Pulitzers 2008

[moose gurl]

The Pulitzers were announced today...I know some people voiced opinions about hating the Pulitzers but I figured I'd announce them anyways since this is a literature forum and I'm sure someone other than me cares. Anyways, if you've read these books, please voice opinions!!

Fiction: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
I read a description for this and it sounds just excellent in my opinion. A debut novel.
Criticism: Mark Feeney of The Boston Globe
Drama: "August: Osage County" by Tracy Letts
Biography: Eden's Outcast (about Louisa May Alcott and her father) by John Matteson
Poetry: "Time and Materials" by Robert Hass and "Failure" by Philip Schultz
Nonfiction: The Years of Extermination (about the Holocaust, heard it was like 30 years of research...quite a lot...) by Saul Friedlander

So, if you've read any of these or WANT to, please post your opinions.

[SirRaustusBear]

I've heard Oscar Wao is really good, but I haven't read any of them.

[Niamh]

I'v never heard of any of the let alone read them, and i work in a bookshop.

[KyleBennett]

Never heard of any of them, as well, but I'd be quite interested in reading the criticism. I don't know how you can be a critic and be awarded for it, I mean being a good critic who stands out amongst the rest of the bunch...

Would love to become one though

[NickAdams]

My friend was reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao a few months ago. He never finished it, but he had me read a passage: I wasn't impressed.

[NickAdams]

Thanks for letting us know. I probably won't buy the book. Well, I know I won't. I have way too many here to read that I know will be interesting - some Russian novels, some Thomas Hardy, rereadings of Jane Austen. I know those will be to my taste.

I'm not impressed with much of today's literature. Some, but not much.

If I read any of the Pulitzers, it'd be the one about Louisa May Alcott.

Feel free to read a page or two. I don't want you to miss out on something you may enjoy. What I read was an attempt at Salinger humor against overweight women. Not to say I'm not tickled by mean humor from time to time, but Mr. Diaz's passage wasn't very clever.

[JBI]

Anyone read the poetry?

[islandclimber]

Thanks for the list :)

Oh and one addition to it... :D

Bob Dylan won an honorary Pulitzer... for "profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power."

Way to go Bob Dylan... and this is the first time Rock music has won a Pulitzer!!! :D

[moose gurl]

I'v never heard of any of the let alone read them, and i work in a bookshop.

I work in a bookstore too. Actually, that's how I got the list. They were posted on the registers. And I've most def. heard of Oscar Wao. The others, not as much, but we have a bunch of copies of Oscar Wao. What bookstore do you work at?

I looked up some of Feeny's criticism and it was pretty good. I was impressed.

And, thanks for that addition islandclimber. I knew Dylan had been honored but forgot to mention it when I was posting.

[quasimodo1]

2008 Pulitzer Prizes link=

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/arts/2008Pulitzer.html?ref=books

[JBI]

Qausi, have you read the verse?

[Niamh]

I work in a bookstore too. Actually, that's how I got the list. They were posted on the registers. And I've most def. heard of Oscar Wao. The others, not as much, but we have a bunch of copies of Oscar Wao. What bookstore do you work at?

I looked up some of Feeny's criticism and it was pretty good. I was impressed.

And, thanks for that addition islandclimber. I knew Dylan had been honored but forgot to mention it when I was posting.

Well, i work for a bookshop in Ireland, where we wouldnt really pay much heed to the pulitzers, hence why i never heard of any of them. Not all books that are big or well known in america get published outside the states. It all depends on the publishing houses.
The Pulitzers are out around the same time as The Irish Book Awards, which is what my company is promoting at the moment (we'll they have to seeing as they set it up!). A lot of the books on the list of awards, you guys wouldnt have heard of. just the way of things i suppose! Although the man booker winner The Gathering is up for a couple.

[moose gurl]

Well, i work for a bookshop in Ireland, where we wouldnt really pay much heed to the pulitzers, hence why i never heard of any of them. Not all books that are big or well known in america get published outside the states. It all depends on the publishing houses.

