The Different Book Awards

To write a book and actually finish it is already a gargantuan feat. But for a book to win a prestigious award is something else! It will immediately push the work to a different class and send the author to the moon!

There’s no better way to gain positive noise for your work than to actually win a prestigious award given by a sophisticated and credible body of literary critics, publishers and readers. There’s no other better way to say: “This book is the best this year. We know what we’re talking about, so read it.” Profitability wise, awards are good marketing, it pushes the book at the forefronts of the bookstore displays and you can actually brag about it in the cover page: “Winner of the Booker prize and so and so” The consumer will already feel encouraged and smart about purchasing a copy. It’s also good for the author. Like winners in Oscars, it pushes the author to the A-List crowd.  Essentially, writers don’t really need awards to measure their success and value, for me any writer is already an artistic genius, but I must admit that to be recognized by the art itself must really mean a huge boost of confidence and renowned self-worth. Super big wild cherry on the cake!

I’ve randomly seen books with acclaimed notations of being shortlisted or even long listed for these awards. I’ve read tons of books that are award worthy and I just finished Ray Bradbury’s Farenheit 451, which is a National Book Prize winner. Now I’m starting with Arundhati Roy’s Man Booker Prize winner, The God of Small Things. There are so many awards and most of them are familiar, but aren’t you curious what those awards stand for? Why they won it? And what type of award giving body bestowed it? Last year, Eleanor Catton’s Luminaries gained much noise as she bested works and nabbed the Booker Prize Award at the age of 28 yrs. Old! But what is a Booker Prize award anyway?

Next time you shop for a book and you see a distinction of being  “short listed” even “long listed” or the winner of these popular literary awards, it’s always worth it to stop and look. And if you’re planning to buy the book anyways and it happens to win something, well at least you’re making a good choice right there.

Below is the list of most popular literary awards you might already be familiar with:

MAJOR AWARDS, Open to all nationalities, most popular:

1.    Nobel Prize in Literature

a.     Since 1901

b.     Award to an author annually from any country

c.      The Swedish Academy decides who will receive the prize each year sometime in October.  They decide on the most outstanding work of the author ‘as a whole’ (all samples of the author). This echoes author’s outstanding contribution to literature.

d.     The nominations are from members of the academy, members of any literary academy, professors of literature and language, former Nobel laureates and presidents of writer’s organizations. Thousands are received each year and it will be long and short listed to 5. Prize averages around 1Million USD with diploma, citation and eternal bragging rights.

e.     Winners: Alice Munro (2013), Doris Lessing (2007), Orhan Pamuk (2006), Jose Saramago (1998), Toni Morrison (1993) Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1982)

2.    Man Booker Prize International Awards

a.     Since June 2004

b.     Award given to any work published in English or generally available English translation. Award is given only every 2 years.

c.      The Award is sponsored by the MAN Group and rewards one’s authors continued “creativity, development and overall contribution to fiction in the world stage” Like Nobel, this award is given to the author’s BODY OF WORK rather than to one title.

d.     Unlike Noble, the judges of the year make up their own lists and no submissions are entertained.

e.     Winners: Alice Munro (2009), Philip Roth (2011), Chinua Achebe (2007)

3.    Franz Kafka Prize Award

a.     Since 2001

b.     Literary Award in honor of Franz Kafka, the German Language novelist.

c.      The award giving body is led by the Franz Kafka Society by having a “"humanistic character and contribution to cultural, national, language and religious tolerance, its existential, timeless character, its generally human validity and its ability to hand over a testimony about our times."

d.     Recipients receives 10,000 USD, diploma and bronze statuette

4.    America Award

a.     Since 1994

b.     Provides the modest alternative to Nobel

c.      Award giving body comprise of 6-8 American literature artists (novelists, poets, playwrights and critics).

