I stumbled across a post mentioning this at White Readers Meet Black Authors. I also want to say congratulations to one of my favorite writers on being a "genius". If you're not familiar with Edwidge Danticat's works, do yourself a favor and recognize her magnificence by reading Breath, Eyes, Memory or The Dew Breaker just to get your feet wet. Check out the full story in the Miami Herald. And in other bookish news...

I read on B&N's website this morning and on the NY Times arts beat blog this afternoon that the public will be allowed, for the first time, to vote on the best book to ever win the National Book Award since its inception 60 years ago. NYT is comparing this open forum to American Idol.  I'm not sure how I feel just yet, but I will vote. It feels a bit like a consolation prize. We don't get to vote on the next winner of the prize, but instead, we get to vote for the best amongst six finalists with previous wins. It's like an all-star challenge. It's still an opportunity to hear from regular, everyday readers and not just leave it up to a "panel of experts".

Of course, many will surely find the this shortlist flawed. It's mostly white and/or male for starters. I don't have the energy today to say more than that regarding what's wrong with this list. But, like I said, I'll still throw my vote in the ring.

Will you vote on popularity or merit?

Let me know what you think of this "people's choice award" then, head over here to vote.