The National Book Critics Circle Unveils 2025 Awards Longlist
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The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) has recently revealed its longlists for the 2025 awards in six major categories, showcasing a diverse range of outstanding literary works that have captured the attention of critics and readers alike. The organization announced its longlists in the categories of autobiography, biography, criticism, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, featuring a selection of thought-provoking and inspiring books published in the past year.
NBCC President Adam Dalva expressed his enthusiasm for the longlists, highlighting the unparalleled quality of the books selected. He emphasized that these books offer readers a unique perspective on the world, posing incisive questions and providing unexpected insights that challenge and inspire. Dalva commended the longlisted books as works of art that contribute significantly to the literary landscape.
The autobiography longlist includes a diverse array of titles, such as “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts” by Margaret Atwood and “Mother Mary Comes to Me” by Arundhati Roy, among others. These memoirs and personal accounts offer intimate glimpses into the lives and experiences of their authors, inviting readers to explore the complexities of human existence through various lenses.
In the biography category, readers can delve into captivating stories of historical figures and cultural icons, including “Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution” by Amanda Vaill and “Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore” by Ashley D. Farmer. These biographies shed light on the lives and legacies of remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
The criticism longlist features works that examine a wide range of subjects, from film and art to politics and society. Titles such as “Authority: Essays” by Andrea Long Chu and “Hayek’s Bastards: Race, Gold, IQ, and the Capitalism of the Far Right” by Quinn Slobodian offer insightful analyses and thought-provoking perspectives on contemporary issues and cultural phenomena.
In the fiction category, readers can explore a diverse selection of compelling narratives, including “The Antidote” by Karen Russell and “The Wilderness” by Angela Flournoy. These works of fiction transport readers to different worlds and invite them to engage with complex characters and compelling storylines that resonate long after the final page is turned.
The nonfiction longlist includes a variety of informative and illuminating books that cover a wide range of topics, from history and politics to science and culture. Titles like “America, América: A New History of the New World” by Greg Grandin and “Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness” by Michael Koresky offer new insights and perspectives on pressing issues and historical events.
The poetry longlist showcases the power and beauty of language through works of poetic expression that span a diverse range of themes and styles. From “After You Were, I Am” by Camille Ralphs to “Salvage” by Hedgie Choi, these poetry collections present a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate with readers on a profound level.
The Barrios Book in Translation Prize nominees bring a global perspective to the longlist, offering translated works that bridge linguistic and cultural divides. These titles, such as “We Do Not Part” by Han Kang, translated from the Korean by e. yaewon and Paige Aniyah Morris, highlight the literary richness and diversity of voices from around the world.
As the NBCC prepares to announce the finalists for the 2025 awards and celebrate the outstanding contributions of authors and translators, readers can look forward to discovering new literary gems that expand their horizons and deepen their appreciation for the power of storytelling. The NBCC Awards continue to uphold a tradition of excellence in literary criticism and recognition, honoring outstanding writing and fostering conversations about the importance of reading and literature in our society.