Buzz
Regarded as the literary world's equivalent of the Oscars, the National Book Award celebrates the finest stories each year. Every November, 20 exceptional works—five finalists across four categories—are selected for this prestigious honor. Before the 2016 winners are revealed on November 16, explore some of the past award-winning masterpieces. From innovative takes on traditional recipes to profound examinations of race and family ties, these books offer something for every reader.
1. INVISIBLE MAN BY RALPH ELLISON, WINNER OF THE 1953 FICTION AWARD
During his acceptance speech in 1953, Ellison highlighted the importance of his revolutionary novel, which delves into the life of an African American man rendered invisible by his skin color. He stated, "I envisioned a prose style as dynamic and rapid as the ever-changing American landscape, one that boldly addresses societal injustices and brutalities while also projecting visions of hope, unity, and personal growth."
Beyond being a narrative centered on race, this story has earned a spot on TIME’s "All-Time 100 Novels" and played a role in shaping Barack Obama’s 1995 memoir, Dreams From My Father.
2. THE RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH BY WILLIAM L. SHIRER, WINNER OF THE 1961 NON-FICTION AWARD
Drawing from documents, diaries, trial testimonies, and his own experiences as a journalist, Shirer meticulously constructed a detailed account of Hitler’s regime, tracing its origins to the conclusion of World War II. (All in just 1250 pages!) Highly acclaimed for its scholarly approach, the book reignited discussions about the Holocaust in America and introduced many to the symbol of the swastika, as reported by The New York Times. Historian Theodore H. White described it as “a monumental work, a chilling yet captivating tale.”
3. THE MOVIEGOER BY WALKER PERCY, WINNER OF THE 1962 FICTION AWARD
The 1962 shortlist featured Joseph Heller's Catch-22 and J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey. However, in what remains one of the most surprising victories in the award’s history, this obscure novel about a stockbroker in 1950s New Orleans emerged as the winner. Percy, a Southern physician turned writer after battling tuberculosis, found himself thrust into the limelight, becoming one of the prominent Southern literary voices of his era.
4. GOING AFTER CACCIATO BY TIM O'BRIEN, WINNER OF THE 1979 FICTION (HARDCOVER) AWARD
This unexpected victor
5. SOPHIE'S CHOICE BY WILLIAM STYRON, WINNER OF THE 1980 FICTION AWARD
This 576-page masterpiece delves into the lasting impact of our most agonizing decisions. Upon her arrival at Auschwitz, Sophie faced an unimaginable dilemma: choosing which of her two children would perish and which would survive. Styron masterfully follows the repercussions of this choice, from Nazi Germany to 1940s Brooklyn, where Sophie is forced to confront her devastating past. The story was later adapted into a film, earning Meryl Streep her first Academy Award in 1982.
6. JULIA CHILD & MORE COMPANY BY JULIA CHILD, WINNER OF THE 1980 CURRENT INTEREST (HARDCOVER)
A delightful sequel: In her next book after Julia Child & Company, the celebrated chef presents 13 unique menus for hosting. Her innovative takes on traditional dishes—like French casserole and braised beef—earned her widespread acclaim.
7. RAMONA AND HER MOTHER BY BEVERLY CLEARY, WINNER OF THE 1981 CHILDREN'S BOOK FICTION (PAPERBACK) AWARD
“Being seven and a half isn’t as simple as it seems,” Cleary writes through the lively voice of Ramona, “It’s actually quite challenging.” In the fifth installment of this beloved children’s series, Ramona’s father lands a new job, leading to more one-on-one moments between Ramona and her mother. Cleary beautifully captures the enduring connection between a mother and daughter—even when the mother insists her child can’t stay home by herself.
8. THE COLOR PURPLE BY ALICE WALKER, WINNER OF THE 1983 FICTION (HARDCOVER) AWARD
This novel is essential reading for good reason. Set in rural Georgia and narrated mostly through letters, the gripping story traces the life of Celie, a semi-literate woman, from the early 1900s to the mid-1940s, tackling themes of racism, sexism, and discrimination head-on. Walker won the NBA in 1983 and soon after the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, becoming the first African American woman to achieve this honor. While the book has received high praise—The New York Times described it as a “moving narrative of women’s fight for equality and autonomy” and Walker’s “most remarkable” work—it has also faced significant controversy. Due to its graphic depictions of rape and strong language, the novel, which inspired a 1985 film and a Broadway play, is included on the American Library Association's 2009 list of most frequently challenged or banned books.
