Pennywise Books

Go the F*&% to Sleep

2011-06-14T23:11:00.002-05:00

It's a publishing phenomenon. A kid's book, not for kids that is sweeping the globe: Go the F__ to Sleep.

Yes, that "F"-word. If it offends you, please read no further.

Hundreds of thousands of copies of this book were pre-ordered and now it has hit store shelves. If you haven't yet got your copy, and even if you have, I have a gift for you:

Samuel L. Jackson reading it to you.

The Last Days of Pennywise

2011-05-23T21:48:00.002-05:00

The number of days remaining for you to visit Pennywise Books are now into the single digits, but there is no shortage of news to share with you.

Starting immediately, all remaining stock is 75% off the lowest sticker price! With this discount, hundreds of books are available at $1 or less. We still have lots of books, with new ones still hitting the shelves daily. You will never find a better book-shopping deal.

On Sunday, May 29, join us from noon to 6 p.m. for our "Good old-fashion bookstore-closing party." There will be a $2 cover charge in support of Words Alive, but you get to leave with a book. Come and chat with fellow book lovers, sharing memories and gossip.

The next day, Monday, May 30, beginning at 4 p.m. is the auction of all remaining books, fixtures and miscellaneous items. There will be incredible deals to be had! Spread the news, as this will be a spectacle not to be missed.

Finally, I have been getting lots of questions about when the Pennywise online store will be available. Over the past few weeks, we have been working on getting a solution in place, and we are happy to announce that Phase I of the store will be available for public use by the end of the month (barring any unforeseen complications). Details will be posted here when it is set to launch.

I hope to see all of you at the closing party, the auction, or both.

CLOSING OUT SALE CONTINUES!

2011-03-18T17:07:00.001-05:00

The big closing out sale continues!

This Saturday, March 19, receive a 35% on any regular stock item you buy (excluding consigned items). However, purchase 10 books or more and receive a whopping 50% off your purchase!

Books are flying out the door, so if there is a book you've been putting off buying, now's the time to get it. Once it's gone, it's gone!

See you all on Saturday!

Pennywise Books Closing Its Doors at the End of May

2011-02-10T14:35:00.003-06:00

(Brandon Sun article - February 10, 2011)

Downtown Brandon will close another chapter and bid adieu to one of its champion retailers, Pennywise Books, this spring.

Over its six-year tenure at 1031 Rosser Ave., Pennywise Books’ owner T. Keith Edmunds endeavoured to bring excitement and activity to the downtown core through community events like Words Alive, Brandon’s annual literary festival.

The storefront will close its doors at the end of May.

However, the business will continue to exist online, Edmunds said.

Sales have been tarnished by the advancement of powerhouse web retailers like Amazon and the growing popularity of e-books and Edmunds says he has simply grown tired of “treading water.”

“I’m not being forced into closure by any means. It’s just that the book industry is going through a lot of changes and things are getting tighter. I was having to do more work to tread water,” Edmunds told the Sun.

Simply selling the business to a fellow book lover just wasn’t an option, Edmunds said.

“I built Pennywise from the ground up and I sort of want it to live and die with me,” he said. “There are things that have come out of it that will live on beyond, and I’m very proud of that.”

Brandon’s annual literary festival, Words Alive, and a local writers’ group, will continue beyond the closing of the store.

Plans for the fifth annual Words Alive literary festival are in the works right now and Edmunds says he will continue to look to the future and see how the event can grow bigger and better.

As a proponent for downtown development, Edmunds says he sincerely hopes his departure won’t have an impact on the momentum gathering throughout Rosser merchants.

“I don’t want (my closing) to be a reflection of downtown. The location of the store had no impact on my decision, it’s more of an industry-wide thing,” he said.

“There’s a lot going on in the industry and I was tired of trying to scramble to keep up with all of these changes for something that operated as primarily a hobby business.”

From Feb. 15 to the end of May, all regular stock will be deeply discounted. In addition, there will be ongoing sales and surprise daylong specials.

Follow Pennywise on Facebook or check out pennywise-books.com for updates on exciting sales.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSORS LAUNCH BOOKS

2010-11-29T21:57:00.002-06:00

       
BRANDON, MB — Two new tomes have been added this fall to the Rural
Development Institute’s publishing arm. Dr. Doug Ramsey was one of the
editors of Geographical Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change, while
Dr. Kenneth Beesley edited The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict &
Controversy. 
        
"As publisher of these two publications, the Rural Development
Institute helps to illustrate the important role of research in
deepening our understanding of rural place and rural development.  By
examining examples, practices and challenges not just across Canada, but
also in North America, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia,
practitioners, decision-makers, politicians, policy analysts, along with
seasoned and new scholars, all gain new (insights) and confirmation of
existing initiatives,” said Dr. William Ashton, the director of RDI.
“These two volumes are examples of the Institute's on-going
commitment to transfer timely and essential knowledge in Manitoba,
across Canada, and around the world.”

Farms and farming, the remaking of rural communities and rural spaces,
and policy and action in rural development in North America, the United
Kingdom and Ireland, and Australia were examined in Geographical
Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change. Also on the editorial team
with Dr. Ramsey were Dr. Dick Winchell of Eastern Washington University,
Dr. Rhonda Koster of Lakehead University, and Dr. Guy Robinson of the
University of South Australia.  
       
“I was very pleased to be a part of this project. Since 1991, and based

upon invitation, rural geographers from Canada, the United States, and
the United Kingdom have met every four years. The purpose is to share
research on the latest theory and practice in the field of rural
studies. Brandon University was asked to take over the publication of
this volume due to cutbacks at Eastern Washington University that
included the closure of their press,” said Dr. Ramsey. “The book
includes preeminent rural geographers from each region as well as
emerging scholars and graduate students. Our sharing of ideas has been
central to the new paradigms adopted in our field.”
                                        
With a focus on Canada, The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict &
Controversy brings together the findings and ideas of established and
young scholars from across the country. There are contributions from
various disciplines — sociology, geography, planning, recreation,
tourism and rural development — each offering a different perspective on
the rural-urban fringe zones in Canada. 
        

“I am thrilled to see this collection of research papers in print. Over
many years I have had extraordinary opportunities to work with, and
become friends with, some of the finest scholars in Canada. Most of
these people have a special interest in rural spaces and places, and
many have contributed to this volume on the rural-urban fringe,” said
Dr. Beesley. “I am very grateful for the support I have received from
the Rural Development Institute, the Department of Rural Development and
Brandon University generally for helping me see this project through to
fruition.”
        
The two books will be officially launched at 7 p.m., on December 9, at
Pennywise Books, a shop owned and operated by a former student of both
professors. Admission is free and refreshments will be served following
the presentation. Pennywise Books is located at 1031 Rosser Avenue.

Two Author Events for the end of November

2010-11-21T16:59:00.002-06:00

The holiday season is closing in on us, and with it the need to buy gifts for all those hard-to-buy-for family members. Why not consider getting them a book? Even better, why not get them a book inscribed to them from the author? Why not get one for yourself?

Here's your chance! Over the next week, Pennywise is pleased to be hosting two fantastic Winnipeg authors.

On Wednesday, November 24 at 7 PM, David Annandale will be reading from and signing copies of his newest book "The Valedictorians."

Russian arms company Kornukopia is in flames, and the one-woman war machine, Jen Blaylock, is having second thoughts about letting CIA Deputy Director of Operations, Joe Chapel, live. From his hospital bed in northern Europe, Chapel, self-proclaimed saviour of the USA, plots to kill Blaylock and his former ally, Sam Reed, the President of the United States. To do his all-American duty, he enlists the help of South American dictator General Jorge Quintero. To stop him, Blaylock will have to raise her own army and wage war right to the steps of the Capitol building. The third episode in the Jen Blaylock series, this novel finds Blaylock torn between her need for retribution and her responsibility to Flanagan, her lover, and the men following her into the breach.

Will Blaylock drown in her unquenchable thirst for revenge, or find redemption with all debts paid? As the body count rises and the action explodes off the page, David Annandale’s epic action-thriller will have you glued to your seat until the dust finally settles.

A few days later, on Saturday, November 27 at 2 PM, local favorite Michael Van Rooy will be reading from the third book in his "Criminal" series.

Michael Van Rooy’s writing is fast-paced and highly entertaining with a mix of quirky humour and dry wit. Spine-tingling moments alternate with edge-of-your-seat action in his Monty Haaviko crime thriller series.

In this third instalment, Monty faces a new kind of criminal like nothing he has ever encountered – and he’s seen plenty already in An Ordinary Decent Criminal (ODC) and Your Friendly Neighbourhood Criminal(YFNC). Monty is tangled in political intrigue, blackmail, corruption, and a long-standing feud in which he becomes a pawn. At the same time, a serial killer threatens the love of Monty’s life – his wife Claire, and soon, escape seems impossible.

After a wealthy businessman encourages Monty to run for an elected position on the city’s new Police Commission, Monty learns his backer has another agenda. A rival businessman is backing his own patsy for the Commission, and stands to gain a fortune if his man wins – with Monty’s hired assistance.

But Monty almost calls calls it quits when Claire starts getting mysterious gifts and flowers, and they discover her admirer is a wanted serial killer, who will stop at nothing to reach his victims.

These books will make great gifts for those on your Christmas list, or a wonderful present to give yourself. If you have any questions about either of these events, don't hesitate to call us at 728-BOOK (2665) or email us at pennywise@wcgwave.ca.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!

A cavalcade of authors!

2010-10-07T17:31:00.002-05:00

The line-up for Words Alive 2010 has been announced. Head over to the Words Alive website for details.

As a teaser, however, there will be: Craig Russell, Pat Johanneson, Anita Daher, Danishka Esterhazy, Michelle Berry, Thomas Trofimuk, Kathryn Borel Jr., and Joseph Boyden. What a line-up!

Also at Pennywise, on October 16, between 12:30 and 1:30 pm, Stuart Houston will be signing copies of "Tommy's Team," a look at over 30 people who surrounded Tommy Douglas, helping make him one of the greatest Canadians of all time. From the doctor who saved Tommy's leg from amputation to the Japanese-Canadian evacuee who became Tommy's foremost economic advisor to well-known Brandonian Fred McGuinness, these are the stories of the contributions of the individuals who stayed out of the spotlight, but who were movers and shakers in their own right.

On the horizon are more authors for November. Stay tuned and I hope to see you all soon!

Attention writers! A message from CBC.

2010-09-03T10:50:00.002-05:00

The following email was received this morning. I post it here for any writers who may be interested:

A message from the desk of the CBC LITERARY AWARDS

Only 2 months left until the deadline for this year's competition!

Greetings writers!! It's that time of the year again. Time to compose or polish off those works destined for this year's CBC Literary Awards competition. The Awards Team is anxiously awaiting your original and unpublished works (short story, poetry, and creative non-fiction) by November 1, 2010.

Submit online!

Join us on Facebook!

The CBC Literary Awards are Canada's only literary competition celebrating original, unpublished works in both official languages. There is a first prize of $6,000 and a second prize of $4,000 in all 3 categories courtesy of the Canada Council for the Arts. In addition, the winning texts are published in Air Canada's enRoute magazine and on our website, and the authors and their winning entries will get exposure on the CBC.

Visit our new website (www.cbc.ca/literaryawards) and get inspired! There you find regularly updated writing tips from the pros, as well as interviews with former winners and jurors. You can also read last year's winning entries and find resources in your province that can help you with your writing. We hope to make our website a wonderful resource and place to connect with other participants. So be sure to bookmark the page and check back often!

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

The Awards Team
Literary_Awards@cbc.ca
1-877-888-6788

Fast Fiction 2010

2010-08-21T11:48:00.001-05:00

Fast Fiction, Brandon's 24-hour short story writing contest returns for 2010! With growing interest over the past few years, this year's contest promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

For readers unfamiliar with Fast Fiction: writers are presented with a story element that must be included in their final entry. Twenty-four hours later, entries are due. Style, length and content are left to the whim of the writer. There is no age restriction for entry, nor is there an entry fee.

The 2010 edition of Fast Fiction will kick off at 5 p.m., on September 25, at Pennywise Books. At that time, a required element will be divulged. Writers will then have 24 hours to write their submission and deliver it to Pennywise Books by 4:59 p.m. on September 26. E-copies will be accepted.

Winners will be announced at Words Alive on October 15 and 16.

Visit www.wordsalivefestival.ca for complete contest rules.

Winners of CBA Libris Awards 2010

2010-05-31T09:18:00.002-05:00

TORONTO (29 May 2010) – It was Atlantic Canada’s year, as Newfoundland-born author Linden MacIntyre and Halifax bookstores Bookmark II and Woozles Ltd. found themselves among the big winners at Canadian Booksellers Association’s(CBA's) Libris Awards 2010 Presentation, which took place on May 29, at theDelta Toronto Airport West Hotel during CBA’s National Conference, in a gala event hosted by CBC Radio One’s Shelagh Rogers.

