SNOW FALLING IN SPRING by Moying Li wins 9th Annaul Massachusetts Book Award for Nonfiction

Thank you…

 

I am deeply humbled and honored by this prestigious award.

 

First of all, I want to thank Mass Center for the Book, the State Library of Massachusetts and their supporting organizations for creating this award, and all the panelists for their hard work. I am also happy and honored to have with us today many librarians from across the State. Thank you for being the guardians of our time- honored institution, the library.

 

I have always hoped there is a universal massage in my memoir, since at its surface, my book is a personal story that happened in a foreign land, and under very different social and political circumstances.

 

As some of you may know, Snow Falling in Spring is the story of my childhood during China’s Cultural Revolution, a time when many schools were closed down, when news media was monolithic, when libraries were empty of books and when, as a teenager, I had no prospect of further education. With the guidance from my father, who managed to send me reading lists and instructions from a hard labor camp where had been confined, and the help of kind strangers and family friends, I tried to expand my world by seeking and reading banned books. 

 

It was touch going at first, but soon I fell in love with Mark Twain and his characters and my brother became a fan of Jack London. Gradually, I realized that reading had provided me with a new sense of purpose and a new freedom—the freedom of the mind, even though the rest of my world remained dark and chaotic.

 

Since my book was published in March of last year, I have been gratified to receive letters and emails from readers across the United States andaround the world. Almost all of them wrote to confirm a shared belief in the life sustaining and life-enriching power of reading and learning, and the magic of the written words. And I think this is the intended message in my book. And today’s award is a further confirmation of the importance of this universal message.

 

During the long and unpredictable journey of writing and publishing, I was very fortunate to be guided and supported by several guardian angels who’ve helped bring Snow Falling in Spring to life. Today, I am honored to have this opportunity to acknowledge them publically.

 

First and foremost, I want to thank my literary agent and friend, Wendy Strothman—Wendy, it is your faith in my story from the very beginning that has sustained me throughout. When I became disheartened by the rejections of some publishers, actually by a lot of them,  you said to me, “Most manuscripts do not get published, but trust me, yours is not one of them.” Wendy, you are a dream come true to any aspiring author. Thank you.

 

Next, I want to thank my editor and friend, Melanie Kroupa— thank you for your wise council, your patience, your editorial insights and your friendship.

 

So, today’s award is as much for me as for both of you. Thank you.

 

Last but not least, I want to thank my husband--Paul Marcus. It is not an exaggeration to say that this book would not have been conceived or completed without you. You have urged me, from the day we met, to share my story with others, and during the 15 years of our marriage, you have helped me trim and shape each story. Honey. I will always have you to blame.

 

In closing, I want you to know that this award, to me, means that, everyday, I will try and be better reader and a better writer so that maybe one day I can actually live up to the honor you have bestowed on me today.

 

Thank you.

 

For the complete list of winners, click here.