Ah, very cool. When and if you get the list, you should post it.

[chasestalling]

Nonfiction: The Years of Extermination (about the Holocaust, heard it was like 30 years of research...quite a lot...) by Saul Friedlander

30 years of research?! Sounds like writer's block to me.

[Walter]

I've skimmed The Years of Extermination in the bookstore.
A huge tome written, if I recall correctly, verbatim, "so they can't say they never knew."
In the pages I looked at, he dispassionately presented written records and visible and other sensory evidence, namely odor.

[Niamh]

Ah, very cool. When and if you get the list, you should post it.

these are the nominations and catagories of the Irish Book Awards;
Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

ZUGWANG by Ronan Bennett
Set in St Petersburg in 1914, Zugzwang is another startlingly original historical thriller from Ronan Bennett.
REDEMPTION FALLS by Joseph O'Connor
Set just after The American Civil War "Redemption Falls" is Joe O'Connor's brilliant follow-up to "Star of the Sea."
THE SILVER SWAN by Benjamin Black
Benjamin Black's cracking crime series builds momentum with this the second volume in the Quirke series.
THE GATHERING by Anne Enright
Booker Prize-winning "The Gathering" is a family epic, condensed and clarified through the lens of the author's unblinking eye.
The Argosy Irish Non-Fiction Book of the Year


JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter
Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.
THE HIGH SOCIETY by Justine Delaney Wilson
The book that blew the lid off the cocaine story in the words of the users themselves.
FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS by Stephen Walker
Wonderfully vivid account of the lives of men who enlisted to fight an enemy but ended up being killed by their own side.
FOLLOW ME DOWN TO DUBLIN by Deirdre Purcell
A book to be savoured by all who have enjoyed a passing acquaintance with Anna Livia and her court.
The Dublin Airport Authority Irish Children's Book of the Year - Jnr

THE STORY OF IRELAND by Brendan O'Brien
Superbly illustrated and artfully conceived, The Story of Ireland encapsulated for children in an extraordinarily fresh and exciting way.
THE LEGEND OF THE WORST BOY IN THE WORLD by Eoin Colfer
Funny, quirky fiction with brilliant black-and-white illustrations by Tony Ross throughout. Another winner from Eoin Colfer.
THE WAY BACK HOME by Oliver Jeffers
A star-spangled inter-galactic adventure tale characterised by Jeffers' imaginative brilliance and wonderful illustrations.
ANGELA AND THE BABY JESUS by Frank McCourt
Delightful Christmas story from the author of Angela's Ashes, destined to become a perennial Christmas classic.
The Dublin Airport Authority Irish Children's Book of the Year - Snr

SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT by Derek Landy
An amazing debut which became the publishing sensation of the year and promises to develop into one of the great children's series.
THE THING WITH FINN by Tom Kelly
Poignant story of a bereaved boy who embarks on an emotional journey - and ultimately finds his way home.
THE ALCHEMYST by Michael Scott
Terrific new series from the prodigiously productive pen of Michael Scott.
WILDERNESS by Roddy Doyle
Few writers know how to engage the imagination of young readers like Roddy Doyle and Wilderness is as good as anything he's done.
International Education Services Ltd Best Irish Newcomer of the Year


IN THE WOODS by Tana French
A fine multilayered psychological thriller and A startlingly accomplished debut from Tana French.
WITH MY LAZY EYE by Julia Kelly
The freshest voice in Irish fiction since the wonderful early novels of Edna O'Brien said John Banville.
SECRET DIARY OF A DEMENTED HOUSEWIFE by Niamh Greene
Dead-on and extremely funny chronicle of a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother.
THERE ARE LITTLE KINGDOMS by Kevin Barry
Richly imagined and riotously entertaining stories from a bright new talent.
The Eason Irish-Published Book of the Year


