In 1950, the National Book Awards were established to celebrate the best writing in America. Since 1989, they have been overseen by the National Book Foundation (NBF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to celebrate the best literature in America, expand its audience, and ensure that books have a prominent place in American culture.” The categories include Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature.
2022 Fiction Winner
The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
Set over one sweltering week in July and culminating in a bizarre act of violence that finally changes everything, The Rabbit Hutch is a savagely beautiful and bitingly funny snapshot of contemporary America, a gorgeous and provocative tale of loneliness and longing, entrapment and, ultimately, freedom.
2022 NONFiction Winner
South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry
This is the story of a Black woman and native Alabaman returning to the region she has always called home and considering it with fresh eyes. Her journey is full of detours, deep dives, and surprising encounters with places and people. She renders Southerners from all walks of life with sensitivity and honesty, sharing her thoughts about a troubling history and the ritual humiliations and joys that characterize so much of Southern life.
2022 Poetry winner
Punks: New & Selected Poems by John Keene
2022 Translated Literature Winner
Seven Empty Houses by Samantha Schweblin
2022 Young People’s literature
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
To see the Tidelines post in which the NBA shortlist was announced earlier this fall, click here.
–Tidelines Editors
(Images and narratives from National Book Award)