City of Glass: Doug Coupland's Vancouver

by Douglas Coupland

Eclectic and provocative, this book, designed to resemble a Japanese underground zine, looks at Vancouver from inside out, from the Grouse Grind to the shimmering glass towers, First Nations to feng-shui. Douglas Coupland takes on monster houses, weather, Sandra Bernhard, Love Boats, SkyTrain, fleece, that endless rivalry with Seattle, and even includes a short story about living in a low-rent Granville hotel. Over 100 archival photographs, maps, and “beauty shots” add to the fun in this witty survey by the noted chronicler of alternative culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Canada, Essays, Art, Canadian Literature, Memoir

152 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Douglas Coupland is Canadian, born on a Canadian Air Force base near Baden-Baden, Germany, on December 30, 1961. In 1965 his family moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he continues to live and work. Coupland has studied art and design in Vancouver, Canada, Milan, Italy and Sapporo, Japan. His first novel, Generation X, was published in March of 1991. Since then he has published nine novels and several non-fiction books in 35 languages and most countries on earth. He has written and performed for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, England, and in 2001 resumed his practice as a visual artist, with exhibitions in spaces in North America, Europe and Asia. 2006 marks the premiere of the feature film Everything's Gone Green, his first story written specifically for the screen and not adapted from any previous work. A TV series (13 one-hour episodes) based on his novel, jPod premieres on the CBC in January, 2008.

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Retrieved 07:55, May 15, 2008, from http://www.coupland.com/coupland_bio....

Reviews

[Paul Eckert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for a vacation in Vancouver, and I’m glad I did. As usual, Coupland is a master at social and cultural interpretation, only this time he applies his skills to his hometown of Vancouver.

In a style similar to that of Souvenir of Canada, Coupland writes short essays on subjects which are accompanied by pertinent photography. City of Glass riffs on everything Vancouver, from the lax marijuana laws and abundance of inter-racial marriages to Stanley Park and the ‘see-through’ buildings that are characteristic of its skyline.

I read most of the book before landing in Vancouver, and I’m glad I did, for it gave me a different appreciation of the city, as if I already knew about it.

I read the last few pages in the hotel on the last day. On the second to last page, Coupland recommends having drinks at sunset in the Empire Landmark restaurant which is at the top of the building and gives a rotating view of the breathtaking scenery. I took his suggestion, since we were already staying at the Empire Landmark hotel, and I’m glad I did. As he says, it is a “preview of heaven.” More gorgeous scenery you’d be hard-pressed to find.

Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Vancouver, or any Coupland fan who wants to hear the man explain the city he loves.

[Amanda Bolderston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Douglas Coupland and Vancouver go together like Margaret Atwood and Toronto, Stephen King and Maine, John Steinbeck and California (you get the picture...) This is a witty and thought provoking "guide" to Coupland's beloved city from which I learned:
1. Never call it Van (there is East, North and West Van but saying "Van" is like calling Portland "Portl"!
2. In 1998 a Grinder from Ontario (doing the Grouse Grind) was buried in an avalanche and the terrain was too perilous to dig him out so his frozen body lay there for months.
3. Greenpeace was founded in a Vancouver basement in 1971.
This is more like a literary love story between a city and a writer than a travel guide, but was a great way to learn more about the locals and local sights!

