It felt like Australia Day all over again today.Why?
I am feeling so proud of Australian YA authors, so much so my chest is puffed out to make me look like a robin and I feel a little teary.
Melina Marchetta - the woman I want to hug most in the world, the woman I impatiently waited for eleven years to publish again after Looking for Alibrandi, the woman who made a family member's depression seem less isolating and the woman who gave us Taylor and Jonah. She won the 2009 Printz Award for (On the) Jellicoe Road and I am overcome with joy. Of course, when I emailed her (I can't believe I have her email address!) I didn't gush because I wanted to be a cool sophisticate. But here...I can't seem to help myself. This book deserves every bit of recognition that it gets and it is sublime. READ IT!!!! Twice.
But it gets better. Why? Margo Lanagan got Honors for her novel, Tender Morsels. I haven't read it yet but I sorely wish to. Read her reaction here at her blog.
Australian authors (or OZYA as Simmone referred to them) are plenty talented and I can't wait for more to break the American market. I have a list of links to Australian authors on the right of this screen, do yourself a favour and check them out as well as my featured author, Simmone Howell.
Update - Was truly thrilled when I saw that Justine Larbalestier posted a blog entry about the Printz Awards with the same title as mine. Fate? Or some serious Aussie pride?
6 comments:
I have Tender Morsels in my pile and yes, now I'm even more excited about reading it.
Aussie pride! I'm so happy for Melina! On the Jellicoe Road definately deserved it. AMAZING. :D
Lenore - I can wait to get my hands on Tender Morsels, although it does sound a trifle dark.
Allie - She won the Aurelis award for Finnikin of the Rock too, she is having a great week.
Fantastic post, and I love your site!
Luisa :)
Oh thanks, Luisa! I have been checking yours out too.
I probably gushed too much but boy do I think MM is a writing beast (in the best possible way.) She's unstoppable. Cannot wait until The Piper's Son is published.
I didn't know Tender Morsels was by an Aussie author. I've been wanting to read Melina's books though, so I'll defintiely do that as soon as I can.
I'm definitely trying to learn about new authors. I hate hearing about just people from the US.
-Lauren
Post a Comment