Getting Lit with Linda - The Canadian Literature Podcast

Getting Lit with Linda - The Canadian Literature Podcast

Linda Morra

Using her expertise as a seasoned literature professor, Linda M. Morra develops provocative, timely insights about books from Canada and elsewhere to show why stories are relevant for all of us. Hosted and written by Linda Morra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nine Days Of/Before Christmas - and the Final One of Season 5

The Nine Days Of/Before Christmas - and the Final One of Season 5

n this 78th episode and the final one of season 5, Linda offers the “Nine Days of Christmas” with nine different book recommendations for the holidays. Who makes the cut? Well, we could say you need to listen to find out, but we want you to find the books easily, so here they are with their links:Alice Zorn’s Colours in her Hands (Freehand Books), Téa Mutonji’s Shut Up You’re Pretty (VS Books, Arsenal), Katherena Vermette’s Real Ones (Hamish Hamilton), Ian Williams',

Dec 16, 2024 • 32:55

"But I'm Holding a Pineapple" - An Open Letter to Ivan Coyote

"But I'm Holding a Pineapple" - An Open Letter to Ivan Coyote

Linda writes an open letter to Ivan Coyote, in response to their book, Care Of: Letters, Connections, and Cures (published by McClelland & Stewart during the pandemic). This important volume of letters is extraordinary and, while we're no longer in the throes of a pandemic, it remains as relevant as ever. With references to WB Yeat's poem "The Second Coming" and an article by Anna Russell that appeared in The New Yorker, this episode highlights the vital contribution this book makes - and it's m

Dec 1, 2024 • 14:57

A Ghost Story Without Ghosts: Jenny Haysom's Keep

A Ghost Story Without Ghosts: Jenny Haysom's Keep

In this episode, Linda converses with Jenny Haysom (2.48) about her novel Keep (published by Anansi). Featuring three main characters, the narrative is driven by the conflict that emerges when Harriet, an elderly poet, is diagnosed with the onset of dementia and must face selling her house -- and the two home stagers, Eleanor and Jacob, tasked with emptying it of its contents. Both Eleanor and Jacob are drawn into Harriet's world and the questions around what we keep, what we throw away, and wha

Nov 17, 2024 • 37:41

Haunted by a Colonial Past - Michel Jean's Qimmik

Haunted by a Colonial Past - Michel Jean's Qimmik

A bilingual episode/un épisode bilingue. Linda opens with her delight about having won the Women in Podcasting Awards in Education - she effusively thanks her listeners!eWhat kinds of books haunt us and why? In this episode, Linda considers Eden Robinson's Monkey Beach and Jessica Johns' Bad Cree, but ultimately picks a book that thoroughly haunted her - Michel Jean's Qimmik (published by Libre Expression, not yet translated into English). Autho

Nov 2, 2024 • 24:05

What I Was Meant to Do - An Interview with Amanda Peters

What I Was Meant to Do - An Interview with Amanda Peters

Linda opens with a word of thanks to her listeners who voted--because she is now a Finalist for the Women in Podcasting Awards. This episode features an interview, which was live at Word on the Street in Toronto, with the writer of Mi'kmaq and settler descent, who published a novel, The Berry Pickers and, most recently, her short story collection, Waiting for the Long Night Moon (both published by published by Random House). It is a joyful and animated conversation, with an audience that was war

Oct 17, 2024 • 34:19

An Unconventional Love Story in a Brat Summer: Corinna Chong’s Bad Land

An Unconventional Love Story in a Brat Summer: Corinna Chong’s Bad Land

Linda speaks with Corinna Chong about her novel, Bad Land, published by Arsenal Pulp Press and long-listed for the Giller Prize. Chong, originally from Calgary, lives in Kelowna, B.C. where she teaches English and fine arts at Okanagan College. She published her first novel, Belinda's Rings, in 2013.In her opening remarks, Linda explains why she sees the protagonist and main narrator, Regina, as … well, kind of “brat.” She's a fascinating, messy, and lovable character who has buried her life--an

Sep 16, 2024 • 32:57

Breathing Life into the Drowning Girls

Breathing Life into the Drowning Girls

Linda considers the persistence of present-day misogyny, then speaks with Daniela Vlaskalic about her co-written play, The Drowning Girls, which features the women who were victims of a turn-of-the-century serial killer. It was such a famous case, even Agatha Christie mentioned it in one of her novels. To set the stage - pun intended - for this play, Linda outlines the legal and historical situation for women in Canada - obtaining the right to vote was a bare minimum., but even getting bank acco

Sep 1, 2024 • 41:13

Being Educated About Being Educated

Being Educated About Being Educated

Linda has been mulling over what an education is, what purposes it serves. She was so curious about it that she begin to reflect on the etymology of the word. The root of “educate” comes from educe, from the Latin, meaning "to lead forth" or "lead out of," which then led her to think, leading out of … what? From where and to where? And who is doing the leading? For whom? And why? Weaving in her personal conversations and experiences alongside different cultural texts – from Valley of the Bird Ta

Jun 20, 2024 • 25:27

Intergenerational Power: Reclaiming Indigenous parenting

Intergenerational Power: Reclaiming Indigenous parenting

Indigenous mothers, Indigenous children, Indigenous parents – Willie Poll sees you – and she wants you to know that you’re enough. In this episode of Getting Lit With Linda, Willie Poll (Metis Nation of Ontario) discusses with Linda why she wrote this children’s book, titled My Little Ogichidaa, and the source of inspiration for its creation – in large part, the Moose Hide Campaign (2:00). The Moose Hide Campaign, which began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys

Jun 2, 2024 • 29:14

Wishing Happy Anniversary / Birthday Wishes to The Geography of Pluto - An Interview with Christopher DiRaddo

Wishing Happy Anniversary / Birthday Wishes to The Geography of Pluto - An Interview with Christopher DiRaddo

Linda begins this episode with a brief acknowledgement of the passing of Nobel Prize winner for the short story, Alice Munro – who died a couple of days before this episode was aired. It's a pertinent moment to take pause when the subject of this episode is, in part, about anniversaries - which often include remembering when a beloved person dies or, as was the case only a few days ago, honouring a special person - like mothers on Mothers' Day. Who we choose to so honour and how we do so says a

