Bibliophiles, Rejoice! New Year Promises Outstanding New Reads - theHumm January 2023
Bibliophiles, Rejoice! New Year Promises Outstanding New Reads - theHumm January 2023
By John Pigeau
While visiting my parents over the holidays, I was bundled-up and reading in the garage next to a fair-sized stack of books I’d just picked up at a library used book sale. Dad, who doesn’t like clutter on his work bench, said to me, “What are you doing with all those books?
“Readin’ ‘em,” I told him.
He crinkled his brows. “Don’t you think you have enough books?” “No,” I said. “Never.”
I might have added that come the new year I’ll be adding many more to my collection too. But Dad’s not a big reader. He wouldn’t have understood.
Anyhow, that conversation got me thinking about which authors have books coming out in 2023 — and of course, unabashed bibliophile that I am, I got excited about that. So I did a bit of digging, and that got me quite a bit more excited, frankly, because it turns out that — for my fellow book lovers, at least — there’s quite a bit to look forward to in the new year.
I’ll start with a book that comes out in January: Prince Harry’s highly anticipated memoir Spare. Now this is a book that won’t likely appeal to anyone who isn’t a fan of the British Royal family, but for those who are it’s surely a must-read. I wouldn’t normally be interested in any book about the Royal family, frankly, but this one intrigues even me, because here’s the thing: it’s written by a man who clearly wanted nothing to do, in the end, with that family. And by all accounts, he’s told things as they were, and as they are — the book is being talked about for its “raw, unflinching honesty” and its “unsparing glimpse” of life behind castle walls.
That’s where part of my interest in this book lies — with how young Prince Harry grieved the tragic death of his mother, and how he chose (as much as one really can) to live his life after that. In this sense, Spare strikes me as very much the story of a grieving young man, and how he found love in the aftermath. And how this young man managed to stay sane while very publicly breaking free of a life he clearly no longer wanted to be a part of. That’s a story many can relate to. Spare hits bookshelves everywhere on January 10.
Internationally acclaimed Canadian novelist Alissa York returns with her latest book, Far Cry, a meticulously crafted, deeply moving mystery set in a small west coast fishing village. The novel, York’s fifth, has received high praise from other fine writers for immersing its readers in the tumultuous early years of Canada’s west coast fisheries, chronicling the life of days gone by with exacting, convincing and beautiful detail — this seaside story serves as an elegy to the natural world, now so changed. York handles a mystery like the best of them, with a powerful, tragic conclusion revealed only in the novel’s shocking final pages. Now that sounds electrifying — and in the hands of one of Canada’s finest writers, I’ve no doubt it will be. York’s latest is written so beautifully and viscerally, with such authority and magic, one reviewer said, that you could all but smell the sea. That sealed it for me. Far Cry comes out on February 28.
Fans of Margaret Atwood, perhaps Canada’s most visionary writer, will be thrilled to hear she will have a new book out in March. Old Babes in the Wood, it’s called — a collection of fifteen extraordinary short stories (some of which appeared in The New Yorker and New York Magazine) that “explore the full warp and weft of experience, speaking to our unique times with Atwood’s characteristic insight, wit, and intellect.” The short story Old Babes in the Wood was published in the April and May 2021 issues of The New Yorker, and you can hunt that one down if you’re pining for an excellent sample from the collection. This book marks Atwood’s first return to short fiction since her 2014 collection Stone Mattress. You can buy Old Babes in the Wood at your favourite local indie bookstore on March 7. Trust me, they’ll have lots of copies.
It has been said that we have a duty to honour our friends and loved ones who have passed. With that in mind, it is a difficult privilege for me to write that, in April, Biblioasis will be publishing Steven Heighton’s short story collection Instructions for the Drowning. Ginger Pharand, Steve’s partner and literary and music executor, edited the book with John Metcalf and says there are stories in this collection that rank among the best Steve ever produced. That is saying something, since Steve was widely considered to be one of the best short story writers of his generation, by his peers and critics alike. “To say Heighton is an immensely talented writer is true enough but insufficient… Heighton is as good a writer as Canada has ever produced,” author Jeet Heer wrote in the National Post in 2012. Many believed his short stories were as good as the fiction of Alice Munro and Mavis Gallant.
