recognizing
the best books in
New Mexico & the Southwest
Each year, the New Mexico Book Awards Program honors special New Mexico authors/publishers for their special contributions to New Mexico's book community. In 2008, the New Mexico Book Awards will present Friends of New Mexico Books Awards to Denise Chavez (Las Cruces) and David Morrell (Santa Fe) for their support of local New Mexico books. In 2007, Tony Hillerman (Los Ranchos) and Rudolfo Anaya (Albuquerque) were honored with the Friends of New Mexico Books Awards.
In 2008, the Friends of New Mexico Books Awards are sponsored by New Mexico Book Association and New Mexico Boo Co-op.
Honorees
2008
Chavez is an author, playwright, director, actress, activist, and lecturer. The Mexican culture is a constant theme in her books as she grew up and lives in Las Cruces. One of the many things she is known for is the annual Border Book Festival in Old Mesilla which is celebrating its 14th year promoting literature of the Southwest. She is an award winning author and has written numerous books including Loving Pedro Infante, Face of an Angel, and the Taco Testimony.
Morrell is a Canadian transplant who taught at the University of Iowa. He now lives in Santa Fe. He might be best known for his ”Rambo” books. He is considered the “Father of modern action novels.” His books have been turned into films and television series. With over thirty books, Morrell is best known for First Blood, Brotherhood of the Rose, and Burnt Sienna. He is a guest instructor at the Hillerman Mystery Writers Workshop.
2007
Hillerman was born is Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, and now lives in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. He was a reporter in Texas, Oklahoma, and Santa Fe. He finally settled in Albuquerque and taught at the University of New Mexico. He has written many books and may be known across the world “as the New Mexican author.” Thanks to his daughter Anne, he now has a yearly mystery writers workshop — the Tony Hillerman Mystery Writers Workshop and an annual writers contest by Wordharvest and partners. His books have been turned into movies, television shows, and specials.
Born in Pastura, New Mexico, Anaya now lives across the river in Albuquerque. He has been called the "Father of modern Chicano literature." Anaya began his career as a public school teacher and later taught at the University of New Mexico. His first novel, Bless Me Ultima has received countless awards, including the 2007 People's Choice Award from the New Mexico Book Awards. He has gone on to publish many books about the Hispanic culture of New Mexico. His four seasons collection talked about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Jemez Springs. He has made it possible for many writers to be published.