Unique in their commitment to acknowledging the best among the talented professionals who deliver great books to Canadian readers, and nominated and voted on by members of the Canadian bookselling community, CBA Libris Awards honour outstanding achievement by authors and editors, sales reps and distributors, booksellers and publishers.

Linden MacIntyre was the night’s only double-winner. His critically acclaimed The Bishop’s Man won the Fiction Book of the Year Award, and he won Author of the Year honours for his outstanding literary work and his contribution to Canadian culture and support of the bookselling industry. Winning in this year’s revised children’s book categories—Picture Book and Young Readers’ Book of the Year—were When Stella Was Very, Very Small (Marie-Louise Gay, Groundwood Books) and Vanishing Girl: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Third Case (Shane Peacock, Tundra Books).

In the Non-fiction category anthropologist Wade Davis’ exploration of the wisdom of the world's indigenous cultures, The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World (House of Anansi Press), came out on top.

This year’s Sales Rep winner, covering the Prairies, was Kate Walker & Company’s Rorie Bruce, and the Editor of the Year recipient (for the second year in a row) was Cormorant Books’ Marc Côté.

In the Bookseller categories, winners include Specialty Bookseller of the Year honouree Woozles Ltd. (Halifax) and The Book Store at Western (London, ON), which took The Campus Bookseller of the Year title. The industry’s pick for Bookseller of the Year is Bookmark II (Halifax).

In the publishing arena, the reigning Small Press and Publisher of the Year are Toronto’s Coach House Books and House of Anansi Press, respectively, while Raincoast Book Distribution has earned Distributor of the Year bragging rights.

This year’s ceremony featured the presentation of a brand new award: Chase Paymentech Young Bookseller of the Year, recognizing outstanding achievement from a bookseller under 30, which was awarded to Mandy Brouse from Words Worth Books in Waterloo, ON.

Tour Downtown for a chance to win $500

2010-05-15T11:30:00.002-05:00

During the Memorial Cup, May 14 - 23rd, while shopping, eating or just visiting downtown merchants, you can enter a ballot for a chance to win $500.

From the Renaissance Brandon website (www.renaissancebrandon.ca):

Twenty-Five downtown businesses have organized the “Tour our Historic Downtown for a Chance to Win $500″ promotion within the Renaissance District to publically show support and participation of downtown Brandon merchants and Renaissance Brandon during the Memorial Cup and Manitoba Homecoming 2010. Manitoba Homecoming is a year long experience bringing former and current Manitobans, visitors, friends and families together for events, festivals and an all around great celebration.
The newly formed group of interested and motivated downtown merchants will use this unique to Brandon and Manitoba opportunity to showcase the district’s heritage and diverse selection of services.

5,000 copies of a downtown map highlight the 25 participating businesses along with some historic buildings within the Renaissance District. The downtown map is located within the Visitor Guide distributed throughout Brandon to hotels, Memorial Cup Village and two other information centers at Westman Communications Place. Anyone visiting one or more of the 25 downtown businesses can enter their name in a free draw. At the conclusion of the Memorial Cup a name will be drawn to determine the winner of the $500 grand prize. In addition, the Town Center Merchant’s Association will be making a $500 donation to the Wheat King’s Bursary Fund. The promotional event Starts May 14, 2010.

Visit Renaissance Brandon to see the map.

The following merchants are participating in this promotion:

1. Bromley‘s Menswear
2. New System
3. The Town Centre Merchant Association
4. Remington’s
5. Union Shoe Store
6. Gypsy Jive Dance
7. Samson Engineering Ltd
8. Pennywise Books
9. Double Decker Tavern
10. Black Orchid Beauty Salon
11. Catwalk Clothing Company
12. Olivier’s Bistro & Steakhouse
13. Ginger Cat Café
14. Chilly Chutney
15. TCM Goldsmith
16. Cinnamon Tree
17. Friends Fashion Boutique
18. Brandon Sewing Centre
19. Anna’s Indulgence
20. Westoba Credit Union
21. A Buck or Two
22. Zeke’s Jewellers
23. Troika Treasures
24. Clancy’s Eatery & Drinkery
25. Sub Shop – Town Centre

"Black Bottle Man" Book Launch - April 28

2010-04-26T17:33:00.002-05:00

Craig Russell is well known in Brandon as a lawyer, actor and director of plays, and now, he can add novelist to that that list. His first foray in young adult fiction has been successful. "Black Bottle Man" was picked up by Great Plains Publications, one of four publishers that Russell approached with his manuscript.

"He's quite an amazing talent," said Great Plains Publications editor Anita Daher. "He's got such a sense of story. I'm very excited about his book coming out."

Thanks to her support, the novel underwent very few changes and was published within months, rather than years as is usually the norm.

"It was such a clean manuscript. It only needed a few months of going back and forth, and it was ready for publication. What was fast was the decision-making. From the very first read, it absolutely blew me away," she said. "It was one of those stories that I wanted to read from
beginning right through to the end."

She describes "Black Bottle Man" as very original with a distinctive and strong main character, great pacing, balance and very clean language.

"It isn't what you usually see in a first-time author," Daher said. "We sat down at an editorial meeting and I said: 'I love this!' and the boss said: 'Well, that's good enough for me.'"

Novelist Craig Russell will give a reading of "Black Bottle Man" at Pennywise Books, 1031 Rosser Ave., at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, April 28.

Removing the Hutterite Kerchief

2010-03-25T17:39:00.001-05:00

Rebecca Hofer's controversial book "Removing the Hutterite Kerchief" is now in stock.

Learn the rich diverse culture and social environment of a Hutterite colony in Manitoba and follow the traditions of its people.

Meet the families from Hutterite Barrickman Colony and see the story unfold when it becomes overpopulated. Observe how Samuel and Sarah Hofer's family were chosen to move to the new colony named Greenwald.

Immerse yourself in the true story of this Hutterite family at Greenwald Colony and watch the escalating and unbelievable conditions they endured for more than a decade by their Hutterite leaders.

From their dismal, secluded environment, on a cold winter day, these 40 men, women and children spanning three generations, half the members of Greenwald Colony, with only meagre belongings, did the unimaginable. They left their culture, heritage adn livelihood behind and moved into an unfamiliar and unknown world.

Daily Planet's Jay Ingram speaking in Brandon

2010-03-13T17:08:00.004-06:00

Come meet Jay Ingram, co-host of Daily Planet, as part of the 2010 Prairie Innovation Forum. March 16, 1:30 pm, Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

Pennywise Books will be on hand, selling copies of his books: The Daily Planet Book of Cool Ideas ($28); The Science of Everyday Life ($24); and The Velocity of Honey ($22).

Listen to Jay's talk, buy a book and get it signed by the author.

To celebrate this engaging speaker's presence in Brandon, Pennywise will pay the GST on all books purchased at this event.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Writing Fiction course for Youth

2010-01-12T17:34:00.000-06:00

WINNIPEG AUTHOR MICHAEL VAN ROOY ANNOUNCES HE WILL BE TEACHING A COURSE IN WRITING FICTION FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURAL INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

Winnipeg author Michael Van Rooy will be teaching a course in Writing Fiction for youths 16 to 19 at the Winnipeg Millennium Library.

The course will run from February 2 to May 11 and is organized by the Arts and Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba. The course is free.

Selected participants will attend sessions on Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm every other week from February 2 to May 4 with a launch of an anthology on May 11. Youths from the ages of 16 to 19 are encouraged to apply.

Instructor

Michael Neelak Van Rooy was born in Kamloops, British Columbia and has lived most of his life in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Michael’s first novel, An Ordinary Decent Criminal, was published in 2005 and his second novel, Your Friendly Neighbourhood Criminal, was published in 2008. In 2009 Michael won the John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer. In 2006 An Ordinary Decent Criminal won the Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book by a Manitoba Writer.

An Ordinary Decent Criminal has been published in Germany as Ein gewohnlicher Verbrecher by Verlagsgruppe Lubbe. It has also been optioned as a film by Frantic Films and Big Mind Productions. In July of 2010 An Ordinary Decent Criminal will be published in the United States by Minotaur Books. In 2011 Minotaur will publish Your Friendly Neighbourhood Criminal.

The third book in the Monty series, A Criminal to Remember, will be published by Winnipeg’s Turnstone Press in the spring of 2010.

Application Process

Interested students should:

1) Discuss their application with a ‘nominator’ (adult not related to you), who is one of your

present or former teachers or other leader in an artistic discipline and have him/her fill out the

Nominator’s Form, which is part of the Application Form. Ask that it be returned to you.

2) Fill out the application form - include a teacher’s signature, if you are in high school.

3) Submit completed form along with your resume. Applicants under 18 years of age require

the signature of a parent or guardian.

Submit to: ACI Manitoba Or by fax: 204 927-2789

501 -62 Albert Street

Winnipeg, MB. R3B 1E9

Call ACI Manitoba with your questions: 204 927-2787

Visit our website: www.creativemanitoba.ca

The dark side of the Kindle

2009-12-11T14:20:00.002-06:00

(The following note is reposted from AbsurdIntellectual.com):

As a bookseller, I obviously have a bias against any sort e-book. To date, my argument has tended to be along aethestic lines — how a book feels, how it smells and the like — as well as toting the technological advantage of the traditional book — you can read it in the bathtub without too much worry, don’t worry about dropping it, no batteries to recharge and so on.

I still believe these to be valid arguments, but I have found another that might be more convincing to true technophiles. Blogger Dan Cohen found that Amazon has unwritten restrictions on downloads for the Kindle:

“Oh that’s the problem,” he [the customer service rep] said “if some of the
books will download and the others won’t it means that you’ve reached the
maximum number of times you can download the book.”

I asked him what that meant since the books I needed to download weren’t currently on any device because I had wiped those devices clean and simply wanted to reinstall. He proceeded to tell me that there is always a limit to the number of times you can download a given book. Sometimes, he said, it’s five or six times but at other
times it may only be once or twice. And, here’s the kicker folks, once you reach
the cap you need to repurchase the book if you want to download it again.

Granted, this information is available to the customer — its right there in the small print of the legal agreement that we all love to ignore on a daily basis. And when I say “this information,” I mean the fact that there’s a limit. The specific limit is trickier:

“How do I find out how many times I can download any given book?” I asked. He
replied, “I don’t think you can. That’s entirely up to the publisher and I don’t think we always know.”
I pressed — “You mean when you go to buy the book it doesn’t say ‘this book can be downloaded this number of times’ even though that limitation is there?” To which he replied, “No, I’m very sorry it doesn’t.”

How many versions of the Kindle have come out to date? How frequently are Kindle users going to be expected to update their technology? Cohen suggests it might happen every couple of years, meaning sooner or later, all the previously purchased books will have to be repurchased. (Note: I have paperbacks I bought twenty years ago that I have not needed to repurchase, even though new editions have been released).

Given that Cohen’s post was written in June and I haven’t come across any other outcry, I wonder if this issue has been resolved or if it simply hasn’t come to a head yet.

In any case, I still don’t see the death of print in the near future, as the marketplace is becoming crowded with e-readers: Amazon’s Kindle, Sony’s Reader, the Barnes and Noble nook, and Samsung’s Papyrus, not to mention the multitude of ways books can be accessed through the regular old Internet. Until there is a industry standard, I think most people will shy away from making an investment in an e-library that might up and dissapate into the ether when their e-reader fails to make the cut.

Though the printed book may seem antiquated, sometimes the best technology is the old technology.

Author visits and a new service

2009-11-26T20:32:00.003-06:00

With the weather turning cooler, people in Brandon and the surrounding area may find themselves looking for entertainment options that take place indoors. At the same time, the holiday season is approaching and time seems to be in increasingly short supply. We at Pennywise Books are pleased to offer opportunities for both of these challenges.

Author Events

On December 8, at 7:00 PM, author Dale Brawn will be on hand to read and sign copies of his most recently released book entitled Every Stone a Story II: Manitoba’s Buried History, the follow-up to the popular Every Stone a Story. This much-anticipated book contains more stories gleaned from Manitoba’s buried history. Illustrated with black and white photographs, each story describes the life, death, and experiences of someone buried in a particular cemetery. The stories are often about the famous or infamous, but equally often they are about people little known outside their communities, but who have done something extraordinary.

Two nights later, on December 10, at 7:00 PM, join professional wrestler Vance Nevada as he talks about his new book Wrestling in the Canadian West, a thorough account of the history of professional wrestling in western Canada. Originally from Brandon, Nevada has competed in over 1,200 matches in his fourteen year career since his first bout at age seventeen.

The next evening, December 11 at 7:00 PM, co-founder of Amarok Society, Gem Munro will be discussing his new book South Asian Adventures with the Active Poor. Gem’s family will be in attendance to show video clips and converse about the family’s adventures in the slums of Bangladesh.

