photos by Kurtis Lowe
On Jan 31 Jonathan Evison had a dual celebration at his hometown bookstore, Eagle Harbor Book Company on Bainbridge Island, Washington, for the paperback release of his bestselling novel West of Here and in honor of his 2012 Pacific Northwest Book Award. You can read his acceptance essay, “Why We Endure,” here on NWBL.
The Eagle Harbor crew were thrilled to present their Johnny with his commemorative award plaque. Now, Evison’s publisher would like to offer a lucky Evison fan a special award of his or her own.
Algonquin Books has a wooden box edition of West of Here complete with maps, Port Bonita postcards and a signed copy of the new paperback, and they’d like to send one to a reader of Jonathan Evison and Northwest Book Lovers! To enter, simply leave a comment about your experience with Johnny, his work, his award or Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Northwest Book Lovers in response to this offer, before 9am Monday morning, 02/13. NWBL will draw a lucky winner from the fedora, and Algonquin will send you your prize.
First exposed to “Johnny” and his work thorough the literary magazine KNOCK. With WEST OF HERE, it’s clear that Evison may be one of the go-to literary figures not only for the Pacific Northwest, but of our generation. That’s a big prediction, but Evison has the energy and creativity and personality to fulfill it. The fact that he’s ever so approachable, personable and a rabid cheerleader for emerging writers is just the fedora on top of this incredible sundae of talent.
I was first taken in by Evison’s remarkable storytelling skills with his debut novel, All About Lulu, and though I haven’t yet read West of Here, I am anxious to do so.
Congratulations, Douglas. Algonquin will be sending your book Cali-forni-way very shortly. Thanks for reading!
I met Jonathan at the Northwest Book Fair in Kirkland last summer, then atain at a Seattle7Writers event last October and again at Park Place books in Kirkland after that. He was approachable, generous with his time and skill and hiding a sense of humor I wish I had more exposure to. He has given me advice and the benefit of his experience, good, bad and sometimes ugly. I just really like and admire him and would love to have that box.
Besides … Valentine’s Day is my birthday and that set would make a lovely gift, don’t you think??
Lucy
I love that Jonathon is finally getting the recognition he greatly deserves! It’s nice to know that even someone from a small town can really make a name for themselves. Congratulations on your award and keep the books coming.