Austin native and Austin High School grad Peggy Keener’s book “Potato In A Rice Bowl” has earned five recognitions since its publication.

Keener recently received a Readers Favorite Gold Award for Best Memoir of 2011, a Readers Favorite Finalist for Best Nonfiction History/Culture and Readers Favorite Finalist for Best Nonfiction Humor. She has also been named an International Book Awards Finalist for Memoir and the 2012 Best Book Awards Finalist for Humor.

Keener lived in Japan for almost 30 years, teaching English to Japanese citizens. Her book contains her memories from living in Japan. She was honored in September as one of the 2012 Distinguished Alumni at Austin High School.