d.     Award does not entail prize money

e.     Winners: Jose Saramago, Harold Pinter, Ko  Un

Other more popular awards

1.             Pulitzer Prize

a.     Since 1917

b.     Award for achievements in newspaper, journalism, literary and musical composition. Literature solely for American writers specializing in Fiction, Drama, history, biography specifically connected to USA.

c.      Administered by Columbia University in New York. It was established by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer American, Hungarian born publisher.

d.     In 20 categories, each winner will receive 10,000 USD

2.             National Book Award

a.     Since 1936 solely an annual US Literary Award.

b.     This is to celebrate the best in American literature divided into sub categories (Fiction, non-fiction)

c.      Administered first by American Bookseller’s Association. Award is given to 1 book in 4 categories (fiction, non fiction, poetry, young people’s literature)

d.     Publishers nominate books but panelists may request particular nominations from publishers. Panel includes 5 writers who are remarkably known in their field.

e.     Finalists get 1000 USD, medal and citation. Winner gets 10,000 and a bronze sculpture

3.             National Book Critics Circle Award

a.     Since 1976

b.     Annual American Literary Awards to promote the finest books and reviews published in English.

c.      National Book Critics Circle administer these awards, which are divided into sub categories (Fiction, Non Fiction, Biography, Memoir and Criticism)

d.     Judges are volunteer Directors of the organization and elected judges by voting members (professional book review editors, book reviewers)

4.             Nebula Award for Science Fiction

a.     Since 1966

b.     Annually recognizes the best works in Fantasy and Science Fiction published in the US

c.      It is awarded by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, a non profit organization of professional science fiction and fantasy writers. This is science fiction’s most prestigious awards together with the HUGO award.

d.     This is subdivided in different categories (Script, novel, novella, short story, Novellette)

e.     Nominees and winners are chosen by the SFWA

5.             Booker Prize or Man Booker Prize for Fiction

a.     Since 1968 originally sponsored by the company Booker-McConnell. Literary prize awarded each year for a full-length novel written in English by a citizen of the Commonwealth of Nations, Ireland and New Zealand. Beginning in 2014, they will entertain works from all over the world as long as their work is in English and published in the UK.

b.     Booker Prize Association administers the award since 2002 and the primary sponsor is the investment company called Man Group.

c.      Award is at 50,000 pounds, which makes it one of the world’s richest literary prizes.

d.     Award commences upon forming an advisory committee (writer, 2 publishers, literary agent, bookseller, librarian and chairperson of Booker Prize association). They are tasked to select judges, all of whom are leading literary critics, writers and public figures. 

So clearly there are various internationally recognized awards that celebrate greatness in the field of literature. The awards provided in the above list are just a few more popular ones. Thank God for these literary critics and sponsors who continuously recognize a reputable work, one of the oldest sources of intelligent entertainment known to mankind. Regardless of the type of literature awards, which we now have a background of, you’ll know the next time you’re thinking of buying this recognized book, there’s definitely some sort of credibility and worthiness in those pages.

But then again, it’s true that not all award-winning literature speaks to us as much as it touched these critics. Books in a way could be subjective considering the timing it was read and the personal taste of the reader. But nevertheless, even for books that I do not understand or I think that’s completely beyond my taste, I respect them all for what they are. I still silently congratulate the authors for achieving something that actually transcends time and space. They have, in my eyes, become the perfect case of immortality. With awards or not, best sellers or not, writing a book is not a walk in the park, finishing a book in itself already deserves an amount of applause and recognition. The awards are as they say just the icing to the author’s cake.   

Fire in the Blood

A dear friend of mine who is a budding writer and a rebel-attorney developed into a sophisticated and voracious reader. As I read for pleasure, anything goes that interests me, he is more of the discriminating type. When we met up for coffee two weekends ago, he gave me two bagful of his old and new books. He wanted to give them a new home, short for he's running out of space and concern, as well as he wanted to give books he had no plans of reading a second chance. Of course, I willingly obliged.