[Kilburn Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Coupland's City of Glass is a masterful exploration of Vancouver's urban landscape, eschewing traditional narrative structure in favour of an alphabetical journey through the city's multifaceted identity. Coupland's signature style transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, blurring the lines between reality and imagination to reveal Vancouver's unique character.
The book's fragmented, non-linear structure mirrors the chaotic yet vibrant spirit of the city itself. This unconventional approach not only showcases Coupland's playful intellect but also serves as a commentary on the nature of Vancouver, a city that defies easy categorisation and embraces its own contradictions.
Coupland's deep personal connection to Vancouver is evident throughout the text. His declaration of the city as "the best one going" after extensive global travel suggests a nostalgic yet forward-looking sentiment, acknowledging Vancouver's charm and potential while recognising its lack of historical depth and constant reinvention.
Vivid imagery and anecdotal snapshots bring the city to life. Coupland's portrayal of the Lions Gate Bridge as "a thing of delicate beauty" captures its symbolic significance as a connector, while his recounting of the moose-antlered stolen car incident in Stanley Park exemplifies his ability to find humour and meaning in the absurd, highlighting Vancouver's eccentric character.
Thematically, Coupland navigates Vancouver's socio-economic landscape with both humour and pathos. His treatment of the Downtown Eastside is practical yet compassionate, acknowledging the city's darker realities without moralising. His reflections on Vancouver's diverse communities offer insights into the city's multicultural tapestry without resorting to stereotypes.
City of Glass may lack a singular thesis, but this is its strength. It reflects the fragmented, multifarious reality of urban life, particularly in a city as diverse and mutable as Vancouver. Coupland invites readers to embrace the city's paradoxes, find beauty in its contradictions, and appreciate the ephemeral moments that define its character.

[chloë]

accidentally read this in its entirety at work… employee of the month when?

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a weird little non-fiction piece by one of my favourite authors. Written by pretty much anyone else there is no way I would have picked it up. But, being a fan of both Vancouver (my home) and Douglas Coupland how could I not love this.

This book basically describes all of the things that Coupland himself loves about Vancouver. It's a really quick, fun read and gives you a good insiders view of Vancouver. I learned that Douglas Coupland and I both have the same favourite bridge...awesome! If you want to know what that bridge is, you should read the book!

[Lori Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my view, City of Glass is a perfect little book. Another Goodreads reviewer described it as a love letter to a city - it is a succinct, soulful, funny, beautifully written and imaginatively illustrated love letter.

I came to appreciate Douglas Coupland's genius through his art rather than his writing, and so it took me a long time to come across this book. But I know I'll return to it again and again, and I can't wait to pass it on to friends who love Vancouver, art and innovative literature as much as I do.

[Mind the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kunde aldrig ana att Coupland skulle bli min ciceron under denna resa.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW IN PROGRESS -

Though mostly a picture book about Vancouver, with a little bit about Victoria and Seattle for good measure, there are a few passages of text that are laugh out loud funny.

[Laurent Reinhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed Generation X and have been to Vancouver, BC a few times, so was drawn to this book. It consists mainly of essays and photos taken by DC, apparently, and others, mainly Una Knox. It also includes the short story "My Hotel Year", which first appeared in Coupland's Life After God (1994), and the essay on another Vancouver landmark, Lions' Gate Bridge, which was published in Polaroids from the Dead (1996). He has wittily and lovingly captured the zeitgeist of his hometown, from what I can tell, and made me want to visit it again.
"Vancouverites commonly visit Seattle about once a year. You'd think two cities so close to each other, with similar populations and geography, would be alike, but you'd be wrong. Seattle sees itself as being a spit away from Alaska—they really ham up the Klondike connection big time. "Oh my God! We just got word in from Skagway and it's going to be a raining tonight ...Arrrrr!" Seattleites like to think of themselves as resembling the guy on the Brawny paper towel label. Or Bill Gates. On the other hand, Vancouver sees itself as the warmest place in Canada, a sort of colder, rainier Malibu. Vancouverites drive around with the top down in February and sit at outside bistros in March, activities that would be unthinkable three hours south in Seattle." p123

[Kasey Mazak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a no-holds-barred book on Vancouver BC by the author who grew up on the North Shore:

"Main & Hastings: Vancouver's a port city. Heroin is a given. The corner of Main and Hastings is in the poorest postal code in Canada and is home to untold social ills, not the least of which is smack. Adding to its weirdness is its close proximity to perky, cruise-liner friendly Gastown, and to fastidious Chinatown.

