Giller-a-thon

Those that have been reading my blog for more than a couple months will know that every year I make the lofty goal of reading the Giller-nominated books for the given year. I wasn't sure if I was going to do it this year because of financial restraints (meaning I really don't need anymore books, so stay away from the bookstore) and timing (so many books I want to read, so little time). Then, yesterday, the short-list was announced. I have not read any of the books on it, but I own them all! I was shocked! This means that I will be doing my Giller-a-thon afterall. The goal is to read all five books before the winner is announced.

The short listed books are:

Linden MacIntyre – The Bishop’s Man
Kim Echlin – The Disappeared
Colin McAdam – Fall
Anne Michaels – The Winter Vault
Annabel Lyon – The Golden Mean

As to the list. If the Michaels wasn't on the long-list, I probably never would have got it or read it. I am one of those few human beings that didn't like Fugitive Pieces at all! Otherwise, I have another book by Linden MacIntyre on my TBR pile. That is the extent of my familiarity with these authors.

And, yes, I was shocked that Margaret Atwood didn't make the list. I also wondered about Alice Munro, but I guess she removed herself from the running! I missed that announcement. As to Atwood, I am actually not a bit Atwood fan. The only book by her I have ever read and enjoyed was Oryx & Crake. The Handmaid's Tale was all right, but it took me three or four tries to finish that book. There is something about her writing that just doesn't appeal to me. So, even though it didn't make the list, I will still be reading Year of the Flood because it is a companion book to the only book by her I ever really enjoyed!

Speaking of Canadian books, there is something else on the agenda for today! I was talking to Chris, from Stuff as Dreams are Made on on Twitter the other night and we got on the topic of Canadian books and authors. It turns out that Chris has not read very many Canadian authors! This lead to me being given (or, well volunteering) the chance to pick a Canadian book for Chris to read! Unfortunately, the book I wanted him to read is not available at his library. He is on a book-buying ban, so buying was really out.

After careful consideration, though, I have decided that he should read Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King. It is one of my favourite Canadian fiction books.