Percival Everett has won the National Book Award for fiction for his novel “James,” a reimagining of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of the enslaved character Jim. The awards ceremony also celebrated other winners, including Jason De León for nonfiction, Shifa Saltagi Safadi for Young People’s Literature, Yáng Shuāng-zǐ for Translated Literature, and Lena Khalaf Tuffaha for Poetry. Novelist Barbara Kingsolver received a Lifetime Achievement Award and Black Classic Press publisher W. Paul Coates received the Literarian Award.
In a recent interview from his South Pasadena home, Everett discussed his love of music and books that have influenced him. He recommended Samuel Butler’s “The Way of All Flesh” and reflected on the impact his father and a librarian had on his reading life. Everett also delved into the history of Black composers and their influence on classical music in the U.S. Additionally, he shared his passion for playing jazz guitar, despite a finger injury. Everett’s diverse interests and creative talents continue to shape his work as a novelist, poet, and painter.
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