University of Tampa Press Publication Receives American Book Award

Southside Buddhist, by Ira Sukrungruang and published by the University of Tampa Press, has received a 2015 American Book Award. The University of Tampa Press published the book in late 2014.

Sukrungruang, who teaches writing at the University of South Florida, is a Thai American writer. The autobiographical essays in Southside Buddhist include reflections on life, art and writing. His previous books include his memoir Talk Thai: The Adventures of Buddhist Boy and a collection of poetry, In Thailand It Is Night, which won the University of Tampa Press’ Anita Claire Scharf Prize.

Southside Buddhist was also chosen as the recipient of the Florida Book Award Bronze Medal for General Nonfiction earlier this year.

The American Book Awards were created to provide recognition for outstanding literary achievement from the entire spectrum of America’s diverse literary community. The Before Columbus Foundation announced the winners of the 26th annual book awards on July 20 with a formal recognition planned for October.