As we were talking about, well...books, I had an irrational desire to buy new books the spot even if I already had freebies. I know it's illogical but it's also some kind of a book lover's sickness. After four hours of conversations, attempting to be Tolstoy and literature scholars, we went to Fully Booked and scouted the sale section first. As a tip from one book lover to another, never ever miss out on the sale section, you won't believe what people would put out on discounts! Mostly they're unpopular but excellent works!

As I patiently inspected the lot, my friend pointed out to me Irene Nemorovsky's Fire in the Blood. It's in perfectly good condition at 100 pesos. He hasn't read Fire in the Blood, but he has high praise for Nemorovsky's best known novel, Suite Francaise. He wanted me to try Fire in The Blood, which is a logical choice. From a book lover to another, I trust his judgment.

And thank goodness that I did! The next weekend, I had the time to squeeze in Fire in The Blood and in a day I was able to finish it. It was so good! I was engulfed by the story and the ease of the language. Though the book is not typically thick, more of a novella, it still carries a rich story with a strong message of the power of youth and the evolution of passion. It's a story written with a quaint rural French community as a background. It pictures passion and certain ideas of happiness in the eyes of the youth and in the eyes of the people past their prime. It's a parallel story amidst the minor family scandals and indiscretions.

For those who'd want a quick and meaningful read, I would recommend this.

And just because I so love how the words were unassuming and unpretentiously written, I have become a fan of Irene Nemorovsky. I was so impressed that I texted my friend to thank him for introduce the author to me.

A week after, I decided to search Suite Francaise to include it in my list of summer reads. I was ready to search and order (if need be) from the leading bookstores. On an uneventful Sunday, I was in a simple Booksale store at a  nearby mall waiting for my ride. As I was browsing through the shelf, I quickly spotted the book in excellent condition and on sale at 115 pesos! What luck! Out of all the Booksale shops and timing in the world, I was able to get a copy without breaking a sweat. It's like it fell into my lap. In this case, I believe in destiny.

I intended to read Suite Francaise in my upcoming beach vacation in a few days. I want good vibes and good reads, but I simply cannot wait. I've already read 6 chapters and least to say I am hooked.

I have become a Nemorovsky fan. I recommend anyone to experience her raw works. It's really something worthwhile.

"...i thought i was seeking my fortune but in reality i was being propelled forward by the fire in my blood. But these passions are now extinguished i no longer know who i am."

Blindness

I just finished a rom-com-adventure a couple of days ago. The Princess Bride by William Goldman is light and a bit funny. It's not  a cheesy medieval romance I was thinking of. The elements are still there, damsel in distress, the dashing pirate, the narcissistic prince and the supporting villains that turned out to be good guys in the end with special attributes brought by colorful histories. The book didn't take the characters to a normal route. They made these roles fun. The Damsel in Distress speaks her own mind and gets moody. The dashing pirate is a bit sarcastic, the prince who turned out to be the antagonist is kind of conceited and apathetic than evil. It's not about politics and intricate relationships, they did it in a tone of embarking on an adventure and chase. It was a simple fun. No cheesiness here, thank you.

After Princess Bride I was looking for something more serious, something more gripping. I didn't want to go through the list of my reliable formula writers. I'm not in a deep shit just yet. It just has to be gripping. For sure no classics, epics and fantasies for now. I just want something fast, new and if the story bothers me, then the better like the likes of The Sleepers or The Room. So I rummaged through my shelf and got titles from Julian Fellows, Tracy Chavelier and Ayn Rand, but I chanced upon a book I bought a year ago, which I haven't read and was at the far end of my towering book logs.

