What's new at 8th House...
Join Mark Foss tonight for an evening of words and music at the Lawn Chair Soirée in Montreal!
Book trailer for Borrowed Memories by Mark Foss now available!
Immerse yourself in the world of Borrowed Memories, a novel that promises to take you on an unforgettable journey through time, love, and the power of memories and experience the captivating trailer for this much-anticipated novel.
Also don't forget to keep the date for the official launch. This is your chance to meet Mark Foss, get a glimpse into his creative process, and celebrate the launch of his latest work. Join fellow book lovers and fans for an evening of excitement, discussion, and literary delight. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Date: Thursday, June 6th, 2024
Time: 7:00pm
Location: De Stiil Booksellers, 351 avenue Duluth Est, Montreal, Canada
Don't miss out on this exclusive event! Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us at De Stiil Booksellers.
See you there!
#MarkFoss #BorrowedMemories #BookTrailerLaunch #DeStiilBooksellers #MontrealEvents #LiteraryLaunch #BookLovers #SupportAuthors #LiteraryEvent
Join us for an Exciting Event at Warwick's Bookstore in La Jolla, California!
We're thrilled to announce a special event as part of Warwick's ongoing Weekends with Locals Program! Sunday, July 14th, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, Warwick's in San Diego, California will be hosting the talented author Steve Schlam, who will be presenting his latest work, *The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane*.
**Date:** Sunday, July 14th
**Time:** 1:00pm - 3:00pm
**Location:** Warwick's Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Steve Schlam, delve into the intriguing world of *The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane*, and get your copy signed by the author himself! Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this event promises to be an enriching experience.
Don't miss out on this chance to support local authors and enjoy a delightful afternoon at your favorite bookstore. Bring your friends, family, and fellow book lovers!
#WarwicksBookstore #LocalAuthors #BookSigning #SteveSchlam #TheHarvestingOfHaystacksKane #WeekendsWithLocals #LaJollaEvents #SupportLocalAuthors #BookLoversUnite
BOOK LAUNCH - Borrowed Memories by Mark Foss - June 6, 2024
Join us for the launch of Mark Foss’s third novel, Borrowed Memories! Montréal writer Cora Siré will animate a discussion with Mark about the book that will include readings and a Q&A with the audience. Pre-orders are welcome, allowing Mark more time to write a personal inscription!
Thursday, 19:00, June 6th, 2024
De Stiil Booksellers
351 avenue Duluth Est, Montreal, Canada
About Borrowed Memories
Ivan Pyefinch, a freelance translator, is the self-appointed custodian of family memory. He moves home to the Thousand Islands for the summer to care for his ageing parents and escape the sting of his failed marriage. His father Horace, a former World War II pilot, is fighting now to regain his driver’s licence, while his mother Aida wages a losing battle against Alzheimer’s. They are living on borrowed time, and Ivan is there to lend them some more.
Enter Mia Hakim, a Jewish filmmaker in Quebec who has always preferred the memories of others, even as she dreams of her Sephardic roots. She plans a research trip to Tunisia in search of her lost childhood and enlists Ivan to translate her scenario. When Mia arrives unannounced at the Pyefinch home on the eve of the Remembrance Day parade, a health crisis in the family puts all their stories on a collision course.
About Mark Foss
Mark Foss is the author of the novels Molly 0 and Spoilers, as well as the short-story collection Kissing the Damned. His fiction and essays have also appeared or are forthcoming in various journals and anthologies in Canada, the US, and the UK, while his radio drama, Higher Ground, was broadcast on CBC. His writing has been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts (Molly O and Borrowed Memories) and by the Marble House Project residency (a collection of essays in progress). Mark lives in Montréal.
About Cora Siré
Cora Siré is the author of two novels, two poetry collections, and her latest, a collection of stories, Fear the Mirror (Véhicule Press). Her essays, fiction, and poems have appeared in anthologies and magazines in Canada, the US, Mexico, and Europe. She’s also the co-creator of a short film, I Want More Life to Love!
