Commentary on The (Lack of) Fiction Pulitzer

Oscars. Emmys. Tonys. Grammys. I look forward to the artistic awards every year and yet, I don’t follow book awards. It’s not like there’s a Booky award show. There should be! It would be amazing! Think about it: Hugh Jackman could host and do skits about the books, they could show book trailers for the ones nominated and above it all— everyone would be writers! But I digress. While there might not be a program, there is the Pulitzer, arguably the highest honor a book can receive. Each year, the categories are whittled down to finalists and then the ultimate winner is chosen, finally able to stamp that golden seal onto their hardcopy books from here to eternity.

Not this year. In 2012, all categories were awarded except for fiction. What gives? Without any real reason being revealed, one could surmise the finalists were so comparable, the judges could not praise one over the other. Or, you could be cynical and claim that while comparable, the reason none were given the top spot was because they didn’t deserve it.

However, the specific reason why none were chosen is not of my primary concern. What bothers me is that it was the fiction story that was not awarded. And that so many critics are okay with this. The general response is that fiction is for entertainment and not for lasting tradition to be carried throughout generations, so it’s ok. It’s not a biography to be remembered, or a harrowing tale of valor from someone’s memoirs, or a compilation of reasons why humans love music. They’re just stories. “Stories”.

Before the written word, that’s all people had were stories. Tales passed down that while some may have been true, others were meant to entertain or teach. The birthplace of myths and legends. The very beginnings of campfire lore, fairytales and bedtime stories. All of those have had a lasting impression having been carried through centuries. I contest that even the worst story does not have some sort of underlying message. And if the worst can portray a deeper meaning, then the teachings of great fiction must be worth rewarding for their efforts. All writing should be recognized for its impact on society, especially fiction- the root of all narratives.

Close call or not, pick a winner.

What are your thoughts on the Pulitzer committee not awarding a fiction prize this year?