payback time.
Episode 15: How can Ray return the horse and avoid going to jail?
If you’re interested in other readings, click here to go to the Hear a Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Alias Grace (Seal Books) by Margaret Atwood and Family Matters (Emblem Editions) by Rohinton Mistry.
And next week on the podcast, don’t miss a story about one of this country’s most compelling characters. It’s A Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage Canada) by Wayne Johnston.
There’s more than one way to steal a horse in episodes 10 to 12 of All Hat
Posted by Words At Large Admin on July 02 at 12:00 AM
(Photo: Adamantios) This week on the Between the Covers podcast, everyone is looking for a missing $12 million racehorse.
Brad Smith’s thriller All Hat (Penguin) delves into the world of horse racing, gambling and good old-fashioned small town values.
Set in the rolling countryside of southern Ontario, the novel follows a hard-working handyman named Ray Dokes. He’s trying to help his friends keep their farms in the face of tough times.
On the other side of the fence is the local bully, a rich man’s son named Sonny Stanton. If his father doesn’t recover from a coma, Sonny will inherit Stanton Stables so he should be worried about the stolen racehorse. At the moment, though, he seems more interested in opening an exclusive golf course.
The two bunglers behind the kidnapping — or is that horse-napping? — are facing their own quandary. How do you make money from a stolen item that’s so well known?
As this week’s readings begin Sonny thinks he’s found a way to get more cheap property at the expense of Ray’s friends.
Each episode of Between the Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode 10: Etta’s farm is the focus of Sonny’s latest scheme.
Episode 11: Ray comes to his own conclusions about the stolen horse.
Episode 12: Paulie and Ray plan a sting operation.
If you’re interested in other readings, click here to go to the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Alias Grace (Seal Books) by Margaret Atwood.
Heroes and thieves rub shoulders in episodes seven to nine of All Hat
Posted by Words At Large Admin on June 25 at 12:00 AM
(Photo credit: Paul Friel) Brad Smith’s novel All Hat (Penguin) takes us on a romp through southern Ontario racetracks.
The reading on Between the Covers features horse breeders and hangers-on, loud-mouthed slackers and an honest ex-con. Ray Dokes is fresh out of jail and trying to stay out of trouble. But his friends are hurting because of the lean times, and Ray is looking for ways to help them.
Ray’s nemesis is Sonny Stanton, a ne’er-do-well gambler whose father owns the high-priced horses at Stanton Stables. Unfortunately for everyone around him, Sonny can’t see beyond his next scam and thinks he should get whatever he wants.
As this week’s readings begin, the racing season is underway and the field is wide open.
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode seven: Pete's mortgage is riding on one final race.
Episode eight: Dean ropes Paulie into another bizarre plan to make money.
Episode nine: Dean’s plan hits a snag.
If you’re interested in other readings, click here to go to the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Alias Grace (Seal Books) by Margaret Atwood and Last Seen (Vintage Canada) by Matt Cohen.
Between the Covers is off to the races with episodes four to six of All Hat
Posted by Words At Large Admin on June 18 at 12:00 AM
(Photo credit: Bob Jagendorf) Brad Smith’s novel All Hat (Penguin Group Canada) is narrated by John Cleland, who won a New York Festivals Radio award for this Between the Covers reading.
Ray Dokes is trying to get his life together and stay out of trouble. He spent two years in prison for beating up a local bully named Sonny Stanton.
Now Ray has a job as a roofer, and is living on a small horse farm in southern Ontario, owned by his friend Pete. Like many of the local farmers, he’s barely making ends meet. Meanwhile, Sonny is scheming to buy up farms for a major development.
Pete is hoping to make mortgage payments with a gelding he figures has one or two good races in him. The horse can’t compete with the million dollar horses up at Stanton Farms, but he just might get lucky in some of the smaller stake races.
As this week’s readings begin, we meet the Stanton Farm race crew. One of them is a lazy loafer, living up to the expression that gave Smith the title of the book: “all hat, no cattle.”
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode four: Sonny’s poor treatment of the ranch hands causes trouble.
Episode five: Sonny gets some bad news about his finances.
Episode six: Violence erupts at the racetrack.
If you’re interested in other readings, click here to go to the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Alias Grace (Seal Books) by Margaret Atwood and Last Seen (Vintage Canada) by Matt Cohen.
