Hank Daniel

Author Barbara Kingsolver

Let’s face it, murder mysteries are a dime a dozen. But how many of them are based in Calgary? In Legal Leap, the second Samantha Holt detective novel, Gondor Kane puts Holt through the wringer again as she plunges into the case of a suspicious suicide and tackles her complicated love life. Kane reads at McNally Robinson (120 8 Ave. S.W.) on May 22, 7 p.m.

On the long train ride to Kashmir, Chef Kirpal looks back upon his life, from his apprenticeship to the occupation, from prejudice to romance. In his debut novel, Chef, local author Jaspreet Singh takes Kirpal back to the Governor’s residence to cook one last meal, before he succumbs to brain cancer. Singh launches his novel at Pages Books (1135 Kensington Rd. S.W.) on May 22, 7:30 p.m.

Is it possible to be religious and pro-choice? The question is tackled in Baby Steps. The new novel by K.L. McLoughlin follows Lynda Blake, a fortysomething widow and mother, to an unexpected life-changing encounter in front of an abortion clinic. Catch the controversy at Owl’s Nest Books (815A 49 Ave. S.W.) on May 22, 7:30 p.m.

It’s that time of year again — buckle up for readings by the Alberta Literary Award nominees! This year’s shortlisted authors include Stephen Massicotte, Roberta Rees, Donald B. Smith, Chris Turner, Ron Wood and more. Wager on the winners and celebrate Alberta’s literary talent at McNally Robinson on May 28, 6 p.m.

She’s best known for her novel The Poisonwood Bible, but Barbara Kingsolver’s latest book is a family affair. Written in collaboration with her husband, Steven L. Hopp, and daughter, Camille Kingsolver, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life documents the year their family spent eating only locally produced food, and the effects it had on their lives. Presented by WordFest and HarperCollins Canada, Kingsolver and Hopp will read and discuss their book at the Knox United Church (506 4 St. S.W.) on May 28, 7:30 p.m., $15.

It’s a double-header from Inanna Publications, a feminist publishing house based in York University, as Tricia Dower and Madeline Sonik come to town. Dower’s short story collection, Silent Girl, tells globe-spanning tales of oppression, racism, war, social isolation, human trafficking and sexuality inspired by the women of Shakespeare’s plays. Sonik’s poetry collection, Stone Sightings, embodies the feminine experience in the tug-of-war relationship between mother and daughter. Both women read from their work at McNally Robinson on May 29, 7 p.m.

Strut your poetic stuff at the Calgary Poetry Slam. This semi-monthly poetry competition invites you to storm the stage with your hottest poetic offerings (three minutes or under) for a shot at prize money and a position on the 2008 Slam Team, which will represent Calgary in national competitions. The evening starts with an open mic and then turns to a contest of literary skills. Check it out, or join in, at the Auburn Saloon (163, 115 9 Ave. S.E.) on May 29, 8:30 p.m.

Attention teachers: how would you like to bring a professional author into your classroom? The TaleBlazers Festival offers a contest to teachers and librarians, with the chance to win a free classroom visit during the October festival. It’s a simple matter of answering a few questions at www.yabs.ab.ca before June 15, so don’t miss your chance!

Finally, let’s give some props to Diane Guichon, who recently won the City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize for her poetry collection, Birch Split Bark.