River Street's exclusive POWER Q & A with author Mark Foss!
Get ready for a novel that intertwines love, loss, and the quest for identity. "Borrowed Memories" is a poignant tale that spans continents and generations, exploring how our past shapes our futures.
Read the full interview with Mark Foss and get a sneak peek into the making of this captivating story: Full Interview Here
Set against the backdrop of an Ontario couple in their winter years and the vibrant, tumultuous Arab Spring, this novel brings together the old and the new in a touching narrative. Follow Ivan Pyefinch as he navigates the complex terrain of family memories and personal identity, with an unexpected twist brought by Mia Hakim, a passionate filmmaker with a story that could change everything.
Borrowed Memories by Mark Foss
Coming June 2024 | 228 pages | ISBN 978-1-926716-78-7
#BorrowedMemories #MarkFoss #UpcomingNovel #LiteraryJourney #BookLaunch
Stay tuned and mark your calendars for a journey of memory and discovery!
Borrowed Memories
In a world where identities are in flux, and memories hold the power to shape destinies, "Borrowed Memories" by Mark Foss emerges as a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the search for self. This captivating novel, set to launch in June 2024, promises readers a literary journey that transcends borders and time.
Finalist for the 2020 Guernica Prize for Fiction
"An Ontario couple in the depth of their winter years is juxtaposed against the rage and hope of the Arab Spring. Ivan Pyefinch, a freelance translator, becomes the custodian of family memory as he cares for his aging parents in the Thousand Islands. His father, a World War II pilot, fights for his driver’s license, while his mother wages a losing battle against Alzheimer’s. Their lives take an unexpected turn with the arrival of Mia Hakim, an immigrant filmmaker with dreams of her Sephardic roots and a scenario that binds their stories in ways they never anticipated."
"Perestroika" at the 2024 American Legacy Book Awards!
We are proud to announce that "Perestroika" was a finalist in the Multicultural Fiction category! This recognition highlights the novel's rich exploration of diverse cultural narratives set against a transformative European backdrop.
Join Lia Kirchner and a cast of poignant characters as they navigate the tides of change, seeking justice and truth in a newly reshaped world. "Perestroika" offers a unique blend of history and humanity, inviting readers to reflect on the universality of struggle and triumph.
Thank you to the American Legacy Book Awards and all our supporters.
See the full list of winners here.
#Perestroika #AmericanLegacyBookAwards #MulticulturalFiction #LiteraryExcellence
Exciting news from the 2024 Creator Awards!
Joao Cerqueira's "Perestroika" has triumphed with multiple accolades, showcasing the depth and power of its narrative:
- Outstanding Creator Award for Political Fiction
- 2nd Place in Historical Fiction
- 2nd Place in Dystopia
- 3rd Place Overall
- Plus, honorable mentions in Best Villain, Best World Building, and Best Character!
Set against the backdrop of a changing Europe, "Perestroika - An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth" invites readers to explore themes of power, revenge, and the quest for truth. Join us in celebrating these well-deserved recognitions and delve into a story where history meets the complexities of human nature.
Thank you to all our readers and the panel at the Creator Awards for this incredible honor!
#Perestroika #PoliticalFiction #CreatorAwards2024 #AwardWinningBooks
We're thrilled to announce a double victory for "Perestroika" at the 2024 BookFest Awards!
1st Place in Women's Historical Fiction
2nd Place in Historical Fiction
As the spirit of Perestroika reshapes Europe, dive into a tale of political intrigue and personal vendettas through the eyes of Lia Kirchner. Discover a world echoing the fall of the Berlin Wall and mirroring the rise of leaders like Putin and Trump.
This remarkable journey is not just about history, but a profound exploration of truth in the tumult of change. Thank you for your incredible support, and here's to many more stories that challenge, entertain, and inspire!