May 16, 2024 • 37:28

"Learning Gently" about Reconciliation: Andrew Stobo Sniderman & Douglas Sanderson's Valley of the Birdtail

"Learning Gently" about Reconciliation: Andrew Stobo Sniderman & Douglas Sanderson's Valley of the Birdtail

In this -- the second live episode of Getting Lit With Linda held at the Blue Metropolis Literary Festival and co-sponsored by the Quebec Writers' Federation -- Linda speaks with Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashi, Beaver Clan, of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation) about their book, Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, A White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation. The book has been receiving all manner of recognition. Here are some examples of the awards it has garnered:Win

May 1, 2024 • 1:03:21

Bad Beauty: Marie Claire Blais' Mad Shadows

Bad Beauty: Marie Claire Blais' Mad Shadows

What does the work of painter Renoir and his paintings of full-bodied women (2.15; 12.34), and tanning beds (2:30) have to do with the Quebecois author Marie Claire Blais (3:15) and La Belle Bette/Mad Shadows (3:20)? Have a listen to today’s episode to find out …In this episode, Linda looks at Blais’s Mad Shadows and its historical importance to Quebec. Among other subjects, she also references:Value Village, Holt Renfrew 1:3; 11:58 )Sheila Fischman (3:45)New Yorker (4:47; 16:11)M

Apr 15, 2024 • 25:14

Plucking Women's Lives (and Messages) from the Shorelines of History

Plucking Women's Lives (and Messages) from the Shorelines of History

In this episode, Linda and Bryn Turnbull discuss her new historical novel, The Paris Deception - and what it means to represent women's lives historically when there has been inadequate records or representation for them. Linda considers the Indigo Girls and their song about Virginia Woolf - and listening attentively to the voices of women through time. Turnbull alludes to The Monuments Men (both the movie and the book) and her novel as an equivalent for women to such a story. Among other topics

Apr 1, 2024 • 35:30

"Radical Self-Inclusion" - An Interview with Michael V. Smith

"Radical Self-Inclusion" - An Interview with Michael V. Smith

Michael V. Smith is a deeply loving, insightful poet and performer – who uses intimacy and humour as tools to explore pain. In this interview, Linda chats with him about power dynamics and bullying, as they address his poetry collection, Queers Like Me (published by Book*hug in 2023)Here are some of the subjects we covered: on the nature of creative writing and genre (6.15)poetic technique, poetic devices, and poetic voice (verbatim poems: 6.45, 8.00, 42.43)Facebook poem and writ

Mar 16, 2024 • 48:19

Radical Self-Love, with Eloise Marseille

Radical Self-Love, with Eloise Marseille

Eloise Marseille is the first guest for Season 5 - yes, season 5! - and, this time, it's English AND French (starting at the 31.55 mark for the French interview). Marseille is a wonderful Quebecoise graphic novelist, whose candid and humorous book, Naked: The Confessions of a Normal Woman / Confessions d'une Femme Normale examines sexuality and self-love--especially as it bears on women, cis- and trans-. Linda begins with a reference to the feminist theory courses she teaches and some of the the

Mar 2, 2024 • 1:03:41

Season 4 - Holiday Wishes ... and Some Hints for Season 5

Season 4 - Holiday Wishes ... and Some Hints for Season 5

Linda wishes her listeners a very happy holiday - and offers a hint about what to expect for at least the first episode of Season 5! Have a restful, joyful period. Getting Lit With Linda returns on March 1, 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 23, 2023 • 2:20

These Short Cuts Go a Long Way - The SpokenWeb Podcast

These Short Cuts Go a Long Way - The SpokenWeb Podcast

In this episode, Linda chats with Dr. Katherine McLeod about her role in the SpokenWeb Podcast, particularly Short Cuts. The conversation covers so much ground in such a short period! We discuss the following: The Short Cuts podcast (6.20, 9:21, 14.05, 18:47)Women poets, such as Gwendolyn MacEwan, Phyllis Webb (15:27), Muriel Rukeyser, Maxine Gadd, Margaret Atwood (8.22; 8.54; 10:03), Daphne Marlatt (18:55), Dionne Brand (11:23), and Brand with Lee Maracle (a member of the Stó:lō Nation; 12.05;

Dec 15, 2023 • 25:01

Feminist Killjoys - An Interview with Erin Wunker

Feminist Killjoys - An Interview with Erin Wunker

Linda is thrilled to have been able to conduct this interview with one of the foremost feminist scholars in Canada right now—Erin Wunker. They speak about her book Notes from a Feminist Killjoy, published by book*hug, and the important work it undertakes in relation to the labour of being a “feminist killjoy.”Don’t know what a feminist killjoy is? Give this interview a listen to find out more.Here are only some of the key points of the discussion:· About Erin Wunker (2.46)

Nov 29, 2023 • 42:15

Milestones:  A Sixtieth and Live Episode - An interview with Catherine Hernandez and Eva Crocker

Milestones: A Sixtieth and Live Episode - An interview with Catherine Hernandez and Eva Crocker

In this episode -- recorded live in Tiohtià:ke in the DeSeve Cinema at Concordia University -- Linda interviews award-winning authors, Catherine Hernandez and Eva Crocker. Linda begins by thanking celebrated Montreal-based author, Christopher DiRaddo, who is the director of the Violet Hour and who opens the event with a territorial acknowledgement and with an introduction to the authors. The Violet Hour and the Association of English-Language Publishers of Quebec (AELAQ) co-sponsored the event,

Nov 17, 2023 • 1:14:59

An Entry Without an Exit: Dionne Brand's A Map to the Door of No Return

An Entry Without an Exit: Dionne Brand's A Map to the Door of No Return

In this episode, Linda reflects on Dionne Brand's magnificent A Map to the Door of No Return: Notes to Belonging, reprinted by Vintage (a division of Random House) in 2023 - but initially published over twenty years ago. That's the staying power of this particular volume - the "Door of No Return" is a particularly harrowing metaphor and, as Linda notes, there are many expressions that use "doors" in contemporary usage. Just not like this book does! A prolific and accomplished writer and professo

