I am pleased to announce that UNTIL OUR LAST BREATH has won a 2009 Christopher Award. These awards are given for books and productions in other media that “affirm the highest values of the human spirit.” According to their website at www.christophers.org, these awards “specifically honor the storytellers who, whether using fact or fiction, tell us something about the human condition,” including “ writers …who craft words and images into a clear, cohesive vision,” and “exhibit exceptional artistic and technical proficiency.” I am honored to have my writing recognized in this fashion and offer my congratulations to Michael Bart, also receiving this award for his research contribution to the book. Last year’s recipients include David McCullogh (lifetime achievement); Edwige Danticat (Brother,I’m Dying); the films, Amazing Grace, Juno, and The Kite Runner; and Ken Burns’ television series, The War. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of these awards.
I’m looking forward to going to New York to accept this award. A trip to New York–even a brief one–is always fun. I’ll be meeting with my agent and catching up with a few of my author friends, and hopefully finding time for a stroll through Central Park in bloom!