By Carrie Bradshaw-Buckley, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office

Three publications, one by Chickasaw artist Mike Larsen and two by Chickasaw author Linda Hogan, were recently announced as finalists in the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award competition.

“They Know Who They Are,” by Mike and Martha Larsen, was named as a finalist in the Design/Illustration Category. “People of the Whale” by Linda Hogan, was named as a finalist in the Fiction category and “Round the Human Corners,” also by Hogan, in the Poetry category. 

"Mike Larsen and Linda Hogan are incredibly talented individuals who have made great contributions to art and literature," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "It is a great pleasure to see them honored by this outstanding organization."

For the third consecutive year, a book published by the Chickasaw Press is a finalist for this award. This year, “They Know Who They Are,” featuring 24 paintings by Mike Larsen, was honored.  The paintings were the product of a series of interviews with living Chickasaw elders and were intended to capture their strength and spirit. 

Pulitzer Prize finalist Linda Hogan’s “People of the Whale” is a tale of a Vietnam veteran who is divided between his war experience and his Native American roots.  It was published in 2008 by W. W. Norton and Company.

Hogan’s book of poetry, “Rounding the Human Corners” was published by Coffeehouse Press and observes the ways in which all living things are connected. 

The books are among 35 finalists selected from a pool of 156 entries.  Winners will be announced Saturday, April 4 at the Oklahoma Book Award Ceremony at the Edward L. Gaylord—T. Boone Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.