UPCOMING EVENT

You’re invited to a celebration of threes. Three books by three Alberta-based authors in three years. This star-studded triple header features readings from Extinction by Bradley Somer, published in 2022, The Hill by Ali Bryan, published in 2021 and Rough by Robin van Eck, published in 2020. What else do these books have in common you might ask? You’ll just have to come and find out. Learn about these books, find out what these authors are up to now and so much more. Q&A to follow.

FEBRUARY 8, 2023 | 7pm | Owl's Nest Books
AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD.

"An immersive read. Frank, sometimes stark, yet grounded in tenderness. Kicks assumptions about homeless people where the sun don't shine." Rona Altrows, author of At This Juncture, Key in Lock

"With grit and empathy, Robin van Eck shows how easily any of us might slip through the gaps in our culture's safety nets, and, for those left on the other side, how we can lose parts of ourselves trying to drag our loved ones back." Naomi K. Lewis, author of Tiny Lights for Travellers

"In the midst of speaking, raging rivers, this genre-crossing novel combines family ordeal with murder mystery played out on the undercurrents of the homeless. Lost fathers, sons and mothers, found daughters and newly-acquired family, van Eck eddies capably between past and present in this disarming story of familial reclamation from the river and the rough." Lee Kvern, author of 7 Ways to Sunday, The Matter of Sylvie

"Fascinating insight into a mostly unknown world as the rest of it spins crazily out of control on the surge of a river’s whim. A story of damaged people - damaged by others, themselves, tragic circumstances- riding a tumultuous wave of terror, guilt, redemption, forgiveness and love.
Certain lines will stop you cold." Anthony Bidulka, author of Going to Beautiful and others.
It is 2013 and Calgary's Bow River is beginning to rise. Two homeless men stand by the bank and contemplate the death of another friend-an accident?
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Taking cover downtown that night, Shermeto intervenes in the attack on a bar patron, and finds himself laid up in the hospital. Outside, as the city reels from an unthinkable disaster, Shermeto finds himself away from the swelling river and face-to-face with a part of his past he is trying to hide from: his daughter Kendra.

​Read Reviews of Rough