Brad Smith’s racetrack thriller All Hat begins on Between the Covers
Posted by Words At Large Admin on June 11 at 12:00 AM
This week you can hear the opening episodes of All Hat (Penguin Group Canada), Brad Smith’s gritty novel about vengeance and redemption. Set in small-town Ontario among horse breeders and racetracks, the book is a modern western full of fast-paced dialogue, big-hearted characters and a villain or two.
Between the Covers’ rendition of All Hat is narrated by Toronto actor John Cleland. The novel was also turned into a movie by New Real Films and debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall.
The title for Smith’s third novel comes from the expression “all hat, no cattle,” referring to someone who talks big but can’t back it up. The main character, Ray Dokes, is the real deal, a man who says what he means and follows through on all promises.
Dokes is just out of prison and back home after two years away. The rural landscape is changing, even though the characters from Ray's past are still there. Most of them are honest folk, but there's an assortment of bad apples led by Sonny Stanton, the man who got Ray into trouble in the first place.
As the reading begins, Ray isn’t sure what he’s going to do with the rest of his life, but at least a friend meets him at the jail doors.
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current installments are below. IIf you wish to listen to previous books, click here.
Episode one: Fresh out of jail, Ray discovers a lot has changed.
Episode two: Ray has to face old friends and enemies.
Episode three: Old feuds are re-ignited.
If you’re interested in other BTC readings, click here to go to the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Alias Grace (Seal Books) by Margaret Atwood and Last Seen (Vintage Canada) by Matt Cohen.
Catch the final instalments of Shauna Singh Baldwin’s award-winning novel What the Body Remembers
Posted by Words At Large Admin on June 04 at 12:00 AM
Between the Covers presents episodes eighteen to twenty of Shauna Singh Baldwin’s saga about a Sikh family.
Roop, the second wife of a Punjab landowner named Sardarji, is the mainstay of a family facing enormous challenges.
So far in the story, the partition of India into two countries has left Sardarji’s ancestral home inside the newly formed Pakistan. Muslims are flowing toward that new country, while Sikhs and Hindus caught there are frantic to find safety on the Indian side of the border. Violence accompanies this displacement of millions of people.
Sardarji’s wife Roop has to flee to Delhi with the children. Meanwhile Sardarji must give up his job in Punjab to a Muslim colleague, and plans to follow his family when he can. Once in Delhi, Roop discovers that men are having great trouble adapting to all this change. Can she hold the family together and help them all create a new life in a new place?
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current installments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode Eighteen - Roop fears for Sardarji’s safety.
Episode Nineteen - Roop tries to find the rest of her family.
Episode Twenty – Roop faces her most difficult challenge.
What the Body Remembers is published by Knopf Canada. This reading was narrated by Madhuri Bhatia.
Next week we begin a new book. Brad Smith’s All Hat (Penguin Canada) is a rollicking adventure about horse racing and gamblers.
If you’re interested in other readings, click here to go to the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Last Seen (Vintage Canada) by Matt Cohen and A Recipe for Bees (Knopf Canada) by Gail Anderson-Dargatz.
Between the Covers continues its dramatic reading of Shauna Singh Baldwin's novel What the Body Remembers, with episodes 14 through 17
Posted by Words At Large Admin on May 28 at 12:00 AM
It’s 1947, and India’s drive for independence from Britain is becoming ever more complicated. Disagreements amongst India’s leaders mean the country will be divided into a primarily Hindu India and a Muslim Pakistan, with Sikhs caught in the middle.
As the country changes dramatically, Sardarji, a Sikh landowner in the Punjab region, struggles to hold onto his property. Meanwhile, his second wife, Roop, is forced to step out of her traditional role and take charge of much more than the household.
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. The current installments are below. If you wish to catch up with previous episodes, click here.
Episode Fourteen – Sardarji faces an uncertain future.
Episode Fifteen – Sardarji has to deal with a strike.
Episode Sixteen – Roop and the children flee Lahore.
Episode Seventeen – The family’s survival is at stake.
What the Body Remembers: Shauna Singh Baldwin’s award-winning novel continues on Between the Covers
Posted by Words At Large Admin on May 21 at 12:00 AM
In her debut novel, What The Body Remembers, Shauna Singh Baldwin follows the lives of two Sikh wives as they wrestle for power in a male-dominated world.
