The writer and comedian Charles Demers discusses his new collection of essays, The Horrors: An A to Z of Funny Thoughts on Awful Things (Douglas & McIntyre, 2015), family, writing, politics, Aaron Sorkin, and more, with Joseph Planta.

The Horrors: An A to Z of Funny Thoughts on Awful Things by Charles Demers (Douglas & McIntyre, 2015). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Horrors

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

I’ve been a fan and admirer of Charlie Demers for a number of years now, so like a lot of people have been eagerly awaiting the publication of his new book. It’s out now, The Horrors: An A to Z of Funny Thoughts on Awful Things. And it’s terrific. The book has 26 essays, organised like an abecedarian. He touches on a lot of stuff from politics and popular culture, loss and laughter, comedy and Canada. His humour and humanity are throughout these pieces. That he’s often hilarious is such a gift. You realise just how terrible it is in the world, but despite it all, there’s always something to smile at, something to make you think that makes it all a little less horrible. Charles Demers is the author of Vancouver Special, one of the finest books on Vancouver ever written, and Prescription Errors, novel; both books were published in 2009. Mr. Demers is acclaimed comedian, and a member of the faculty at UBC’s Creative Writing department. He is frequently heard on CBC Radio’s The Debaters. He lives in Vancouver, and joins me in person today. This new book is published by Douglas & McIntyre. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Charlie Demers; Mr. Demers, good morning.

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