I was trying to think of books that are important to Southern Alberta and specifically
good books about Calgary and region. I've never read 419, but I'm a fan of (the bus route, and) Will Ferguson's other work. I considered including Harry Sanders and Nellie McClung on my list, but I don't know if I've read anything absolutely vital by either. I've also read a ton of academic work from the area, but I'm not sure much of it is important for being written here. Please add other books you think are important. Here's my list:
1.
Green Grass Running Water (1993) by Thomas King. Set in a fictional community on a Blackfoot reserve. From a literary standpoint, probably the most important book ever set in Alberta. It utilizes magical realism and traditional Aboriginal modes of storytelling to satire colonial narratives. Funny and accessible.
Medicine River (1990) is also set locally and is equally awesome, but a follows a bit more of a structured, realist form.
The Inconvenient Indian is on my shelf but is supposed to be good. If you like Thomas King, I might also recommend Robert Kroetsch, who wrote a few books in the 70's set in small towns in Central Alberta - also magical realism - such as
What the Crow Said (1978).
2.
Wonderful Life (1989) by Stephen J Gould. The story of how fossil discoveries at the Burgess Shale (Yoho National Park) revolutionized our knowledge of early life, the Cambrian explosion, and the history of earth. Pop science non fiction is hit or miss to me, but this book is definitely a hit, and I think its success lies in its honest portrayal of how contemporary academia processes a paradigm shift. The characters involved aren't just stiff scientists, but human beings, mentors and apprentices, each with their own peculiar habits, assumptions, and strengths.
3.
Obasan (1981) by Joy Kawaga. The semi-autobiographical account of a Japanese internment camp survivor's family, as she moves from Vancouver to Slocan, BC, to Cecil, AB. Honestly, while the writing is fine, the important part of this book is the fact that it tells such an important part of our heritage that I did not know enough about.
4.
Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography (2003) by Chester Brown. This I loved. In fact, it completely changed my thoughts about what it means to be Canadian, something that I never expected a graphic novel to do. Hands down, this is the most balanced portrayal of Louis Riel I've ever read. Set mainly in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, London, and Ottawa, the events tangential to the Red River rebellion profoundly affected settlement across the prairies.
Ok, so none of these are directly set in Calgary. This is unacceptable. Please help.
Prev
Linear Mode