The Amarok Society is a Canadian registered charity operating in South Asia. Motivated by the suffering created by poverty and ignorance, the Amarok Society believes that education is the only way to permanently overcome poverty. This charity was founded in response to a critical need that wasn't being addressed - providing education to the many children who can never afford to go to school and whose own parents are illiterate.

Service

To assist with the time crunch, Pennywise Books is offering a free delivery service of book purchases to addresses within Brandon city limits. Prepaid purchases of $25 or more qualify to be delivered to the buyer’s home. Don't forget — Pennywise Books can order books that are not currently in stock.

Finally, until the 3rd week of December, we will be staying open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays to try and fit your schedule a little better.

If you have any questions, remember that we're always glad to hear from you. Call us at 728-BOOK (2665), or email pennywise@westman.wave.ca.

Hope to see you soon!

Author Reading - October 13

2009-10-10T11:03:00.002-05:00

With the first hints of winter in the air, Pennywise Books has begun preparing for an extremely busy season of special events and author appearances.

The first guest, co-founder of Amarok Society, Gem Munro will be in the store on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. Gem will be discussing his new book South Asian Adventures with the Active Poor. Gem’s family will be in attendance to show video clips and converse about the family’s adventures in the slums of Bangladesh. Chai tea will be served free of charge.

The Amarok Society is a Canadian registered charity operating in South Asia. Motivated by the suffering created by poverty and ignorance, the Amarok Society believes that education is the only way to permanently overcome poverty. This charity was founded in response to a critical need that wasn't being addressed - providing education to the many children who can never afford to go to school and whose own parents are illiterate. For more information about the Amarok Society, visit www.amaroksociety.org.

For details about future authors and events, watch this website in the coming days.

William Bolley - Reading & Signing

2009-07-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

On Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 7:00 PM, local author William Bolley will be reading and signing copies of his first book, A Sobering Moment.

A story of tragedy, addiction, pain, courage and pursuit of the truth, A Sobering Moment is a combination of a dramatic adventure and the inner struggle of a man searching for the true meaning of life.

Mason Walls grew up an adventurous prairie boy full of wonder. But at age twelve, when the Walls family moves, his entire life changes. Thus begins Mason’s personal loss of confidence and the tragic destruction of his family. By seventeen Mason is forced on a desperate search to fill the emptiness inside. On the journey he meets many characters, some offering help, others inflicting pain. His spirit is tested, weakened, wounded and celebrated throughout the many trials he experiences. When Mason’s existence is in the final stages of despair his last hope is crushed. Hitting bottom he is forced to decide whether to live or die.

William Bolley is employed as a school social worker and has assisted children and their families for almost thirty years. During this time he has been exposed to a wide spectrum of suffering including loss, abuse, addiction and violence. However, in his capacity as a therapist he has also seen the incredible power and resiliency of the human spirit. Since completing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English, he has been interested in writing. A Sobering Moment is his first published work. Currently he is working on his second novel, Triangles, a dangerous love story. He is married with two grown children and lives in Brandon, Manitoba.

The future of the book

2009-06-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

I recently attended the Canadian Booksellers’ Association Summer Conference. In addition to the renewal of old acquaintances, author visits, sales presentations and other sorts of activities you would expect to encounter at a professional conference, there was a panel discussion on the future of the book industry. Although this discussion touched on many of the issues affecting independent booksellers (the fluctuating Canadian dollar, reassessments of returns policies, the economy, big box discounters, etc), the most interesting topic, to my mind, was the mindset of various publishers regarding the rise of the ebook.

Even the idea of the ebook gives me a nasty crawling of the flesh. It isn’t that I am some sort of Luddite or that, as a bookstore owner, I have a vested interest in the survival of the book. My problem is that the ebook may eventually win out over the physical book, despite the fact that the centuries-old format is the superior of the two.

A cursory listing, in no particular order, of my arguments for this position include:

Books have no requirement for electricity, battery or any form of power. Thus, they can be used in even the most primitive of conditions.
Although ebook readers have improved greatly with the latest generation of products, the resolution of the book will be difficult to surpass.
Transferability is less an issue for books than ebooks. While handing a book to a friend is rarely an issue (even if getting it returned is), sharing an ebook across different readers has, to date, been problematic.
Books are a very popular gift. Ebooks do not possess that physical dimension that is often important in gift-giving rituals.
Environmentally, books are superior. While much hue and cry can be raised around deforestation and the pollution resulting from pulp and paper mills, there are alternatives to these industrial practices. Electronic devices, in both production and disposal, are frightening with respect to what is released into soils and waterways.

Certainly, there are additional arguments and just as many counterarguments. Yet, because the general public has a love affair with hand-held electronic devices, publishers are looking to monetizing that small, but growing portion of the market seeking digital versions of new books.

The general consensus among the publishers present at the CBA conference was that ebooks will not likely play a significant role in the marketplace for at least 5 years. In that time, I cannot say how else the book industry will evolve as we are truly in a time of change.

In short, although the publishing industry is in a time of flux, it is almost certain that the book will survive.

(This post has been simultaneously published on both Absurd Intellectual and the Pennywise Books blog.)

Big Book Sale!

2009-05-23T10:32:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update in regards to a BIG SALE we're having at Pennywise Books. Once again, we have more books that we have space for, so we need to make room. Thus, we are having our first "Spring-Cleaning-Word-of-Mouth Sale."

On the first two Saturdays in June (June 6 and June 13), EVERYTHING in the store will be 30% off -- new books, discount books, used books -- EVERYTHING! (Except books sold on consignment).

As this is a "word-of-mouth" sale, tell your friends and family that like to read. This sale is your opportunity to stock up for your summer reading!

A couple of rules:

(1) This sale will be on June 6 and June 13 only. Sale prices will not be offered during the week. Therefore, if there is a book you've seen on the shelf that you are interested in, you might want to consider either getting here early on a sale day, or pick it up in advance of the sale to be sure you get it at our already low prices.

(2) You cannot put books on hold until sale day. That's not playing fair.

That's it! Tell everyone you know who needs/wants something to read for the summer that Pennywise Books is having an amazing sale on June 6 and 13 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM), where everything is 30% off.

For more information, contact us at: pennywise@westman.wave.ca or call 728-2665.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Free Comic Book Day

2009-05-01T08:27:00.002-05:00

The first Saturday of every May (this year, May 2) is Free Comic Book Day. Normally, we don't stock regular magazine-type comics, but because we are totally overstocked on one or two graphic novels, we will be giving away free graphic novels all day. That's MAY 2, starting at 10:00 AM.

This is not an invitation to walk in and pick up whatever you want. The free books will be available at the counter and last only as long as the stock does.

Also, remember that the Manitoba Arts Council will be making a presentation Saturday morning, if you are interested in taking part in that session.

I hope to see you all on Saturday!

MANITOBA BOOK AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

2009-04-27T13:54:00.002-05:00

MANITOBA BOOK AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - The Manitoba Book Awards winners were announced on the eveningof Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery during a Gala event hosted by CBC Radio's Shelagh Rogers.

Winnipeg writer David Bergen took home two top prizes, including the McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award, for his deeply moving novel, The Retreat. This year's most nominated title, Pauline Boutal, Destin d'artiste par Louise Duguay, publié par Les Éditions du Blé, a magnificent French-language hard-cover art book about the talented St. Boniface painter and former artistic director of the Cercle Molière also received two prizes. A complete list of recipients follows:

McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award ($5,000)

The Retreat by David Bergen, published by McClelland and Stewart Ltd.

McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award - Older Category ($2,500)

My Mother is a French Fry and Further Proof of My Fuzzed-Up Life by Colleen Sydor, published by Kids Can Press

McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award - Younger Category ($2,500)

Goose Girl by Joe McLellan and Matrine McLellan, illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson, published by Pemmican Publications

Mary Scorer Award for Best Book by a Manitoba Publisher ($1,000)

Pauline Boutal, Destin d'artiste par Louise Duguay, publié par Les Éditions du Blé

John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer ($2,500)

Michael Van Rooy

Alexander Kennedy Isbister Award for Non-Fiction ($3,500)

Lord Selkirk: A Life by J.M. Bumsted, published by University of Manitoba Press

Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction ($3,500)

The Retreat by David Bergen, published by McClelland and Stewart Ltd

Le Prix littéraire Rue-Deschambault (3 500 $)

L'endroit et l'envers par Lise Gaboury-Diallo, publié par L'Harmattan

Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award ($5,000)

Saint-Boniface 1908-2008 : reflets d'une ville, sous la direction de André Fauchonet Carol J. Harvey, publié par les Presses universitaires de Saint-Boniface

Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book by a Manitoba Writer ($1,500)

The Prairie Bridesmaid by Daria Salamon, published by Key Porter Books Ltd.

Manuela Dias Book Design of the Year Award

Pauline Boutal, Destin d'artiste par Louise Duguay, graphiste Susan Chafe, publié par Les Éditions du Blé

Best Illustrated Book of the Year Award

The Harry Winrob Collection of Inuit Sculpture, curated by Darlene Coward Wight, design by Frank Reimer, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery

Aqua Books Lansdowne Prize for Poetry / Le Prix Lansdowne de poésie ($1,000)

this is a small northern town by Rosanna Deerchild, published by The Muses' Company, an imprint of J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing

The Association of Manitoba Book Publishers gratefully acknowledges the support of the following Book Awards partners: Aqua Books, The City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council, The Canada Council for the Arts, Friesens, Hignell Book Printing, Kromar Printing Ltd., The Manitoba Arts Council, Manitoba Culture,Heritage, Tourism and Sport, The Manitoba Foundation for the Arts, Manitoba Tradeand Investment, McNally Robinson Booksellers, Relish Design Studio and The WinnipegFoundation. The Manitoba Writers' Guild thanks the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers for coordinating the 2009 Manitoba Book Awards. For more information contact:

Karen San Filippo
Manitoba Book Awards Coordinator
Association of Manitoba Book Publishers
404-100 Arthur St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1H3
(204) 947-3335
projectsambp@mts.net
www.manitobabookawards.com

Manitoba Arts Council Workshop

2009-04-22T16:52:00.001-05:00

Are you interested in learning about funding that is available to you as an artist? Would you like to learn more about how to prepare a grant application?

The Manitoba Arts Council will be hosting an Information Session & Grant Writing Workshop on Saturday, May 2^nd from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Pennywise Books, 1031 Rosser Avenue. This opportunity is free of charge and open to artists in any discipline and at all stages of their careers.

For more information contact:

Kristen Pauch-Nolin, Program Consultant, Community Art
Toll-Free in MB 1-866-994-2787
Email: kpauch-nolin@artscouncil.mb.ca.
Website: www.artscouncil.mb.ca

MANITOBA BOOK AWARDS SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED

2009-03-19T13:02:00.002-05:00

It was a real thrill to be asked to be part of the jury for the Eileen Sykes award. I can't imagine what it would be like to WIN an award, if sitting on the jury for an award is so much fun.

As the press release with all the shortlists for the Manitoba Book Awards has just been released, I thought I could get a leg up on the mainstream media by posting it here for your perusal:

For Immediate Release - March 19, 2009

MANITOBA BOOK AWARDS SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - The Association of Manitoba Book Publishers is pleased toannounce the Manitoba Book Awards shortlists. The awards will be presented at theManitoba Book Awards gala, hosted by CBC Radio's Shelagh Rogers, on Saturday, April25 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Cocktails are at 7:30 p.m., with the ceremonybeginning at 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The shortlists and recipients are selected by a variety of juries, comprised ofwriters, publishers and other book industry personnel from across Canada.

And the nominees are.

McNally Robinson Book of the Year

* Fear Not by Maurice Mierau, published by Turnstone Press
* The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews, published by Alfred A. Knopf Canada
* Reading by Lightning by Joan Thomas, published by Goose Lane Editions
* The Retreat by David Bergen, published by McClelland and Stewart Ltd.