On a personal note: Steve was a good friend of mine, and I miss him dearly. When I buy my copy of Instructions for the Drowning at my local indie, it will be with tremendous gratitude but also with some sadness. Why? Because Steve will not pop by my home to personally inscribe it for me, as with previous books. I would very much like it if he could; I would, of course, give anything for that to happen. Still, Steve truly was a magnificently gifted writer, and it will be an immense privilege to inhabit the worlds of these “new” characters he created — I will be thankful for all the gifts he left for us to savour.
I’m also very much looking forward to reading Maggie Smith’s memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful (April 11), Salman Rushdie’s latest literary fantasy Victory City (February 7), Snow Road Station (April 11) by Elizabeth Hay, and Hang the Moon (March 28), a new novel by Jeanette Walls.
Talk to your local bookseller about all the great new books coming out in 2023. There are many, many more. I wish you all happy reading in the new year!
Carolyne Buchanan — Every Day’s a Dog Day - theHumm January 2023
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
And that’s a good thing at Hounds of The Hood Studio at Carolyne Buchanan’s art-festooned home in Carleton Place. This multitalented artist has a mission — to popularize “dog art” to the status of “real art.” On Carolyne’s canvasses, it definitely is.
Why do we tend to dismiss dog portraits as less “real” than portraits of people? For many wo/men, their dog is easily their best friend. Over time their pets’ expressions communicate as effectively as words, and they are never as hur......
Welcome Back the Birds - theHumm January 2023
By Glenda Jones
The holidays are behind us, and it’s time to start working on your entry for the Backyard Beauties 2023 Auction! If the snow shovel has lost its appeal, birdhouse builders and artists can turn their attention to the return of the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust birdhouse auction, slated for May 2023.
Coordinators Barbara Carroll and Glenda Jones have listened to previous entrants and are broadening the scope this year to include all things “bird” — houses, bird baths, feeders and ga......
January 28: Jim Bryson, the Piano, and Friends - theHumm January 2023
By — Sandy Irvin is the Artistic Director of the Folkus Concert Series
We’re opening our 2023 Folkus Concert season with a real treat. January 28 will feature Jim Bryson, the piano, and friends. Jim Bryson jimbryson.org is a songwriter’s songwriter, producer and player, who has worked with Kathleen Edwards, The Tragically Hip and the Weakerthans, among others. Recently, a number of CFMA-nominated albums have come out of his studio down the road in Stittsville, including Ken Yates, The Skydiggers, Suzie Ungerlieder,......
Karen & Co. A Celebration of Art at the Textile Museum - theHumm January 2023
When Dr. Karen Dover likes an artist’s work, she doesn’t just say so — she puts her financial support, time, and considerable talents into promoting it. Cosmetic and laser physician by day, both artist and art patroness in her “spare” time, Karen draws inspiration from synergies and symbioses. Her own abstract art results from a fearless fusion of influences and life experiences, and she strives to connect diverse people and ideas.
Towards the end of January, Karen Dover Mo......
MERA PresentsWonderful Winter Activities - theHumm January 2023
This winter, MERA (McDonalds Corners/Elphin Recreation & Arts) has plenty of fun activities for all ages. Join us at 974 Dalhousie Concession 9A in McDonalds Corners to stay connected to your community.
To welcome the new year, join us for a Lantern Walk and Twelfth Night party. On January 6, meet at 6:30pm at the Highlands Country Store in McDonalds Corners and walk up to MERA. Those who do not wish to walk can meet at the Schoolhouse at 7pm for a sing-along, snacks and games. King’s......
The Time In-Between - theHumm January 2023
By Susie Osler
There once was a planet that was inhabited by caterpillars. It was a dazzling planet of jade and emerald greens, and sapphire and turquoise blues. Leafy, textured and abundant. In their short creeping lives the caterpillars ate, and ate, and then ate some more. Periodically their expanding bodies needed more room and they’d trade their old skins for new skins that could accommodate their expansion. This happened five times throughout the course of each of their lives. And one day, finally sa......
Jeff Mills — A Visionary and a Doer - theHumm January 2023
By — Carebridge is one of Lanark County’s largest, most established nonprofit agencies in the health care and social services sector and the region’s largest affordable housing provider.
