In Tayari Jones' acceptance speech for this year’s Aspen Words Literary Prize, she said, "So many of us who want to write, and engage the issues of the day, we’re encouraged not to. We’re told that’s not what real art does. An award like this, I think it encourages all of us to keep following the strength of our convictions."
Her novel "An American Marriage" touches on an unjust criminal justice system, racism, marriage and intergenerational relationships.
“An American Marriage” is about an African-American man whose relationships are upended when he’s jailed for a crime he didn’t commit.
Free copies are available to Roaring Fork Valley residents through Aspen Words.
Aspen Words and the Pitkin County Library are encouraging participation in an event they’re calling a Community Read.
Anyone who’s interested in discussing the book is invited to the library on June 13.
Tayari Jones visits Aspen on June 18.
