Booksellers Name Award Winners

Lists that honor the “best” efforts of any particular art have become universal. Trendy, in fact.

But there are some reliable sources, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association being one.

Of the 150 titles submitted for the 1995 PNBA Book Awards, the following were winners (and will be awarded March 18 at the spring convention in Spokane):

Children’s book: “The Sleeping Lady” by Ann Dixon, illustrated by Elizabeth Johns (Alaska Northwest Books).

William Stafford Memorial Poetry Award: “Luminaries of the Humble” by Elizabeth Woody (University of Arizona Press).

General winners: “Columbia River Basketry” by Mary Dodds Schlick (University of Washington Press); “Field Notes” by Barry Lopez (Alfred A. Knopf); “Gifts of the Body” by Rebecca Brown (HarperCollins); “Reaching Home: Pacific Salmon, Pacific People” by Natalie Fobes, Tom Jay and Brad Matsen (Alaska Northwest Books); and “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Gustafson (Harcourt Brace).

Second chances

“Riding the Bomb” by Spokane author Charles R. Grizzle (Plateau Publications, 302 pages, $22.95), is a collection of survival stories featuring several area residents.

“These are not war stories only,” says Grizzle. “The common denominator among them all is survival.”

Grizzle, a former publicist for Walt Disney Studios, has lived in Spokane for 15 years. His book is available at Auntie’s Bookstore and various Hastings locations.

Daniel and friends

Daniel, the one-named author of the self-published novel “Jamie,” has arranged an evening of literature and music at Cafe Delizoso, N706 Monroe, on March 2. The 9 p.m. event will feature poets Andrea Weiser and LaVona Reeves reading from their own works, followed by Daniel reading from his novel.

Dark and stormy contest

All you frustrated writers who complain of never getting into print should take note: Another chapter of the Bronson Alcott Bad Prose Contest will offer you a chance at literary fame.

We’re looking for examples of the first paragraph of the worst novel you never wrote. Send your entries to Bronson Alcott Contest, c/o Dan Webster, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA 99210. The deadline, appropriately enough, is April 1.

There are two categories, Community and Student. Top placers in both will earn a $50 bookstore gift certificate.

This week’s reader board

Nicholas Baran, author of “Inside the Information Superhighway Revolution,” will read from his book at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington.

Nancy Baker Wise, author of the World War II memoir “A Mouthful of Rivets,” will read from her book at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Auntie’s Bookstore.

Jessica Richardson, author of the family memoir “The Ring and I,” will sign copies of her book at 1 p.m. Saturday at Auntie’s Bookstore.