And Kevin's memoir A Common Pornography was just short-listed for the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association's 2011 Book Awards.

He's in good company—other shortlisters include Anthony Doerr, Joe Sacco, Willy Vlautin, and Sarahlee Lawrence. (Holiday gift tip: Sarahlee Lawrence'sRiver House. For moms, nature lovers, memoir fans.)

You can read this week's feature—a personal essay from Kevin about his vasectomy—right here.