Oct 15, 2023 • 18:24

And this is how we get here - Keith Barker's This is How We Got Here

And this is how we get here - Keith Barker's This is How We Got Here

Linda speaks with Métis playwright, actor, and director, Keith Barker about his play, This is How We Got Here (Playwrights Canada Press) It is a moving interview, as Barker explains the origins and shape of this play.Their discussions touch on the following subjects (among others!):current and past productions of the play (3.00; 28.15; 34.10, 36.00)loss and trauma (1.14, 1.50, 4.30, 6.10, 12.56, 19.20, 33.58)structure of This is How We Got Here (1.20, 22.28, 23.25)representations of grief (3.50,

Oct 1, 2023 • 41:52

Taking Exception to Narratives of Exceptionality - Japanese-Canadian Internment Camps & Canadian Literature

Taking Exception to Narratives of Exceptionality - Japanese-Canadian Internment Camps & Canadian Literature

In this episode, Linda begins by speaking about the kinds of assumptions made about her because of her Italian-Canadian immigrant background - and then expands that consideration to show how making such assumptions can actually be harmful. Case in point? The Christie-Pitts riot on August 16, 1933. There have been two graphic novels written about this riot: one simply titled Christie Pitts and the other titled The Good Fight.A second case in point is the Japanese-Canadian internment camps during

Sep 18, 2023 • 34:26

Manatees and Magical Thinking - Amy Jones' Novel, Pebble & Dove

Manatees and Magical Thinking - Amy Jones' Novel, Pebble & Dove

This episode focuses on Amy Jones (2.13), author of Every Little Piece of Me (2.27), We're All in This Together (2.27), What Boys Like (2.37), and Pebble & Dove (2.45), published by McClelland & Stewart -- and the focus of this episode.We also discussed Amy’s appearance at Word on the Street (.39 and 9.08) and her forthcoming appearance at the Eden Mills Literary Festival (5.12 and 8.53) on September 9th (see this link for tickets to the event).Linda interviews Amy, during which time the

Sep 2, 2023 • 33:13

People (Do) Change; (C’mon) People, Change - Vivek Shraya's People Change

People (Do) Change; (C’mon) People, Change - Vivek Shraya's People Change

In this episode, Linda first celebrates with her co-producer, Marco Timpano, that the podcast has been named a Finalist for the People's Choice Podcast Awards. Then she chats about the new Barbie movie around which there has been so much hype. She differentiates between change and transformation in relation to gender, and then applies this to the wonderful literary work of Vivek Shraya, including People Change. If you haven't seen her How to Fail as a Popstar, join the club: Linda wasn't able to

Aug 15, 2023 • 18:23

Morality & Well-Meaning - #BelievingWomen in Erum Shazia Hasan's We Meant Well

Morality & Well-Meaning - #BelievingWomen in Erum Shazia Hasan's We Meant Well

Erum Shazia Hasan’s We Meant Well (ECW Press) – Linda raves about this debut novel by Erum Shazia Hasan. In this novel, Maya’s colleague, Marc, has been accused of assaulting a local girl in Likanni, and so Maya is called from Los Angeles to deal with the crisis. The pressures are mounting for Maya as she tries to contend with this situation, grapple with her complex past, and grapple with her present personal life, which threatens to collapse.In this interview, Hasan talks about how diffi

Jul 1, 2023 • 29:22

Wider Circles of Love and Faith - Lisa Moore's This is How We Love

Wider Circles of Love and Faith - Lisa Moore's This is How We Love

Linda and Lisa Moore converse about her most recent novel, This is How We Love (House of Anansi). Their conversation traverses various subjects, including the formal aspects of the novel, the job of the novelist (5.40), questions of genre (6.40), the use of Audible, the importance of editors (with a nod to Melanie Little, Lisa's editor, 10.30)and the complexities of loving. One of the most fascinating turns in this discussion relates to Lisa's point about the democracy of loving and voice (8.40

Jun 15, 2023 • 31:38

Bleed - The Unmasking of the Medical System in Endo-Patient Care

Bleed - The Unmasking of the Medical System in Endo-Patient Care

As a fellow endo-patient, Linda makes herself vulnerable in this episode, talking frankly with the author, Tracey Lindeman, by whom she was so inspired. Lindeman, who authored Bleed: Destroying Myths and Misogyny in Endometriosis Care (published by ECW Press in 2023), uses personal experience, interviews, and research to take a deep dive into the healthcare system and the medical treatment (or lack thereof) of endo-patients.Some of the topics covered include:medical gaslightingsupport and advice

Jun 4, 2023 • 33:41

It Really is All About Our Mothers

It Really is All About Our Mothers

In this episode, in honour of Mother’s Day, Linda considers four different books that feature discussions about mothers, in whatever form they assume. She tackles four different genres -- non-fiction, the short story, poetry, and a novel/thriller -- to consider how loving and caring actions are given and received - or withheld. The four works include:Hannah McGregor, A Sentimental Education (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 4.45)Margaret Atwood, Old Babes in the Wood (McClelland & Stewart,

May 16, 2023 • 21:19

"And the Oscar Goes to ..." - Film Adaptation of Canadian and Indigenous Novels

"And the Oscar Goes to ..." - Film Adaptation of Canadian and Indigenous Novels

Her guest, Bil Antoniou - Toronto theatre actor and podcast host of Bad Gay Movies and My Criterions - discusses with Linda a series of Canadian and Indigenous novels that have been adapted to the screen, including the most recent Oscar award-winning movie, Women Talking, directed by Sarah Polley (original novel by Miriam Toews).They also discuss the following:Yann Martel's Life of Pi (Knopf)Jane Rule's The Desert of the Heart (Talon)Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient (Penguin Random House)

May 2, 2023 • 43:58

She Shoots, She Soars - Changing the Face of Hockey & Its Representation in Literature

She Shoots, She Soars - Changing the Face of Hockey & Its Representation in Literature

