PEN America will honor Ann Patchett with its PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, which is given to “a writer or advocate who has served the literary community through their words or work,” the literary nonprofit organization announced in a news release.
Patchett, the author of novels including Bel Canto, State of Wonder, and Tom Lake, is the co-founder and owner of Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee. PEN America said she will receive the award in honor of her “searing and complex storytelling and her dedication to championing independent bookselling and nurturing a vibrant literary community.”
Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, the interim co-CEO of PEN America, said, “At this moment, when writers are being banned, harassed, and threatened for their words, we are honored to recognize the singular and humane voice of a writer who has earned a place as both a literary luminary and a household name. Beyond her own remarkable literary contributions, Patchett has been an extraordinary champion for literary community and a mentor and promoter of emerging writers.”
Previous winners of PEN America’s literary service award include Salman Rushdie, Patti Smith, Zadie Smith, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
PEN America also announced that its Business Visionary Award will go to Jason Blum, the film producer known for his work in the horror genre, including movies such as Get Out and Five Nights at Freddy’s. The prize has previously gone to publishing executives Markus Dohle, John Sargent, and Carolyn Reidy.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
