Jackson Forelle's The Streaker Creates Controversy with the Molinos de Viento Book Award Committee

Jackson Forelle has created quite a stir with the committee for the Molinos de Viento Book Award, more commonly referred to as the Windmill Award. Last year, Forelle's novel, The Streaker, received the award. The controversy stems from one unexpected fact: Forelle actually wanted to win it.

Similar to the Razzies for films, the Molinos de Viento Book Award isn't necessarily intended as a compliment. As explained by the committee's current chair, Anthony Briza:

We thought the description of the award was pretty clear. We state that it “celebrates the author who charges in boldly, lance ready, and brilliantly misses the point.” The award has traditionally been presented to an author with such exceptional confidence that they attempt to delve into subject matter well beyond their qualifications. Historically, it has not been something embraced by the recipient. But in the case of Mr. Forelle, not only was he delighted to receive the award, he actually campaigned for it. Frankly, we don't know what to make of the whole thing.

The Streaker, which has remained the number-one bestselling title published by Tidemarsh University Press for more than a year, proudly displays the Molinos de Viento Book Award banner on its cover.

We reached out to Mr. Forelle for comment, and he confirmed that he was, indeed, quite pleased to receive the honor.

As the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad publicity. In fact, I've already instructed my publisher to nominate my forthcoming novel, The Republic of Mozos,

for next year's award. Besides, who the hell are they to tell me I'm not qualified to write about the experiences of my close friend, Rye Smyth? That's the problem with some academics—they become so educated that they eventually surpass their own intelligence.

The committee for the award has announced that it is reviewing its bylaws to determine whether an author's enthusiasm for receiving the award should constitute grounds for future disqualification.

The Cover of The Streaker by Jackson Forelle, prominently displaying the Molinos De Viento Award