Singh Baldwin has remarked on the similarities between circumstances in her novel and current societies in India, Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., all places she has lived. Class and gender relations, affirmative action, surrogate motherhood and polygamy are some of the hot-button topics she identifies as links between the novel and today’s world.
What The Body Remembers begins in 1937 in Rawalpindi, in the Punjab region of India. Partition is ten years away but tensions are mounting. At the center of the story are Satya, Roop and their husband Sardarji.
Satya is over 40 and unable to bear children. So Sardarji, a wealthy Sikh landowner and canal engineer, takes a second wife, the beautiful young Roop.
At 16, Roop is eager to leave her village for a better life. Although Satya seems to treat Roop like a younger sister, she secretly undermines her. As Roop bears children, the household is divided by passion and politics, much like the country itself.
This week we present episodes ten through thirteen.
Episode Ten - Roop comes up with a plan to top all of Satya's schemes.
Episode Eleven – Roop’s plan is revealed.
Episode Twelve - Satya plots a terrible revenge.
Episode Thirteen - Roop faces Satya's final challenge.
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. If you wish to listen to previous episodes click here.
What the Body Remembers: politics and the power of love in Shauna Singh Baldwin's novel
Posted by Words At Large Admin on May 14 at 12:00 AM
Shauna Singh Baldwin's tale of a family caught between tradition and change continues on Between the Covers with episodes six through nine.
The setting is India in the late 1930s, with the country moving towards independence. On the family front, polygamy is still legal. Roop, a young Sikh woman, marries a wealthy landowner and tries to come to terms with his jealous first wife, Satya. Their husband, Sardarji, is caught up in politics and oblivious to the struggle in his own household.
What the Body Remembers was Shauna Singh Baldwin's first novel and has since been translated into twelve languages. The novel takes a clear-eyed look at the transformation of a country and its people, including the three characters at the heart of the tale.
Episode Six - Roop discovers that her husband's first wife is a powerful and vindictive woman.
Episode Seven - A jealous Satya threatens Roop's happiness.
Episode Eight - Roop pays a high price to set things right.
Episode Nine - Roop falls prey to more of Satya's scheming.
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. If you want to catch up with previous episodes click here.
What the Body Remembers: the sweeping tale of one family in pre-Partition India begins on Between the Covers
Posted by Words At Large Admin on May 07 at 12:00 AM
Shauna Singh Baldwin’s first novel explores the conflicts between two Sikh wives in a polygamous marriage, in the context of escalating political and social tensions in northwestern India.
What the Body Remembers won the 2000 Commonwealth Prize for Best Book in Canada and the Caribbean. An intimate story of love, jealousy and forgiveness, What the Body Remembers was on the National Post’s bestseller list for 42 weeks.
The Publishers Weekly reviewer wrote: "The dramatic and brutal story behind the 1947 partition of India, as played out in the region of Punjab, is the compelling backdrop for this stunning first novel…”
Listen to the opening chapters of What The Body Remembers, read by the noted Toronto actor Madhuri Bhatia.
Episode One - A young Sikh bride meets the manipulative senior wife.
Episode Two - The unusual origins of Sardarji's young second wife.
Episode Three - Roop's pampered existence changes with the death of her mother.
Episode Four - Roop is taken in hand at a Sikh girls school.
Episode Five - Roop tries to understand the traditional role of wife.
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes. You can download other Between The Covers readings on the archives page. Just click here to access available readings.
Humour and compassion highlight the final adventures of King Leary
Posted by Words At Large Admin on April 30 at 12:00 AM
This year’s Canada Reads winner explores ambition, commitment and human frailty in the humorous tale of an aging hockey legend. Paul Quarrington’s novel tells the story of an ordinary guy with some extraordinary talents, both on the ice and for self-delusion.
Actor Michael Hogan (Battlestar Galactica) brings King Leary to life. In this week’s concluding installments, the final pieces of Leary’s past fall into place with a little help from a couple of ghosts.
Each episode of Between The Covers is approximately 15 minutes, and the whole audio version is 20 episodes. If you're just arriving, click here to access all episodes.
Episode Sixteen – Leary is challenged as King of the Ice.
