King honored with lifetime achievement award

Stephen King received the Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Awards, recognizing his extensive impact on American literature. This award is intended to honor individuals whose work has made a significant contribution to the literary landscape. King's prolific output includes novels, short stories, and screenplays, many of which have been adapted into films and television series, thereby reaching a wide audience and influencing popular culture. However, the decision to honor King was met with criticism from some literary figures. Richard E. Snyder, the former CEO of Simon & Schuster, labeled King's work as 'non-literature,' suggesting that it lacked the depth and artistic merit typically associated with literary achievements. Additionally, renowned critic Harold Bloom expressed his disapproval, arguing that awarding King represented a decline in cultural standards and a move towards the simplification of literary values. Despite the backlash, King addressed the controversy during his acceptance speech, where he reaffirmed his dedication to literature and the written word, highlighting the importance of storytelling in society. This recognition sparked a broader discussion about the criteria for literary awards and the evolving definition of literature in contemporary culture.