Some finalists, fiction and nonfiction, looked for meaning in the distant past, whether Nicole Eustace's historical work Covered with Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America, or such novels as Lauren Groff's 12th-13th century narrative Matrix and Robert Jones, Jr.'s slavery story The Prophets.īoth Groff and Jones say that exploring a previous time is an inspiring way to understand the present. Yamashita and Pearl were among the honorees who spoke of a precarious present, worrying about the wave of efforts to censor books at schools and libraries and about violent attacks against racial minorities. While other literary events such as PEN America's annual gala were held in person this fall, the Foundation decided in September to have a virtual ceremony for the second straight year, citing the complications of organizing a gathering of "authors, publishers, and guests traveling from all over the country." The 72nd annual awards were presented by the non-profit National Book Foundation. Two honorary prizes were presented: Author-playwright Karen Tei Yamashita received a lifetime achievement medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and author-librarian-NPR commentator Nancy Pearl was given the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. Books Here are the finalists nominated for a 2021 National Book Award
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