More reflections from first readers for Dayton Literary Peace Prize
Sharon Short
Last week, I shared the insights of first readers for this years’ fiction winners of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize (www.daytonliterarypeaceprize.org) — “Salt Houses,” by Hala Alyan (winner) and “Pachinko,” by Min Jin Lee (runner-up).
This week, I share the insights of the first readers for the nonfiction winner, “We Were Eight Years in Power,” by TaNehisi Coates, and the nonfiction runner-up, “Reading with Patrick,” by Michelle Kuo.
Inspired by the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize is the only international literary peace prize awarded in the United States and celebrates the power of literature to promote peace, social justice and global understanding.
First readers read five or six books from either the nonfiction or fiction submissions, provide a detailed written analysis, and respond to questions about the books’ merits and themes. Contenders are then passed along to the finalist judges.
Elizabeth Weinstein — First reader, “We Were Eight Years in Power,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, nonfiction winner
Residing in Columbus, Weinstein has been a first reader for two years. She’s the editorial director at Kenyon College and a freelance writer.
“Being a first reader has expanded my worldview by having me read and review books I would probably never pick up otherwise,” says Weinstein. “I’ve been a fan of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ writing in ‘The Atlantic’ for years, so I’ll admit I was pretty excited to see “We Were Eight Years in Power” on my reading list. Still, ‘It’s a collection of essays that have already been published in a mainstream magazine,’ was my first thought,” says Weinstein. “Then I started reading. The stories are arranged in a thoughtful and creative manner, and the new essays that introduce each piece add greater depth and meaning to the original stories, and offer fresh insights. Coates’ writing is beautiful, evocative and, when necessary, biting. Examining Obama’s presidency through a racial lens, Coates unflinchingly explores the historical and cultural trends that brought us to where we are right now.”
Erin Ruef — First reader, “Reading with Patrick,” by Michelle Kuo, nonfiction runnerupRuef, who manages Marketing & Communications for UES, Inc., lives in Washington Twp. and is in her second year as a first reader.
“I feel that my perspectives on many subjects are now more informed, global, and passionate. I have always loved reading — it is one of my favorite things to do. But I now truly understand the power of literature to change thinking — and for the better,” Ruef says. “I absolutely loved ‘Reading with Patrick.’ Part of it was just the connection based upon my phase of life. I am a mother, and I talk to my children often about how lucky they are to have the life and related comforts that they experience and enjoy, including a high-quality education. I felt tremendous empathy to Patrick and his peers, and a deep level of respect for Michelle Kuo.”
The book, Ruef adds, “demonstrates how literature is a key tool to educate, inform, and inspire thoughts and change. It also connects directly to breaking a cycle of racism and violence in practical ways, which we desperately need on a societal level. And, finally, there is very broad appeal for a wide group of readers. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in these themes, and in particular, teenagers.”
Upcoming literary events
■ Monday, Oct. 22, 6-7:30 p.m., WintersBellbrook Community Library (57 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook) — “Writing Workshop: Getting Your Story Down” will cover the basics of writing to help participants get started. Registration required; call 352-4004.
■ Monday, Oct. 22, 7-8:30 p.m., Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood — Poetry readings by three Ohio poets — Nin Andrews, Jamey Dunham, Karen Schubert.
■ Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave., Dayton — Word’s Worth Writing Center (www.wordsworthdayton.com) offers “Edit Your Own Work,” led by Christina Consolino, published author and editor at Literary Mama. This class provides writers of all types tools and techniques
Inspired by the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize is the only international literary peace prize awarded in the United States and celebrates the power of literature to promote peace, social justice and global understanding.
for objectively reviewing their own work and editing it. See the website to register.
■ Friday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m., Books & Co. at The Greene — Wil Haygood will introduce his new book, “Tigerland: 19681969: A City Divided, A Nation Torn Apart, And A Magical Season of Healing,” which looks at the poor, black segregated East High School in Columbus, which, against all odds, defeated bigger, richer, white teams in the state and won both the basketball and baseball state championships in the same year, making history, even as the nation was dealing with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. Haygood is currently a Visiting Distinguished Professor in the department of media, journalism, and film at Miami University.
■ Friday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 28, John Bryan Community Center (Yellow Springs) — “Retreat to the Springs,” a writers’ workshop, will feature authors and instructors Ann Hagedorn, narrative nonfiction; Donna MacMeans, romance; Jason Sanford, scifi/fantasy; and Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, self-publishing. Learn more or register at workshop organizer Wendy Hart Beckman’s website (www. wendyonwriting.com) or at https://tinyurl.com/ Retreat2theSprings.
Sharon Short writes historical mysteries under the pen name Jess Montgomery (www. jessmontgomeryauthor. com). Send her column ideas, book club news, or literary events at sharonshort1983@ gmail.com.