Alexander Kennedy Isbister Award for Non-Fiction

* Behind the Headlines: A History of Investigative Journalism in Canada by Cecil Rosner, published by Oxford University Press
* Head Space: Five Decades of Bruce Head, essays by Patricia E. Bovey and AmyKarlinsky, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery
* Lord Selkirk: A Life by J.M. Bumsted, published by University of Manitoba
* Press Politics in Manitoba: Parties, Leaders, and Voters by Christopher Adams, published by University of Manitoba Press
* Subconscious City, curated by Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan, essays by various contributors, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery

Aqua Books Lansdowne Prize for Poetry/Prix Lansdowne de poésie

* Fear Not by Maurice Mierau, published by Turnstone Press
* La Métisse filante de Laurent Poliquin, publié par L'Harmattan
* The Sleeping Life by Kerry Ryan, published by The Muses' Company, an imprint of J.Gordon Shillingford Publishing
* this is a small northern town by Rosanna Deerchild, published by The Muses' Company, an imprint of J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing

Best Illustrated Book of the Year

* L'Étang du soir de J.R. Léveillé et Étienne Gaboury, graphiste Bernard Léveillé,publié par Les Éditions du Blé
* The Harry Winrob Collection of Inuit Sculpture, curated by Darlene Coward Wight,design by Frank Reimer, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery
* Magic at the Museum, written and illustrated by Jane Heinrichs, published by Wide Horizons Ink Publishing
* Pauline Boutal, Destin d'artiste par Louise Duguay, graphiste Susan Chafe, publiépar Les Éditions du Blé

Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award

* The Beech Nut of Big Water Beach by Margaret Shaw-MacKinnon, published by Aivilo Press
* The Prairie Bridesmaid by Daria Salamon, published by Key Porter Books Ltd.
* Saint-Boniface 1908-2008 : reflets d'une ville, sous la direction de André Fauchonet Carol J. Harvey, publié par les Presses universitaires de Saint-Boniface
* Subconscious City, curated by Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan, essays by variouscontributors, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery
* Widows of Hamilton House by Christina Penner, published by Enfield & Wizenty

Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book

* The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson, published by Random House Canada
* The Prairie Bridesmaid by Daria Salamon, published by Key Porter Books Ltd.
* Reading by Lightning by Joan Thomas, published by Goose Lane Editions
* Somewhere Else by Jan Guenther Braun, published by Arbeiter Ring Publishing
* Widows of Hamilton House by Christina Penner, published by Enfield & Wizenty

John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer

* Rosanna Deerchild
* Christina Penner
* Daria Salamon
* Michael Van Rooy
* Adam Smoluk

Manuela Dias Book Design of the Year

* L'Étang du soir de J.R. Léveillé et Étienne Gaboury, graphiste Bernard Léveillé, publié par Les Éditions du Blé
* The Harry Winrob Collection of Inuit Sculpture, curated by Darlene Coward Wight, design by Frank Reimer, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery
* Head Space: Five Decades of Bruce Head, essays by Patricia E. Bovey and Amy Karlinsky, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery
* Pauline Boutal, Destin d'artiste par Louise Duguay, graphiste Susan Chafe, publié par Les Éditions du Blé
* Sheila Spence: Pictures of Me, curated by Mary Reid, design by Lisa Friesen, published by The Winnipeg Art gallery
* Subconscious City, curated by Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan, design by LisaFriesen, published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery

The Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction

* The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews, published by Alfred A. Knopf Canada
* Reading by Lightning by Joan Thomas, published by Goose Lane Editions
* The Retreat by David Bergen, published by McClelland and Stewart Ltd

Mary Scorer Award for Best Book by a Manitoba Publisher

* Bush Camp by Marvin Francis, published by Turnstone Press
* Pauline Boutal, Destin d'artiste par Louise Duguay, publié par Les Éditions du Blé
* They Call Me Chief: Warriors on Ice by Don Marks, published by J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing

McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award - Older Category

* My Mother is a French Fry and Further Proof of my Fuzzed-Up Life by Colleen Sydor, published by Kids Can Press
* Shadow-Town by Duncan Thornton, published by Annick Press
* Withershins by Susan Rocan, published by Great Plains Publications
* Spider's Song by Anita Daher, published by Penguin Group

McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award - Younger Category

* Andrea's Fiddle by Blaine Klippenstein, illustrated by Christie Jedele, published by Loon Books Publishing
* Goose Girl by Joe McLellan and Matrine McLellan, illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson, published by Pemmican Publications
* Granny's Giant Bannock by Brenda Isabel Wastasecoot, illustrated by Kimberly McKay-Fleming, published by Pemmican Publications

Le Prix littéraire Rue-Deschambault

* L'endroit et l'envers par Lise Gaboury-Diallo, publié par L'Harmattan
* Pauline Boutal, Destin d'artiste par Louise Duguay, publié par Les Éditions du Blé
* Voyages au pays des maléfices de Tatiana Arcand, publié par Les Éditions du Blé

The Association of Manitoba Book Publishers gratefully acknowledges the support ofthe following Book Awards partners: Aqua Books, The Canada Council for the Arts,Friesens, Hignell Book Printing, the Manitoba Arts Council, Manitoba Culture,Heritage, Tourism and Sport, the Manitoba Foundation for the Arts, Manitoba Tradeand Investment, McNally Robinson Booksellers, the Winnipeg Arts Council and theWinnipeg Foundation.

For more information contact:

Karen San Filippo
Manitoba Book Awards Coordinator
Association of Manitoba Book Publishers
404-100 Arthur St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1H3
(204) 947-3335
projectsambp@mts.net
www.manitobabookawards.com

-30-

An Overdue Update

2009-03-11T21:07:00.002-05:00

I feel badly for not updating on a more regular basis the going-ons at Pennywise. Therefore, here is some bad news, some good news and some better news and some bad news again...

Bad news: Pennywise Books is currently operating under slightly reduced hours. From Tuesday to Friday, the store is open from 12:30 to 5:30 PM. On Saturdays, we remain open from 10 AM to 5:00 PM. Sundays and Mondays we are closed.

Good news: We have added two new sections in the store - Westerns and New Age. Whereas customers used to have to ask for these books, we've now carved out shelf space. Fans of Louis L'Amour and Wiccan nonfiction can now browse to their hearts content. Also, very shortly we will have a new, great big shelf for new arrivals of discount titles. Deals galore!

Better news: There are a number of exciting activities being lined up for the coming weeks and months. These special events are of all varieties, types and natures. Be sure to keep tuned!

Bad news, again: I'm not going to tell you what any of these special events are. Not yet.

As always, you are invited to come down to visit with us at Pennywise Books and see what strange and wonderful new books we have tracked down and have available for your reading pleasure.

I look forward to see you again very soon.

Story Time

2009-01-31T16:52:00.003-06:00

We are currently looking at establishing a regular story time for kids. We will be playing with the idea, tweaking it slightly here and there until we think (and, more importantly, the kids in attendance think) that we have gotten it right. Once we find that recipe, we will be making story time a regular event here at the store. Until then, we will be announcing the dates and times for each here on the website.

The next story time will take place on Saturday, February 14 from 11:00 - 11:30 AM.

I hope to see you there!

With One Voice

2008-12-02T22:07:00.002-06:00

We are pleased to announce that on December 3 at 7 PM, Gordon Goldsborough will be reading from his new book "With One Voice: A History of Municipal Governance in Manitoba" at Pennywise Books.

Local governments provide the facilities and services that each of us use on a daily basis. They are responsible for ensuring that our faucets deliver clean water, the sewers take away our wastes, and garbage and recyclables are collected. They build and maintain our roads, operate our libraries, protect us from fire and crime, and in bygone days, they equipped our schools and hospitals. No wonder that villages, towns, cities and rural municipalities have been described as “the most important level of government.”

With One Voice describes over 100 years in the history of Manitoba from a municipal perspective, covering such topics as daylight saving time, income and property taxes, rural electrification, the war waged on gophers and other animal pests in farm fields, the colour of margarine (it was not always yellow!), and video lottery terminals. Woven through the story are sidebar articles on the history of parking meters, pioneering women in politics, Manitoba ghost towns, Sunday shopping, and much more. With One Voice is, quite literally, a history of everyday life in Manitoba.

Gordon Goldsborough is a member of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba, and Director of the University’s Delta Marsh Field Station on Lake Manitoba. He is a water quality specialist concerned with the impacts of humans on lakes and wetlands. He is the Chair of the Lake Manitoba Stewardship Board, a member of the Manitoba Water Council, and a representative for Canada on the International Joint Commission’s International Red River Board.

Besides his scientific interests, Goldsborough is involved in the Manitoba heritage community, being the Webmaster and a Past President of the Manitoba Historical Society, an editor of Manitoba History magazine, and a member of the Management Committee for Dalnavert Museum.

On December 3, be sure to come down to Pennywise Books for this free event and learn more about some of our province's history that you never knew you never knew.

King of Obsolete

2008-11-25T19:03:00.002-06:00

In the mid-1990's Joey Barnes of Alexander, Manitoba moved to Lynn Lake and established himself as the "King of Obsolete" in his Kingdom on the outskirts of town. Lynn Lake has two restaurants, no shopping malls, no fast food delivery and no banks. Most supplies are brought in 300 km from Thompson or by bus from southern communities.

The King of Obsolete, among other things, spends much of his winter running cat trains. Most of the equipment he uses for his winter freighting activities, and just about everything else he does, is from the 1950s and have been brought back to life by remodeling them and using whatever parts were available.

On November 27 at 7 PM, the King of Obsolete (aka Joey Barnes) will be at Pennywise Books to talk about his first book "King of Obsolete: Cat Train Newsletters" and relate some of his stories about making a living with old equipment and loving every minute of it.

If you enjoy storytellers, would like to learn about real life in the North, or are a hobbyist that likes to tinker with old machinery, be sure to come down and meet the King in person. To read more about the King's adventures, visit his website at www.kingofobsolete.ca.

I hope to see you here!

On the Same Page - In Search of April Raintree

2008-11-18T16:51:00.000-06:00

Pennywise Books is pleased to announce that they will be participating as a host venue for the 2008 On The Same Page reading series. On The Same Page (OTSP) has a goal of to strengthening the bond in a community by encouraging people to read the same book at the same time. Although there have been similar program in cities across Canada and around the world, OTSP is the first project of its kind to involve the entire province.

Organizers unanimously chose In Search of April Raintree, because in its 25th anniversary year, this novel has become a classic of Canadian literature. Its content touches on themes and issues relevant to every generation and every Manitoban, perhaps pointing to why this renowned book is one of the most high in demand from provincial libraries.

In Search of April Raintree, first published in 1983, tells the profoundly powerful (and semi-autobiographical) story of two young sisters taken from their home and family. Powerless to change their fortunes, they are separated, and each put into foster homes. Yet over the years, the bond between them grows. As they each make their way in a society that is, at times, indifferent, hostile, and violent, one embraces her Métis identity, while the other tries to leave it behind. In the end, out of tragedy, comes an unexpected legacy of triumph and reclamation.

The author, Beatrice Mosionier, was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba. The youngest of four children, she grew up in foster homes. After a short time living in Toronto, where she attended college, she returned to Winnipeg.

Following the loss of two of her sisters to suicide, Beatrice decided to write In Search of April Raintree. First published in 1983 it has become a Canadian classic. Beatrice is also the author of several children's books, including: Spirit of the White Bison, Christopher's Folly and Unusual Friendships: A Little Black Cat and a Little White Rat. Her second novel, In the Shadow of Evil, was published in 2000.

Please join us on November 20 at 7:00 PM for this event.

Chris Wattie

2008-10-28T19:05:00.002-05:00

In 2006, a Canadian Army patrol traveling through Afghanistan’s Panjawayi region, came across the largest build-up of Taliban forces in the area since their fall in 2001. Up against opponents who were suicidal, experienced and knew well the lay of the land, this Canadian battalion suffered more casualties and earned more decorations for bravery than any other Canadian unit since the Korean War.

On Thursday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m., author and journalist Chris Wattie will read and share stories from his new book, Contact Charlie: The Canadian Army, The Taliban and the Battle that Saved Afghanistan.

In Contact Charlie, National Post reporter and embedded journalist Chris Wattie offers an intimate and harrowing look at the series of battles that would eventually take the lives of seven soldiers, including Captain Nichola Goddard, Canada's first female combat casualty. Based on Wattie’s own experience in Afghanistan, as well as hundreds of post-tour interviews with the men and women on the ground, Contact Charlie is a rare piece of military writing, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that made headlines that summer—and continue to do so today.

Authors Appearing in October

2008-10-03T11:43:00.003-05:00

What would the fall be without more authors appearing at Pennywise Books? I don't know either, and I'm not really interested in finding out.

Pennywise is pleased to announce that we will be hosting two authors during the month of October.

Ravenstone, an imprint of Turnstone Press and Pennywise Books are proud to announce Michael Van Rooy will be reading and signing copies of his latest book, Your Friendly Neighbourhood Criminal. This event will take place at 7:00 PM on October 23 at Pennywise Books.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Criminal is the follow-up to the Sykes Best First Book winner An Ordinary Decent Criminal (which the Winnipeg Free Press' Lindor Reynolds called "astonishingly good…"). This time out, ex-con Montgomery "Monty" Haaviko would prefer to be known as the friendly neighbourhood daycare provider, but it's his criminal expertise that brings him unwanted attention from new acquaintances and old friends. A human rights activist named Marie Blue Duck wants Monty to do good; local drug smuggler Samantha Richot wants him to do bad; and his old jailhouse crony, Hershel "Smiley" Wiebe, well, Monty has no idea what Smiley wants. Which is very bad…

And what is very good? The novel of course. Chadwick Ginther from McNallyRobinson.com claims that "Montgomery Haaviko, [is] one of the most complex and enjoyable crime protagonists [he has] ever read." Michael has also signed on to do two more Monty Haaviko books with Ravenstone, an imprint of Turnstone Press. Criminals are Forever and The Criminal Code are scheduled for release in 2010 and 2012, respectively.