THE STORY OF IRELAND by Brendan O'Brien
Superbly illustrated and artfully conceived, The Story of Ireland encapsulated for children in an extraordinarily fresh and exciting way.
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter
Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.
LINES I LOVE by Mary Kennedy
For those moments when you're looking for the perfect phrase, this gem of a book will always come through for you.
ROSS O'CARROLL-KELLY'S GUIDE TO SOUTH DUBLIN by Ross O'Carroll-Kelly
The incomparable, irredeemable Ross O'Carroll-Kelly gives the ultimate low-down on the centre of the universe, South Dublin.
The Energise Sport Irish Sports Book of the Year


THE GAMBLER by Oisin McConville & Ewan MacKenna
GAA star relives his darkest days while also recalling the highlights of a great career.
RULE 42 AND ALL THAT by Sean Kelly
Inside account of a defining struggle in Irish sport, one that both ended and inaugurated an era.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON'S JOURNEY TO THE OPEN by Padraig Harrington
A stunning portrait of an extraordinary Irish sporting hero.
TREVOR BRENNAN: HEART AND SOUL by Trevor Brennan with Gerry Thornley
Superb account of a brilliant at times turbulent rugby career.
The Tubridy Show Listener's Choice Book of the Year

THE GHOST by Robert Harris
Robert Harris is the leading current exponent of the intelligent literary thriller. "The Ghost" is his most compelling novel yet.
THE ROAD by Cormac McCarthy
'A work of such terrible beauty that you will struggle to look away' according to one reviewer.
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter
Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.
THE GATHERING by Anne Enright
Booker Prize-winning "The Gathering" is a family epic, condensed and clarified through the lens of the author's unblinking eye.
ON CHESIL BEACH by Ian McEwan
Wonderfully-poignant Booker Prize short-listed novel from a master of the contemporary novel form.
THE SILVER SWAN by Benjamin Black
Benjamin Black's cracking crime series builds momentum with this the second volume in the Quirke series.
The Galaxy Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year


THIS CHAMPAGNE MOJITO IS THE LAST THING I OWN by Ross O'Caroll Kelly
Another hilarious slice of South Dublin life from fictional super-ledge, your own Ross O'Carroll-Kelly.
TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW by Anita Notaro
Most of us can remember a defining moment in our lives. This is the story of the moment that changed Lily Ormond's forever.
BAD BEHAVIOUR by by Sheila O'Flanagan
What does a girl do when her best friend nicks the love of her life from right under her nose?
THE LAST TO KNOW by Melissa Hill
Melissa Hill's many fans will love this typically sharp and witty offering.
SECRET DIARY OF A DEMENTED HOUSEWIFE by Niamh Greene
Dead-on and extremely funny chronicle of a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother.
SHIP OF DREAMS by Martina Devlin
An extraordinarily personal tale of the tragedy that befell a relative of the author on the fateful voyage of The Titanic.
Lifetime Achievement in Literary Ireland Award

The Irish booksellers were honoured to present the first Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award to the late great John McGahern of Fenagh in the County Leitrim. The award was presented by Professor Declan Kiberd and received on John's behalf by his editor at Faber, Neil Belton. John's wife, Madeleine, was also in attendance.
All info gotten from http://www.irishbookawards.ie/

[moose gurl]

I read "Star of the Sea" a few years ago and I must admit I wasn't super impressed. It was good, but I had a hard time reading parts of it. Very vivid, because I remember a lot of it, but I remember thinking parts were just...stressed.

[Niamh]

Well the gathering is more than likely going to win book of the year. I think it ws The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas last year. (which was a wonderful book!)

[Niamh]

She has another book out at the moment called Taking Pictures. Its doing really well and is supposed to be quite good. Its in our top three at the moment. Unforunately its being held from the no.1 slot by Cecilia Ahern.

[My name is red]

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao appealed to me as soon as it's placed on bookshop shelves.Because the blurb reminded me 'A confederacy of duncess'which is one of my favourites,I get the impression that they have same kind of spirit. But after i bought it and read a few pages i felt i wasn't in the right mood for this one.it's good a mixture of geeky culture and urban life though.I believe there is a right time and mood for every book and summer will be a perfect time for me to pick it up again.