Maxine Hong Kingston won the 2008 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters today, announced the National Book Foundation. Kingston, an American Professor Emeritus at Cal, wrote that one book that’s frequently force-fed to legions of high school students and undergrads across the country. She’s also won scads of other awards, like the Kirsch Award, multiple National Book Awards, and a squijillion grants from arts foundations, in addition to being conferred the title of “Living Treasure of Hawaii” by her fervent Hawaiian admirers.  Phew.  Now that’s intense.

Previous recipients of the award include Toni Morrison, John Updike and Joan Didion, who’s also a Cal alum.  Holla!

Image Source: Book Rags under Public Domain
National Book Foundation agrees, Maxine Hong Kingston a winner [Los Angeles Times]

Posted in: Arts, News
Tags:little old ladies rock out too, maxine hong kingston, National Book Award, National Book Foundation
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