P EO PLE & PLACES
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Crook’s Corner Book Prize Chapel Hill native Sion Dayson won the eighth annual Crook’s Corner Book Prize for best debut novel set in the American South. Sion, who now lives in Spain, earned the $5,000 prize for “As a River,” which explores family secrets in the segregated South. In lieu of the usual event held at Crook’s Corner, the program featured a virtual discussion in January among Sion, Jaded Ibis Press Editor Elizabeth Earley and last year’s winner, Devi S. Laskar. The discussion was moderated by Leoneda Inge. “This pandemic year has particularly impacted debut novelists who have a tough time gaining recognition even in the best of times,” Foundation president Anna Hayes says. “With in-person bookstore readings and book launch events canceled, we are especially glad for this opportunity to shine a spotlight on exciting new writers.” CHM
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1 Clockwise from top left: Leoneda Inge, Sion Dayson, Elizabeth Earley and Devi S. Laskar. 2 Chapel Hill Public Library’s Maia James and Crook’s Corner Book Prize Foundation president Anna Hayes.
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