What an honor to be named by the Baltimore City Paper as a Best Of. They highlight Stephanie Barber and Megan McShea’s books, as well as the Chris Toll Prize. I love that they mention how PGP has “only gotten better since 2009″—and it’s not too shabby to be called a “true cultural treasure”! Read their write-up here.
Their recognition means a lot, and the award is made even better by the number of literary comrades who were also named. I thought I’d highlight them here (along with any crossover we have):
- Best Chapbook: Tracy Dimond (read “I Linger Before I’m Early” in Everyday Genius)
- Best Fiction: The Tide King by Jen Michalski (read her story “Cross Sections” published by PGP in 2008)
- Best New Band: Bobby Donnie feat. Stephanie Barber (author of this year’s runaway bestseller, Night Moves) (and creator of the movie I’m in, DAREDEVILS)
- Best Little Magazine: Artichoke Haircut (They’re editing Everyday Genius in November.)
- Best Bookish Collective: Red Emmas (Me: Could you order Zambreno’s Heroines for me? Cashier [pointing]: It’s right there.)
- Best Fake App (?): Justin Sirois (his PGP novel Falcons on the Floor is still available for $5!)
All of this reminds me of what a great literary town this is. Does YOUR CITY’s alt weekly give an award for best chapbook? And there are a lot more literary and arts awards in the issue—I’m just highlighting the ones I’m connected to. The whole issue is worth reading, better than any travel guide.
So thanks City Paper! The award couldn’t have come at a better time, since my 2009 plaque is all broken and dusty:
Why not Like Baltimore’s Best Publishing House on Facebook? And if you’re a Baltimorean, come out and say “hi” at our Chris Toll party (Metro Gallery, Oct 1, 8pm, Free)?
