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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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National Book Awards Go to Spook Stories

History of CIA and Vietnam novel win

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(Newser) – Spy stories took National Book Awards last night, as a history of the CIA by New York Times reporter Tim Weiner took non-fiction honors and Denis Johnson's Tree of Smoke, a sprawling thriller about a CIA agent in Vietnam, led the the winners. Joan Didion accepted a medal for distinguished contribution, noting the absence of Norman Mailer, a revered regular at the annual NBA festivities who died at 84 on Saturday.

"The last time I was in this room, Norman Mailer was getting this award," Didion said. "There was someone who really, truly knew what writing was for." NPR producer Terry Gross took home an award for outstanding service to the American literary community.

Tim Weiner accepts the National Book Award for Non-fiction for his book
Tim Weiner accepts the National Book Award for Non-fiction for his book "Legacy of Ashes   (Associated Press)
Cindy Johnson accepts the National Book Award for her husband Denis Johnson's book
Cindy Johnson accepts the National Book Award for her husband Denis Johnson's book "Tree of Smoke" at the 58th National Book Awards in New York, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)   (Associated Press)
Sherman Alexie accepts the National Book Award for Young People's Literature for his book
Sherman Alexie accepts the National Book Award for Young People's Literature for his book "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" at the 58th National Book Awards in New York, Wednesday, Nov....   (Associated Press)
From left, Robert Hass, Cindy Johnson, Sherman Alexie and Tim Weiner pose for a picture with their awards after winning at the 58th National Book Awards in New York, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Cindy Johnson accepted the award for her husband, Denis Johnson. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
From left, Robert Hass, Cindy Johnson, Sherman Alexie and Tim Weiner pose for a picture with their awards after winning at the 58th National Book Awards in New York, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Cindy Johnson...   (Associated Press)
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