RIP RAP & MELTWATER

Rip- rap

Banff Center Press

Edited by Alford, McKay, Tregebov, Wyatt

Meltwater

Banff Center Press

Edited by Alford, McKay, Tregebov, Wyatt

reviewed by paulo da costa

I have a particular predilection for anthologies as well as boxes of chocolates and, whenever possible, strive to combine the pleasure of both, enjoying the variety of flavors, shapes and textures offered in one sitting.

Rip-rap and Meltwater offer not only a few of the best established Canadian voices, such as Greg Hollingshead and Diane Schoemperlen, but also present Barbara Scott and Lisa Moore, who are but two of the several fine emerging talents among the forty-one writers showcasing their prose and poetry.

Considering that boxes of chocolates travel poorly, and because I, like many Canadians, travel predominantly in a southbound direction, I have discovered that chocolate becomes an impractical travel accessory, while books are indispensable links and maps either to our destinations or to our points of origin.

When traveling abroad, consider taking these maps of the Canadian imagination. They are an effective remedy to attenuate homesickness - alongside maple syrup pills, of course - and particularly when trapped on a two-day bus ride. And unlike a Canadian flag, which Americans can buy anywhere, these books will easily prove that you are not a Yankee, and who knows, they might save your life too?

If someone asks you what Canada is like, particularly Alberta, and they speak English, read them aloud "To Everything a Season" by Stephen Heighton. Or better yet offer them the book, along with the souvenirs of Chinook and Mount Rundle descriptions, tucked between the pages.

However, if you do not work for a mega-corporation and have not yet accumulated enough air-miles from your meager groceries, rest assured, these stories will also transport you to exotic Marrakesh, Goa, Halifax and more. Bon voyage.

©paulodacosta