Best in the West

Western Canadian literature often provides a fresh perspective on life and writing in Canada -- especially to those who do not live in the Prairies or British Columbia. Every year, the publishers and writers of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan publish a small booklet entitled Best of the West, which gives brief summaries of excellent examples of contemporary Western literature. Here is a look at some of the titles that are featured in this year's roundup.

No collection of Western Canadian literature would be complete without something from W. O. Mitchell. Even though it has been several years since he passed away, his work endures. Now, his warm voice has been released on An Evening with W. O. Michell, which features him reciting five of his favorite stories.

We usually read the words of writers, but not as often can put a face to the name. Calgary photographer Don Denton hopes to remedy this situation with First Chapter: The Canadian Writers Photography Project. The first in a projected series, this slim volume features photographs of 50 established and emerging Canadian writers, along with their own words about their lives as writers.

Another example of words and photographs is Emily Carr Country, from photographer Courtney Milne. Milne takes quotes from Carr, a legendary Western Canadian artist, and matches them with his beautiful photography.

Swimming into Darkness is Gail Helgason's first novel. A young woman in the midst of the 1962 doctors' strike in Saskatchewan discovers the mythic forces that shaped the life of an Icelandic-Canadian poet.

In the area of Children's Literature, there is a lot to be excited about, with a new book from Alison Lohans (Waiting for the Sun). Young cowboy enthusiasts will enjoy Born to be a Cowgirl from Candace Savage. Cathy Beveridge's Offside is perfect for the hockey lover and those interested in reading about teen addiction, and is based upon real events that happened in Calgary.

Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy The Prairie Gardener's Sourcebook. Then, they will get a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor (pardon the pun) with books like Pete Luckett's The Greengrocer's Kitchen: Fruits & Nuts and John Butler's Zucchini: You Can Never Have Enough.

Some other titles in the brochure include the work of authors that have been featured here at Canadian Literature at Suite101.com: Turning Samoan by Dennis Chute, Whipstock by Barb Howard, Alberta Originals by Brian Brennan, and A Song for Nettie Johnson by Gloria Sawai.

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