Jose Saramago's Blindness intrigued me. I knew there was a movie and I knew for some reason I didn't have time or interest to see it. But I also knew it's one of those that I wanted to read it more than see in the movies. When I bought the book, I realized there weren't dialogues, being a first Saramago reader, I had no idea. I wasn't totally dismayed cause I knew I can handle this kind of prose, but I still do love my dialogues. Probably that's the reason it was at the far end of my book log because I subconsciously put it there. For these kinds of prose, the timing is essential as everything even the mood should fall into place. Least to say books with NO dialogues aren't really a favorite of mine. I could go through it, but it always takes a lot of effort to stick through it. The plot and the writing style should really be strong. The writing style should really be fluid and graceful. Otherwise, it would really bore me after reading 10 pages. But lo and behold, I couldn't put this book down. There were no dialogues but he wrote it in such a way that you see these characters talking, you sense what's going on in their heads without boring you. The development of the story is in an ideal pace, the situations are intense, real and very contemporary yet there's grace in writing those lines. Each chapter ends with a clinger. It's one of those books with no dialogues, but in the end you'd know it doesn't need one. The writer is skilled enough to present a story as an observation. And the plot is very intense bordering to bothersome, I like it.

Probably the plot got to me more. Blindness is something I'm very iffy about. I'm scared of losing my eyesight. Ever since I was a child I knew it's one of my most valuable senses. I can skip talking, smelling and hearing. I just need to see. I don't think I can move on happily in this life without my vision. My eyesights works with all that I'm interested in this world. I can't imagine seeing darkness all the time. I'm a visual person. It would simply kill me to lose my sight.

Though I know blindness aren't caused overnight. There is no contamination or disease that can trigger this. I knew there is a gradual loss of vision that's why it could still be resolved and remedied, but it's never abrupt unless one has a physical accident. Blindness is not like cold and pox that it spreads. It's more of a relationship of the person and his eyes that develop through time. And this plot, no matter how fictitious it is, contradicts that. I cannot imagine myself driving, seeing a red traffic light and suddenly going blind. I'll panic, I'll hyperventilate. I'd probably do strange things to end my life. I know it sounds morbid and I apologize, but I'm sure you get how my vision is so important to me.

Reading about these characters make them seem so real and make me think of what I'd do in their position. Surviving in inhumane conditions and transforming into this horrible person you'll never imagine you'll become. It shows humans taste of self destruction with one loss of a very important sense that makes us feel powerful and equipped in the first place.

This book makes you think. It's one of the longest books I've read with no dialogues and I just couldn't put it down. The writing is awesome, the plot even more so. There's nothing light here, but then again that was what I was looking for.

Princess Bride

In the spirit of Valentine's and to appease my short attention span mood, I've decided to read something light, passionate and romantic. I was cleaning up my e-books selection when I saw William Goldman's Princess Bride.

I've seen printed copies of this in the best seller sections of bookstores last year. But I didn't pay attention to it. But I admit I was a bit curious why it became a best seller though.

I was googling best titles for romance fiction last weekend and as always, Pride and Prejudice, One Day and A room with a view are some of the books that would always come up. I've already read those and I want something new. Just so happened I wasn't also not in the mood for classics. Something in likes of One Day or mass-romance novels would do. Then I found a best seller list that contains Princess Bride. Looking at my e-book collection and seeing the title included there, I figured it's already at my disposal. So the search was over.

After reading a few chapters, I realized that this is not your typical, heavy and romantic story. It is a love story with fun adventure. It could be read by teenagers before angst became such a big hit. It also injects a basic dose of magic realism that I mostly read from Allende and G.G. Marquez. Reading it reminds me of Stardust by Neil Gaiman. A stubborn, headstrong beauty, betrothed to a very distinct prince who loves hunting more than women, gets kidnapped by a band of syndicates with extraordinary characteristics. Little do they know that the soon-to-be princess is in love with their old stable boy who became a renowned fighter during one of his expeditions and has come to rescue her. I like it that the situations and characters are goofy and that they swear.

I haven't reached the middle of the story to know the much deeper conflicts and intricacies of the plot, but so far I am entertained. There's no drama here. It's a pure love story trying to find its way through a goofy adventure. It's also not your typical fairy tale. If you like reading Stardust, you'll probably like this one.

