National Book Foundation Unveils 2025 Award Winners
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The National Book Foundation has recently announced the winners of the 2025 National Book Awards. The prestigious event, held on November 19, showcased outstanding literary achievements across various categories such as Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature. The star-studded ceremony was hosted by actor Jeff Hiller, known for his role in Somebody Somewhere, and featured a musical performance by the talented Corinne Bailey Rae.
Among the notable highlights of the evening were the presentation of two lifetime achievement awards. George Saunders, the acclaimed author of “Lincoln in the Bardo,” was honoured with the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters by Deborah Treisman. Additionally, author Roxane Gay, best known for “Bad Feminist,” received the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community from Jacqueline Woodson.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of several high-profile personalities, including actress Lena Dunham, style expert Tan France from Queer Eye, host of This American Life Ira Glass, actress Dakota Johnson, and jazz musician Laufey. The event showcased a diverse range of literary works, with publishers submitting a total of 1,835 books for consideration across different genres.
In the category of Fiction, “The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)” by Rabih Alameddine emerged as the winner. This novel delves into the life of Raja, a high school philosophy teacher in Beirut, and his complex relationship with his mother, offering a poignant exploration of personal and national struggles.
For Nonfiction, “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad was recognised for its profound exploration of Western complicity in global conflicts. The book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about freedom and collective responsibility.
In the realm of Poetry, “The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems” by Patricia Smith stood out for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. The collection showcases Smith’s mastery of verse and her ability to capture the essence of human experience with striking clarity.
The Translated Literature category honoured “We Are Green and Trembling” by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, translated from Spanish by Robin Myers. This novel weaves a compelling narrative of identity and transformation, drawing on historical events to craft a riveting story of reinvention and resilience.
In Young People’s Literature, “The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story” by Daniel Nayeri captivated readers with its tale of survival and resilience in the midst of wartime turmoil. Set against the backdrop of 1941 Iran, the book follows the compelling journey of two siblings as they navigate the challenges of war and displacement.
As the literary world celebrates these remarkable achievements, the National Book Foundation’s recognition of diverse voices and storytelling traditions highlights the power of literature to inspire, provoke, and unite readers across the globe. The winners of the 2025 National Book Awards reflect the richness and diversity of contemporary literature, offering readers a diverse array of voices and perspectives to engage with and explore.