Linda begins by taking up The Hockey Jersey (1.48; 3.15; 3.22) by Jael Richardson (1.58; 4.45; 26.17; 28.38), whom she interviews in this episode.The Hockey Jersey is a kind of response to The Hockey Sweater by Quebecois writer, Roch Carrier (4.18; 10.15; 14.55). Written in collaboration with the Toronto-based hockey player, Eva Perron (31.37), and with illustrations by Chelsea Charles (6.18), this book was the source of discussion between Linda and Richardson for this episode and how this child

Apr 16, 2023 • 40:24

Not Fooling Around - Jason Camlot's Vlarf

Not Fooling Around - Jason Camlot's Vlarf

In this episode, Linda interviews Jason Camlot about his new collection of poetry, Vlarf - and it includes references to all manner of Victorian writing/writers, such as the following:Oscar WildeSamuel Taylor ColeridgeJohn RuskinWhile there is much play and whimsy in this episode, it takes a deep dive into what went into making this collection of Victorianist flarf (and what "flarf" actually is). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 1, 2023 • 47:52

Five Books Worth Leaving Behind the Sunscreen for During the Winter Break

Five Books Worth Leaving Behind the Sunscreen for During the Winter Break

Linda doesn't care if she has to take less sunscreen when she goes on vacation - if it means she gets to pack an extra couple of books. What five books would she recommend?:Timothy Taylor's Stanley Park (Vintage/Random House, 2.00)Rawi Hage's Stray Dogs (Knopf, 4.11)Neil Smith's Bang Crunch (Vintage, 7.54)Marilyn Dumont's A Really Good Brown Girl (Metis; Brick Books, 10.18)Ann-Marie MacDonald's Goodnight Desdemona (Goodmorning Juliet )(Penguin, Random House, 13)Linda also references Mordecai Ric

Mar 15, 2023 • 16:18

It Begins with a Conversation  - Eden Robinson's Monkey Beach

It Begins with a Conversation - Eden Robinson's Monkey Beach

Season 4 opens with Linda's announcement of the podcast's new website and then shifts to a discussion about her literary journey - how she came to focus first on Canadian literature and then Indigenous literatures, which all started with a vital conversation. Her first book in the latter field was Eden Robinson's Monkey Beach - and it was a game-changer, sending her off to read and understand a field about which she knew very little when she started her post-graduate studies. With brief nods to

Mar 1, 2023 • 18:11

February 2023 - A Season is Around the Corner (Teaser)

February 2023 - A Season is Around the Corner (Teaser)

Linda informs listeners of a slight change in this year's scheduling of podcast episodes - but otherwise, welcome listeners to Season 4 of Getting Lit With Linda!Written by Linda MorraCo-produced by Linda Morra & Marco TimpanoMusic by Raphael Krux. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 2023 • 1:42

Empathy, Sympathy, and the Literary Litmus Test

Empathy, Sympathy, and the Literary Litmus Test

In this last episode of the season, Linda considers how empathy is often considered a function of literature and may be ideally represented -- as it is in Catherine Hernandez's Scarborough published by Arsenal Pulp Press. In order to explore how this should work, she considers the Classical orator, Cicero (and Aristotle's Poetics and Horace's Ars Poetica) to show how there is a long tradition of arguing that rhetoric and "good literature" should be able to teach, to delight, and to move us. Oth

Dec 31, 2022 • 16:51

Season's Greetings - From GLWL Guests 2022

Season's Greetings - From GLWL Guests 2022

In this episode of Getting Lit With Linda, the guests over the course of the 2022 year offer their reading recommendations and their wishes to you for the holidays--including Stephen Collis, Ali Hassan, Terri Favro, Gillian Sze, Marco Timpano, Amanda Barker, Isabella Wang, Amy Spurway, Chantel Lavoie, and Kate Ready. This is our second-last episode of the season (one more before December 31) before we sign off for a break--we will be back at the end of February 2023 for Season Four!Warmest holid

Dec 17, 2022 • 9:37

To Discover or to Divine

To Discover or to Divine

In this episode, Linda considers the moment she came across the handwritten memoir of Jane Rule at the University of British Columbia Archives and Rare books. She considers the idea of "discovering" or "divining" in the archive and how that relates to meeting poet and instructor, Sheryda Warrener, who invited her to look at the work of her students during one of Linda's visits to the archive. Two poets from that exhibit--Graeme Kennedy and MacKenzie Sewell--are highlighted in this episode, along

Nov 24, 2022 • 17:37

The Baggage of Atlas: Amy Spurway's Crow

The Baggage of Atlas: Amy Spurway's Crow

** Explicit language in this episodeLinda opens this episode on a celebratory note – the fact that Getting Lit with Linda won in the category of Outstanding Education Series in the Canadian Podcast Awards. We are grateful to our listeners, voters, and guests on the show! (And Linda recommends reaching out to her producer, Marco Timpano, if you want more information about podcasting in general!)In this episode, Linda begins with a reflection on the “weight of Atlas” in relation to Greek mythology

Nov 10, 2022 • 25:42

Top Five Picks for a Haunting Hallowe-'en

Top Five Picks for a Haunting Hallowe-'en

What does it really mean to be haunted? Is being haunted always a sinister experience? For this Hallowe'en episode, Linda considersmemory and losstraumaand the nature of haunting and feeling hauntedShe considers, for example, Emily Bronte's nineteenth-century British novel Wuthering Heights (and Kate Bush's song, "Wuthering Heights" based on the novel) or Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as examples outside of literature in Canada. But then she counts down to her top five books that either haunt her

Oct 27, 2022 • 19:53

The Stories Behind the Strike: Kevin Lambert's Querelle of Roberval

The Stories Behind the Strike: Kevin Lambert's Querelle of Roberval

In this episode, Linda reflects on a strike in which she was a participant and the real complexities of its participants and affiliated institutions as a way into Kevin Lambert's marvellous new book, Querelle of Roberval (Biblioasis). Invoking the proportions and form of Greek tragedy, Lambert locates the conflict of this book in a small town in Quebec and shows how its participants all have complex motivations for their actions--including hatred, lust, and revenge. In the Takeaway, Linda highly