Romance Books

Lately, I've been having low attention span. I want everything to be snappy. I usually care much for details, but now I just want something to do, something to entertainment myself with.

Since I've just finished reading SLEEPERS, which is not your usual perky book. In fact it is kind of disturbing, leaning more on the heavy side. This time I want something equally fast and light. I don't want to delve into deep human drama for a while. I'm not in the mood for subtleness either. While Fantasy and sci-fi may have too much details for my current mood, I think I can just go and read something from my brother's shelf. Adventure genre would be nice or my usual thriller formula books written by my default writers. But you know what, I think I'm in the mood for romance.

I am a voracious reader and my shelf carries titles from different genres. I may be more familiar in one genre, but that doesn't mean I don't get a taste of everything. I read from thriller to erotica, from fantasy to classics, from romance to contemporary. Anything interesting, brilliant and captures my current mood is good enough for me. I am not really picky on genres. My mood dictates it.

Though I must admit, reading mass-romance novels came as a surprise for me because I'm really not into romance. I'm not raised to like the damsel in distress characters, my personality and ambition give me the drive to hate these helpless ladies. I was raised in a non-affectionate, professional household. My personality is anti-cheesiness and programmed to hate hormonal drama. So naturally, romance novels didn't really appeal to me.

I discovered this genre rather late. My first experience was reading Judith McNaught's best seller Someone Like You that was recommended by an officemate who loves to read books, only romance books that is. She is a certified romance books collector so if I was to do this right, I knew I was in good hands. When I saw the book she wanted me to read right there and then I wanted to laugh. The title was such a giveaway. Though I kind of expected that the title would be a total crap, but I never thought I'd really go through it. I thought it was a joke. But I did carry on to put the curiosity aside. I wanted to know first hand why the romance novels built such an empire. Well, I finished the book in 2 days reading it during breaks. I was hooked.

I never mocked romance novels again. I didn't actually convert to a major fan, but I do respect them now. Romance books are entertaining. It's light and it's a fantasy even for self sufficient women whose characters appeal have their own strengths. The lead characters are not as stupid as I thought. Romance books sometimes teach us bullish women to have fun and entertain the possibility of a heartfelt romance. Deep inside our career oriented minds that don't really care much for sassiness and drama in the real world, romance novels provide an escape into another side of being a woman that we sometimes tend to forget. Who doesn't want to be wooed and be swept away anyways? The lead characters aren't stupid. They're not dramatic. They're strong women who found love and forged with it. They're not like a confused teenager like Bella Swan you'd want to strangle. They have  their own lives and they fell in love with men built up to be desirable, but with agreeable flaws. I guess there's a certain appeal reading about strong women who break their walls because of true love.

After my Judith McNaught experience, she instantly belonged to the list of my formula writers like Robin Cook and John Grisham. I bought a couple of more titles, read it when the mood demanded and was entertained. After McNaught I came across a romance-fantasy-viking series of Josie Litton. When  a high school friend saw me buying the copies titled: Dream of Me and Believe in Me, she laughed out loud and couldn't believe I was sane enough to waste time on it. I understood her reaction and told her I was exactly that person laughing loud and judging romance titles a couple of months ago. Then I ended up becoming a staunch defender. Romance books, for sophisticated readers who haven't experienced it,  immediately slam them as crap. Well it's not pulitzer prize winning material. It might not be that deep and insightful, but it still a reliable solid entertainment for whoever's open minded and accepting.

Appreciating romance books taught me to be more open minded. Reading romance novels became a turning point of my reading life when I became more flexible to appreciating different genres. I realized a good story, written in an appealing tone, creates a good book. It doesn't matter what the genre is. As long as the reader is transported and entertained, I think the book served its purpose. And right now I'm in the mood for a light, heart warming, passionate love story. Checking out the romance books I have in store. 

