Today's Read Contributor The Library of Congress National Book Festival marked its 25th anniversary in grand fashion on September 6, 2025, with an emotional celebration that placed bestselling author Geraldine Brooks at the center of its opening weekend. Brooks, whose works have consistently blended historical resonance with emotional depth, was honored with the 2025 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, one of the nation’s most prestigious literary awards.
The accolade is reserved for writers whose body of work demonstrates mastery of storytelling, originality, and a deep engagement with the American experience. Brooks has long stood out for her ability to illuminate overlooked corners of history while drawing readers into narratives that are both intimate and universal. Her novels, including People of the Book, Caleb’s Crossing, March—which earned her the Pulitzer Prize in 2006—Year of Wonders, The Secret Chord, and Horse, have garnered critical acclaim across decades. The recognition also extends to her most recent work, Memorial Days, a memoir that explores the complexities of grief, healing, and resilience following the sudden death of her husband.
During the award ceremony, Brooks reflected on the honor with humility, emphasizing how meaningful it was to receive a prize tied to the Library of Congress and its long history of safeguarding free expression and truth. She acknowledged the institution’s role in preserving the voices of countless writers and underscored her gratitude for being recognized as part of that lineage. Festival attendees noted her remarks as some of the most poignant moments of the weekend, particularly when she spoke about how writing served as a lifeline during her personal journey through loss.
The award was presented by Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Randolph Newlen, who praised Brooks for her “grace and infectious energy” in bringing characters and historical moments vividly to life. He emphasized how her work transcends borders, engaging not just American readers but audiences around the world. Newlen noted that Brooks’s ability to humanize distant histories and make them resonate in contemporary contexts has moved millions and solidified her place among the most significant literary voices of her generation.
The National Book Festival itself was a fitting stage for this recognition. Celebrating a quarter century of fostering literary culture, the 2025 festival brought together more than 85 authors across genres, from fiction and biography to poetry and children’s literature. Thousands of attendees filled the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where events ranged from author readings and panel discussions to family-friendly programming. For those unable to attend in person, sessions were livestreamed and archived online, ensuring the festival’s reach extended far beyond Washington, D.C.
Festival-goers also had the opportunity to engage directly with Brooks, who participated in a discussion about Memorial Days. In the session, she spoke candidly about channeling personal pain into art and how writing has become a way to process not only her own experiences but also the broader human condition. The audience responded with warmth and admiration, with many describing the talk as a highlight of the festival’s opening weekend.
The recognition of Brooks carried symbolic weight for the festival’s milestone year. Over its 25-year history, the Library of Congress National Book Festival has established itself as a premier event that connects readers and writers in meaningful dialogue, celebrates storytelling in all its forms, and underscores the enduring importance of literature in public life. To honor Brooks—an author who has consistently used her craft to expand understanding and empathy—was a way of reaffirming those core values.
As the 2025 festival continues, Brooks’s award serves as a reminder of the enduring power of words to capture both historical truths and deeply personal experiences. Her recognition not only honors a distinguished literary career but also adds depth to an event designed to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and resilience of the written word.
The Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction bestowed upon Geraldine Brooks underscores her place in the canon of contemporary literature and highlights the role of writers in shaping cultural memory. At the 25th National Book Festival, her achievement stood as a testament to storytelling’s unique ability to unite communities, spark reflection, and inspire future generations of readers and writers alike.
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