If you're a fan of crime fiction, action adventure, or just like to see Winnipeg in fiction then come down to Pennywise Books, meet the author and get yourself a copy of Your Friendly Neighbourhood Criminal. You'll be glad you did.

Prior to this event, however, local author Joyce Slobogian will be at Pennywise to talk about her book To Die For. On Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 PM, Joyce will read from and talk about her novel.

Joyce started writing for publication after retiring from her career in clerical work. Since 1994, her writing - humour columns, profiles, and short stories - have been published in several Canadian newspapers and magazines. A member of the Manitoba Writers' Guild (MWG) and the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), she has lately started writing longer stories in the mystery genre. To Die For is her first suspense story.

To Die For is the story of eighteen-year-old Nina, who has gone missing and Maggie, her desperate mother. Maggie begs her friend Connie to search for her daughter even though Connie has no experience in detective work. She reluctantly agrees to do waht she can, but when it becomes clear that Nina was abducted, it becomes a police investigation. Sergeant Bowering and Constable Fielding of the Brandon Police Service soon discover a number of suspects in the case, but proof is missing, and the clues are getting more confusing every day. Meanwhile, there is no sign of Nina anywhere. Should Connie stay out of it, as she is advised to do? But she made a promise to her friend; and she won't break her word, even when it becomes clear that by persisting in her quest, she puts herself in danger.

Winnipeg Writers Festival... at Pennywise!

2008-09-09T12:06:00.003-05:00

At 7:30 PM on September 22, Pennywise Books will be pleased to host two authors - Alison Calder and Kevin Marc Fournier - as part of the Winnipeg International Writers Festival.

Alison Calder was born in England, grew up in Saskatoon, and lives now in Winnipeg, where she teaches Canadian literature and creative writing at the University of Manitoba. In addition to scholarly material, she has published a chapbook, Ghost Works: Improvisations in Letters and Poems, in collaboration with Jeanette Lynes, and one poetry collection, Wolf Tree (Coteau), which won The Aqua Books Lansdowne Prize for Poetry and the Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book by a Manitoba Author at the 2008 Manitoba Book Awards. Alison Calder lives with her husband, Warren Cariou, and their two cats.

Winnipeg-born and raised, Kevin Marc Fournier works with mentally handicapped adults, writes a semi-regular column for online magazine Quiblit.com, fantasizes about being a full-time house husband and gets spanked in his office hockey pools with Sisyphean regularity. His first book, a young adult novel called Sandbag Shuffle (Thistledown), follows two young opportunists as they make their own kind of profit off the Manitoba Red River Flood of 1997. Sandbag Shuffle takes on natural disaster, disability, vagrant youth, and loyalty with sharp wit and speed. It won the McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award at the 2008 Manitoba Book Awards.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information on this event, please email pennywise@westman.wave.ca or drop us a line at 728-2665.

To learn more about the Winnipeg Writers Festival, check out their website at: www.thinairwinnipeg.ca.

Exciting News!

2008-08-07T13:12:00.004-05:00

There are a couple of exciting things that simply screamed to be posted as early as possible, so I will present them to you now, without further ado:

1. New Book from J.K. Rowling

A richly magical collection of tales, "Tales of Beedle the Bard," that will satisfy Harry Potter fans and new readers alike has recently been announced. To be released on December 4, this title is the first new book from J. K. Rowling since the publication of the final book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard played a crucial role in assisting Harry, aided by his friends Ron and Hermione, to finally defeat Lord Voldemort. Fans will be thrilled to have this opportunity to read the tales in full.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is without doubt an exciting addition to the canon of Harry Potter. They also reveal the wonderful versatility of the author, as she tackles with relish the structure and varying tones of a classic fairy tale. There are five tales included in the book: 'The Tale of the Three Brothers', which is recounted in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; plus four more — 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune', 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart', 'The Wizard and the Hopping Pot', and 'Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump'. Each tale has its own magical character and will variously bring delight, laughter and the thrill of mortal peril.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, translated from the original runes by Hermione Granger, is introduced and illustrated by J. K. Rowling. Also included are notes on the stories by Professor Albus Dumbledore, which appear by generous permission of the Hogwarts Headmasters' Archive.

Because it is being released in the middle of the week in December, we're most probably not having a street party. However, we are planning a special event to celebrate the release of this new book... keep your eyes open for updates.

In the meantime, if you want to reserve your copy (or copies), please call us at 728-2665. It'll make an excellent Christmas gift!

2. Check out Pennywise Books' stock online

That's right! You can now check out what books we have in stock, their price, if we can special order titles we don't have, and an estimate as to how long those orders might take to arrive. The site is a work in progress and there are many features that will be added in the coming months.

As it is, if you simply need to know if we have a copy of Devil May Care: The New James Bond Novel by Sebastian Faulks, but it's 3:00 AM and no one's answering the phone here at the store, you can always check it out online. Then, if you want it (or, if we're sold out and you want to order it), you can just send us an email and we'll either reserve or order a copy for you.

The webstore also gives you a peek (along the left side of the screen) of books we have on order and when we expect them to arrive.

You can check out the site here: Pennywise Books webstore.

As always, feel free to call, write or email any questions or comments.

Breaking Dawn

2008-07-31T10:28:00.004-05:00

Breaking Dawn, the next installment in The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer will be released on Saturday, August 2, 2008.

The eagerly-awaited fourth and final book in this series will be available across Canada at one minute past midnight local time on August 2. Pennywise Books in Brandon will be open from midnight until 2:00 AM to make this book available to fans.

In just two years, Stephenie Meyer has become a worldwide publishing phenomenon. Twilight was one of 2005's most talked about novels and translation rights have been sold in 33 countries. The sequel, New Moon, was released in September 2006, and spent over 30 weeks at the #1 position on The New York Times bestseller list. Eclipse, the latest book in the series released on August 7, 2007, catapulted to the #1 slot on bestseller lists nationwide after selling 150,000 copies its first day on-sale. There are over 5.5 million copies of the Twilight Saga in-print worldwide.

If you're a fan and NEED your copy as soon as possible, this is your chance! See you at midnight!

Summer Update

2008-07-23T11:46:00.003-05:00

It's not because there is anything of grave importance that I'm updating the site, it's more due to a feeling of shame that it has been so long since the last post.

There has been a great deal of behind-the-scenes things happening at Pennywise, however, so I'll pass along these tidbits of news now.

We've changed our point of sale system which might not sound too exciting but, in conjunction with our new relationship with a major book distributor, this new program has allowed us to streamline our special orders and drastically cut wait times for most special orders. And the receipts are shorter and easier to read.

And just over the horizon is something really exciting....

All summer we've been bringing in great new stock - both new and discount titles. If you haven't been in, you're missing out!

Finally, the fall reading season is just around the corner and we're starting to approach publishers about authors' touring schedules. If you have a favorite author you would like to see come to Brandon, drop us a line. We're not shy about shooting for the moon -- if we don't ask, we'll never know!

I hope your summer is going well and look forward to seeing you all again real soon.

Manitoba Book Week Events

2008-04-11T16:33:00.006-05:00

Manitoba Book Week is an annual, week-long series of events which recognize our province's flourishing book industry and inform Manitobans about the rich variety of books published here. In partnership with the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers, Pennywise Books is proud to host a number of events for local authors and writers.

On Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m., writer Barbara Huck will read from her latest book The Land Where the Sky Begins: North America's Endangered Tall Grass Prairie and Aspen Parkland.

Today, the northern tall grass prairie is among the most endangered landscapes on Earth; less that one per cent of that magnificent sea of grass remains. In many places and many ways however, efforts are being made to preserve those last remnants and restore what has been lost.

Stunningly photographed, beautifully designed and lyrically written, The Land Where the Sky Begins opens with the evolution of grasses - without question the most important plants on the planet - and traces the history of North America's tall grass prairies and aspen parkland. The second half of the book flows through the seasons, highlighting, with detailed information and magnificent photography, the birds, mammals and plants - including some that are gravely endangered.

The next evening on April 24, at 7:00 p.m., a multiple-author event will take place illustrating the differences and similarities in writing plays, poems and stories. Featuring poet Laurie Block, playwrights Dale Lakevold and Darrell Racine (Stretching Hide), and Winnipeg crime fiction writer Michael Van Rooy (An Ordinary Decent Criminal), this event will treat attendees to readings from each of the authors' works as well as a discussion about the differences in the writing process for each genre.

With the opportunity to simultaneously meet with writers of such a diverse range of styles, this event is sure to be of interest to both readers and writers.

Finally, at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25 Charles and Dale Brawn will be launching their new book Every Stone a Story: Manitoba's Buried History, 1900 - 2000.

Every Stone A Story is a collection of stories gleaned from Manitoba's buried history. Each is illustrated with a photograph of a headstone and each describes the life, death and/or experiences of someone buried in a particular cemetery.

The stories are often about the famous or infamous, but equally often they are about people little known outside their communities, but who have done something extraordinary. The stories are grouped according to their topics: politicians, artists, sportsmen and women, crimes and scandals, special people now largely forgotten, accidents and disasters, people who have been executed, and pioneers.

The public is invited to attend all three events, which will take place at Pennywise Books. Admission is free.

Book Signing - Apr 12

2008-04-08T11:25:00.003-05:00

Come and meet Manitoba authors Rae Jackson and Debbie Penner on April 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM as they sign copies of their mystery novel Coincidence of Death.

About the book:

Fallon Harper returned to Fernandina Beach after twenty years to uncover the truth about her stepbrother's untimely death. Not wanting to attract the attention of the local law enforcement office she keeps her identity a secret and uses her abilities as an investigative reporter to root out any information and evidence that might help solve the case and link it to the twenty year old death of her father. But someone out there doesn't want the old case file opened and will do anything to keep Fallon from discovering the truth. When the local Sheriff, Marcus Moretti, discovers her identity, they team up to try and force the murderer out in the open. As they race to uncover the evidence, the killer becomes more determined to keep his secret even if it means taking another life. When political red tape slows Marcus down, Fallon's life is suddenly put on the line. Will they solve the case in time, or will Fallon's death become the third coincidence?

Signing - Trudy Andrew

2008-03-18T16:09:00.002-05:00

With the improvement of the weather and the arrival of spring, Pennywise Books has begun planning the upcoming season of author events.

The first guest, Manitoba novelist Trudy Andrew will be in the store on Thursday, March 27, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. She will sign copies of her most recently released book entitled Faeriedust Dreams. This is the second novel featuring heroine Aynslie McCallum and it continues the romantic adventures begun in Irish Rain.

More authors and events will be posted very soon... Keep your eyes open!

US Pricing Still in Effect

2008-01-23T11:25:00.000-06:00

Well, we're far enough into 2008 that I'd feel a bit awkward wishing everyone a "Happy New Year," or making some comment along the lines of hoping that you had a good holiday season. The holidays are rapidly dimming in our memories and we're looking down the barrel of a long (and, right now, extremely cold) winter. So, instead of referring to the past, I'll wish you "Good Day!" and quickly move along.

We don't have any immediate events to tell you about, but we're working on some that are quite exciting. As these guests are confirmed and the details ironed out, you'll be amoung the first to know.

I do want to let you know that the US pricing promotion we had on before Christmas is still in effect. The dollar continues to bounce around, so Pennywise is pleased to offer you the opportunity to cash in on its instability. All new books with US prices printed on them will continue to sell at that lower price until we decide otherwise.

If we haven't seen you recently, be sure to stop in at the store to see what's new. And, as always, if you have an author you would like us to try and bring in, let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Book Signing - November 24

2007-11-23T16:58:00.002-06:00

A Bit of a Legend in These Parts:  The Life of Betty Berger Lessard by Neil
McQuarrie

When: Saturday, November 24, 2007, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Pennywise Books
 

Pilot, trapper, hunting guide, sled-dog racer - Betty Berger Lessard carved an
extraordinary life for herself out of the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Shield.

Born in Fort Frances in July 1915, Lessard spent almost all of her 82 years living
in a remote log cabin on the pristine shores of Namakan Lake.  She survived
encounters with bears, wolves and a charging moose while navigating thousands
of miles of backwoods and waters. She is credited with having saved at least one
man'slife.

Lessard charmed many a young man but tragically lost her husband in a boating
accident.

Lessard, who died in 1997, was a strong-minded woman of independent spirit
for whomthe convention of male and female roles held little importance. One of
herneighbours said of her, "She didn't just survive in the wilderness, she lived in
it." 

Her improbable story - "A Bit of a Legend in These Parts: The Life of Betty Berger
Lessard" is told by Neil McQuarrie, a long-time resident of Brandon who grew up
in Fort Frances, Ontario.

"I have long known about Betty and the life she had lived and wanted to write
about it," said McQuarrie, who will be signing copies of the book at Pennywise
Books from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24. 

