Alternative Oklahoma, the “real” history of our state
Davis Joyce, my hero when it comes to describing Oklahoma history and values. He reminds us of our “real” cultural heritage. Here’s a recent video from Democracy Now. It certainly doesn’t do his discussion of these issues justice, it’s way too brief. But if you haven’t heard of Dr. Joyce or read some of his work, it’s time to do so.
After listening to the segment, check out his latest work published by University of Oklahoma Press, Alternative Oklahoma.
And for additional primary source information on the Tulsa Race Riots go to Oklahoma Crossroads.
Cup of crime with a tea cozy
I was looking through a recent issue of Publishers Weekly, selecting titles to order at work and was pleasantly surprised by an interview with Oklahoma’s own Carolyn Hart. It followed an article on Cozies, the Bud Light of crime fiction, with drinkability. You can see the article for yourself at http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6655706.html?
Carolyn is always promoting her Okie roots. Much appreciated. Her newest Annie and Max Darling is Dare to Die. 
After you have finished it go back and get the other 40 Carolyn Hart mysteries. Find the bibliography of her works at the Oklahoma Author Database.
For an interview with Carolyn Hart, check out the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers interview with Emrys Moreau.
I like the whole Cozy genre. I particularly like M.C. Beaton writing about Hamish MacBeth, small town Scottish bobby. A great read for a Highland getaway. Agatha Raisin is her other cozy character. Of course anything by Charlotte MacLeod.
On May 2nd Malice Domestic Awards were handed out. See the Mystery Scene blog for highlights and winners. Try out the Malice Domestic newsletter. Want a step back from too much sex and violence in your crime books, try out one of these, it just may be your cup of tea.
Kirk Bjornsgaard
It is with great sadness, I must tell you of the passing of Kirk Bjornsgaard, editor at the University of Oklahoma Press and much more. We both served on the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book Board and worked on the Oklahoma Author Database together. He gently edited my entries, adding and removing commas and correcting typos. He was the very human face at the University of Oklahoma Press, a real advocate of reading and Oklahoma literature and a nice person. All of which will make him very missed by colleagues, friends and acquaintances.
I leave you with their comments on his passing. From the University of Oklahoma Press. http://www.oupress.com/kirk.asp
Western Heritage Literary Awards, from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Go West
On April 18th, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum announced their 48th annual Western Heritage Awards. Literary awards are given in seven categories; Western novel, nonfiction, art, photography,juvenile, magazine article and poetry. For more information on all the awards there is an article in the Spring 2009 Persimmon Hill, the museum’s magazine.
Outstanding Western Novel went to Jackalope Dreams. (I just ordered a copy for the library, the reviews and excerpts are very convincing)
Book description straight from the publisher, University of Nebraska Press (buy regionally).
The University of Oklahoma Press should be very proud to take the awards for the Outstanding Nonfiction with The North American Journals of Prince Maximilian of WiedVolume I: May 1832–April 1833
Edited by Stephen S. Witte, Marsha V. Gallagher
and the Outstanding Art Book for In Contemporary Rhythm: The Art of Ernest L. Blumenschein
By Peter H. Hassrick, Elizabeth J. Cunningham
American Farmer: The Heart of our Country takes best Photography Book. This is a portrait collection of the modern American farmer, represented by farmers from all these states; Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Texas Tech University Press published the Outstanding Juvenile Book, Melodie A. Cuate’s Journey to Gonzales.
Dan Flores took top honors for his Outstanding Magazine Article, “Bringing Home All the Pretty Horses,” published in Montana, The Magazine of Western History.
And the Outstanding Poetry Book went to Poems from Dry Creek by John Dofflemyer. An interesting website about the poet, from the Bar-D Ranch folks.
Sorry on this one, Lost in the Marais
I had to give up on one, throw it in the “back to the library” pile. Actually I got it on Interlibrary Loan, which is a great way to see if you like an author without spending money. (Then if you like them you can spend your money on the rest of the titles.) The Book, Murder in the Marais, by Cara Black.
I don’t think it’s all the author’s fault however, even though I found it a bit slow going at first, some major suspension of belief (with Aimee’s computer technology and hacking into government and secure sites). I just think the whole subject of World War II war criminals, and the neo-Nazis movement is just not my cup of tea, and has been re-done better by some other authors. I like her Parisian atmosphere, she is very good with setting, and perhaps later books are better developed. (*Petty comment: I hated it when Aimee chewed a paper clip in the Inspector’s office, yuck). Sorry Cara, this one just didn’t do it for me. But you are so good with setting and atmosphere I would be more than willing to try another one in the series. I love Paris, so there’s still hope for me.
Under full disclosure I want to say I did not finish the book, so my remarks may or may not be the same if I had actually read the work in it’s entirety.
Buffalo Fitz, support local talent and visit your library
Metropolitan Library System always has fun (and free) stuff going on….
BuffaloFitz will be appearing at a variety of Metro locations.
About BuffaloFitz
“The energy of youth meets the traditions of folk. Bob Dylan met Hank Williams, and they had a hyperactive kid.”
-The Oklahoman
Buffalofitz is a loud acoustic band from Oklahoma. They have played all over Oklahoma and throughout the MidWest at all kinds of venues. Buffalo is a dirty Hillbilly, Fitz is a filthy Yankee. They play good music.
In 2006 Buffalofitz won a Woody Guthrie Award from the Oklahoma Gazette. The Woody itself sits on the mantel in Fitz’s house.
Buffalofitz is now on the Oklahoma Arts Council’s Touring Artists Roster. See http://www.state.ok.us/~arts/
For booking information, call (405)659-7836 or e-mail
buffalofitz@hotmail.com
EDGARS announced! Drinks all around.
Happy, Happy. My one and only pick for the Edgars actually won!
Blue Heaven by C.J. Box
I also like Lisa Lutz , and highly recommend the Spellman books.
For the Best American author,
The book summaries make it sound a bit grim, I may have to wait on this one.
And I think despite what I said earlier, the winner of the Best Paperback Original needs to go on my TBR.
Here’s another award from last night, and I’m glad for T. Jefferson Parker. His books are a really good read.
BEST SHORT STORY
“Skinhead Central” – The Blue Religion by T. Jefferson Parker
(Hachette Book Group – Little, Brown and Company)
