2011 PEN Award Winners

The PEN American Center, the United States branch of the world's oldest literary and human rights organization, has just announced the 2011 winners of its distinguished Pen Literary Awards.

This Year's Honorees Include

Research Nonfiction Winner:
Why the West Rules--For Now: The Patterns of History, And What They Reveal About the Future 
by Ian Morris

Archaeologist and historian Ian Morris explains how geography has helped propel Western civilization to dominance and what the future holds.

Creative Nonfiction Winner:
Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion
by Gregory Boyle

Jesuit priest Gregory Boyle describes his work with gang members in Los Angeles County. His gang intervention program offers job training, tattoo removal, and employment to help gang members start new lives.

Children/YA Literature Winner:
The Dreamer
by Pam Munoz Ryan

A beautifully told biography of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Illustrations by Peter Sis enhance this inspiring story.

Graphic Literature Winner: 
Daniel Clowes for his Outstanding Body of Work in Graphic Lit
Bay Area writer Daniel Clowes has written many humorous popular graphic novels, including Ghost World, Ice Haven, and hist latest offering, Wilson. 

Screenplay Winner:
Please Give
by Nicole Holofcener

A busy woman navigates modern urban life. Starring Amanda Peet, Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt, and Rebecca Hall.

Teleplay Winner:
Treme, "Pilot Episode (Do You Know What It Means)"
by David Simon and Eric Overmyer

Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, this series follows people as they try to rebuild the city that they love. Starring John Goodman, Melissa Leo, Wendell Pierce, Steve Zahn, and David Morse.

Author Bio:

Karen Choy is the temporary branch manager of the Brisbane and Atherton Libraries.