UF College of Journalism and Communications Hearst Visiting Professional Cynthia Barnett has been named to the prestigious 2016 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award Longlist for her novel Rain: A Natural and Cultural History. 

The PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award celebrates writing that exemplifies literary excellence on the subject of physical and biological sciences. The winner will receive a cash award of $10,000. Finalists will be announced on Feb. 2, 2016.

This recognition for Barnett has come the same week as Kirkus Reviews named Rain one of the best nonfiction books of 2015; The Miami Herald named it one of their five favorite nonfiction books of 2015; and the Boston Globe included it in its list of top 10 nonfiction books of 2015.

Earlier this year, Barnett’s book was also named to the National Book Award Longlist for Non Fiction.

“Of all the recognition, the PEN/E.O. Wilson nod is a special honor for me because when I look at the fellow nominees and previous winners, their work is just what I aspire to — writing about science and the environment in ways that are so intriguing you forget you’re reading about science and the environment,” said Barnett.

The PEN/E.O. Wilson Award for Literary Science Writing was founded by scientist and author Dr. Edward O. Wilson, activist and actor Harrison Ford, and the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation.

Barnett is an award-winning environmental journalist who has reported on freshwater from the Suwannee River to Singapore. She is author of three books and has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Salon, Politico, Orion and many other publications.

Posted: December 11, 2015
Category: Alumni News, College News
Tagged as: Cynthia Barnett, Rain