Jeff Mills says that when you see inequities, it’s hard to walk on by. And he never does. Last month, Jeff retired after a long career in community development and 16 years at Carebridge Community Support. But of course, we all know that this isn’t really farewell. Jeff will never stop supporting our community through his caring nature and good work. And we are all thankful for that!
Jeff’s community roots are deep. His father and mentor Stan Mills was a founding member of the Almonte Communit......
Men’s Shed Unveils Memorial Plaque - theHumm January 2023
The Naismith Men’s Shed, part of Men’s Sheds Ontario and Men’s Sheds Canada, has been operating in and contributing to Mississippi Mills since the fall of 2017. In that time the Shed has grown from 15 to 50 members. But since most members are retirees, and even though the focus is on living as healthy and happy lives as possible, Shed members are undeniably in their twilight years. Consequently, from time to time a member passes to the great Shed in the Sky.
Being desirous of showing respect fo......
Excellent Start, Lanark County! First in Canada to Declare Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic - theHumm January 2023
In a historic move, Lanark County Council became the first county in Ontario to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic in accordance with the Culleton, Kuzyk and Warmerdam Inquest’s jury recommendations. The resolution was formally passed at the County Council meeting on December 14.
The five-person jury presented 86 recommendations as a result of the inquest, which took place in June of this year. The first recommendation is for the province t......
Men’s Role in Stopping Violence — For All - theHumm January 2023
By Fern Martin
The prevalence and persistence of femicide is a disturbing reality of Canadian society. Who can forget the country’s harshest awakening to its presence on December 6, 1989, when a man murdered 14 women at Montreal’s École Polytechnique? Decades later and much closer to home, on September 22, 2015, a man murdered three women — Carol Culleton, Nathalie Warmerdam and Anastasia Kuzyk — in our neighbouring Renfrew County, a brutal reminder that the danger continues and that ending it will require massi......
Shall We Talk? Learning Again in Almonte Offers Two Courses - theHumm January 2023
Learning Again In Almonte offers two courses that explore the power of communication in unique ways.
Every aspect of our lives is impacted by our interpretation of the communication we receive and the effectiveness of the communication we deliver. This winter, Learning Again in Almonte is offering two very different courses that will open your eyes to what lies behind successful conversations.
Over the holidays, did political chats with your opinionated uncle get a little testy? Are ......
A New Year, a Fresh Start to a New You - theHumm January 2023
By Submitted the Carleton Place Toastmasters Club
Take a step in your lifelong learning journey and check out the Carleton Place Toastmasters Club. Our next Open House is scheduled for Thursday, January 26 at 7pm on Zoom. For more information, contact carletonplacetoastmasters@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
The Christmas parties are over and you stumbled through a toast to a co-worker; you thought you could have done better. It’s a new year now — a fresh sta......
Garden Dreamin’ - theHumm January 2023
By David Hinks
Thick glossy catalogues from the purveyors of “garden porn” fuel fantasies of the most amazingly productive vegetable garden imaginable. But rather than being seduced by the seed catalogue descriptions of the merits of different varieties, it is time to get practical. Am I going to have a successful tomato crop with the best-tasting heritage tomato variety, or should I pick the new hybrid variety with all kinds of disease resistance? Perhaps compromise and grow some of each!
Why go to all the ef......
Another OneCome and Gone - theHumm January 2023
By Glenda Jones
So there I sat in December trying to write scintillating messages in Christmas cards (yes, I still do that, but not the fifty or so I did at one time), and it all sounded pretty trite. Except for the chainsaw course, still a highlight, all I had to add was that I took up basket weaving in the summer. Lordy, that caused so much excitement you should all sit down and have tea. “Basket weaving? Really??” I’m sure my far-off friends will think I’ve tipped over the edge.
I’m going to make a concerted effort this year to have significant events to write in those cards. Already the birdhouse......
Thinking Globally: Acting Locally Climate Network Lanark Plans for 2023 - theHumm January 2023
By Chandler Swain
In Lanark County, Climate Network Lanark is working to provide leadership on the various issues that we can control to look after our precious land, water and air to ensure this place we love will support us and our grandkids, and theirs. Literally millions of folks all over the planet are doing the same. Citizens are working hard to keep the focus on how little time we have to stop runaway climate chaos, where there will be no turning back from the fires, droughts and floods we are now beginning to......
