The JCC Jewish Book Festival will be held this year from November 26 to December 1. An exciting roundup of writers from across Canada, the US, and Israel will converge in Vancouver for this popular cultural event that attracts both celebrated authors and a wide audience from across the Lower Mainland.
[David Guterson. Photo credit: Alan Berner]
This one week festival offers something of interest for every age group and literary taste, including:
– Unique meet the author opportunities
– Literary readings and panel discussions
– A literary cocktail evening
– Book club event
– Writing and self-publishing workshops
– Children’s authors
– Film screenings
– A used bookstore
– An onsite bookstore open throughout the festival
– An art exhibit based on the real story of Curious George creator H.A. Rey’s escape from Nazi Germany
[Etgar Keret]
Featured festival authors include:
– Israeli writer and film maker Etgar Keret, in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel, recorded for broadcast on CBC Writers & Company
– Pen Faulkner award winner David Guterson (Snow Falling on Cedars) showcasing his new book, Ed King, in a special book club event hosted by CBC’s Sheryl MacKay
– An intimate writer’s salon with David Bezmozgis and Mann Booker Prize nominee Alison Pick
– Bravo’s Top Chef and Iron Chef America’s judge and foodie writer Danyelle Freeman
– Giller prize nominee Alexi Zentner with a panel of professionals addressing the timely issue of suicide awareness with poet/writer Jill Bialosky
– Bestselling local writers Roberta Rich (The Midwife of Venice), Joel Bakan (Children Under Siege & The Corporation), Daniel Kalla (The Far Side Of The Sky)
– Celebrated children’s writers Aubrey Davis (Bagels from Benny, The Enormous Potato), Dan Bar-el, Rae Mate and Ellen Schwartz
[Joel Bakan. Photo credit: Gordan Dumka]
‘The Jewish Book Festival is a wide-reaching and inclusive event that reaches out to readers from all cultures and religions,’ according to Festival director, Nicole Nozick. ‘Jewish writers don’t write only about Jewish subjects – their themes are universal: family relationships, love, humour, history. There is something for everyone with our diverse and entertaining selection of celebrated authors and panelists.’
[Roberta Rich. Photo credit: Guy Immega]
Mark your calendars now. Up to the minute festival updates can be found online.
[Alison Pick]
The Jewish Book Festival program guide is available at select locations throughout the Lower Mainland. All events will place at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (950 West 41st Ave at Cambie).