Sleepers

Sleepers - (slang) a juvenile delinquent sentenced to serve more than 9 months or a spy/agent who remains undercover and passing through town. 

I still don't get it why they used the term Sleeper, but I really don't care. I loved the book.

I picked this up in one of my more random bookstore visits. As far as I can remember I really had no specific reasons why I bought it. I didn't even realize that it was the exact book the 1996 film Sleepers was based on. Well, it was a vague memory. I remember back in high school, during the Brad Pitt matinee idol era, my best friend was raving about the film. I didn't get to watch it though and I still haven't watched it. It's kind of weird actually. Usually expose myself to really good films, but I think there were misses here and there. This is one of them cause I figured the movie was pretty awesome with Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman and of course Brad Pitt. But the book was awesome.

There was no particular reason why I bought this book. All I know is that it was a random pick and I was hooked immediately on the premise. 4 boys in Hell's Kitchen find themselves convicted and sentenced to juvenile imprisonment, which changed their lives forever. Sleepers written by Lorenzo Carcaterra was a book about friendship, retribution and tragedy. Though in this case, I'm more interested on the tragic parts. What went on in the juvenile facility that was so bad interested me more. I figured that was the core of the story.

While reading the book, it transports you from the good times. The foundation of the neighborhood and the boy's friendship were greatly given weight. They've always been protected amidst the imperfections, but as a reader there were some anxiety attacks knowing that something would eventually slip. Then the break did occur and the juvenile imprisonment happens.

The juvenile facility experience was just so scary. I couldn't imagine a place like that existed or people even had the conscience to do disgusting things to kids. There were difficult times reading abuses being done on the characters the book built up so well. At first I wanted to know the more tragic parts, but actually reading through it just made me want to get to the revenge part fast.

The book, more than the successfully narrated harrowing parts, was successful in building up the lives of these four boys each with a definitive character who suffered and got justice the only way they knew how. There weren't saints definitely but they deserved imprisonment but not the abuse. It was a novel to narrate imperfect systems, dangerous neighborhood, dysfunctional households and tragic experiences, but it was also a story of hope, strong friendship, value of life and innocence.

This is not exactly a light novel. Some parts are quite difficult to digest, but no one should miss this. There's really a profound reason why it was a best seller in the first place. It's not a book with a light material. This demands a toughened heart.

I haven't watched the movie, and I don't think I would want to watch it ever. The book is more than enough for me. 

The Last Empress

Unfortunately I stopped reading Wolf Hall on my way to the middle parts of the book. Probably I had so many things in mind and was utterly distracted at the start of the month that the book is really not connecting with me. My eyes are landing in words page per page, but I'm not feeling it. I don't even remember parts. So I abandoned it for a while and switched to something else.

Finally I was able to finish Empress Orchid's story in the sequel The Last Empress by Anchee Min. Unlike the first book, the sequel had more political plots, maneuverings and courtly tragedies. The empress had matured and became stronger for her nation. It wasn't an easy ride, that's for sure and she did things, in my eyes, needed to be done. I could remember how her image was painted across China while I was on a tour there two years ago. She is strong and powerful, that's for sure. But she is also depicted as ruthless and power hungry. I was interested in women who lead nations and even a ruthless one at that. China is no small country and it takes extreme brain power, cunning and force to rule it. But in this story, one would get to see Empress Cixi's other side. The possible side that may not be visible to the public or court. In the story, she had to be ruthless. She had to be practical and she had to play in order for her country and clan survive. I do admire that in her. And I understood, even if this version is just fiction.

First book to finish this year. A thousand more to go. I just bought on-sale books from Rockwell 2 weekends ago. I even haven't covered it. These times are hard. Titles are piling up and my shelf project had not been finalized. All in due time, there are just some things that are more pressing right now.  

Wolf Hall, I will get back to you soon.