feedThe National Book Awards 2005
The The National Book Awards for 2005 are out. You already knew this, of course, because I do not make a special effort to be the first with the news. Instead I offer my special brand of insight, not always so very insightful. Alas. In any case, here they are, with minimal comments, since I have read none of them.
- FICTION / William T. Vollmann, Europe Central (Viking) | I haven't read it. I have no interest in reading it. Every time I've ever picked up a Vollmann book I end up wondering... “why am I wasting my life this way?” I do hope someone finds value in reading him, and this is not necessarily a comment on his books so much as it is a comment on me... I can't do it. If you're thinking of picking up a Vollmann book given that it's won a major literary award, I suggest taking a gander inside first. Of course maybe you're buying it as a coffee table trophy. Or a gift. Or a challenge. Fine enough. Those reasons have their own intrinsic value. Blessings on you.
- NONFICTION / Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking (Alfred A. Knopf) | Might be given the moniker (by me) of “National Book Award Winner I've most nearly come to purchasing from an actual bookstore with actual dollars.” I probably will soon. Joan Didion is one hell of a writer. She will undoubtedly box my ears with her prose. I look forward to it.
- POETRY / W.S. Merwin, Migration (Copper Canyon Press) | I like some of Merwin, but he doesn't wow me. When reading poetry, I like to be wowed. I like to have to set the book aside because I'm exhausted. I like my mind or shoulders to be turned upside-down. Haven't read this yet. Anybody, please tell me why I should buy it in the comments. Please.
- YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE / Jeanne Birdsall, The Penderwicks : A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (Alfred A. Knopf) | Haven't read it. (It almost looks as if I don't read anymore, doesn't it? That may indeed be true.) Tell me about it, somebody. Why should I love it?
What's your book of the year? And why?
Copy my tags or find others who tagged the same: 2005 | award | book | books | NationalBookAward | NBA | winner.