Episode Seventeen – Leary must face the truth about both his sons.
Episode Eighteen - A ghost visits Percival Leary.
Episode Nineteen - The hot lights of the television commercial bring everything to a head.
Episode Twenty – A shocking gift is left in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Next week we begin the podcast of a new book, What the Body Remembers, by award-winning author Shauna Singh Baldwin. It's the story of a young Sikh woman who struggles to keep her family together during the tumultuous years leading up to the creation of Pakistan.
King Leary Episodes 7-10
Posted by Words At Large Admin on April 16 at 12:00 AM
Follow the adventures of King Leary, episodes seven through ten.
Due to popular demand, we're posting several episodes of our Between the Covers podcast each week.
Today, you can download several (or four if you prefer) and enjoy them at your leisure.
Paul Quarrington's novel King Leary won the coveted Canada Reads prize in February 2008. It was defended by musician Dave Bidini, formerly of the Rheostatics, a hockey fan and no mean writer himself.
The BTC reading is narrated by Vancouver actor Michael Hogan (Battlestar Galatica). He animates the life and times of hockey legend Percival Leary, who looks back on his glory days and misadventures dating back to the early 1900s.
This week's readings start with young Leary and his buddy Manny Oz developing their hockey skills at the Bowmanville Reformatory. While they're skating rings around the other boys, the rest of the world is sliding into war. The simple joys of winning the game give way to tough decisions, at a time when all past mistakes can be forgiven for those who sign up.
Each BTC reading is approximately 15 minutes, and the whole audio version is 20 episodes. If you're just arriving now, click here to get earlier episodes.
Listen to episodes seven to ten here.
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
King Leary Episode 6
Posted by Words At Large Admin on April 09 at 12:00 AM
King Leary continues on the Between The Covers podcast this week.
Percival Leary regales nursing home staff and anyone who will listen with tales of his glory days as a hockey star. It seems someone was listening because the 87 yr old has been hired to do a gingerale commercial with the next generation of hockey legends. The problem is he’d rather bring his roommate and his nurse along but not his son.
You can download the next chapter right here.
King Leary Episode 5
Posted by Words At Large Admin on April 02 at 11:33 AM
Time for another chapter in Paul Quarrington’s novel King Leary. This year’s Canada Reads winner blends laughs and sighs in a story about three friends who lived large. So far in the tale an aging Leary remembers the time Clay asked him to avenge his sister’s honor. A prank seemed the best way to do it. When it blows up in his face Percival Leary ends up on his way to the Reformatory for Boys where he meets some amazing skating monks.
King Leary Episode 4
Posted by Words At Large Admin on March 26 at 12:00 AM
Canada Reads winner - King Leary continues with episode four.
When an ad agency invites Percival Leary to the city to make a commercial he jumps at the chance. At his advanced age there aren’t many who remember his sports career. As others prepare, Leary remembers the event that actually started Leary on the road to becoming King of the Ice. A prank that went wrong.
King Leary Episode 3
Posted by Words At Large Admin on March 19 at 12:00 AM
On the Between The Covers podcast this week we continue with Canada Reads winner King Leary by Paul Quarrington. The book examines the life of aging hockey star Percival Leary complete with a cast of eccentric characters. He's continually reminding people of his past exploits, yet none of them seem to remember Leary's career the way he does. In this episode one of his sons comes to visit at the nursing home.
King Leary Episode 2
Posted by Words At Large Admin on March 12 at 12:00 AM
Percival Leary, Hockey Hall of Famer and former King of the Ice, leaves the nursing home and travels to the big city in Paul Quarrington’s novel King Leary. The book is this year’s winner in the Canada Reads debate. Last week we met an odd assortment of characters who have played major parts in Leary’s life. In this episode we get to know Leary’s best friend - a man who would offer him the best and worst moments of his life.
King Leary
Posted by Words At Large Admin on March 05 at 12:00 AM
Paul Quarrington's novel King Leary brought home the prize in this year's Canada Reads debates and starting this week you can hear it read on the Between The Covers podcast.
Michael Hogan left the bridge of Battlestar Galactica to narrate the story of 87 yr old Percival Leary - a dryly funny, cantankerous man who lives in a nursing home and relives his hockey career with an equally ancient roommate and a quirky nurse.