Oct 7, 2022 • 20:02

Ali Hassan Brings Home the Bacon -- and the Joy

Ali Hassan Brings Home the Bacon -- and the Joy

Is there Bacon in Heaven? Maybe – but there’s certainly bacon on earth, Ali Hassan reminds us, and he enjoys it—and he doesn’t mean it simply literally either. In his new book--a memoir titled Is There Bacon in Heaven? (Simon & Schuster) -- he looks at what is good here on earth and how to locate those moments of goodness—in addition to those of humour and comedy and joy. In this interview, Linda and he talk about the fundamentals of his memoir, the boundaries of comedy, and the power of hum

Sep 15, 2022 • 35:07

Who's on First? Frances Brooke's The History of Emily Montague, with Dr. Kate Ready

Who's on First? Frances Brooke's The History of Emily Montague, with Dr. Kate Ready

Ever wonder what was the "first" book of Canadian literature? How do we even know how to define what that would be? In this episode, Linda chats with eighteenth-century British literature scholar, Dr. Kathryn Ready, about what is sometimes claimed as the first book of Canadian literature--Frances Brooke's The History of Emily Montague. Linda and Dr. Ready may -- or may not -- have tussled over whether this book is British or Canadian, but what they absolutely do is consider the finer aspects of

Sep 2, 2022 • 35:12

Bad Boundaries & Good Relationships: Thomas King & Natasha Donovan

Bad Boundaries & Good Relationships: Thomas King & Natasha Donovan

In this episode, Linda reflects on why we say boundaries are "bad" and how "good relationships" stand in contrast. Using Thomas King (author of The Inconvenient Indian, Medicine River, Green Grass, Running Water) and Natasha Donovan's graphic novel, Borders (published by Little Brown, 6.55), Linda explores "bad boundaries" -- and bad borders -- in relation to the Blackfoot nation. She also refers to Daniel Rück’s The Laws and the Land (4.00) and Benjamin Hoy’s A Line of Blood and Dirt (5.55) to

Aug 19, 2022 • 20:19

Night Vigils & Varieties of Looking

Night Vigils & Varieties of Looking

Linda opens on a celebratory note: Getting Lit With Linda has received two separate nominations for the Canadian Podcasting Awards, one in the category of Outstanding Educational Series and another in the category of Outstanding Arts Podcast. She also includes a tribute to the late Steven Heighton (2.39), whom she remembers fondly.Linda and Gillian Sze -- the guest for this episode -- chat about her new book, Quiet Night Think (ECW Press) and participate in “quiet thinking” and "looking," especi

Aug 5, 2022 • 39:08

Leos, Lovers, Loss - and Lunar Tides

Leos, Lovers, Loss - and Lunar Tides

In this loving and lovely interview that took place in Montreal during the lunar eclipse of May 15-16, 2022, Linda interviews Shannon Webb-Campbell (a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation) about her new book of poetry, Lunar Tides (Book*hug). The conversation ranges from Montreal as a city for "Leos & lovers" (3.30), to themes of maternal loss and longing (4.45 and 6.15), to the following:1.0 Book*hug, and its other authors, including Shani Mootoo (author of Cane Fire) (1.0)Followi

Jul 21, 2022 • 21:55

Indigenous Voices Awards - "Where Your Heart is Leading You"

Indigenous Voices Awards - "Where Your Heart is Leading You"

In this episode, while I am away in Germany, I reflect upon the upcoming Indigenous Voices Awards, which is set to take place on June 21st (and this occasions an early release of the episode!).After a quick opening teaser with the most extraordinary Dene storyteller and writer -- and the MC of this year's IVAs -- Richard van Camp, I then hold a brief interview with Cree-Metis scholar/professor and co-organizer of the IVAS, Deanna Reder (2.50) who explains the history of the awards and talks abou

Jun 19, 2022 • 25:48

The Robot Keepers - Part 2 of an Interview with Terri Favro

The Robot Keepers - Part 2 of an Interview with Terri Favro

This is the second part of Linda's interview with Terri Favro, who opens this part with her thoughts about gender and the genre of science fiction, making reference to Ursula LeGuin (1.05) Doris Lessing (2.45)Margaret Atwood (2.45)Linda and she then turn their attention to the challenges of writing a trilogy (3.45) and the effects of the pandemic on writing her last instalment, The Sisters Sputnik (ECW). The two consider the Spanish Flu (9.35, 10.45, 12.23) and Sacco and Vanzetti (12.07), early

Jun 9, 2022 • 29:40

There's Motive For You, Part 2 - An Interview with Marissa Stapley

There's Motive For You, Part 2 - An Interview with Marissa Stapley

In this second part of this episode, Linda chats with Marissa Stapley, whose book Lucky (published by Simon & Schuster and available on Audible) was just picked up as the first Canadian book on Reese's Book Club picks. Linda has a personal response to this book, which she references as she speaks about Stapley's interview with Shelagh Rogers on The Next Chapter. She also asks Stapley about the kind of research she undertakes to write this kind of book, and the characters about whom she write

May 27, 2022 • 25:41

There's Motive For You - An Interview with Roland Gulliver

There's Motive For You - An Interview with Roland Gulliver

If you love crime and mystery writing, you will love MOTIVE - the Crime & Mystery Festival slated to take place between June 3 and June 5, 2022 at the Harborfront Centre in Toronto. The line-up of authors either speaking or giving workshops is nothing short of impressive: it features writers from Canada, of the ilk of Thomas King (who will be interviewed by CBC's Shelagh Rogers), but also international writers like Gunnar Staalesen, Thomas Enger,and Ilaria Tuti. I had the opportunity to chat

May 27, 2022 • 22:47

Robots & Radioactivity: An Interview with Terri Favro

Robots & Radioactivity: An Interview with Terri Favro

Linda chats with Terri Favro, an Toronto-based, Italian-Canadian author who is poised to release her next novel, The Sisters Sputnik, a sequel to her acclaimed speculative fiction novel, Sputnik's Children. They have a leisurely conversation -- in this, the first part of their two-part interview -- discussing all manner of subjects, fromthe importance of storytellingto the appropriate terminology for robotsto growing up in an era of nuclear uncertainty (and not so unlike now either).There is als

