« Pride & Prejudice II - Questions of Love | Main | IraniaNazis »
May 19, 2006
Ben Franklin Award
I have just learned that my novel, The Hebrew Kid and the Apache Maiden has won the 2006 Ben Franklin Award for Best First Book, Fiction. I could not attend the ceremony but I understand that PMA executive, Howard Fisher made a lovely speech on my behalf in which he told the audience about Ariel ZT'L and how our son inspired this book.
Maggie Anton another Jewish author who has written the fine novel, Rashi's Daughters: Book One - Joheved, also won an award for Best New Voice in Fiction. We'd like to take this opportunity to wish Maggie a hearty Mazal Tov.
Karen and I would like to wish everyone a lovely and meaningful Shabbos.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at May 19, 2006 09:51 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
Robert, here's my message from when you were nominated:
Ben Franklin Award, hmmm???
How electrifying to be nominated; hope you can fly a "Winner" banner sky-high like a kite!
Good luck, Robert & Karen. And congrats on the nomination.
******
Here's my message for being a winner:
MAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZELLLLLLLLLLLL TTTTTOVVVV!
Posted by: Pearl at May 19, 2006 10:30 AM
Pearl:
Thanks so much.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at May 19, 2006 10:35 AM
What wonderful news! You deserve this award, and I am so proud.
Posted by: Jackie Danicki at May 19, 2006 11:03 AM
Jackie:
Good to hear from you.
I'd like everyone to know that it was Jackie who really started Seraphic Secret. It was her idea and her hard work that put this blog on-line. We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at May 19, 2006 11:12 AM
Congrats!
Posted by: ralphie at May 19, 2006 01:27 PM
How many awards has the book won thus far?
I am sure the speach given by the PMA exec. moved every one in attendance.
Have a good shabbos,
Ari
Posted by: Ari Z. Miller at May 19, 2006 01:58 PM
Mazal tov, of course, for this real recognition and distinction. It must be sweet (and perhaps also bittersweet).
Posted by: Jeremiah at May 19, 2006 02:14 PM
Yay Robert, no one deserves it more!
Posted by: Cruisin-mom at May 19, 2006 03:01 PM
Ari:
My book has won three literary awards... I think.
Ralphie, Jeremiah, Randi:
Thanks so much. The win, as always, is bittersweet.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at May 19, 2006 04:38 PM
Robert,
Congratulations! I am so glad!
By the way, I finally got a chance to see your movie, Within these Walls - I really liked it. It was very touching and 'real'. It inspired me to learn more about the prison-trained therapy dogs.
I can appreciate how much courage it must have taken to research this topic with prisoners - I'd wimp out completely!!
Have a good Shabbos!
Rachel :)
Posted by: Rachel at May 19, 2006 05:19 PM
Please allow me to add my voice to the chorus of those wishing you "Mazal Tov" and shouting "Well-deserved."
Posted by: Sara at May 20, 2006 10:42 AM
Rachel:
Glad you enjoyed the film. I'm particularly proud of that one. And thanks for the good wishes on the award.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at May 20, 2006 09:15 PM
Sara:
Good to hear from you. Thanks so very much.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at May 20, 2006 09:51 PM
Congratulations
Posted by: Michael Jennings at May 21, 2006 11:12 AM
MAZAL TOV!
For some odd reason, this didn't get announced to the Judaica librarians via our listserv until today.
Posted by: Steven M. Bergson at June 23, 2006 11:58 AM
Steven:
Better late than never. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at June 23, 2006 01:30 PM