As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been in a Pulitzer-reading mood for the past couple of years. I’ve wanted to read things that were a little more outside of my comfort zone and learn something new, and the Pulitzer winners have been a great way to start. I’ve been reading a lot more literature and non-fiction than I did before, and I really appreciate the diversity of subject material in the non-fiction winners especially.
Every year in mid-April, the new year’s Pulitzer winners are announced, and this year, that happened today! I eagerly awaited the results and I wasn’t disappointed. Here’s what I think of this year’s winners for fiction and non-fiction and which ones I’m excited to read.
Fiction
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
What it’s about: An almost-fifty failed novelist is invited to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding and winds up traveling abroad to get out of going. Described as a satire of the American abroad by the publisher.
What I think: This sounds entertaining and I’m interested in reading it, though I’d never heard of it before today. I bought the audiobook, which is pretty short and will make good listening for spring walks.
General Non-Fiction
Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman, Jr.
What it’s about: The title pretty much describes this one, but it’s a former public defender’s look into race in the criminal justice system.
What I think: I can’t wait to read this one. I bought my copy and have plans to read it when I finish my current batch of books. So, I guess five years down the road? Ha. I hadn’t heard of this one, either, but it’s right up my alley and fits in with the sorts of things I’ve been interested in reading about lately.
Biography/Autobiography
Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser
What it’s about: Laura Ingalls Wilder’s real life!
What I think: Um, yes! Absolutely planning to read this and bought a copy. I read the Little House on the Prairie books as a kid and loved them, and I’m very interested in learning more about her real life. Maybe this is one I can share with my little bookworm later on.
History
The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea by Jack E. Davis
What it’s about: The history of the Gulf of Mexico!
What I think: This seems unusual and interesting. It’s absolutely not the sort of thing I would ever think to reach for, but that’s why I want to read it. I bought this one, too, and while I’m not sure exactly when I’ll get to it, I’m curious to learn more about the gulf and its history. There’s got to be a lot I don’t know to fill a whole book!
While I’d love to get to all of these this year, it seems highly unlikely, especially given that two are well over 600 pages. Pre-baby, it would be a piece of cake if I were interested in tackling them, but now? Now I’m lucky to get through a book a month most of the time, and non-fiction takes me longer. I’m hoping to get to two of them this year, Less and one of the non-fiction choices, and if I manage more, it’s a great bonus!
What do you think? Will you be picking any of them up?