May 5, 2022 • 45:40

Biographer's Regret - Alice Munro and the Autobiographer's Right

Biographer's Regret - Alice Munro and the Autobiographer's Right

What do you want to know for? This is the question Linda considers as she writes her biography about Jane Rule - one that Nobel-Prize winning writer, Alice Munro, has considered many times as she weaves autobiography and fiction in her work, specifically in the book under discussion in this episode, The View from Castlerock. Linda discuses:Questions of biography (2.32, 19.00)Jane Rule (3.00)Alice Munro's autobiographical impulses (3.10, 6.33)Munro's Dear Life (4.30)Munro's The View from Castle R

Apr 21, 2022 • 24:36

Just Sayin'/Not Saying, Part 2: An Interview with Stephen Collis

Just Sayin'/Not Saying, Part 2: An Interview with Stephen Collis

In this episode, the second part of her interview with Stephen Collis, Linda goes in greater depth about Collis's poetry, speaking to him about his most recent collection of poetry, A History of the Theories of Rain (Talon Books). In the Takeaway section, Linda refers to Canada Reads and considers the results of this year's competition, with reference to:Michelle Good's Five Little IndiansCatherine Hernandez's Scarborough Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information

Apr 7, 2022 • 25:24

"Just Sayin' / Not Saying": An Interview with Stephen Collis (Part 1)

"Just Sayin' / Not Saying": An Interview with Stephen Collis (Part 1)

In this episode, Linda interviews Stephen Collis about his most recent collection of poetry, A History of the Theories of Rain (Talon Books). The next episode is the second part of that interview. For now, just a couple of points of clarification: SFU, the acronym that Collis and Linda use in this interview, stands for Simon Fraser University. Also, they refer to the SLAPP suit by which Collis was confronted. For those of you who may have never heard of this before, a SLAPP suit is a civil lawsu

Mar 24, 2022 • 23:31

"Of What Use is Poetry at a Time Like This?" An Interview with Shani Mootoo

"Of What Use is Poetry at a Time Like This?" An Interview with Shani Mootoo

In today's episode - for International Women's Day - Linda chats with Shani Mootoo about her forthcoming book of poetry, Cane Fire (Book *Hug) and the collaborative nature of its production. We also discuss the following:her archival materials at Simon Fraser University (20.58)erotic poetry (22.45)working in different genres (26.26)her forthcoming memoir (34.27)Oeno Gallery (34.27)the Ukrainian invasion and poetry (47.53)And so much more! Please stay tuned for the forthcoming onsite exhibit at S

Mar 9, 2022 • 52:39

Ever Receding Fruit: Wayde Compton, the Black Archive, and the Call for a Black Cultural Centre

Ever Receding Fruit: Wayde Compton, the Black Archive, and the Call for a Black Cultural Centre

In this episode, Linda has the great pleasure of chatting with Wayde Compton, the writer, scholar, publisher, and current Chair of Creative Writing at Douglas College (in New Westminster, BC). He is the author of several books, including 49th Parallel Psalm (finalist for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize); Performance Bond; After Canaan: Essays on Race, Writing, and Region (finalist for the City of Vancouver Book Award); the graphic novel, The Blue Road; and The Outer Harbour (winner of the City

Feb 28, 2022 • 34:37

You Have to Decide: Rita Wong's Forage and Clayton Thomas-Muller's Life in the City of Dirty Water

You Have to Decide: Rita Wong's Forage and Clayton Thomas-Muller's Life in the City of Dirty Water

Linda is delighted to be back for her third season of Getting Lit With Linda!In this first episode of the season, she considers the movie, Don't Look Up (dir. by Adam McKay, 1.13, 2.49), the nature of satire (with reference to Mordecai Richler, 2.00, and Jonathan Swift, 2.11), and the looming environmental crisis. It's a topic that poet, Rita Wong (4.32) has addressed unflinchingly in her work, especially forage (published by Nightwood Editions, winner of the Dorothy Livesay Prize, 6.09). Linda

Feb 11, 2022 • 23:00

Holiday Wishes & A Gift from the Archives - An Interview with Ali Hassan (from 2020)

Holiday Wishes & A Gift from the Archives - An Interview with Ali Hassan (from 2020)

Linda and several of this season's contributors--Chantel Lavoie, Marco Timpano, Amanda Barker, and Michael Nest--render their book recommendations for the holidays:Ivan Coyote's Care OfMargaret Atwood's The Door,David Chariandy's I've Been Meaning to Tell YouZoe Whittall's The Best Kind of PeopleAnne-Marie MacDonald's Fall on your Knees),Linda offers her listeners a gift for the holidays - from the archives, her previously-unpublished interview with Ali Hassan, the host of Canada Reads. The inte

Dec 25, 2021 • 43:33

"Show Me Yours"

"Show Me Yours"

In this episode, Linda considers Richard Van Camp, a Dene author who wrangles with what masculinity is, what it looks for those who identify as men, and how and why that may (or should) change. Published by Great Plains Publications, The Moon of Letting Go is the book of focus in this episode, particularly the story, "Show me Yours" (7.27) - and yes, it means exactly what you think it does, but maybe not showing exactly what you think it might. Linda refers to one of the preeminent scholars of V

Dec 17, 2021 • 19:11

The Quebec Writers' Federation Finalists & the Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature

The Quebec Writers' Federation Finalists & the Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature

As #winterstormwarnings arrive, perhaps you may want to curl up with some of the writers' books that were shortlisted for the Quebec Writers' Federation awards - Linda speaks to some of the writers shortlisted for the Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature, in addition to one of the poets shortlisted for the A.M. Klein Prize for Poetry. She also spoke about the QWF Gala and the times she slipped on floor-length ballgowns over her jeans for the Governor General's A

Nov 18, 2021 • 11:48

"Sharing the Light" - Interview with Mitali Ruths

"Sharing the Light" - Interview with Mitali Ruths

Linda opens this episode with a dedication to her nephew -- and then "shares the light" of Diwali with children's literature author, Mitali Ruths, with whom she chats about her book Archie Celebrates Diwali. Published this year by Charlesbridge Archie Celebrates Diwali is based on an epic, Ramayana, and focuses on the South-Asian festival of lights (3.45, 8.45, and 10.30). Mitali addresses Diwali's origins (3.45 and 4.37), how it is celebrated (15.11), and the reasons for writing this story (7.3