9. WHAT WORK IS BY PHILIP LEVINE, WINNER OF THE 1991 POETRY AWARD
Published and honored in 1991, during a period of record-high unemployment, this collection draws from Levine’s own working-class background. His poems vividly capture the essence of manual labor, class struggles, and the raw realities of ordinary American workers.
10. ALL THE PRETTY HORSES BY CORMAC MCCARTHY, WINNER OF THE 1992 FICTION AWARD
Departing from his earlier style, McCarthy’s 1992 award-winning novel highlights emotion, individuality, and romanticism. ("He surpasses most American writers," The New York Times remarked.) The first book in his Border trilogy, it follows John Grady Cole, a 16-year-old forced to sell his family’s ranch. Leaving behind his Texas heritage, he embarks on a humorous and adventurous journey to Mexico with two friends. The story was adapted into a 2000 film starring Matt Damon and Penélope Cruz.
11. HOLES BY LOUIS SACHAR, WINNER OF THE 1998 YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE
Stanley Yelnats is no stranger to misfortune—his family is cursed, and his streak of bad luck continues when he’s wrongly sent to a juvenile detention camp in the desert. At 14, he’s forced to dig a 5x5 hole every single day, no matter the circumstances.
Sachar masterfully blends humor with Yelnats’s daily challenges, while unraveling the history behind his family’s curse. (Spoiler: It traces back to his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather.) This 1998 award-winning novel was turned into a 2003 Disney film featuring Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, and Patricia Arquette.
12. IN THE HEART OF THE SEA BY NATHANIEL PHILBRICK, WINNER OF THE 2000 NON-FICTION AWARD
The 2000 nonfiction winner recounts the harrowing true tale that inspired Moby Dick. In 1820, the whaleship Essex was destroyed by a furious sperm whale, leaving its crew stranded in the Pacific Ocean for over 90 days. Most perished from starvation and dehydration. Philbrick’s gripping narrative is based on the testimonies of a cabin boy and the ship’s first mate. The story was brought to life in a 2015 film directed by Ron Howard, starring Chris Hemsworth.
13. JUST KIDS BY PATTI SMITH, WINNER OF THE 2010 NON-FICTION AWARD
The rock icon’s heartfelt memoir recounts her bond with artist Robert Mapplethorpe. As they stood on the brink of stardom, the duo vowed to always support each other, weaving a tale that celebrates not just their love but also their shared passion for New York City during the vibrant 1970s.
14. THE GOOD LORD BIRD BY JAMES MCBRIDE, WINNER OF THE 2013 FICTION AWARD
Told through the eyes of a young enslaved boy from Kansas, this gripping abolitionist story was a surprising winner in 2013. (It competed against Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed The Lowland, which was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.) Judges applauded McBride for crafting "a voice as humorous and unique as any since Mark Twain." The novel imagines the boy joining John Brown’s 1859 raid on Harper’s Ferry. "I adore the language of the old, blues-singing, boot-wearing black man with his sharp wit," McBride shared with NPR. "I wanted this character to be an elder reflecting on his life, spinning a grand, exaggerated tale."
15. BROWN GIRL DREAMING BY JACQUELINE WOODSON, WINNER OF THE 2014 YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE AWARD
Through poignant and vivid poetry, Woodson reflects on her upbringing in the 1960s and 1970s, capturing her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement and her quest for identity. However, her 2014 victory was overshadowed by racism. After her acceptance speech, host Daniel Handler made a derogatory remark about her being "a black girl allergic to watermelon." He later apologized and donated $10,000 to the We Need Diverse Books campaign, while Woodson chose to focus on "advancing the conversation positively rather than dwelling on negativity."
Her newest work, Another Brooklyn, is a contender for this year’s prestigious award.
All images courtesy of Amazon.
