National Book Awards report
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE lost out at the National Book Awards to M.T. Anderson’s The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party, but Anderson gave a shout out in his acceptance speech:
In his acceptance speech, Anderson made a point of noting that Gene Luen Yang’s “American Born Chinese” was the first graphic novel nominated for a National Book Award. “There is a lot of dithering in the blogosphere,” he said, about whether graphic novels are worthy. This can now be laid to rest.
We also have a photo from the gala evening, courtesy of Calvin Reid: (l. to r.) Mark Siegel, agent Judy Hanson, Lark Pien, Theresa Yang and Gene Yang. (Click for larger version.)
11/16/06 at 2:11 pm
That was very cool of Anderson to make mention of ABC’s merit during his acceptance speech. Much respect to Gene Yang!
11/17/06 at 3:47 am
[…] First Second’s Mark Siegel survey’s the press reaction to Gene Yang’s nomination for a National Book Award, even in light of M.T. Anderson ultimately taking the prize. Heidi MacDonald has more on the awards ceremony. […]