Sarah Jessica Parker Says She Didn’t See Her Family for a Year When She Was a Booker Prize Judge

Sarah Jessica Parker, renowned for her acting career and her role as a publisher, has recently shared insights into her experience as a judge for the prestigious 2025 Booker Prize. During a panel discussion at the 2026 L.A. Times Festival of Books, Parker revealed that she immersed herself in an impressive collection of 153 books over the course of her judging year.

The actress, best known for her role in *Sex and the City*, described her time as a judge as both rewarding and challenging. Parker explained that the commitment required meant significant sacrifices in her personal life, as she found herself distanced from her family to dedicate time to reading and deliberating with fellow judges. She remarked on the importance of family support, saying, “They were great about it. They knew [it brought] such joy… they understood.”

Parker’s candid approach to her experience highlighted the loneliness she felt at times, a sentiment she linked to the solitary nature of writing. Reflecting on her sacrifices, she noted that family outings and evenings spent together often took a backseat to her judging responsibilities. “Anytime after dinner, when there was a discussion about what movie to watch, no one asked me,” she explained, laughing as she recounted how her family adapted to her intense schedule.

In discussing her experiences with the judging panel, which included other literary figures such as Roddy Doyle and Kiran Desai, Parker expressed the excitement and anxiety leading up to the shortlist meeting. The panel engaged in a lengthy five-hour discussion over Zoom to select the candidates for the award. Ultimately, they chose six titles for the shortlist, including *Flashlight* by Susan Choi and *The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny* by Kiran Desai. It was David Szalay’s *Flesh* that ultimately clinched the award.

Parker highlighted how her role in the Booker Prize judging process has shaped her perspectives as both a reader and a publisher. She conveyed a sense of elevated expectations for both herself and the authors whose works she evaluates. “When you’re reading that many books that are great,” she said, “you think, ‘Wow, it really can be done.’ It’s so impactful; it’s so thrilling when a book is great.”

The actress and publisher, who established SJP Lit in 2020 with a mission to uplift diverse voices, conveyed her commitment to finding “sweeping, expansive, thought-provoking and discussion-driven stories” for readers. During her time as a judge, she found herself inspired by a multitude of exceptional writing, which has, in turn, influenced her expectations moving forward.

Since the inception of SJP Lit, Parker has aimed to introduce new and exciting writers to the literary scene. “We try to find books that we’re truly excited about, that really wow us immediately,” she remarked during a recent SJP Lit event. Every agreement from an author to publish is seen as a significant milestone, emphasising the importance of nurturing new literary talent.

Reflecting on her experience at the 2025 Booker Prize, Parker acknowledged that while she cherished the opportunity, she remains uncertain whether she would embark on a similar commitment again without prior consultation with her family. “That’s where the sacrifice came,” she pointed out, suggesting that any future decisions to judge another literary prize would involve careful consideration of her personal life.

As Parker continues her dual career in acting and publishing, her recent role as a Booker Prize judge underscores her deep passion for literature and her commitment to fostering new voices in the literary world. Her blend of enthusiasm and critical insight serves as an inspiration for both aspiring writers and devoted readers alike.