Book Talk: The Worst Songs of the World – The Terrible Truth About National Anthems

Join us in honoring the late David Pate and his compelling book, The Worst Songs of the World: The Terrible Truth About National Anthems, recognized by The Globe and Mail as a must-read book this summer. Hosted by local writer and David’s peer, J. Chen, at Wesbrook Community Centre, this event will explore David’s thought-provoking take on national anthems, their violent histories, and the urgent need for change. Along with other invited writers, Chen will lead an engaging discussion as part of our ongoing series on decolonization and cultural reflection.

Guest Writers:

Paula Arab: With over thirty years of expertise in media strategy, Paula Arab serves as Associate Principal at Navigator’s Vancouver office and was a former opinion columnist for the Calgary Herald. Paula holds an MFA in Creative Non-Fiction from the University of King’s College.

Taslim Jaffer: Based in Surrey, Taslim Jaffer excels as both a writer and editor. Her forthcoming anthology, Back Where I Came From: On Culture, Identity and Home (Bookhug Press, 2024), explores diaspora narratives, reflecting her family’s five-generation journey across three continents. Taslim is the 2025 City of Richmond Writer-in-Residence and holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of King’s College.

Emilie K. Adin: Emilie K. Adin, a registered professional planner and the President of the Planning Institute of British Columbia, is also an Adjunct Professor at UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning. Recently named one of the 500 Most Influential Leaders in BC by BIV Magazine, she is penning The Urban Curious Guide to Europe and pursuing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at King’s College.

Heather Bell: Heather Bell, who teaches Recreation and Tourism Management at Vancouver Island University, is a dedicated tennis enthusiast and lover of the outdoors. She is currently enhancing her academic and professional pursuits by working towards an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at the University of King’s College.

Jenny Li Chen: An international business executive with a distinguished journalistic career, Chen has covered major financial markets for International Financial News and penned columns for Money Weekly Magazine. Her literary work appears in Canadian Literature, Queen’s Quarterly, and other notable publications. Chen’s insights blend her business acumen with literary finesse, underpinned by an MFA from the University of King’s College.

Please note this is a registered event, please register for this book talk  at myuna.ca/programs.