Neither does novelist Ann Patchett. She writes in the New York Times:
Reading fiction is important. It is a vital means of imagining a life other than our own, which in turn makes us more empathetic beings. Following complex story lines stretches our brains beyond the 140 characters of sound-bite thinking, and staying within the world of a novel gives us the ability to be quiet and alone, two skills that are disappearing faster than the polar icecaps.
Unfortunately, the world of literature lacks the scandal, hype and pretty dresses that draw people to the Academy Awards, which, by the way, is not an institution devoted to choosing the best movie every year as much as it is an institution designed to get people excited about going to the movies. The Pulitzer Prize is our best chance as writers and readers and booksellers to celebrate fiction. This was the year we all lost.
Patchett won the Orange prize for fiction a decade ago for Bel Canto and The Guardian says she is the favourite to win again this year for State of Wonder :
there would be far less surprise should State of Wonder triumph. Set in the Amazonian rainforest, it is an epic, gripping tale of science and memories based around a drug that could change women’s lives forever.
I need to read the whole shortlist which looks great - and I know they will also choose a winner.
(via nouvellabooks)
