Tayari's Blog: What's New?

Posted by TayariJones on November 27, 2007 07:13 AM
Filed under Bookshelf

Since it is the end of the year, all the bloggers and newspapers are in 'Best Of' (and sometimes 'Worst Of The Best Of') mode. I am sorry to say that I didn't read many new books this year. I think this is one of real down-sides of the way the literary goodies are handed out. If a book doesn't "hit" within the year it was published... no awards, no citations for you! Of course we could get into what good is an award anyway-- Not to be negative but I heard from a very reliable source that at least once in the history of the National Book Awards, a finalist knocked out a tooth while dancing in his medal. He was truly cutting up the rug, attempted a ultra-funky spin, the medal flipped up and *POW*. And to add insult to (a literal) injury, the cash prize for a finalist was barely enough to cover dental costs.

This is not to say that I didn't do much reading this year. While at The MacDowell Colony, I had a ball with their library of all the writers who have ever visited. Also, after a hispter couple got into a brawl in my neighborhood, she got her revenge by dumping a box of his books on the corner of Newark and Jersey Avenue and I will admit to picking up a few choice items.

But as for books that were really "right now", I didn't read many. Did you?

[divider]

There are 3 comments on "What's New?". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.

Comment #1, by carleen [TypeKey Profile Page]

Of the 50 NYT's notable fiction books, I bought 3. Finished 1; half-way through 1; started 1 and couldn't finish it (but hubby did).

November 27, 2007 10:34 AM

Comment #2, by minaj [TypeKey Profile Page]

I found this whole year to be a poor one for literary fiction. I've decided to blame it on George W. We're all in a depression and it's all his fault. (Actually, I'm willing to blame almost anything on George W.)

November 28, 2007 05:44 PM

Comment #3, by minaj [TypeKey Profile Page]

Looking at the NYT's Top Ten, I was surprised to see MAN GONE DOWN by Michael Thomas. Has anyone read it?

November 29, 2007 07:27 PM

Your Comments

You are signed in as (sign out)

Please keep comments relevant to the topic. Inappropriate and offensive comments may be edited and/or removed without warning. Comments found on this site don't necessarily reflect the views of Tayari Jones.

(optional)

(required)