CM Magazine: A Bountiful Harvest: 15 Years of the Island Literary Awards

________________ CM . . . . Volume IX Number 20. . . . June 6, 2003

cover A Bountiful Harvest: 15 Years of the Island Literary Awards.

Hugh MacDonald and Alice Anna Reese, eds.
Charlottetown, PEI: Acorn Press and The Prince Edward Island Writers Guild, 2002.
264 pp., pbk. $22.95.
ISBN 1-894838-05-X.
Subject Headings:
Canadian literature (English)-Prince Edward Island.
Canadian literature (English)-20th century.

Grade 12 and up / Ages 17 and up.

Review by Meredith MacKeen.

*** /4

excerpt:

There is no one formula for success in any of the categories. The poetry, short fiction and children's literature sections demonstrate a wide variety of styles, voices, approaches, topics, tones and formats. The real common denominators among these winners are creativity and competence. It is our hope that many of you will be inspired to get at your own writing and perhaps submit some of it for this or some other competition. Of course, the most important function of this book, like all good books is to provide enjoyable reading. There is something here for everyone. Whether you are simply curious about what it takes to be a winning writer on PEI or anywhere else for that matter - of just looking for something fine to read, you will likely find it in A Bountiful Harvest. (from the "Preface")

As the title implies, this anthology is a collection of prize winning writing from 1988 to 2002 in many categories, including the Milton Acorn Poetry Award, Senter Memorial Short Story Award, and L.M. Montgomery Literature for Children Award. At the end of the book are notes on the contributors. Some of the winners, such as Lesley Anne Bourne, Elaine Breault Hammond, Hugh MacDonald, Steve McOrmond, and Nancy Russell MacLean, have published other books or been included in other anthologies. The collection includes a wide range of sophistication and skill. It could be used an any creative writing class to analyze writing styles or for individuals looking for inspiration.

Recommended.

Meredith MacKeen is the teacher-librarian at Glen Stewart Elementary School in Stratford, P.E.I..

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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