In November, emerging writers from across the world strike out to produce their first novels as part of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Canada also learns who wins the Giller Prize, the country's most coveted literary award. These are the two bookends of the Canadian literary scene. The Ottawa Review of Books is proud to have reviewed over the years a wide range of Canadian writers, some Giller Prize winners, others of equal talent but still emerging on the country's literary scene. In this issue, our team of reviewers offer you their insights on Gone Viking by Bill Arnott, Mad Hatter by Amanda Hale, Halcyon Days by Susan Taylor Meehan and The Marginal Ride Anthology, co-edited by Ian Thomas Shaw and Timothy Niedermann. We hope you enjoy this issue.