McQuarrie was able to capture Lessard's story through published articles in
newspapers and magazines as well as interviews with Lessard's relatives. He was
given access to old family photographs and used many of them to illustrate his
account.

Since his retirement from Brandon University, McQuarrie has written two other
books. The first was "On the Allan Cup Trail: The Story of the Fort Frances
Canadians" andthe second was "Fort Frances: The Story of a Town and Its People",
the town's centennial history. For three years he also wrote "Recollections", a
monthly column for the Fort Frances Times.

(Update Aug 12/08)    "A Bit of a Legend in These Parts" is now available on Ebay
(CLICK HERE).  If you have difficulty locating it, please call us (204-728-2665) or
email (pennywise@westman.wave.ca) and we will do our best to ensure you can
get a copy of this great book.

The Oldest Game of All - Nathan Town

2007-11-16T12:25:00.000-06:00

Local author Nathan Town will be at Pennywise on Saturday, November 17 at 2:00 PM to launch his latest book "The Oldest Game of All."

Eternal and mystic forces have dueled over the millenia, pitting their champions against one another. Now, after so many thousands of years, their conflict comes to a turbulent and explosive end in the most unlikely of places... Unfortunately, Douglas Bower's parents have left him with a number of responsibilities, and he simply doesn't have the time for unexplained events, strange murderous visitors, gun-toting zombies, horrifying monsters, or the Fate of All Things.

Snuck from the pages of Town's previous novel Ned Stapleton and the Wrath of the Death Gods, The Oldest Game of All is a roller-coaster fantasy adventure for all ages.

New books at US prices!

2007-11-14T15:05:00.001-06:00

With the Canadian dollar remaining at or above par with the U.S. greenback, the disparity between book prices continues to be an irritant with book consumers. In order to help remedy this price difference Pennywise Books will join with the growing number of retailers selling new books at the U.S. price printed on the cover.

The holidays on their way -- the biggest time of the year for book sales. We know that books are a popular gift idea but that they are very expensive. By offering new books at the U.S. price, we hope we can help you with keeping your holiday bills within reason.

Beginning on November 16, all new books, with the exception of titles carried on consignment, will be offered at the lowest price printed on the book cover or dust jacket. This promotion will last through the holiday season until the New Year.

Depending on customer response to this promotion and the strength of the Canadian dollar, the promotion may continue indefinitely.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us or email us at any time.

Words Alive Update

2007-10-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

There has been lots of action on the Words Alive front. If you aren't checking that website (Words Alive) on a regular basis, you are missing out on a lot of information!

In addition to announcing the headlining authors (Robert J. Sawyer, Sandra Birdsell and Corey Redekop), the newly-posted schedule reveals the workshops, seminars and panel discussions that will be taking place on Nov. 10. Some of these include the launch of local author Nathan Town's latest book, a poetry-writing workshop with Laurie Block, details on the after-parties and much. much more.

If you are a writer looking to hone your craft, the Super Series may be what you are looking for. This all-day workshop will include a fiction-writing component led by Armin Wiebe (novelist and Red River College creative writing instructor) and a "blue pencil session" with author Anita Daher.

For more information on any of these activities, contact the Brandon Book Festival Association at wordsalivefestival@gmail.com or by calling (204) 728-2665

I hope to see you all there!

Press Release

2007-09-26T15:06:00.000-05:00

Inaugural book festival brings words to life

26 September 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRANDON — Downtown Brandon will teem with life as the first-ever Words Alive book festival takes place in early November. The festival brings together readers, writers, publishers and book lovers of all types for a three-day event that celebrates all aspects of the written word.

"Brandon's never seen a literary event of this magnitude," said T. Keith Edmunds, president of the Brandon Book Festival Association, which is putting on the festival. "Along with appearances by several notable authors, we've got a full schedule planned of workshops and forums that will appeal to everyone."

Words Alive begins Thursday, November 8, 2007, continues on Friday, November 9, 2007, and culminates with a full schedule of activities on Saturday, November 10.

Festival attendees have three streams of seminars to choose from on Saturday, either "Reading," "Writing" or "Publishing." Topics range from blogging and other forms of self-publishing to writing comic strips, poetry or plays. There will also be author readings all day long.

"One of the most exciting things is that Words Alive has already started," Edmunds said. "We've got a short story contest underway right now -- and winners will be published in the Brandon Sun and in the Words Alive program."

Entries in the short story contest must be submitted by October 26 and should be approximately 2,000 words long. Entry forms with more details are printed regularly in the Brandon Sun.

"That's an extremely short story," Edmunds said, "so we're looking for a tale that really grips the reader. Previous contests in Westman have produced lots of truly excellent writing, so we're sure picking a winner will be tough."

Reading may suit some more than writing, and so Words Alive has invited numerous guests to whet the book lover's appetite.

"Starting immediately, we're launching a region-wide book club." Edmunds said.

In a concept that builds on successful trials in other cities, readers in Brandon and Westman are invited to read "Shelf Monkey," by Corey Redekop.

"It's a made-in-Manitoba novel," Edmunds said. "It's a book about books that's a fun read, but also full of discussion material."

Several local book clubs have already picked up "Shelf Monkey," but the more people reading it, the more spontaneous discussions will erupt.

"Imagine spotting someone in a coffeeshop, and they're reading the same book you are," Edmunds said. "That's the kind of atmosphere we're going to create — let's get everyone on the same page."

Words Alive will close on Saturday with a "Shelf Monkey" discussion group led by the author himself, Thompson's Corey Redekop.

The Brandon Book Festival Association will reveal very soon some of the major authors who will come to Words Alive to give readings. Announcements will be made as details are confirmed.

Tickets can be purchased starting Oct. 1 at Pennywise Books, 1031 Rosser Ave.

The Words Alive website is at www.wordsalivefestival.ca.

-30-

For more information:
T. Keith Edmunds
President, Brandon Book Festival Association
204-728-2665
wordsalivefestival@gmail.com

Deadwood III

2007-09-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

Paul Wood, the editor of the entertainment weekly "Deadwood," will be in the store Saturday, Sept. 29 from 2 to 4 pm to sign copies of Deadwood 3: "Life & Times." This collection of humour and heart-warming stories will ensure that have not missed a copy of any of the recent issues of Deadwood.

Store Closed Sept. 1 Due to Insanity

2007-08-23T10:12:00.000-05:00

Pennywise Books will be closed on Saturday, Sept. 1. That means we will be closed for the entire long weekend.

No, that doesn't mean I'm going away on some lovely vacation. It means that I have lost my mind. More specifically, I have entered the 3 Day Novel Writing Contest which is exactly what it sounds like.

I will be holing myself up in the store for 72 hours in an attempt to write a complete novel - start to finish. Just the idea is making me tired.

For more information on the event, check out the 3 Day Novel Contest website. I'll post about my own personal experience after the fact.

Wish me luck...

High Canadian Dollar = SAVINGS!

2007-08-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

The high Canadian dollar continues to have an impact on the economy. The other day I was listening to a program on CBC talking about this issue (very similar in content to the information in this article: http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2007/08/06/flaherty-apec.html) and I began to get curious, so I did a little research on my own.

As I write this, the Canadian - US exchange rate is 1.07467 (that's about $1.08 Canadian for every US dollar, just to be clear). Now, on the back of an average mass market paperback, the US price is $7.99 while the Canadian price is $10.99. By my calculations, that works out to a differential of 1.3755.

Why the big difference? You've got me.

Therefore, to make things a little more reasonable, we are announcing that all mass market paperbacks in stock are now 20% off the cover price. Now, that $10.99 novel is only $8.79. It's not perfect, but it helps you take advantage of the high Canadian dollar.

To make this even more worthwhile we are continuing to bulk up this sale stock - new releases and backlist titles alike. Contact us with any questions.

I hope to see you all soon!

Harry Potter Street Party: "Thank You!"

2007-07-25T10:57:00.001-05:00

By all accounts, people seem to have enjoyed themselves at the party on Rosser leading up to the launch of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. We are very happy with the turn out, which I would estimate at 250 - 300 people at the peak.

There are many, many people I need to thank. However, I am incredibly afraid of forgetting someone -- thus, I want to give a monstrous "THANK YOU!" to every individual, business and organization that donated their time, energy and/or resource to the event. This party could not have succeeded without your help.

Below are a few of the many photos that were taken on Friday evening and the early morning hours of Saturday. If you have any shots from the party you would like to share, please feel free to pass them along and I will post them here.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and assisted. You might be surprised what your support will lead to...

FINALLY! The photos:

I didn't mind the snakes and reptiles that the Westman Reptile Gardens brought down, but I just couldn't bring myself to get close to these millipedes. Blah!

Some of the costumes were truly fantastic!!

I particularly like this picture of Prof. Trelawney and Rita Skeeter...

And, of course, there were more Harry's than you could shake a wand at...

The entertainment stage drew a lot of attention over the course of the evening. Another "thank you" to the many performers, ensembles and bands that agreed to help us make the street party a success.

The line-up began MANY hours before midnight...

But eventually, we did start selling the book. And all was well.

There are many more photos available. A lot of them are on my Facebook page -- ask to be my friend (but make sure you tell me who you are) and you can see them. Email me if you can't find me.

Harry Potter Party - Contest Rules

2007-07-05T18:31:00.000-05:00

Harry Potter Street Party

Contest Rules

Harry Potter Look-Alike Contest

Contestants will compete to appear the most like Harry Potter through the use of methods such as costumes, props and make-up.
There is no age restriction for this contest.
Contestants will judged on overall appearance, attention to detail and creativity.
The decision of the judges is final.
Judging will take place at 10:00 PM on July 20 during the Harry Potter Street Party on Rosser Ave.

Best Costume

Contestants will compete to appear the most like a character (other than Harry) from the Harry Potter books through the use of methods such as costumes, props and make-up.
There is no age restriction for this contest.
Contestants will judged on overall appearance, recognizability, attention to detail and creativity.
The decision of the judges is final.
Judging will take place at 10:15 PM on July 20 during the Harry Potter Street Party on Rosser Ave.

Drawing (10 Years and younger)

Artists must be aged 10 years old or younger.
Pictures may be of any subject that falls within the Harry Potter theme of the contest.
Entries will be judged on creativity, skill and subject matter.
The decision of the judges is final.
Entries must be received at Pennywise Books no later than 5:30 PM on July 17.
Winners will be announced at the Harry Potter Street Party on the evening of July 20.

Drawing (Ages 11 - 16)

Artists must be between the ages of 11 and 16 years old (inclusive).
Pictures may be of any subject that falls within the Harry Potter theme of the contest.
Entries will be judged on creativity, skill and subject matter.
The decision of the judges is final.
Entries must be received at Pennywise Books no later than 5:30 PM on July 17.
Winners will be announced at the Harry Potter Street Party on the evening of July 20.

Homemade Potions

Contestants will compete to create a potion such as might be found in Prof. Snape’s classroom.
There is no age restriction for this contest.
Entries must not contain any dangerous or hazardous materials.
All entries must be completely sealed in clear glass or plastic containers. Leaky containers will be disposed of immediately.
Entries will be judged on appearance, presentation and creativity.
Entries must be received at Pennywise Books no later than 5:30 PM on July 17.
Winners will be announced at the Harry Potter Street Party on the evening of July 20.
Entries may be retrieved no earlier than 10:00 AM July 24 and no later than 9:00 PM July 26.

Harry Potter Party - Entertainment Line-up

2007-07-03T10:50:00.001-05:00

While the following schedule may be subject to change, as it stands the entertainment for the Harry Potter Party on the evening of July 20 is:

8:00 PM Suzuki student performances
8:30 PM Triolette
9:00 PM On My Day Off
9:30 PM Crocus Plains Drum Line
10:00 PM Dan Barnlund and Sarah Thornborough
10:40 PM Poor Boy Rodger Band
11:25 PM 18 Rabbit

(schedule updated July 5)

Stay tuned for further updates as the day approaches. (In case you're counting, there's only 18 days until the new book is available - 17 until the party....).

Harry Potter Party!

2007-06-29T17:25:00.000-05:00

While fans around the globe anxiously await the seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, Brandon readers will have the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of J.K. Rowling’s latest novel by celebrating in the street. On July 20, the eve of the book’s release, Pennywise Books will host a party culminating in a midnight book-buying opportunity for Harry Potter fans.

To set the mood for the occasion, there will be displays of owls and live snakes. As well, entertainment will be provided by musicians and buskers, while fortune-tellers, witches and wizards will create magic.

Contests will also play a big part in this celebration. There will be a prize for the best Harry Potter look-alike, a prize for best costume (other than Harry), a prize for the best drawing by an artist aged 10 and under and a prize for the best drawing by an artist aged 11 to 16. Also, there will be a prize for the best home-made potion and a magic bean guessing contest.

Contest rules can be obtained at Pennywise Books, and drawings and potion entries must be submitted by 5:30 p.m., on July 17.

Prizes available include colouring books, plush creatures and other Harry Potter-related items. A draw will be held for a five and a half foot toy dragon.

