San Antonio Poet Octavio Quintanilla Recognized in 2024 National Book Awards for Poetry

San Antonio’s Poet Gets National Recognition

San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as news spreads about local poet Octavio Quintanilla. His incredible work, The Book of Wounded Sparrows, has been longlisted for the prestigious 2024 National Book Awards for Poetry. While it didn’t quite make it to the finalist list, being recognized among such esteemed company is a significant achievement.

A Look at the Finalists

The finalists were announced recently, and they include some amazing poetry collections: “Wrong Norma” by Anne Carson, “/…/” by Fady Joudah, “Something About Living” by Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, “mother” by m.s. RedCherries, and “Modern Poetry” by Diane Seuss. The winners will be revealed at a gala event in New York on November 20, and there’s a buzz of anticipation surrounding this celebration of literary talent.

About the Poet

Quintanilla, who previously served as the San Antonio Poet Laureate from 2018 to 2020, is not new to accolades. His teaching position at Our Lady of the Lake University reflects his dedication not just to his craft, but also to the education of aspiring poets. His book, The Book of Wounded Sparrows, has resonated with many readers, connecting them through shared experiences of life’s ups and downs.

A Celebration of Words

If you’re in the area and want to celebrate Quintanilla’s accomplishments, you’re in luck! There’s a book release party for The Book of Wounded Sparrows happening on Thursday at 6 p.m. This event will take place in Room 311 of the Main Building at Our Lady of the Lake University. This gathering is open to the public, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to hear more about the book and meet the poet himself. It’s a perfect occasion for both literary enthusiasts and those who just appreciate good poetry.

Honoring the Art of Poetry

The National Book Awards, presented by the nonprofit National Book Awards Foundation, honor the best in literature across several categories, including fiction, nonfiction, translated literature, and young people’s literature. Each year, the awards spotlight remarkable authors and their works, encouraging a vibrant literary culture.

Conclusion

While it’s a bit disappointing that Octavio Quintanilla didn’t make it to the finals this year, being longlisted is a fantastic achievement that showcases his talent and hard work. It’s proof that our San Antonio arts community is thriving, and we should continue to support our local poets and writers. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the book release party; it’s sure to be a memorable event full of inspiration and creativity!