Carolyn Offers Up her Sixth
Annual Noble Prize For Literature
They say self-deprecating humor can be a good
thing. So, know that the authors I pick for my
Noble will never get famous for the prestige it
bestows on the book or the writer. The award is
an opportunity, of course, for some bragging rights,
maybe in one's local press and online. But it's
really all about giving writers of literary fiction
and poetry a little recognition, appreciation
for their talents and, yes, a little love.
For those considering applying for the award,
books considered should show literary excellence
in use of the English language. They should present
themes or premises that might help readers recognize
and curtail bigotry, or explore the human condition
in other important ways. The contest is free except
for the cost of the book. You may reach me at
HoJoNews@aol.com
for instructions on where to mail it. I'm also
happy to let you know whether a particular book
fits my parameters, just in case there are doubts.
Because we don't want to waste even one good book.
On the other hand, I don't want to miss seeing
one I might give an award to!
I also do a Ten
Best List for MyShelf.com and sometimes
books that don't make the Noble award are on that
list because I don't duplicate. Go back to the
home page
of MyShelf.com this month and click on the Ten
Best. Each of the MyShelf reviewers contributes
a list. It's a great way to find more good reading
and you'll also be able to tell what kinds of
books reviewers like; that's valuable information
if you're looking to get reviews for your book.
I also glean winners from the books readers
nominate, the books written by my UCLA students
and fellow instructors, books my editors assign
me to review, and even a few that I pick up in
second-hand book stores. I try to avoid books
that have been hanging around bestseller lists
(readers can access those without me) and those
that have already won awards.
So now you know a little more about this award,
let's enjoy the 2008 winners of my Noble Prize
for Literature. That's "Noble," not "Nobel." Here
they are.
Carolyn's 2008
Noble List for Reading in 2009
These books are in no particular
order.
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Diana M. Raab for
her
Dear Anaïs: My Life in Poems for You
with a preface by Tristine Rainer. This title
is a good indication of what you will find
within. The poetry is very simple, accessible
and elegant. The ISBN is 978-1-892386-41-1 |
 |
Tahmina Anam is the
author of
A Golden Age, a novel set in wartime
Bangladesh. She paints an unforgettable portrait
of that time and place. The ISBN is 978-0-06-147874-1 |
 |
Mathias B. Freese
is the author of
Down to a Sunless Sea, a book of
short stories. The author of
The i Tetralogy tells stories daringly,
like none you've read before. ISBN: 978-1-58736-733-5 |
 |
Tim Miller is author
of
The Lit World: Poems from History.
It is a book of prose poems that includes
a series on Hitler's Bunker. ISBN: 978-0-9798707-0-5 |
 |
Christopher Meeks
is the author of
Months and Seasons. A prolific
writer and producer of his own books, this
is his most recent from White Whisker Books.
It's entertaining and wise. ISBN: 978-0-6151-8870-6 |
 |
Danalee Buhler is
the author of
Running from Coyote: A White Family among
the Navajo. It's a literary page-turner
that was nominated by Christine Alexanians,
a reader who helped me out this year. ISBN:
978-0-595-40543-5 |
 |
Thank you Stephen Douglas
Hedrick for
Tall Tales & Sonnets of the South,
a book of poetry full of the kind of music
and story-poetry we remember from childhood.
The photography is by Jack Anthony. It's so
lovely, it's a small coffee table book. ISBN:
978-0-9792557-1-7 |
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Tips
and Tidbits
(Each
month in this box, Carolyn lists a Tidbit
that will help authors write or promote
better. She will also include a Tip to help
readers find a treasure among long-neglected
books or a sapphire among the newly-published.)
Writers of all patterns and stripes will
enjoy the quick tips and questions and answers
format of my blog,
The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Guidelines for submitting questions are
in the left column of the blog. It is inspired
by The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book
Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure
Success, which won USA Book News Best
Book 2007 Award, Reader Views Literary Award
and was a finalist in the New Generations
Indie Award.
Readers'
Tip: Avid readers will enjoy TheNewReviewBlogspot
where they'll find reviews of books sent
in by readers and reviewers. It's a source
that offers alternatives to the big review
journals and bestseller lists. Please feel
to send a review of your favorite, too.
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Winners feel free to capture
a banner for your website!
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