Tonight the winners of the 2011 National Book Awards were announced.
Fiction: Salvage the Bones, by Jesmyn Ward
Nonfiction: The Swerve: How the World Became Modern, by Stephen Greenblatt
Poetry: Head Off and Split, by Nikky Finney
Young Peoples’ Literature: Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai
Despite the fact that I was initially uninterested, I actually did acquire all but one of the fiction finalists after looking into them further. The one I did not pick up: Salvage the Bones. I will, though, someday.
I’ll get hold of one immediately (if possible…) and let you know asap. Never heard of the author to be honest, look forward to it.
I have to admit that the descriptions that I have read of Ward’s book have left me totally disinterested. So if you or Lee do take it on, please leave some thoughts — the NBA often has strange choices, but this seems odder than usual.
Hmmm, I’ve been checking out reviews and excerpts today. Not sure this one is for me. Looking forward to your thoughts, Lee!
I just realized how long it has been since I commented here.
Rest assured: I am still around. I’ve just been busy with family and work commitments. I have many books I need to review . . . they are coming!
Hi, I’ve been hiding out also. Here’s an interview with Ward:
http://www.nola.com/books/index.ssf/2011/11/national_book_award_nominee_je.html
One’s due to arrive so I will let you know asap…