These days, there seems to be such an influx of awards, that seem to celebrate mediocrity. The Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes even the Oscars seem less and less relevant each year. There's probably an award being given out right now.Don't get me wrong, genuine originality and achievement should be lauded. That's why the only award really worth getting is the MacArthur Foundation grants. Completely anonymous, the folks over there really have a pulse on talent and originality. Seemingly random and esoteric, discovering the grant winners and their work is a showcase for what's really going down in America these days.
One of the winners this year is the writer Stuart Dybek, whose book of short stories The Coast of Chicago is one of the best collection of short stories I've ever read. I've been singing his praise for years to anyone that would listen or that cared. I had the fortune of meeting Mr. Dybek a few years ago and he was warm and full of wisdom, just like his stories.
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