Best of Books

Famous authors journeyed to A2 this year

Funniest Reading:
Elmore Leonard
Leonard's prose took on a whole new dimension when read aloud at January's Hopwood Awards ceremony. Leonard was also the first crime novelist to read at the Hopwoods.

Most Unique Reading:
Leslie Marmon Silko
When Silko visited campus for Native American Heritage Month in November, her reading was preceded by a traditional Native American prayer ceremony. It's not often that a literary event can be presented with this type of historical and cultural context.

Most Surprising Reading:
Joyce Carol Oates
When this renowned, award-winning author read from her latest novel, "We Were the Mulvaneys," she didn't appear at a venue like Rackham Amphitheatre or the Michigan Theater. Instead, Oates read to a very crowded upstairs section of Borders. It's not clear why this was planned, but it was definitely surprising to see an author of Oates' caliber read in such a small, casual setting.

Most Overlooked Readings:
University Visiting Writers Series
Attention, students: High-quality writers like William Matthews, Lorrie Moore and Philip Levine actually come to this campus. Yes, you never heard about this, but don't let the strange lack of publicity deter you. Go to these readings. Now.

Best Literary Weekend:
November 8th and 9th, 1996
On that Friday night, Nov. 8, 1996, Mona Simpson read from her latest novel, "A Regular Guy." The next day, Ray Bradbury arrived on his first-ever book tour, reading from his new book of short stories, "Quicker Than the Eye." Two literary stars at once ... how did we ever stand the excitement.

Most Intriguing Literary Phenomenon:
Student Writing
In the past year, student writing has come to prominence in two new venues: The Michigan Daily's first-ever Literary Magazine and the State Street Poetry Project, which hosted readings by student and faculty writers in April.

Best Bookstore:
Dawn Treader
This Liberty Street haven has more books than Borders - and gives the Graduate Library a run for its money. You can find almost any book you want falling off a shelf or stacked on the floor, and it'll be on sale for about half the original cost.

Best Ann Arbor Author
Joshua Henkin
This University MFA grad has taught creative writing workshops in Ann Arbor, and recently published a first novel, "Swimming Across the Hudson." He may well be the next local author to make it big.

Best University-Affiliated Author:
Charles Baxter
Was there any doubt about this one? In addition to five previous books, just this spring Baxter published a book of essays and a marvelous short-story collection, "Believers." All that and he still teaches classes, too.

Best Location for Readings:
Shaman Drum
This independent bookstore consistently lures in lesser-known but well-regarded authors, as well as plenty of local talent, and it hosts them in a calm, spacious, literary atmosphere. Readings here are never less than relaxing and enjoyable.

04-17-97