The Harry Potter Street Party is open to the public and will take place between 10th and 11th Streets, on Rosser Ave., the evening of July 20, beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m. Pennywise Books will open its doors at 12:01 a.m. to release the final installment of the series, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows. The book can be pre-ordered at Pennywise Books, located at 1031 Rosser Ave.

If you would like more information, don't hesitate to call us (728-2665) or stop in for a visit.

June 28 - Book Launch

2007-06-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

On June 28, beginning at 7:00, we will be celebrating the launch of Charles A. L. Dubois' "The Filcher's Forge."

Earth is a place where a single species has ever dominated the race for sentience. Earth is a place where physics are utilized by machines that maintain the balance and nurture the evolution of civilizations. Earth is a place where spirituality exists only as a catalyst for social control, if it exists at all. Forget everything you know about your world. Leave it behind. Welcome to Junoth.

When a nature-born dryad finds himself trapped in a world of human industry and enslaved to the will of an ambitious pirate, he is forced to fight for his freedom. What he finds instead reinforces the fact that friendship is often forged in the most unlikely of places.

About the author:

Charles was raised in rural Westman, an area describing the south-western portion of the prairie province Manitoba. He attended school in the small towns of Souris and Wawanesa, eventually making his home in Brandon.

Charles has been writing stories from Junoth ever since he’s known how to write. His very first Junoth story was entitled “The Swordster” and was written at age 6. Since then he has been developing the world, its history, and its people.

If every entity in this universe is a world unto itself, then Charles is best described by the world he writes from. “I have never been nor will likely ever be as interesting as the characters I’ve created.” – Charles A.L. Dubois

Kimberley Smith - June 2

2007-05-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

Neepawa author Kimberley Smith will be on hand on Saturday, June 2 from 2:20 to 4:00 PM to discuss and sign copies of her book "The Love Within A Smile: A Sister’s Memoir of a Brother’s Disability."

"The Love Within A Smile" is a memoir of one family’s journey through the world of disability as seen through a sibling’s eyes. The author, a sibling of a young boy who was born with severe mental and physical disabilities, details her family’s struggles and triumphs while trying to maintain a normal family life. The novel takes the reader through every particular milestone of the young boy from his birth until his premature death at the age of 17. The memoir also includes valuable information and resources on special education issues with particular emphasis on sibling relationships for parents, siblings and professionals who work with special needs individuals. Anyone who has lived with a special needs individual will empathise with the author of "The Love Within A Smile" as she shares her personal story full of emotional roller coasters and wonderful life lessons.

Store Summer Update

2007-05-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

Only 64 days until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is released! The street party plans are coming along nicely, but we are going to need some volunteers. If you are willing to help out for an hour or two, it would be greatly appreciated. If you can't, that's OK too, just make sure you come down and have some fun before we open the doors at 12:01 AM on July 21 (be here on the evening of the 20th for the party, just to be clear).

It's Brandon's 125th celebration this year and in order to mark the occassion a first-person history/memoir of Brandon's early years entitled "A Horseman and the West" has been reissued. Originally published in 1925, this book was written by a local horse trader by the name of Beecham Trotter. For an easy read about life in the Prairies as they were being settled be sure to pick up a copy. (The photo in this post is of the author circa 1886).

Finally, with summer now here, Pennywise Books is moving to summer hours. We will be closed on Mondays, but open until 9 PM on Thursdays. All other hours remains the same.

We're about to start looking for authors to visit the store for the next year, so if you have any requests, large or small, let us know and we'll do our best. Call us at 728-2665 with any of your questions, requests or orders.

Have a great summer and I hope to see you soon!

Paul Quarrington & Harry Potter

2007-05-01T16:24:00.000-05:00

Paul Quarrington, noted Canadian writer, musician and filmmaker, will be at Pennywise on Saturday, May 5 at 3:00 to sign copies of his books.

Quarrington, whose works have been nominated for some of the most prestigious awards in Canada, will be in Brandon with his band Porkbelly Futures. This group will be performing two shows at the Music Studio that evening.

It is a true honour to host this signing, and I encourage you to hurry down to pick up a copy of one of his books (and I mean HURRY -- we're already down to only a few copies of three titles).

On another note: plans are coming together for our Harry Potter party. We have received permission to close the street in front of the store and have booked all sorts of entertainment and attractions. This party will take place on the evening of Friday, July 20 leading up to the opening of the store at 12:01 AM for the release of the final book in the Harry Potter series!

If you want to get involved in any way, or simply to ask more about anything happening at Pennywise, call us at 728-BOOK (2665) or email us at pennywise@westman.wave.ca.

Manitoba Book Week... and other stuff

2007-04-11T13:28:00.000-05:00

Manitoba Book Week will be celebrated across the province from April 22 to 28. During this week, the focus is on celebrating Manitoba's locally published books. We will have our display of books out on the shelf in the next day or two, so be sure to drop in to check out a sampling of the quality books that are published in our province. Visit the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers website for more information.

For our part, we will be hosting an encore reading of "To the Grave" by the author, Mike McIntyre.

To the Grave is, undoubtedly, one of the hottest selling local-interest books of the past season. I know that we sold out repeatedly!

Now that many of you have read this book, I'm sure that you have questions you would like answered. Or, perhaps, you want to get your copy signed by the author. Maybe you don't even care about the signature, but you just want to meet Mike.

Mike will be at Pennywise Books on April 27 and will begin his reading at 7 PM. Let us know if you have any questions.

On another note, remember that on Sunday, April 22 at 7:00pm, Crocus Plains High School will host Mr. Stephen Lewis for a Community Evening in the Gymnasium.

All of Brandon 's citizens are invited to hear Mr. Lewis's passionate message and call to action against the devastating consequences of Africa's HIV/AIDS pandemic. Mr. Lewis will also be the keynote speaker for the student conference on Africa on April 23. The conference will be the highlight of the school's year - long focus on local and global awareness and citizenship.

Tickets are $10.00 and are available in the Front Office of Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School. For further information please contact Katie Bonk at bonk.katie@brandonsd.mb.ca.

If you would like to read Mr. Lewis' book "Race Against Time" prior to hearing him speak, we have plenty of copies in stock and will also be selling copies at the event.

Andrea Nair - March 29

2007-03-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

On March 29 at 7:30 PM, former Brandonian and BU alumna Andrea Nair will be here at Pennywise Books to read from, discuss and answer questions about her book "Stripped Down Running" - a novel about Hannah, a young woman with a painful childhood that threatens to destroy her adult life.

Andrea, after teaching teenagers for a decade, has been studying the effects and recovery of traumatic experiences in childhood. She is passionate about helping children foster a love of learning, heal early wounds and regain self-esteem. She also guides parents to overcome their own challenges, therefore becoming more connected with themselves and their children.

If you have any questions about this event, please don't hesitate to call us.

Glenn Hopfner - January 25

2007-01-15T11:25:00.000-06:00

Welcome to 2007! After a small break during the holidays, we are now back with a new year of what I hope will be a year filled with fascinating authors signing wonderful books.

The first signing of the year goes to Glenn Hopfner. A resident of Ste. Rose, Glenn is pleased to be coming to Brandon to read, discuss and sign copies of What Happened, his second book.

Glenn Hopfner is a natural born story-teller a delight to listen to at any time. For those of you who don't have the chance to meet him in person, reading the story of his life is the next best thing. It's pretty much like sitting around the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee while an interesting person speaks entertainingly about interesting things. Glenn is an ordinary man who is living an extraordinary life. He's had plenty of close encounters with death, and more adventures than most people will ever know. He loves work and play, music and nature and animals and machines and people or all sorts. Most of all, he loves his family. Glenn is a spirited individual whose inspiring story will leave you asking for an encore.

His first book, Tales from the Tundra, is a compilation of stories Glenn has gathered while working for the Tundra Buggy company as a guide, interpreter, trouble-shooter, mechanic, and entertainer in Churchill during bear season.

On Thursday, January 25 at 7 PM, come on down to Pennywise Books at 1031 Rosser Ave to listen to Glenn's stories and meet this area author in person.

Book Launch - December 14

2006-12-08T14:51:00.000-06:00

We here at Pennywise Books are pleased to be hosting the launch of "Dancing Winds" by James C. McCrae. On December 14 at 7:00 PM, Mr. McCrae will be reading from and signing copies of his first published novel.

Dancing Winds is the story of the forbidden love between a Jewish boy and the daughter of an SS officer in Hitler's Germany. A story of love, war, murder and forgiveness, this is a book that spans the years and the range of human emotions.

For more information about this book or the event on Dec. 14, please feel free to contact us here at Pennywise at (204) 728-2665.

Events - November 27 & 29

2006-11-22T10:13:00.000-06:00

As we close in on the holidays, we begin to wind down our events at Pennywise Books for the year (with one more in December - stay tuned). We will be closing out November with two different authors and two very different books...

November 27

Laurie Block, local poet and storyteller, will be reading and signing copies of his book "Time Out of Mind."

In the foreword to this moving, honest and luminous collection of poems, Laurie Block inscribes the last coherent words his mother said to him: I used to be quite fond of you. Shortly after that, she lost what remained of her senses and sank into the vegetative state in which she spent her last years. Lights Out, the first section of Time Out of Mind, is the poet’s journey into a darkness that is only in part his mother’s. He writes to touch the borders of consciousness and emerges with a map of the mind and body in extremis. Many of these poems are rooted in disorientation, displacement and loss of equilibrium, the friction between what happens outside the skin and what may be taking place on the inside. The poet believes that we value consciousness as somehow more concrete, enduring and linked to assumptions about identity than our bodies. He therefore asks the question: Is the self first a face or a soul?

For more information about Laurie and his work, please visit www.laurieblock.ca.

November 29

Get to know Manitoba with the stories of over 500 names, ranging from the humorous to the historic. Communities included are particularly rich with an array of whimsical, descriptive, historical and aboriginal names. Perhaps because of our frontier heritage, towns and cities in North America come named after all manner of unlikely people, places and things, and they come in dozens of languages, all of which add interest and color to the stories behind the names.

Manitoba's names stand with the best. From a town named after a baking powder can to the village of Dropmore, whose town fathers couldn't decide on a name until they'd had "a drop more" from a shared bottle; towns in Manitoba have been named after everything from bacon to ducks. One village was named after a local species of tree by local residents who only discovered later that they had been mistaken about just what kind of tree they had growing in the town. Other Manitoba communities have been named after early residents, prominent people, local incidents, former homes in other places and Indian legends. No matter if you're from Manitoba or someplace far away the stories behind the names on Manitoba's map make for stories that seem hilariously unbelievable, but that really are true. They also help illuminate the history and culture of Western Canada.

Ted Stone, author of The Story Behind Manitoba Names, will be on hand to sign copies of this book on November 29 at 1:30 PM.

For more information on either of these events, please call Keith at Pennywise at (204) 728-2665.

November 9 - Book Launch

2006-10-26T15:54:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, November 9 at 7:00 PM, please join us at Pennywise Books for the launch of TO THE GRAVE: INSIDE A SPECTACULAR RCMP STING by Mike McIntyre. Come meet Winnipeg Free Press justice reporter, host of the nationally broadcast Crime and Punishment radio show, and bestselling author Mike McIntyre as he releases the latest in his series of true crime books.

TO THE GRAVE: INSIDE A SPECTACULAR RCMP STING is the story of the case of Erin Chorney, the 18-year-old Brandon girl who went missing in April 2002 and was found buried in an elderly woman's grave in February 2004. The grisly discovery came following an elaborate RCMP undercover "sting" operation, the likes of which has never been used in Canada. Using a Hollywood-style scenario and some psychological trickery, police were able to bust open the two-year-old missing person mystery in dramatic fashion.

At the November 9 launch, a representative from Child Find Manitoba will be on hand to speak about the impact of Erin's disappearance on her family and the community. Donations for Child Find will be gratefully accepted.

For more information about this event, please contact Keith at Pennywise Books at (204) 728-2665.

Coffee House/Open Mic

2006-10-14T12:25:00.000-05:00

Whew! Things have been crazy busy down here lately, what with Chester Brown one day ("Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography") and Reena Nerbas ("Household Solutions & Substitutions") the next.

Our next event is not an author, but another of what have turned out to be very popular events -- a Pennywise Coffee House (and Open Mic). This time, however, we have a headliner!

On Tuesday, October 24 beginning at 7:30 PM local group Milliken McGuire will be performing. Following their set, anyone interested in performing is invited to get on stage. To book your slot, just drop us a line at the store (728-2665).

I hope to see you all soon!

Chester Brown

2006-09-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

Author and artist Chester Brown will be signing copies of the recently released paperback edition of "Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography" at Pennywise Books on October 12 between 3:00 and 5:00 PM. He will be speaking about his work later that evening at the AGSM (Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba) beginning at 7:00 PM.