Nov 4, 2021 • 28:19

The Body / Book in the Doghouse

The Body / Book in the Doghouse

Happy Hallowe-en! This episode tackles a book that deals with ghosts, gruesome accidents, and murder -- Kevin Lambert's You Will Love What You Have Killed, translated by Donald Winkler (published by Biblioasis 2020) from the French (Tu Aimeras Ce Que Tu As Tué, 5.40). Linda begins this episode with a personal anecdote about a dead body that was found in a dog house (on the property of her parents' neighbours): she uses this narrative to explore the idea of the "repressed," that is, those emotion

Oct 28, 2021 • 15:10

"A Certain Kind of Activism": Witnessing and Jordan Abel's "Nishga"

"A Certain Kind of Activism": Witnessing and Jordan Abel's "Nishga"

In this episode, multiple award-winning Nisga'a author Jordan Abel and host Linda Morra discuss his most recent book, Nishga (published by McClelland & Stewart in 2020), the intergenerational legacies of trauma for residential school survivors, and the importance of not only listening to, but also "witnessing" their stories. He speaks about his relationship with his father's art and the kinds of "activism" that writing might perform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio

Oct 14, 2021 • 44:14

Paper Postcards - Eden Robinson's "Traplines"

Paper Postcards - Eden Robinson's "Traplines"

Linda focuses on Indigenous writers in this podcast in view of Orange Shirt Day (every child matters!) and the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. She recommends several writers (some of them featured on 49th shelf), including Cherie Dimaline and Joshua Whitehead.Postcards may offer glossy images of success or experiences that aren't real - instead, sometimes those images may obscure the turbulent underside of our lives. Beginning with her experience with depression (trigger war

Oct 1, 2021 • 18:08

Wayson Choy's The Jade Peony - Connecting Across Generations & Genders

Wayson Choy's The Jade Peony - Connecting Across Generations & Genders

Remember Shirley Temple, that Hollywood cinema's icon of idealized (white) girlhood? Linda looks up a short clip, "On the Good Ship Lollipop," and feels uncomfortable (trigger warning here) and explains why she and some of her students shared that experience. She considers the importance of contextualizing or historicizing our responses to cultural artefacts -- but, even so, there is good reason to feel uncomfortable about Temple's childhood performances. That's not necessarily the case for our

Sep 17, 2021 • 27:46

When the Body Complains - Jane Rule's Taking My Life and Sara Ahmed's Complaint!

When the Body Complains - Jane Rule's Taking My Life and Sara Ahmed's Complaint!

In this episode, addressing Jane Rule's Taking My Life (Talon Books), Linda discusses why bodies "complain" and what it means when they do. In the Takeaway section, she reviews Sara Ahmed's new book, Complaint (Duke University Press). In Complaint!, Ahmed examines institutional harassment and bullying, and how to read complaints that are lodged against such institutions. In the entirety of the episode, Linda is discussing how we respond to different forms of "grooming" (Ahmed) or bodily coercion

Sep 6, 2021 • 31:09

"What Blossoms Long For" - Chantel Lavoie

"What Blossoms Long For" - Chantel Lavoie

In this episode, and as part of the Sealey challenge, Linda interviews poet and scholar, Chantel Lavoie, about her love for the poetry of Margaret Atwood - in particular, the collections Morning in the Burned House (Penguin Random House), The Door (Penguin Random House), and Dearly (HarperCollins).Lavoie is herself a poet, as Linda notes at the outset of the episode: she published Where The Terror Lies with Quattro Books in 2012 and This is About Angels, Women, and Men with Manfield Press in 201

Aug 19, 2021 • 38:45

Thomas King's One Good Story, That One: Relationships & Stories

Thomas King's One Good Story, That One: Relationships & Stories

We develop relationships with people and communities as we share stories with them--in fact, that is a sign of our role or place within the community--but we don't get to demand to hear them, especially when we are not a part of that community. In this episode, Linda examines Thomas King's collection, One Good Story, That One (published by HarperCollins), and particularly the story of the same title, with this idea in mind. She considers his literary technique in relation to Van Gogh's Starry Ni

Aug 5, 2021 • 22:37

Our Daily Heroes: Nino Ricci's Lives of the Saints

Our Daily Heroes: Nino Ricci's Lives of the Saints

In reflecting about her father and her visit with him to his small Italian village some years ago, Linda draws comparisons with Nino Ricci's Lives of the Saints (Penguin/Random House), in which the young male protagonist, Vittorio, must work out how he feels about his mother who flies in the face of the strict moral codes of the Italian town. With reference to other Italian-Canadian writers -- Terri Favro, Connie Guzzo-McParland, Pier Giorgio Di Cicco -- and also the audio book read by Marco Tim

Jul 24, 2021 • 16:41

Literature Heals and Connects Us: Heather O'Neill's "Messages in Bottles"

Literature Heals and Connects Us: Heather O'Neill's "Messages in Bottles"

In this episode, Heather O'Neill's short story, "Messages in Bottles" (from Daydreams of Angels, published by HarperCollins in 2014) becomes the focal point of a discussion about why distance does not necessarily impede intimacy--sometimes, in fact, it helps us to be or feel more closely connected--and in that process, literature may play an important part. In her takeaway, Linda chats about her newest "discovery," Souvankham Thammavongsa's Found (Pedlar Press 2007). Check out this video with Th

Jul 8, 2021 • 20:45

Bonus Episode: Interview with Lori Schubert, Executive Director of the Quebec Writers' Federation

Bonus Episode: Interview with Lori Schubert, Executive Director of the Quebec Writers' Federation

Linda sits in the backyard of Lori Schubert, the Executive Director of the Quebec Writers' Federation, to chat with her about the organization's history, her role in it, and the programs it offers to its members across the province of Quebec, including its database of Quebec writers and its awards. And the two just enjoy a beautiful day outside, at the end of a long period of pandemic restrictions.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 25, 2021 • 25:51

