American author wins France’s Goncourt Prize

Paris – American writer Jonathan Littell accomplished the near-unthinkable Monday by snaring the revered Goncourt Prize, France’s most prestigious literary award, with his 900-page World War II novel narrated by a Nazi SS officer – and written in French.

“Les Bienveillantes,” or “The Kindly Ones,” has garnered wide attention in France – both for its grim subject matter and the nationality of its author.

Littell was not in Paris when the Prix Goncourt was announced. He was in Barcelona, Spain, where he lives with his two children and their Belgian mother, according to his publisher, Gallimard.

Antoine Gallimard, Littell’s editor, said the author was “very happy” about the prize but preferred to remain out of the limelight.

The lengthy novel, which weighs about 2.2 pounds in paperback, is a first-person account of the Nazis’ murderous campaign in Eastern Europe as told by former SS officer Maximilien Aue.

Alicia Keys speaks up for celebrities’ African aid

New York – As more celebrities get involved in helping African nations overcome debt, AIDS and poverty, some cynics have questioned whether their motives are spurred by good intentions or publicity – most notably with Madonna’s recent trip to Malawi to adopt a child.

Alicia Keys, who is staging her annual Black Ball charity concert Thursday in New York City, said such criticism is unfair and a disservice to those in Africa who need help.

“I think that’s horrible, and I think that really degrades and tries to discourage people who do have a voice, who do have power, who do have money, who do have the ability to reach out to people and get involved in situations,” the 25-year-old R&B singer said.

Keys, who has been involved in African causes for years, said celebrities have been in the forefront of charitable and political causes, and that’s how it should be. She also said celebrities have helped direct attention to the problems in many African nations.

“I do think that it has become more on people’s radars, whereas before it kind of came across as, ‘Oh, it’s so far away,”‘ she said. “It’s really positive to know that it is a global community.”

Snoop Dogg booked on airport weapon charge

Santa Ana, Calif. – Snoop Dogg was booked Monday on one felony count of possession of a deadly weapon filed after security officers at John Wayne International Airport found a collapsible baton in his carry-on luggage.

The 35-year-old rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, turned himself over to authorities Monday morning at the Orange County Jail. He was expected to post $150,000 bail, said Susan Schroeder of the district attorney’s office.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to three years in prison.

The Sept. 27 incident occurred as Snoop Dogg prepared to take a flight to San Francisco. At the time of his arrest, he told deputies the baton was a prop for a movie.

The weapon charge was filed Thursday and an arrest warrant was issued. Snoop Dogg’s attorney, Donald Etra, has called the charge “bogus.”

Last month, the rapper was arrested at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank for investigation of illegal drug and gun possession. He posted $35,000 bail and was ordered to appear in court Dec. 12.