Technically this is a product + book review, because not only do I regale my viewers with (somewhat) insightful comments on Kim Thuy’s latest book Vi, but I also review some local chocolate by Master Chocolat! Yes, I’m really taking to this chocolate blogging thing, it’s a true passion of mine. I’ve also changed my camera setting from auto-focus to manual focus, which I think is better, but let me know if this is the case.
Anywho, I loved Vi, and I’m really excited to be interviewing Thuy in October for Wordfest, along with a few other Can-lit heavyweights (Elizabeth Hay, Esi Edugyan, Wayne Grady just to name a few). I should also mention that I recorded this video before Kim was longlisted for the Giller Prize, so congratulations to her on that. If you have any questions you’d like me to pass along to her or any of these amazing authors, comment below! And as always, thanks for watching my videos.
I fear the chocolate reviewing is never going to work if you keep eating it all before you get around to reviewing it! Either that or you’ll just have to get a bigger stock in next time…
haha yes, there lies the true challenge doesn’t it?
I just finished reading Vi yesterday. The writing was beautiful, as it is in her other books. I didn’t know she had 4 out – I’ve only read three – Ru, Man, and Vi. I think I mentioned before that they all have a similar style. I feel like reading her books is like a breath of fresh air. Especially if you read one after a more difficult book, which I did in this case. I read it right after Split Tooth, and it felt like such a relief. (I don’t know yet what that says about Split Tooth – I have to think about that. Have you read that one yet?)
Anyway, good luck with all your reading and research!
I haven’t read split tooth yet, and now i’m dying to hear what you think of it! The content would be difficult for sure, but is the writing hard to follow too?
I didn’t find it hard to follow, but it’s pretty harsh at times. Graphic and upsetting. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing – just different and not as easy to read about.
Ah, that’s not surprising. I bought tickets to see her perform here next week, I’m really looking forward to it.
Ooo… you’ll have to report back!
I’ve heard that the same people who do the Christmas story advent calendar thing also have a Halloween version that was chosen by Patton Oswalt. Are you going to do a Halloween sort of advent calendar with video reviews this year?
And the question that I would have for the author of the book that you were reviewed is what was his or her intentions with the form versus the content? You noted that the margins are quite large, and the book, as you held it up, actually look pretty big to me, so I was surprised to learn that it was so short.
Ohhh good question!
Yes, the Halloween box is something I’m interested in, but I don’t have time to do it. I was actually speaking with the publisher of it on the weekend, and she said that they have a new one coming too!
I would watch every little video 😄 I’d be especially interested to hear what kind of horror people are writing these days. However, today is October 1st, so you’re already too late!
I know!!! Maybe next year? Although I’m always so busy with our writers festival in October…
Okay, but the Christmas one? You promise?? *super serious, longing stare*
Definitely the Christmas one!