How Remembering Defines You - Lorena Gale's Je Me Souviens

How Remembering Defines You - Lorena Gale's Je Me Souviens

In this episode, Linda remembers how she met actor and writer Lorena Gale in Vancouver, British Columbia - and how acts of remembering define who you are, as Gale's play, Je Me Souviens (Talon Press), renders clear; she connects the history and significance of license plates in Quebec to Gale's journey of self-discovery to show how Gale navigates carefully the challenges of identity in the province -- both when Gale lived there and then in retrospect. In the take-away section, Linda considers th

Jun 25, 2021 • 19:59

Bonus Episode: Interview with Marco Timpano, Author of 25 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Podcast

Bonus Episode: Interview with Marco Timpano, Author of 25 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Podcast

In this episode, Linda chats with her co-producer (yes, that's right - her co-producer) and long-standing friend, Marco Timpano, about his career as a podcaster, and his recent publication, 25 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Podcast. He reads from the book and, drawing upon his own experiences as a podcaster, explains some of the things he really wished he did know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 10, 2021 • 24:15

The Languages & Sounds That Are Home: Kaie Kellough's Magnetic Equator

The Languages & Sounds That Are Home: Kaie Kellough's Magnetic Equator

In this episode, Linda begins with the sound of her father's old espresso machine, to explain how she sees -- or hears -- sound working in Magnetic Equator (published by McClelland & Stewart) by international poet, novelist, and sound performer Kaie Kellough. You can hear a sample of his sound poetry here. This episode includes a small excerpt read by Kellough himself (with permission by Kellough).In the "take-away" section, Linda talks about a biography she recently read by Sherrill Grace,

Jun 10, 2021 • 19:08

Bonus Episode: Interview with Michael Nest, author of Cold Case North

Bonus Episode: Interview with Michael Nest, author of Cold Case North

Linda chats with author, Michael Nest, about Cold Case North, a finalist for the Crime Writers of Canada for its 2021 Best True Crime Award. We chat about the challenges involved in researching the disappearance of Jim Brady (Metis) and Absolom Halkett (Cree), the fundamental nature of collaboration in this kind of endeavour, and what it might look like this in this kind of moment and context. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2021 • 50:02

Bonus Episode: Interview with Dr. Deanna Reder (Cree Métis), collaborator behind Cold Case North

Bonus Episode: Interview with Dr. Deanna Reder (Cree Métis), collaborator behind Cold Case North

Bonus Episode: Linda chats with Dr. Deanna Reder about the history related to James Brady (Métis) and Abby Halkett, the community that experienced this traumatic loss, and the making of this book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2021 • 28:56

Cold Case North is Smoking Hot

Cold Case North is Smoking Hot

Linda discusses the narrative of Cold Case North (published by the University of Regina Press) -- an investigation that was poorly conducted and re-opened by ... a Cree-Métis scholar, Dr. Deanna Reder, Eric Bell, and Michael Nest. Shortlisted by the Crime Writers of Canada for the 2021 Best True Crime Award, Cold Case North is a powerful, moving account of how and why the Métis leader James Brady and Cree Band Councillor Absolom Halkett disappeared and their case remains unresolved. Dr. Deanna R

May 27, 2021 • 17:16

Apocalypse Now (and Then) - Saleema Nawaz's Songs for the End of the World

Apocalypse Now (and Then) - Saleema Nawaz's Songs for the End of the World

Linda considers the two central meanings of apocalypse in view of recent global events, environmental crises, and political upheavals. She uses these two meanings to approach Saleema Nawaz's Songs for the End of the World (published by McClelland & Stewart). In the "Takeaway" section of the podcast, she continues to pursue the idea of revelation in relation to Klara DuPlessis's Hell Light Flesh (published by Palimpsest Press). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2021 • 20:12

Hiatus / Teaser Episode

Hiatus / Teaser Episode

We are so grateful for the really enthusiastic response we have had to the podcast! We're coming right back - but, in response to some of our listeners's requests, we have provided you with a list of some of the writers (and a little time to read their books!) that Linda will be discussing in future episodes. Have some other suggestions for us? Drop us a line at gettinglitwithlinda@gmail.com or follow us on Twitter (@LLitWith) and Instagram! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i

May 25, 2021 • 1:17

Episode 3: My Body is a Record - Madeleine Thien's Do Not Say We Have Nothing

Episode 3: My Body is a Record - Madeleine Thien's Do Not Say We Have Nothing

Our bodies hold memory: they contain narratives that exceed the present moment and extend back generations. This episode calls upon writer and host Linda's personal experience to understand and explore Madeleine Thien's remarkable novel, Do Not Say We Have Nothing, published by Knopf (a division of Penguin Random House). The Take-Away for this episode involves two collections by the Italian-Canadian poet, Gianna Patriarca -- Italian Women and Other Tragedies and Daughters for Sale, both publishe

May 23, 2021 • 21:06

Episode 2: This is the Present Me - Rawi Hage's DeNiro's Game

Episode 2: This is the Present Me - Rawi Hage's DeNiro's Game

In this episode, Linda begins by focusing on one of her personal favourites: DeNiro's Game by the award-winning, Quebec-based author, Rawi Have (with reference to two of his other novels). The "Take-away" section briefly recommends Megan Gail Coles's Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward's Gun Club published by the House of Anansi, while promising to look at other East-Coast writers in Canada in the future, including Alistair MacLeod, Michael Crummey, Lisa Moore, Donna Morrissey, and Michael Wi

Aug 20, 2020 • 25:05

Episode 1: Not All About Atwood

Episode 1: Not All About Atwood

What does it mean to "Get Lit with Linda"? This episode introduces listeners to Linda and what she will be chatting about in future episodes--Canadian and other literary forms. Sometimes, she will also chat with literary writers and icons, to develop a broad sense of what "getting literature" really means.Episode Credits:Linda Morra: Host & Writer, Associate ProducerMarco Timpano: Associate ProducerRaphael Krux: Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 2020 • 14:17

Introduction to Getting Lit with Linda

Introduction to Getting Lit with Linda

Using her expertise as a seasoned literature professor, Linda M. Morra develops provocative, timely insights about books from Canada and elsewhere to show why stories are relevant for all of us. Hosted and written by Linda Morra, produced by Linda Morra and Marco Timpano. Our podcast launches on August 19, 2020! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 2020 • 0:45

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