Bibliophiles, Rejoice! New Year Promises Outstanding New Reads - theHumm January 2023
By John Pigeau
While visiting my parents over the holidays, I was bundled-up and reading in the garage next to a fair-sized stack of books I’d just picked up at a library used book sale. Dad, who doesn’t like clutter on his work bench, said to me, “What are you doing with all those books?
“Readin’ ‘em,” I told him.
He crinkled his brows. “Don’t you think you have enough books?” “No,” I said. “Never.”
I might have added that come the new year I’ll be adding many more to my collection......
Anne of Green Gables in Perth - theHumm January 2023
Perth Community Choir is thrilled that their fall 2022 production is finally going it hit the stage — if a little later than expected! The cast and orchestra have been working since September, and unfortunately had to reschedule due to circumstances beyond their control.
Anne of Green Gables, The Musical is a retelling of the classic Lucy Maude Mongomery novel of the same name. The story centres on orphan Anne (with an “e”) who ends up placed with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert......
Sivarulrasa Gallery Looking Forward to an Exciting 2023! - theHumm January 2023
By Sanjeev Sivarulrasa
In 2023, Almonte’s Sivarulrasa Gallery will continue presenting curated, rotating exhibitions in our three distinct exhibition spaces: Galleries I, II and III. We are delighted to showcase original Canadian art from all across the country. Our first exhibition in Gallery I, starting in mid-February, will feature a new body of works by Gatineau-based artist Louis Thériault. The Gallery’s regular hours will resume on January 4 — we will be open for in-person viewing We......
MM Youth Centre is Back in Action! - theHumm January 2023
By Maybe McInnis
Mississippi Mills Youth Centre (MMYC) is proud to announce our January-March 2023 calendar starting Monday, January 9, featuring FREE programs for youth ages 10–18. Located in Almonte, MMYC offers a wide variety of drop-in and structured programs six days a week to support our youth membership’s diverse interests, goals and talents.
MMYC staff — Lilli, Maybe, Joey, Emery, Lena and Karma — have been working hard to maintain our supportive relationships with local youth through our inclusive, low-press......
“Did You See Who Shot Him?” Murder Mystery Raises Funds for Homeless Youth - theHumm January 2023
On January 12 and 28, Great Gatsby! It’s Murder is coming to Kanata, and on February 18 it will be performed in Smith Falls at The Station Theatre. Rachel Paul’s acclaimed comedic play, set in a fantasy flapper era, is filled with glitz, glamour and murder. This absurd whodunnit will have you roaring in your seats and accusing your favourite characters of crimes.
Directed by award-winning Canadian actress Shannon Lawson, this theatrical event is a fundraiser for Operation Come Home’s Homeless Youth Hot Breakfast program and has partnered with the Kanata Legion to raise money for local......
Jack deKeyzer Plays The Cove - theHumm January 2023
Acclaimed guitarist, singer, songwriter, band leader and producer Jack de Keyzer rarely sits still. With 12 records, 1 DVD, 2 Junos and 7 Maple Blues Awards, de Keyzer delivers the goods wherever and whenever he performs. He usually plays over 100 shows a year, and his music is steeped in Chicago blues, London England blues rock, Detroit Motown, Muscle Shoals deep soul, Memphis rock and roll, and Philadelphia’s funky soul jazz. For 46 years — or roughly a couple million miles — de Keyzer has be......
Apr 20 Perth Trashure Hunt Clean-up
Apr 20 Solitary Man
Apr 27 Festival of the Maples
Apr 27 The Moth Project
May 4 - 5 Spring Fine Art Show
May 4 Outskirts
May 5 Music at Mera: The Andrew Collins Trio
May 11 - 12 Art in the Attic
May 11 Engelbert Humperdinck & Tom Jones Tribute
May 16 MMLT Talk & AGM
- IS THIS A PROTEST?
- A Classic Whodunnit Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee at Studio Theatre
- Readers, Writers, and Poets
- Celebrate Indigenous Culture in CP
- Celebrate the ClassicsWith the Arnprior Choir
- 4F Auction Concoction Food, Fun, Fashion & Favourites
- Cheerfully Made Spring Market
- Electrify to Decarbonize Lanark
- Volunteer Forum
- Frankenstein Comes to The Station Theatre