#Perestroika #BookFest2024 #HistoricalFiction #WomensFiction #AwardWinning
Learn more about the awards and "Perestroika" here
Perestroika - Finalist for the Book Excellence Award in Europe
Joao Cerqueira's "PERESTROIKA - An Eye for an Eye a Tooth for a Tooth" Finalist for the Book Excellence Award in Europe
We are thrilled to announce that Joao Cerqueira's captivating novel "Perestroika - An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" has been declared a Finalist for the prestigious Book Excellence Award in Europe adding this accolade to its long list of awards.
Congratulations to Joao Cerqueira for this well-deserved recognition! His gripping narrative has captivated readers and critics alike, weaving together a tapestry of intrigue, suspense, and thought-provoking themes. "PERESTROIKA" takes readers on a gripping journey through the complexities of justice, morality, and retribution, offering a compelling exploration of human nature and society.
EDITORAL REVIEWS
The author skilfully intertwines personal struggles with the broader political landscape, creating a compelling story of resistance in the face of oppression. ...an engaging exploration of power dynamics, dissent, and the human spirit in a society grappling with its tumultuous past. ...Perestroika not only delights with a well-crafted story but also prompts
reflection on the human condition in the face of the pressures of tumultuous history.
HISTORICAL FICTION COMPANY
Erudite, eloquent and perspicacious, Perestroika has a Solzhenitsyn/Kafka/Pasternak/Dostoevsky flavor.
REEDSY
What makes "Perestroika" particularly resonant is its relevance to the present day. As Putin's invasion of Ukraine looms large and populist leaders and neo-Nazi movements gain traction across the globe, the novel serves as both a reflection of the past and a stark warning for the future. In this sense, "Perestroika" transcends its historical setting to become a powerful commentary on contemporary politics and society.
A LOOK INSIDE BOOK REVIEWS
... a sobering tale of a regime that controls all aspects of life. Citizens are indoctrinated and fiercely punished for the smallest of infractions.... Perestroika delivers a story of survival and revenge against a regime pushing for ultimate control.
NOVELS ALIVE BOOK BLOG
... wonderfully written, with a nicely woven plotline and twists and turns that will keep you looking forward to the subsequent chapters. The novel is very effective in passing on the intended message... The author describes things vividly, which captures the imagination of the reader, and the prowess in narration adds to the overall appeal of the book. I am looking forward to reading something else by this author.
READERS' FAVORITE
...a well-written narrative that's fast paced.
INDIE READER
Perestroika is an ambitious novel that has no comparison with other political novels. In fact, it is unique in Portuguese, and even European, letters. Perhaps the authors who have most in common with João Cerqueira are George Orwell and Michel Houllebecq, as he shares with them their dystopian vision, brutal frankness, and black humor.
Garry Craig Powell, writer
#BookExcellenceAward #Finalist #JoaoCerqueira #PERESTROIKA #Congratulations #BookLovers #MustRead #EuropeanLiterature #AuthorAchievement
Disquiet Literary Prize Fiction Panel longlists "The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane"
We are thrilled to share that Steve Schlam's novel "The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane" has been longlisted by The Disquiet Literary Prize Fiction Panel and recognized for its melodic prose, intimate storytelling, and richly dramatic tone.
"...melodic, intimate and rich. We were especially impressed by the high pitch of language and its resonantly dramatic tone."
--2024 Disquiet Literary Prize Fiction Panel
"All the fireworks of James Joyce's Ulysses its sleight of hand, and the streaming consciousness of Faulkner are at play..."
"...recalls the whimsy of Jerome Charyn's novels, and the laughter of Bruce Jay Friedman, and Stanley Elkin's' work."
"...a unique roller coaster, and it's not one you want to get off."
--Author Mark Jay Mirsky
#DisquietLiteraryPrize #Longlist #SteveSchlam #TheHarvestingofHaystacksKane #Congratulations #LiteraryExcellence #MustRead #Fiction #AuthorAchievement
Now Available!!
