CAAF nominated this author "because of her remarkable second novel, The Untelling." CAAF cited, in particular, this novel's "incredible writing about family and about the city of Atlanta" and its well-rounded and believable characters. "It's impressive, and it's also a great read." Her first novel, Leaving Atlanta, drew as much critical praise as her second. Both have gathered a number of awards, from the Washington Post's Best of the Year list to the Lillian C. Smith Award for New Voices. She's also been spotted hanging around with a certain Baltimore blogger, taking down Time's Top 100 list.
More about Tayari Jones
+ Jones's official website and blog
+ A "just the facts" question-and-answer with Jones
+ Review of Leaving Atlanta
+ Jones's faculty bio page at the University of Illinois
Yes! I found her in the 2004 Best New Stories From the South, with her short piece "Best Cousins." I was so impressed with it, I immediately went out and bought Leaving Atlanta. Three different sections of the book, each featuring the perspective of a different child, and all three brilliant and heart-wrenching. She is a genius.
Posted by: Kim | December 13, 2005 at 10:46 AM