Touchstone Distinguished Book Awards 2012: Final Results

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1. Hi Eve,
   As a woman with at least *some* intellectual capacity (or so I believe) and as one who has lived in an urban environment for most of my adult life, I can see why “urban ennui ” or “effete intellectualism” might touch a sore spot for someone who had a sore spot to be touched. But I don’t think when we read qualified statements such as these that we should jump to the conclusion that equations are being made. Should it be assumed that what’s meant is a damning of intellect or urban life? Qualifiers have their purpose: if I say ‘dangerous reptile’ I am not damning the placid and certainly not dangerous blue-tongue lizard. If I say that I can’t stand narcissistic men I don’t mean I can’t stand all men, nor that all men are narcissists.

   I’m the culprit who wrote those lines, I admit. 😉 Perhaps I might’ve been able to phrase it better had I had more time at my disposal, but such is life. I’ll say right now that as well as ‘effete intellectualism’ there is vital, vibrant intellect and that although, in my experience, there *is* such a thing as ‘urban ennui’ (and ‘rural ennui’, too, for that matter) there are also stimulating aspects of urban life.

   “Sorry you have had such a limited experience of the intellectual and the urban.”- Eve

   You needn’t be sorry, because I haven’t had *that* limited an experience of either. Living in Melbourne, though, I haven’t had *your* experience in your world area and quite possibly my English expression doesn’t conform to the American norm (if there is such a thing)

   Anyway, whether or not I have a fading intellect 😉 happy Spring from a placid, sunny, Melbourne Autumn morning. 😉

   – Lorin

2. An inspiring selection here. Thank You.

   just have to say that this line in the comments about Kaneko Tohta reveal quite a bit about some unexamined assumptions that circulate rather presumptuously in our circles:

   ” a ‘country boy’ who never has forgotten his roots or succumbed to urban ennui or effete intellectualism….”

   why is intellectualism equated with effete?
   (is this a man speaking??)

   why is urban equated with ennui?
   Ouch!

   Sorry you have had such a limited experience of the intellectual and the urban.

   I personally have experienced much vibrancy and vitality in both these spheres, and, despite Tohta’s roots and connection with the country, my reading of his work seems to indicate that he has as well!

3. Robert, you have your own forum where you can review and blast these books all you like, and no one would have a right to complain. There’s no reason why the winners and finalists, and their parents, children, and friends should be required to share their moment with you, notwithstanding your own considerable achievements and contributions.

   Respectfully,

   Scott

4. The book on Tohta is excellent.

5. Virgilio’s: A Life in Haiku should be the winner. The poetry within reflects the true spirit of Basho and other past masters prior to Shiki. Nick was a brilliant poet. Haiku 21 omits many well known poets, has many abysmal poems, and helps to further discredit haiku. The Art of Haiku is an excellent introduction to haiku for beginning college students and honors English high school students. Martone’s book exemplifies why haiku is not taken seriously.

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