2008 Pulitzer Prizes

So...the 2008 Pulitzer Prizes were announced this week. I really don't pay much attention to the journalism ones. I know I should. But I really do feel the news is so biased anymore, I rarely read the papers anyway.

But I do read books. Duh. And the winner of the fiction award is The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. Now, I've heard good buzz about this one. But I haven't read it. And I'm curious. Have you read it?? Is it worth the effort?? Any opinions??

And the other 2 finalists. I haven't heard of either. Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson and Shakespeare's Kitchen by Lore Segal.

Non-Fiction Meme and a Prize

With all that I had going on this week (you know...that whole dying with the flu thing), I haven't had a chance to complete the Non-Fiction Meme created by Gautami. Isn't it funny how these work their way through the blogging world?? Anyway, I was tagged by both Iliana, from Bookgirl's Nightstand and Nancy, the Bookfool herself.

So here it is: Non-Fiction Meme

a). What issues/topic interests you most--non-fiction, i.e, cooking, knitting, stitching, there are infinite topics that has nothing to do with novels?

I have to be honest here. Until very recently, Non-Fiction was probably one of my least favorite genres. For some reason, I had written off most non-fiction as boring. But enter the world of blogging and challenges, and somehow I ended up smack in the middle of the Non-Fiction Five Challenge hosted by Joy from Thoughts of Joy. And I found some really good books!!

Of course, the books in this genre that interest me the most are memoirs. I really do find it enjoyable to read about the lives of people in different places, times and cultures.

I also like books on politics. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it interests me.

And I love Cook books. Not really to read, per se. But I love to skim the recipes for new ways to torture my family.

b). Would you like to review books concerning those?

Sure. I'm always up for a good book, no matter what genre it is!

c). Would you like to be paid or do it as interest or hobby? Tell reasons for what ever you choose.

I'm not sure I know how to answer this. Would I like to be paid to read?? YEAH! But I have received a lot of books to review, and that is actually a great payment!! Or would I like to be paid to cook?? Well....sure. In the back of my mind, I've always wanted to be a chef in some fancy-smancy restaurant. I think it's the hat that appeals.

d). Would you recommend those to your friends and how?

When I review a book, especially if it's a good one, I'm always recommending them to others.

e). If you have already done something like this, link it to your post.

2 of the best books I read last year were memoirs. The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer and Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan. Both were excellent books!

f). Please don't forget to link back here or whoever tags you.

I already linked to them at the beginning of this post, in case you missed it!

If you haven't done this meme, consider yourself tagged. Yes, again a cop out, but I think this one has really made the rounds!!

Dear Annie from Words by Annie is hosting the What's in a Name Challenge. Annie is a remarkable 11-year-old. I'm telling you, this girl rocks!! She made my day a couple of weeks ago by telling me I had won the contest from her challenge for the month of January. This week I received my prize in the mail. Many apologies Annie for not posting my sincere thank you sooner. She sent me the neatest journal (which I LOVE), a beautiful angel bookmark, and Dove Dark Chocolate Raspberry Caramel chocolates (YUMMY!) Annie, I think you are my new best friend!! I love all of it!! So....THANK YOU!!

Finally, a quick shout-out to Bibliolartist for bestowing upon me the You Make My Day award. I really appreciate it, and just know you made MY day!!