Today's Read Contributor The 2022 National Book Awards ceremony took place on November 12 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, honoring outstanding works of literature across several categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and young people’s literature. The event, which celebrates the best in American literature, brought together authors, publishers, literary critics, and book lovers to recognize and promote exceptional books published in the past year.
The evening’s most anticipated moment was the announcement of the winner in the fiction category. The Candy House by Jennifer Egan, a complex and thought-provoking novel about the intersection of technology, memory, and identity, took home the top prize. Egan, who previously won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel A Visit from the Goon Squad, captivated the audience with her deep exploration of the human experience in a rapidly changing world. In her acceptance speech, Egan reflected on how fiction can serve as a mirror to the anxieties and hopes of contemporary society. “This book is a journey through the ways we connect and disconnect in the digital age,” she said.
In the non-fiction category, the award was given to Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe. This investigative work exposes the role of the Sackler family in the opioid crisis, drawing a direct line between their corporate actions and the devastating effects of addiction in America. Keefe’s detailed narrative not only chronicles the rise of the family’s pharmaceutical empire but also uncovers the ethical and legal challenges surrounding their involvement in the opioid epidemic. In his remarks, Keefe praised the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful entities accountable for their actions.
The poetry award was given to Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. Gorman’s collection, which deals with themes of hope, loss, and resilience, resonated deeply with readers. Known for her powerful performance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, Gorman’s poetry continues to inspire with its lyrical beauty and urgent social commentary. In her acceptance speech, Gorman dedicated the award to the next generation of poets, urging them to continue to use their voices for social change.
The Young People’s Literature Award went to Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, a historical novel that explores themes of identity, love, and the LGBTQ+ experience in 1950s San Francisco. Lo’s novel was praised for its nuanced portrayal of queer history and the struggles of young people in search of acceptance and self-discovery.
The National Book Awards ceremony also recognized the lifetime achievements of iconic poet and author, Louise Glück, who was awarded the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Glück’s remarkable body of work, which includes The Wild Iris and Meadowlands, has had a profound impact on contemporary poetry.
As the evening came to a close, the 2022 National Book Awards underscored the diverse and rich landscape of American literature. This year’s winners and finalists exemplified the power of storytelling to reflect, challenge, and shape our understanding of the world. The event celebrated not only the authors who received awards but also the broader literary community’s ongoing commitment to exploring the complexities of the human experience.
