Today's Read Contributor The 2022 National Book Awards ceremony took place on December 6, at the Cipriani Wall Street venue in New York City, recognizing exceptional works of literature across multiple categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and young people’s literature. Celebrated annually, the National Book Awards have long been a prestigious marker of excellence in American literature, and this year’s ceremony underscored the diversity of voices and themes present in contemporary writing.
The event was highlighted by the announcement of the winners in each category. In the Fiction category, the coveted award went to The Candy House by Jennifer Egan, a novel that explores the interplay between technology, memory, and human consciousness. Egan, known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning work A Visit from the Goon Squad, impressed the judges with this speculative and intellectually stimulating narrative. In her acceptance speech, Egan praised the intersection of literary art and technological progress, reflecting on how the novel’s themes challenge the ways we think about connection and identity in the digital age.
In the Non-Fiction category, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine team took the top honor. This ambitious work reexamines the history of slavery in America and its lasting effects on contemporary society. Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist behind the project, accepted the award with a powerful message on the importance of rethinking American history through the lens of race and systemic inequality. She urged the audience to engage with the past to better understand the present and create a more just future.
The Poetry award was given to The Hurting by Mary-Louise Parker, a collection that delves into themes of grief, loss, and personal transformation. Parker, an acclaimed actress and poet, captivated audiences with her deeply personal reflections, earning praise for the emotional depth and vulnerability in her writing. In her speech, she shared that poetry had been her way of processing the world during difficult times, highlighting the unique way in which poetry allows for both personal catharsis and universal connection.
In the Young People’s Literature category, the winner was Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, a beautifully written historical novel that touches on themes of love, identity, and coming of age in 1950s San Francisco. Lo’s book, praised for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences, captivated readers and critics alike for its vivid depiction of a time and place often underrepresented in young adult literature.
This year’s ceremony also celebrated the lifetime achievement of renowned author, poet, and essayist Joy Harjo, who was awarded the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Harjo, the first Native American poet laureate of the United States, has had a profound impact on contemporary poetry, and her work continues to inspire readers with its exploration of identity, culture, and spirituality.
The 2022 National Book Awards not only celebrated outstanding individual achievements but also reflected the ongoing importance of literature in engaging with the world’s most pressing social and political issues. The evening’s honorees and nominees highlighted the diversity of voices and experiences that continue to shape American literature, offering hope for the future of writing in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.