PERESTROIKA: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth by João Cerqueira In the turbulent landscape of an alternate Europe lies the captivating tapestry of "Perestroika," a literary masterpiece that weaves together the threads of revenge, redemption, and catharsis against the backdrop of an imaginary country called Slavia. With a masterful narrative, this novel stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of political upheaval. Finalist for the 2021 Eyland Awards, Finalist for Fiction Factory Chapter Novel Competition 2022, finalist in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, and winner of the 2023 HFC European Book of the Year. |
THE HARVESTING OF HAYSTACKS KANE by Steve Schlam 348 pages | 5.25" x 8" | ISBN 978-1-926716-70-1 607-lb, open-hearted, lepidopterist Herschel "Haystacks Kane", is a professional wrestler who just wishes to be left alone with his butterflies. Now laid out in a hospital bed in a coma after a match, they come to him one by one and thinking him deaf and oblivious on what is most probably his death bed, they pour out their confessions, their secrets and gripes. |
AN ANTHOLOGY OF EAST AFRICAN LITERATURE edited by Beatrice Lamwaka & Joshua Mali "This is not just a collection of poems and short stories; it is a granary of artistic abundance! For here, will you find a rich variety of masterfully crafted pieces in a range of style, including those that draw from the African oral storytelling tradition. It is a montage of pieces of literary art, curated in a manner that allows for the ‘strict grammarian’ forms of expression to coalesce with those given to poetic licentiousness." 300+ pages, 50+ contributors, 10+ countries Whichever your favourite genre is, this anthology of East African literature has delivered something that has not been served to readers in many years. It is a fitting gift to the lovers of literary art in this first quarter of the 21st century. |
WOMEN IN JAZZ - Special edition by Sammy Stein Dive into the captivating world of jazz with "Women in Jazz" by Sammy Stein, a groundbreaking book that shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of women in this beloved genre. This special edition book containing both "Women in Jazz: The Women, the Legends & their Fight" and "In Their Own Words" by Sammy Stein in one hardcover volume, takes readers on an inspiring journey through the lives and stories of female agents, arrangers, composers, musicians, PR professionals, radio hosts, record label managers, singers, writers, and more. |
SITHANA BURNING by Somsy Camvan 196 pages | 5.25" x 8" | ISBN 978-1-926716-74-9 In a remote village of Laos, rival gangs plot to seize control of the land and exploit its resources for their own gain. But when their plans are threatened by Sithana's appearance, a deadly chain of events is set in motion that will test the limits of loyalty, courage, and love. As tensions rise and alliances shift, a web of corruption and deceit is revealed, and the villagers must band together to fight for their way of life.
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DON'T EXPECT THE SUN TO SHINE - A Wake for Robin Blaser "A fitting tribute to Robin Blaser, his life’s work, and his influence on Canadian poetry. “Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine: A Wake for Robin Blaser” is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and those interested in the intersection of literature and art." This book is a response to ongoing literary trends: the treatment of words as images in art writing; the evolution of criticism as a form of creativity; and contemporary literary narrative that treats fiction as the greatest truth. In Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine, Rathwell and Rhenisch turn time back into space: We want readers to wander around wherever they like. We don’t control their hike. Their biological history does that. We are just hosting a party, so they can meet. — Harold Rhenisch |
More Articles …
- "The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane" is a unique roller coaster, and it’s not one you want to get off. - Mark Jay Mirsky
- "Perestroika" is the 2024 Independent Press Award Winner in the category of World Literature
- Spillwords features an excerpt of Joao Cerqueira's "PERESTROIKA - An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth"
- See what they're saying about "PERESTROIKA" on Goodreads
- A Writer's Journey with Steve Schlam: An Interview
- "Many villains, no hero..." - Casey Walsh on "Perestroika"
- The Galway Review features an excerpt of Steve Schlam's "The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane"
- 'Perestroika' is a tour de force of historical fiction - JamReads
- ‘Perestroika’ Percolates With Perspicacity - Pages & Paws
- CBC's Fresh Air with Ismaila Alfa interviews Gandhar Chakravarty