Battle Royal
Posted by Words At Large Admin on February 27 at 12:00 AM
Have you read the five books contending in this year's CANADA READS debate? In the Between The Covers podcast this week you can hear some of Canada's top actors read selections from each of the books. Have a listen and then make your own decision about which book should be left standing. Then visit the CANADA READS page for the latest forums, blogs and podcasts to find out who's dropped off the list.
Still Life with Children: the final chapter
Posted by Words At Large Admin on February 20 at 12:00 AM
As he approaches the end of his year as stay-at-home dad, Richard Scrimger prepares his brood for the challenges of moving to a new home. The joys of brand new appliances and more space have to be measured against that final trip to the favourite playground and the inevitable leaving behind of old friends.
Still Life With Children is written by Richard Scrimger, published by HarperCollins and read by Bill Dow.
Still Life with Children Episode 9
Posted by Words At Large Admin on February 13 at 12:00 AM
Summer Vacation
This week on the Between The Covers podcast, Richard Scrimger takes his cosy clan to the cottage. It's a lovely lake with a snug spot just waiting for them...if they can get all the absolutely necessary luggage into the car in the first place. And if they can actually follow the quaint map drawn by the leasor.
It's Still Life With Children episode nine by Richard Scrimger.
Still Life with Children Episode 8
Posted by Words At Large Admin on February 06 at 12:00 AM
Richard Scrimger's year in the life of a stay-at- home dad has taken us from ghosts and goblins through birthday tribulations to Christmas concerts. He's pampered the sick, folded the laundry and tried not to burn the house down baking cookies. In this episode an old promise comes back to haunt him.
What do you mean you want to go to Wonderland?
Still Life with Children Episode 7
Posted by Words At Large Admin on January 30 at 12:00 AM
Still Life with Children is a lively look at parenting that has reviewers alternately laughing and raising eyebrows. Here's an example: "Richard Scrimger is a stay-at-home dad who bakes cookies, looks after four children, dreams happily about stacks of clean, folded laundry, shops for table-settings, and makes his kids’ Hallowe’en costumes. I can’t decide whether he should be killed or cloned.”
In this week's episode Scrimger enters a new chapter of life when he has to take on fears both real and imaginary.
Still Life with Children Episode 6
Posted by Words At Large Admin on January 23 at 12:00 AM
Four young children and looming holidays put Richard Scrimger on high alert. It's episode six of Still Life With Children and only the strong will survive.
Still Life with Children Episode 5
Posted by Words At Large Admin on January 16 at 12:00 AM
Richard Scrimger's romp through one full year with four energetic children continues this week on the Between The Covers podcast. Winter has arrived in episode five and so has the flu season. Four children--one stay-at-home dad. So many possibilities.
Still Life with Children Episode 4
Posted by Words At Large Admin on January 09 at 12:00 AM
In the last episode Richard Scrimger survived two birthday parties on the same day.The house is intact and he managed to make sure all the party goers were returned to the correct parents. Now it's time to move on to challenges worthy of a journalist and writer. Next up - a trip to the playground with four mobile and very different personalities.
Still Life with Children Episode 3
Posted by Words At Large Admin on January 02 at 12:00 AM
It's survival of the fittest when two birthday parties collide in Richard Scrimger's novel Still Life with Children. Last week the twins' father was coerced into having two separate birthday parties on the same day. Thea's party was in the morning and the house is still intact. In this episode it's time to open Thea's presents but Sam's guests are about to arrive.
Still Life with Children Episode 2
Posted by Words At Large Admin on December 26 at 12:00 AM
There's always a caveat when it comes to birthday parties for seven year olds. In the case of Richard Scrimger's lively novel Still Life with Children it might be the fact that this family has twins. Of course they both want a separate party. On the same day. Not to be left out their younger and extremely active siblings want to help. Got the picture.
Take a listen to episode two of Still Life With Children.
Still Life with Children Episode 1
Posted by Words At Large Admin on December 19 at 12:00 AM
Adventures in parenthood with a stay-at-home dad.
We dip into the life of Richard Scrimger as he chases his brood of four through the calendar year. In this first chapter he discovers the high art of culinary sleight of hand and that very important fact-never, never mistake quiet for peace.
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