Review of Caroline Adderson’s “A Way to be Happy”
By Lori Hahnel A Way to be Happy: Stories by Caroline Adderson Biblioasis (2024) The title of Caroline Adderson’s latest story collection derives from its epigraph, a passage from Chekhov’s…
Review of Astrid Blodgett’s “This is How You Start to Disappear”
By Kendall Bistretzan This is How You Start to Disappear by Astrid Blodgett University of Alberta Press (2023) Short story writer Astrid Blodgett explores loss, family dynamics, and uncomfortable truths…
Review of Lisa Alward’s “Cocktail”
By Skylar Kay Cocktail by Lisa Alward Biblioasis (2023) The stories of Cocktail all revolve around ideas of family, finding belonging, and the pitfalls that come with love—either familial or…
Review of “You Look Good For Your Age: An Anthology”
By Annie Wesko You Look Good For Your Age: An Anthology Rona Altrows, Editor University of Alberta Press (2021) This is a brilliant collection of women’s writing about aging, some…
Review of Theresa Kishkan’s “Blue Portugal”
By Skylar Kay Blue Portugal by Theresa Kishkan University of Alberta Press (2022) Blue Portugal, Theresa Kishkan’s new collection of essays, presents life as mosaic. Kishkan stitches and mends together…
The (Un)expected Passion in Stories of (M)othering
An Interview with Anne Sorbie and Heidi Grogan by Sharon Berg (M)othering: An Anthology Edited by Anne Sorbie and Heidi Grogan Inanna Publications (2022) Sharon Berg: First, thank you both…
Review of dee Hobsbawn-Smith’s “Bread & Water”
By Ariel Gordon Bread & Water by dee Hobsbawn-Smith University of Regina Press (2021) dee Hobsbawn-Smith is somehow known both for being a Calgary chef, food writer, and single parent…
Review of Bruce Meyers’ “Toast Soldiers”
by Sharon Berg Toast Soldiers by Bruce Meyers Crowsnest Books (2021) Bruce Meyers is a prolific, award-winning writer. Every story in Toast Soldiers is both insightful and serious, with protagonists…
Review of Diane Girard’s “Waves”
By Sharon Berg Waves by Diane Girard Volume Publishing (2021) What was I expecting inside this simple cover on a seemingly self-published book? I don’t mind admitting I recognized my…
Review of Barbara Black’s “Music From a Strange Planet”
By Skylar Kay Music From a Strange Planet by Barbara Black Caitlin Press (2021) Barbara Black’s Music From A Strange Planet is a well-curated collection of short stories; several themes run throughout…