This is a part of the city that is in chronic pain. The alleys feature snowdrifts of syringes, bleach bottles, alcohol swab wrappers, orange syringe tips and tiny plastic bags used to hold crack crystals. The amount of drug paerapheneria littering the place is astonishing. You expect maybe a syringe or two and you see...hundreds.

I lived for years at the corner of Powell and Columbia, the northeast corner of the district, and have many happy memories of the place, but I pretty much avoided the alleys, and the streets can get deeply ugly after 2:00 A.M. when the bars close, or on Welfare Wednesdays when the checks get cashed and the social wreckage stacks up

Having said all of this, it's a place you should see, and not particularly fear. It's disturbing and intense, but the place is populated by people with souls just like anybody else. Wear sturdy footwear, lock the car, and open your mind and your eyes."

[Bryan Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of another contemporary book that does a better job at summarizing all facets of a city in such a concise, thorough, and entertaining way, through a series of short observational essays and related photos. Ditch the guidebooks, do the walking tours without a guide - if you're coming to Vancouver and you want to know what the city is all about, just read this. I picked it up in a used bookshop on my third day in town, and read it over lunch, at a coffee shop, and, finally, sitting on a bench at the beach, over the course of one day. I now feel like I know the city far better than I deserve to. An impressive achievement.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this vivid foray into the city of Vancouver by local Douglas Coupland. This selection is much more personal than my previous read on the subject. He includes many of his youthful exploits around the city. Coupland is also more specific when delving into the culture of the city. He reveals his own perception of the failures and growth of Vancouver. I hope I have enough time in September experience many of the favorite sights and scenes of this complex city. It's a massive country to explore and my journey begins in Vancouver!

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whenever I watch a movie from the US, I feel a strong urge to figure out where in the country it is set. From this book, I have learned that many US movies are actually filmed in Vancouver, as its versatility makes it an ideal stand-in for various US cities.

In 2012 I started reading all Douglas Coupland books and for the most part was finished with that by 2013. This book has been lying around since then, and now I have finally read it. It's nice but not overwhelming, possibly it's better if someone is already interested in Vancouver. From reading the book, Vancouver seems like a nice place, my main reason for now wanting to see Vancouver in real life is however to satisfy my urge to recognize it in movies.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm happy I didn't buy this one, because to me it's a "read once" kind of book, but I'm happy I read in while in Vancouver. In only one day I was already able to see some of the things this book discussed. Since I saw some of what this author wrote about, I feel that I'll soon see even more, and I can credit this book for the heads up.

[litost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of very short essays about Vancouver, presented in alphabetical order. The book seems aimed at those unfamiliar with the area, with overviews and pieces on Seattle, Bellingham, and Victoria. My favourite sections were those that were longer and more personal, like the Cathy, Donny and Lions Gate stories. I would have liked more of those.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice to have Douglas Coupland as a guide to Vancouver. I stopped in a local bookstore today, and the guy behind the counter told me that Coupland bought a book of squirrel drawings there a few years ago. So, he’s still here. Why isn’t Coupland more widely read? And why has over a decade passed since his last novel?

[Christiane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although not uncritical, Mr. Coupland is clearly smitten with his home town which doesn't exactly make this little book very objective but it provides some additional information to Vancouver travel guides.

[Katrina Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this every few years and enjoy it every time. Admittedly I'm the same demographic as the author and live in the city of glass.

[EJG2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect inside-scoop guide to Vancouver for a new resident.

[Gianluca]

Mercifully short volume by our Nation’s preeminent dollar-store intellectual.

[Yuri Artibise · Rating 4 out of 5]

City of Glass reminds Vancouverites why we live here, and tells guests why they should visit. It is the book you leave in the guest bedroom to inspire and delight out-of-towners.

It's brochure like quality starts with the books physical form. City of Glass is bright and colorful—reminiscent of a sunny day in the city. Its cover is even colored in the omnipresent green and blue of Vancouver’s branding.

The title of the book comes from Vancouver’s large number of skyscrapers with glass or mirror fronts. Like the glass of it’s title, Coupland’s book reflects his personal memories of the city he loves.

