2024 National Book Critics Circle Awards Finalists Announced

January 25, 2024 — The literary world is abuzz with excitement as the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) announces its finalists for the 2024 awards. Celebrating the best in literature from the publishing year 2023, the NBCC has shortlisted 30 works across six diverse categories: autobiography, biography, criticism, fiction, general nonfiction, and poetry. This prestigious recognition, eagerly anticipated each year, highlights the extraordinary achievements of authors and their contributions to the realm of literature.

The National Book Critics Circle, renowned for its discerning selections, comprises hundreds of book critics and reviewers who are dedicated to honoring outstanding writing. Their annual awards are among the most prestigious in the literary world. Each category comprises five finalists, representing a wide range of voices and perspectives in contemporary literature.

The announcement of the finalists sparks a period of eager anticipation and debate among literary enthusiasts. The selected works reflect not only the richness and diversity of contemporary literature but also the evolving cultural and social conversations shaping our world today. The NBCC awards are known for recognizing both established authors and emerging voices, offering a glimpse into the future directions of literary trends.

List of Finalists:

• Autobiography: Titles include “I Would Meet You Anywhere: A Memoir” by Susan Kiyo Ito and “How to Say Babylon: A Memoir” by Safiya Sinclair.
• Biography: Notable works are “King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig and “Betty Friedan: Magnificent Disruptor” by Rachel Shteir.
• Criticism: Entries include “Creep: Accusations and Confessions” by Myriam Gurba and “Deadpan: The Aesthetics of Black Inexpression” by Tina Post.
• Fiction: Among the finalists are “Tremor” by Teju Cole and “Blackouts” by Justin Torres.
• Nonfiction: This category features “We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America” by Roxanna Asgarian and “The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War” by Jeff Sharlet.
• Poetry: Included are “All Souls” by Saskia Hamilton and “Trace Evidence” by Charif Shanahan.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the New School in Manhattan on March 21. These selections reflect the diversity and depth of contemporary literature, highlighting both established and emerging voices in the literary world.

For a detailed list of all the finalists and further information, visit Publishers Weekly.