[applause] the National Book awards are a huge part of that mission, and it is a thrill to be here with everyone tonight recognizing exceptional literature and increasing the visibility of books which are among the most powerful weapons we have against what has lately felt like an often hostile world. I think this past year has felt overwhelming and disheartening to many people. Its also felt exhausting for women, for people of color, for immigrants, for muslims, for the lgbtq community, for so many groups. To remain on the defensive in nearly every waking hour takes its toll. For some of us, books provide a welcome escape into someone elses world. For others they serve as a valuable resource for arming ourselves with indispensabling knowledge of history. But all books offer something we need so desperately right now; broadened perspective. Books allow us to view circumstances through the eyes of someone else. They cultivate empathy. They inspire action. They make us feel less alone an
There are moments in American History that divide our story into a clear before and after. From lexington and concorde to pearl harbor, those moments are most often defined by conflict. But in 1967, it was defined by a lack of sexual inhibition a steady supply of hallucinogenic drugs and a new thing called acid rock. That june a tidal wave of humanity packed san francisos haightashbury district for what came to be known as the summer of love. It was the watershed moment for a movement that had been slowly building fueled by main stream press attention at events like the human bein at Golden Gate Park and timed perfectly to the end of the University School year. The nation was at a turning point. Events in places watts, dallas and vietnam were unfolding. The baby boom was over. And it seemed like everyone had long hair. As spring semesters came to a close around the nation, young people couldnt wait to follow tim learys advice to turn on, tune in, and drop out. They made their way to Sa
Supposed to be, happy, pretty, pampered and without worries. Nearly the exact opposite of my life up to that point. I was done. I unpacked my entire room in less that an hour. I walked to the end of the hallway to jades room. She was still unpacking and in deep conversation about which things her mom would have to take back to new york with her. I returned to my room and flopped down on the belled. I had no television on the bed. I had no television or radio. I listened to the conversations through the paper thin walls. Did you see that little girl from california . Shes here all by herself. It sounded like jade. She was talking to her mother. I know, she said, thats so sads although i couldnt see her, i was almost certain she was shaking her head. He felt sorry for me. I drowned out the rest of the conversation. I couldnt take it. I focused on the green flower on my bed spread and blinked hard to push back the tears. I didnt want anyone to pass by and notice me crying. I sat there wor
Supposed to be, happy, pretty, pampered and without worries. Nearly the exact opposite of my life up to that point. I was done. I unpacked my entire room in less that an hour. I walked to the end of the hallway to jades room. She was still unpacking and in deep conversation about which things her mom would have to take back to new york with her. I returned to my room and flopped down on the belled. I had no television on the bed. I had no television or radio. I listened to the conversations through the paper thin walls. Did you see that little girl from california . Shes here all by herself. It sounded like jade. She was talking to her mother. I know, she said, thats so sads although i couldnt see her, i was almost certain she was shaking her head. He felt sorry for me. I drowned out the rest of the conversation. I couldnt take it. I focused on the green flower on my bed spread and blinked hard to push back the tears. I didnt want anyone to pass by and notice me crying. I sat there wor
Whichever is larger. Thats why officials with the South Carolina Hospital Association say theyre encouraging any people having trouble signing up for the Affordable Care act to stop by. They have Health Insurance brokers here that could help you navigate the aca website, find a Health Coverage plan that fits your budget and in some cases help with paying for it. About 88 percent of south carolinians who have been able to sign up for coverage. And thats about 215,000 so far are qualifying for Financial Assistance so thats a wide range of people who qualify for coverage. Families of four all the way up to 97,000 a year. So it really is in everyones best interest. If youre making your way out here to get some help signing up organizers encourage you to bring a few things. Most importantly a form of government id as well as tax paperwork and any information pertaining to your household income. The deadline of course is up. Coverage for Health Insurance plans you sign up for now will start