Inspired by Japans underground ‘zines’, the book is an illustrated collection of vignettes and reflections on Vancouver. it takes readers on an alphabetical tour, from BC Ferries to YVR. Along the way, Coupland drops a lot of personal observations, historic trivia and often overlooked facts.

The book also includes a report of Coupland’s essay, “My Hotel Year,” previously published in Life After God. The essay is a nice intermission from the vignettes. It provides readers with a glimpse beyond the glass and into a gritty reality that is also part of Vancouver.

Interspersed throughout the book are some photographs of Vancouver at it’s best and pictures of Vancouver, ephemera such as Campbell’s soup cans with trilingual Cantonese/English/French labels and a salmon ‘color fan.’

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Douglas Coupland's highly personal take on all the little things that make Vancouver Vancouver -- fleece vests and Teva sandals, Japanese teenage girl fashion, BC Ferry food, old British ladies, the sulphur heaps, Stanley Park, leaky condos.... As someone who got to know Vancouver only as an adult, introduced by my husband who grew up there (and is a Genxer too), it strikes me that Coupland is describing his generation's take on the city with amazing accuracy and clarity. It's illustrated with vibrant photos and includes a terrific memoir-essay on life in the Hastings and Main area, Vancouver's skid row.

[Trin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coupland juxtaposes a city's quest for identity with the twentysomething's personal quest: it's all muddled and confused now, and sometimes it's even awful, but there's SO MUCH hope for the future. I really like seeing Vancouver (where I've never been, sadly) through Coupland's eyes. This is not a guidebook, but a personal tour by a somewhat funky (and therefore, awesome) friend who shows you patchwork pieces of the place which can then be made into the tapestry of your choosing. Mine has a lot of dangling threads, but I like it anyway.

[Julian Haigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coupland is a method writer. He basically steals snippets of real life and other peoples' experience and puts it together in a book. Most people that work with him don't like him: I live in Vancouver and I've heard some horror stories. That said, no other author writes like him - he has a way of connecting with the city and the experience of those who live here and the way he writes is always worthy of a quick relaxing read. Look at some photos and read his small snippets of insight. Perfect as a coffee table book or in a waiting room.

[Chloë · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having lived in Vancouver for sometime now, I felt I knew the city pretty well. So this book seemed a good opportunity to get to know the work of Douglas Coupland. It worked; enjoyed it, and I think I can see Coupland's style clearer now, and I might be more likely to pick up one of his other books. It's also very interesting how many different ways a city can be seen and understood by different people, and yet the character of the city overall remains evident and whole. Worth my couple of hours.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Douglas Coupland is nothing if not a British Columbian. Here, he produces a travel guide for his hometown unlike anything you've ever read. There are candid memories alongside the tourist traps and demographic descriptions. There's even a fictional story about a couple of aging punk rockers, set in Vancouver. Highly enjoyable, and short enough it can be read in a day or two. Although, a greater number of stories wouldn't diminish the work at all.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the books best attribute might be its potential to spark discussion. As a British Columbian who's spent a bit less than a year in the city, I find the city very over-rated and its image very narcissistic, but I still enjoyed Coupland's ode to the city he clearly loves. Definitely interesting to contrast his views with mine, although I was probably particularly forgiving, since I love his fiction.

[Susan Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Coupland writes characters. The setting is already written - Vancouver. This beautiful collection of essays about Vancouver's architecture, wildlife, terrain, and people makes me want to visit Vancouver more than ever. It perfectly matches the settings of jPod, the film Everything's Gone Green, and many of his other works, and includes passages from Polaroids From The Dead and Life After God. If you're a Coupland fan who hasn't read this book - read it.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5 stars, since this A-Y companion to all things Vancouver seems hastily written, more like a blog post than a book. But it’s frequently laugh out loud funny, and there are some profound moments of beauty and insight (particularly the Lion’s Gate Bridge short story). With a bit more effort, this could have been terrific. But I’m still glad I read it.