The Saskatchewan Book Awards Reading, Oct 2010

Text and photos (c) Robert Barry Francos
Photos can be made larger by clicking on them

There was a book reading by three of Saskatchewan Book Awards winners held at the Faculty Club of the University of Saskatchewan on October 25, 2010. Luckily, I had the opportunity to attend.

I met David Carpenter earlier this year and we have gathered socially a few times; last year I had a writing class with Candace Savage where we read Trevor Herriot, and I was looking forward to hearing Gerald Hill as I was yet unfamiliar with his work. If you are a Canadian literature buff, or live in Saskatoon, those are three names that will sound pretty familiar, and there is a good chance you have read their output.

The faculty club is a lovely fieldstone historic building, with dining areas as meeting rooms. For this time, we met in the Fireplace Room. It was my first time in the club.

The Fireplace Room.
Jackie Lay, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Book Awards, sits at the book buying/signing table, while English professor Bob Calder waits to introduce the authors. Bob was not only host, but he is also a recipient of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild's Hyland Award for "outstanding services to the growth and development of the Saskatchewan writing community."
David Carpenter catches up with Trevor Herriot.
Noted local actor Henry Woolf, fresh off performing this summer in the Saskatoon Shakespeare Festival's "Merchant of Venice" and fall in "Great Expectations" (wonderful show I was fortunate enough to see... thanks Liz), buys books while Trevor and David sign copies for him. Henry was also in a number of first rate projects, including Superman III, Gorky Park, The Rutles, as the wedding photographer and one of the time warping Translyvanians in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and in a recurring role as the Collector in the Dr. Who series.
Bob Calder talks to Henry Woolf.
Discussions before the reading.

Bob Calder's introduction for Jackie Lay.
Jackie Lay makes a quick announcement.
David Carpenter and Bob Calder listen intently to Jackie.
Trevor Herriot noticing a friend in the audience.
Bob Calder introduced all the writers / readers, including Trevor Herriot, who had been his student at the University.
Trevor Herriot reads from his book, Grass, Sky, Song: Promise and Peril in the World of Grassland Birds, which won both the Non-fiction and Regina Book Awards. Trevor is an expert on Sasatchewanian birds.

Next up was David Carpenter, reading from his novel, Niceman Cometh, which won the Saskatoon Book Award.

Last up was Gerald Hill, who read from his 14 Tractors, which was given the Award for Poetry.


After some final words, we adjorned to some noshies and punch. And did I mention there is a bar?