Chester Brown reinvents the comic book medium to create the critically acclaimed historical biography Louis Riel, winning the Harvey Awards for best writing and best graphic novel for his compelling, meticulous, and dispassionate retelling of the charismatic, and perhaps insane, nineteenth-century Métis leader. Brown cooly documents with dramatic subtlety the violent rebellion on the Canadian prairie led by Riel, who some regard a martyr who died in the name freedom, while others consider him a treacherous murderer.

Copies of Louis Riel as well as some of his earlier works will be available at the store for fans to have autographed.

For more information about Chester Brown and his work, please visit the publisher's website: Drawn & Quarterly.

Gail Bowen - reading & signing

2006-08-18T12:29:00.000-05:00

Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn murder mysteries, will be at Pennywise Books on September 21 at 8 PM. She will be reading excerpts from the tenth book in the Joanne Kilbourn series - "The Endless Knot."

Following is a brief description of this novel:

The tenth novel in the highly acclaimed Joanne Kilbourn series features the murderous fallout of a tell-all book on the troubled adult children of Canadian celebrities.

When journalist Kathryn Morrissey’s sensational book on the lives of thirteen adult children of prominent Canadians is published, one of the parents, Sam Parker, is furious enough to take a pot shot at the author, grazing her shoulder. Charges are laid, and Joanne’s new beau, Zack Shreve, is hired by Parker as his defence counsel. At the trial, which Joanne is covering for NationTV, Shreve focuses the jury’s attention not on who shot whom, but on why — on the ethics governing the relationship between a journalist and her subject.

Morrissey’s betrayal of her subjects opens up questions about an even more serious betrayal — the betrayal of children by their parents. While everyone condemns Parker for taking a gun to Morrissey, no one can fault his defence of his only child, Glen, a transsexual. The mutual love and commitment between this father and child stands in stark contrast to the alienation between Howard Dowhaniuk, Saskatchewan’s former premier, and his son, Charlie.

On the day of the verdict, Morrissey is brutally murdered, and Joanne’s investigation quickly has her trying to unravel the endless knot of the relationship between parent and child.

-----------

Gail Bowen's appearance is part of the Winnipeg International Writers Festival. For more information about this event, please visit WinnipegWords.com.

To learn more about Gail Bowen, you can visit her website at www.gailbowen.com.

Folk Fest Kick-off Party

2006-07-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

The Brandon Folk Music and Arts Festival kicks off this Thursday, July 27 with a party at Pennywise Books. Beginning at 8 PM, there will be live music and good conversation to start off the Festival weekend.

The schedule for the weekend can be found HERE.

Coffee House/Open Mic

2006-07-07T10:49:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, July 12 Pennywise Books will be hosting a coffee house/open mic night from 8 to 11 PM. Admission is free and everyone is invited.

Tentative performers include: Holdfast Hope (Brandon's latest and greatest band), Andrea (acoustic guitar and singing), Matt (spoken word). Anyone interested in performing is invited to bring their instruments and play or to bring their words and speak.

Fair Trade and Organic coffee and tea will be available by donation.

This event is being held in support of Kevin McCarty's Canadian Crossroads International Internship to Bolivia. Donations for this purpose will be accepted.

For more information about this event, please contact us here at Pennywise.

Canadian Crossroads International (CCI) is a non-profit international development organization focused on creating a sustainable and equitable world. For close to 40 years, CCI has fostered cross-cultural learning and understanding in Canada and abroad. Today we are doing much more. Persistent poverty, the AIDS pandemic and political and economic instability threaten the well being of millions of people. To meet these challenges, CCI has reinvented its work so that it is now on the vanguard of volunteer cooperation and development agencies in Canada.

CCI facilitates long-term partnerships between Southern and Canadian community groups working on similar issues. We aim to increase the capacity of grassroots organizations in the South to better meet the needs of their community by providing opportunities to develop skills, resources and expertise.Our projects are driven by the needs of the groups we work with in the South. These groups focus on the following sectors: HIV/AIDS; human rights; and poverty alleviation through community economic development.

CCI has partnerships with organizations in West Africa, Southern Africa and the Andean region of South America. The relationships are consolidated through the exchange of skilled volunteers who bring the knowledge and expertise our partners require to carry out their work as effectively as possible. CCI works in many countries, including: Suriname, Bolivia, Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, Ghana, and Swaziland.

Sidewalk Sale - July 6

2006-06-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

What with Cruise Night taking place on Rosser Avenue between 6th and 10th Streets, I thought I would try and stretch the activities on towards 11th by having a sidewalk sale in front of the store. The prices and selection will be the same as at the sale: all genres and formats for $2.50/book or 5 for $10.

The last of our authors has been through the store. With summer upon us, we do not have any readings or signings scheduled until the fall. However, if the planets aligned correctly, we should have an excellent array of notable individuals for you to meet.

As always, suggestions are welcomed.

Two More Authors in June

2006-06-14T10:27:00.000-05:00

June is turning out to be an incredibly busy month! Two more authors have been confirmed for talks and signings at Pennywise.

June 20 at 7:00 PM

Bill Stilwell, author of Manitoba, Naturally will be in the store to talk about and sign copies of his book.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Manitoba, Naturally: Scenic Secrets of Manitoba is a treasure trove of information about sixty special places that help make Manitoba one of the most exciting and inspiring places on earth. Some are not well known, while others lie right under our noses. Either way, all it takes is your sense of adventure and the useful tips and trips in this book to get you going in the right direction.

Scenic Secrets of Manitoba, a best-seller by author Bill Stilwell, shared first-hand experience and knowledge of Manitoba. Now Manitoba, Naturally invites you to explore and enjoy more of Manitoba's best scenic secrets.

Let this book be your guide to an exciting nature experience. This is Manitoba at its best; and Manitoba, Naturally!

June 22 at 7:00 PM

Bartly Kives, Winnipeg Free Press reporter, will be at Pennywise Books to discuss and sign copies of his first book -- A Daytripper's Guide to Manitoba.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Sandwiched between North Dakota and Nunavut, Manitoba has never been the busiest chunk of tourism real estate in North America. To independent travellers, this is a good thing: Canada's undiscovered province offers uncrowded beaches, innumerable lakes and forests and unlikely cultural attractions, especially in the gritty/cool capital, Winnipeg.

A Daytripper's Guide to Manitoba is the first comprehensive travel handbook to the province -- and an indispensible tool for visitors from abroad, Canadians passing through and Manitobans who simply want to get to know their own backyard.

Get the straight goods on cities, towns and natural attractions in every corner of the province, compiled by one of Manitoba's most tenacious independent travellers, Winnipeg Free Press columnist Bartley Kives.

Plunder a small-town gift shop.

Eyeball turn-of-the-last-century architecture.

Commune with nature in wild areas that still feel wild.

And forget what you think you know about the Canadian Prairies -- the only thing flat about Manitoba is the Trans-Canada Highway.

For more information about either of these events, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Pennywise. Hope to see you soon!

Sheldon Kennedy

2006-05-27T10:43:00.000-05:00

June 13th 7:00 PM

Sheldon Kennedy, author of Why I Didn't Say Anything: The Sheldon Kennedy Story, will be at Pennywise Books to read from, discuss and sign copies of his book. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

The following is information about Kennedy's book from the publisher's website (www.insomniacpress.com):

In 1996, Sheldon Kennedy rocked the insular world of Canadian hockey by announcing that his former minor-league coach, Graham James — the Hockey News 1989 Man of the Year — had sexually abused him more than 300 times.

The media portrayed Kennedy as a hero for breaking the code of silence in professional hockey and bringing James to justice. The heroic myth intensified in 1998 when Kennedy announced that he was going to in-line skate from Newfoundland to British Columbia to raise awareness of sexual abuse. The skate raised over $1 million for Canadian Red Cross sexual abuse programs, and Kennedy settled in Calgary with his wife and young daughter.

Anyone who has followed hockey in the last ten years is familiar with the story of ex-NHL player Sheldon Kennedy. As one of the most promising hockey talents to emerge from the Canadian minor leagues in the last two decades, Kennedy was destined for hockey greatness. But after he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1988, he was attracted more attention for his off-ice antics than for his contributions to the score sheet. Plagued by rumours of drug and alcohol abuse and a string of injuries, Kennedy drifted from team to team.

The happy ending promised by the headlines never materialized. Still haunted by the demons of sexual abuse, Kennedy's life spiralled out of control. Now he has finally come forward to tell his story, and the story of coach Graham James, who is out of prison and currently coaching hockey in Europe.

Coming Events

2006-05-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

Coming events:

Saturday, May 27
2:00 - 4:00 PM

Local illustrator, writer and graphic designer Nevin Arnold will be on hand to sign copies of the first issue of "Honor of the Damned", a four issue comic book series he created and wrote. Published by Boston publisher Americanime Productions this series is in release across North America. Be sure to pick up the first issue of this series from the author himself!

You can learn more about Nevin Arnold at his website: www.nevinarnold.com.

Saturday, June 3
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Our back room is too full! We simply have too much stock in our store. On June 3 (weather permitting), we will be having a massive sidewalk sale in order to get rid of as much of this excess stock as possible. Fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and much, much more will be available for $2.50/book or 5 books for $10. Be sure to get here early!

If it is raining or simply too windy, we will postpone the sale to a later date. Please note the price quoted above only apply to the sidewalk sale items.

The Da Vinci Code

2006-05-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

Since it first hit bookstore shelves, it has inspired controversy and made headlines. Now with a major motion picture release only days away, the debate has been refreshed and people are once again hearing about (or, perhaps more accurately, hearing MORE about) Dan Brown’s bestselling The Da Vinci Code.

The second novel featuring Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, this story begins with a murder that leads to a series of clues and through a labyrinth of history, art and religion in a race to save lives and find the ultimate prize. An ambiguous description of the book, yes, but I would rather you read it for yourself.

Over the past few years, most people have heard about this book and have formed an opinion one way or another. What is often forgotten by many people – both those who enjoy the book and those who are vehemently opposed to it (and intriguingly, the media) – is that it is a fictional novel. And, as is the fact with almost all fictional books, the author has taken some liberties with the facts. Note that word: fictional.

Much of the furor over The Da Vinci Code is centered on the fact that the story revolves around the idea that Jesus Christ fathered children with Mary Magdalene. As this concept flies in the face of many people’s deeply held personal beliefs, the entire book is condemned. Likewise, many individuals who are interested in alternative versions of history or are conspiracy theorists want to believe some of the ideas presented in this story and thus accept many of Brown’s statements as fact.

Both groups of individuals should consider The Da Vinci Code again in this light: it is a fictional novel filled with highly unlikely events and action sequences. The characters are all intelligent, rich and/or beautiful. Things go right for them when the narrative demands it and things go wrong when it furthers the plot.

It is a novel.

If we lived in a more rational world where people thought things through before simply over-reacting, both groups could even consider the book a boon to their point of view because it is exposing a large readership to their ideas.

Brown lifted a great deal of the material that constitutes the underpinnings of his novel from Holy Blood, Holy Grail. You may have seen/heard/read something about the court case. If you haven't read this "nonfiction" book, you may want to do so. It is an interesting read, but the authors make a few staggering leaps of logic that make the book less a book of history than a book of conjecture. Since the "factual" basis for The Da Vinci Code is seriously flawed, I find it difficult to understand the hubbub and furor surrounding this novel.

In any case, the movie adaptation of The Da Vinci Code will soon be in theatres. Anyone even remotely considering going to see this film should get their copy of the book and read it prior to buying their popcorn.

Introduction

2006-05-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the new, if not very original Pennywise Books website. Because there is always something happening down here (1031 Rosser Ave in Brandon, MB) I thought it would be a good idea to have a place to provide notices of upcoming authors, signings, sales, changes to our hours, and my thoughts about books in general.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of coming into the store (or, conversely, who have not allowed me the pleasure of meeting you), please allow me to explain a little bit about Pennywise Books:

Pennywise is an independant new and used bookstore. We are not a store for book collectors, we are a store for readers and book lovers. Not only do we provide a friendly environment for browsing, we also try to help you find that certain book to meet your needs, do special orders, host book-related events and try to offer intelligent conversation.

In the past few months, we have hosted events with such authors as Giller Prizer winner David Bergen, CBC Radio's Stuart McLean and Dr. David Suzuki. As soon as we have confirmed more events, we will post notice here. Sound fair?

Our hours are 9:30 to 5:30 Monday to Friday and 10:00 to 5:00 on Saturday. This might change for the summer, but for the moment that's how it stands.

Do we take used books? Sometimes. It depends on what you have to trade. We DO NOT take Harlequin romances or series westerns. If your mass market paperbacks are in good condition and we don't already have several copies, we do two-for-one trades. For other books, it depends on the books, their condition, your skills as a negotiator, and my mood at the moment. In these cases, we offer store credit. It is very rare we buy book outright -- it has to be a heck of a collection for us to do that... but feel free to ask.

That's it for the moment, but come back soon as there are some events coming up that you might be interested it...