[applause] i'd like to thank the national book foundation award, particularly my friends david steinberger, marcus stole, carolyn reedy and of course the incomparable lisa lucas for this extraordinary honor. when lisa called me some months ago to tell me my selection, i was in a word dumbfounded. as time has gone on i must say i've grown a little bit more used to being called a literary and, i kind of like the sound of it but for one moment, the impact of this extraordinary special recognition will never diminish. i am most grateful. i'm humbled to be receiving this award tonight in the company of america's best writers. i congratulate all the nominees for tonight's awards. like all of you i am eagerly looking forward to the announcements of the winners, though in my book, each and every one of you is a winner for the remarkable craft you bring to your work . [applause] i want to acknowledge my many friends in the publishing and distribution community who are here tonight . i've had the privilege of working with so many of you for so many years and while we may not always agree on everythi