| Prized Poets Pontificate |
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| Written by Danielle Martino | |
2007 National Book AwardsNov. 13, 7 pmThe New School, Tishman Auditorium 66 West 12th Street (btw 5th and 6th Aves) For Tickets: 212-229-5488 or Camille at (212)446-5106 nationalbook.org On Tuesday, November 13th at 7 pm, high class, original literature, the cream of the crop, will be presented at the 2007 National Book Award Finalists Reading. The winners of the National Book Awards will be announced at this benefit ceremony, hosted by renowned writer Fran Lebowitz. The finalists were selected by four distinguished panels of Judges. Be aware that these judges chose the best books of the year independent of the National Book Foundation. The 20 finalists consist of both established and debut authors, ranging from poetry and fiction to nonfiction. Yet, this year, for the first time in years, the Nonfiction category does not include books specifically about 9/11, Islam, and the Middle East. Instead, the category this time features powerful books that examine the origins of the constitution, the history of the CIA, and religion in public life. Another is a biographical account and, still, another is a unique memoir. Among the finalists are Denis Johnson, a Fiction Finalist for his new novel, "Tree of Smoke," his first full length novel in nine years. Two of the Fiction Finalists, however, are first novelists. These "virgin" novelists include Mischa Berlinski, author of "Fieldwork," and Joshua Ferris, author of "Then We Came to the End." Two of the finalists for Young People's Literature are also nominated for first books: M. Sindy Felin for "Touching Snow" and Sara Zarr for "Story of a Girl." As for the veteran experts, three of the 2007 Finalists have been Finalists in previous years, including Edwidge Danticat, Robert Hass, and Ellen Bryant Voigt. As the Executive Director of the National Book Foundation, Harold Augenbraum says, "the dazzling range in style and subject matter represented by this year's selection is a powerful testament to the vibrancy of contemporary American Literature," so you won't want to miss this, especially since you can enjoy this evening of literary beauty for only 10 dollars. But tickets go quickly, so don't wait to purchase yours. Call 212-229-5488 and/or visit nationalbook.org to receive a more detailed description of the Finallists as well as the calendar of events for National Book Awards Week. © Danielle Martino 2007 |
