Awards Aren't Everything: A Look at Three Books

Awards typically highlight the best in their respective fields. We, the general public, often use them to determine what constitutes excellence. If a movie wins an Oscar, it’s probably worth watching. Similarly, a Booker or Pulitzer Prize-winning work or author is likely worth reading. But let’s be real—not every work is as good as the award it wins.

My Recent Reads

I've read three books over the last three weeks. One was a Booker Prize winner, one was written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, and one has no major accolades. Ironically, the one with the least hardware was the best of the three.

Let me tell you about all three books.

Booker Prize Winner: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

This is one of the best-written books I have ever read. The prose is beautifully crafted. The paragraphs are structured in ways I’ve never seen in a novel. Line indents and brief sentences are heavy with expression. Nicknames are interwoven throughout the fabric of the story, enriching the characters.

However, it reads more like an author showing off her writing than telling a story. Roy jumps around in time, which can be confusing. We really have to think about where we are in the characters' timelines. Only one part comes full circle in the end; the others feel like a series of puzzle pieces that are hard to assemble. A non-linear timeline can work, but a more cohesive narrative structure would make the storytelling far more effective.

Pulitzer Prize Winner: The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes

The White Hot has an intriguing premise—a mother writing a letter to her daughter, explaining why she left and her journey of enlightenment. But Hudes’s debut novel did not live up to expectations. The reflections feel shallow. The revelations are poorly motivated, and arbitrary moments that have no bearing on the story are portrayed as bridges to self-discovery.

Along with overly simplistic writing (even for a lower-class single mother as the protagonist), the lack of a resonant theme makes The White Hot a boring, unfulfilling read. I found myself skimming through pages, hoping for something more.

The Other One: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Okay, so it’s technically inaccurate to say this book hasn’t won anything—it won a Goodreads Choice Award in 2019. But despite its popularity, it hasn’t received any major awards from critics. The mystery novel revolves around an artist's refusal to speak after suddenly murdering her husband, and her psychotherapist’s obsession with uncovering the mystery behind her silence.

The story is simply told, but the narrative moves forward in a way that’s easy to follow (unlike The God of Small Things). It keeps readers engaged. We feel the intensity of the therapist’s desire to heal his patient. This is something I missed in The White Hot, which suffers from weak character development. As with every mystery novel, there’s a twist—one that won’t leave you disappointed.

The Takeaway: Awards Aren't Everything

This goes to show that awards aren’t everything. Michaelides incorporated elements that Roy and Hudes lacked, yet his work wasn’t recognized for it. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t read award winners altogether. Instead, expand your reading list to include what might interest the general public, even if critics may not agree.

You might just find a gem.

Why Do We Value Awards?

It’s interesting to think about why we place so much value on awards. Are they a reliable indicator of quality? Or do they simply reflect the tastes of a select group of judges? I often wonder if the hype surrounding awards can overshadow truly remarkable works that don’t receive the same recognition.

Exploring Lesser-Known Works

In my reading journey, I’ve discovered that some of the most captivating stories come from lesser-known authors. These writers often bring fresh perspectives and unique voices that aren’t constrained by the expectations of award committees. So, why not take a chance on a book that hasn’t won any accolades? You might be pleasantly surprised.

Engaging with the Community

As I dive deeper into my reading, I find it essential to engage with others who share my passion for literature. Discussing books with fellow readers can open up new avenues of thought and interpretation. Have you ever had a conversation about a book that completely changed your perspective? It’s one of the joys of being part of a literary community.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the bottom line? Don’t let awards dictate your reading choices. Explore a variety of works, and you might stumble upon something extraordinary. After all, literature is about connection, exploration, and discovery.

Let’s keep reading and sharing our thoughts. You never know what hidden gems you might uncover along the way!