2025 National Book Awards Finalists Announced

Every year, the National Book Awards honor the best in American literature, showcasing powerful stories, groundbreaking research, and unforgettable poetry. The 2025 finalists have just been announced, and this year’s list is as diverse and exciting as ever.

From gripping novels and eye-opening nonfiction to lyrical poetry and captivating young adult books, these 25 nominees represent the brightest voices in literature today. The winners will be revealed on November 19, 2025, at a live ceremony in New York City, hosted by Emmy-winning actor Jeff Hiller and featuring a special musical performance by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Corinne Bailey Rae.

But before the winners are announced, let’s take a closer look at the finalists, the lifetime achievement honorees, and what makes this year’s awards so special.

The 2025 National Book Awards Finalists

Fiction

This year’s Fiction category features five incredible novels that explore love, identity, survival, and human connection.

Rabih Alameddine – The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)

1. A witty, heartfelt novel about family, deception, and the stories we tell ourselves.
2. Alameddine was previously a finalist in 2014 for An Unnecessary Woman.

Megha Majumdar – A Guardian and a Thief

1. A thought-provoking tale of moral dilemmas and unexpected alliances.
2. Majumdar was longlisted in 2020 for her debut, A Burning.

Karen Russell – The Antidote

1. A magical, surreal story about healing and transformation.
2. Russell is a previous winner of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 honors.

Ethan Rutherford – North Sun: Or, the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther

1. An epic adventure blending history and myth.
2. Rutherford’s storytelling is rich and immersive.

Bryan Washington – Palaver

A raw, emotional exploration of relationships and cultural identity.

Washington is also a past 5 Under 35 honoree.

Nonfiction

The Nonfiction category highlights five powerful works that challenge, inform, and inspire.

Omar El Akkad – One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This

1. A sharp, urgent look at political division and media manipulation.
2. El Akkad is also known for his acclaimed fiction, including What Strange Paradise.

Julia Ioffe – Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy

1. A deep dive into Russia’s complex history through a feminist lens.
2. Ioffe is a renowned journalist with a keen eye for political analysis.

Yiyun Li – Things in Nature Merely Grow

1. A lyrical, philosophical exploration of life, loss, and resilience.
2. Li is a MacArthur Fellow and celebrated writer.

Claudia Rowe – Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care

1. A haunting, necessary examination of the foster care system’s failures.
2. Rowe’s work is both investigative and deeply human.

Jordan Thomas – When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World

1. A gripping, firsthand account of wildfires and climate change.
2. Thomas brings real-world experience as a firefighter and writer.

Fun Fact: All five nonfiction finalists are first-time honorees in this category!

Poetry

The Poetry finalists showcase some of the most moving and innovative voices in contemporary verse.

Gabrielle Calvocoressi – The New Economy

1. A bold, experimental collection that challenges societal norms.

Cathy Linh Che – Becoming Ghost

1. A haunting, beautiful exploration of memory and identity.

Tiana Clark – Scorched Earth

1. Raw, powerful poems about race, love, and survival.

Richard Siken – I Do Know Some Things

1. A lyrical, introspective work from the award-winning poet.

Patricia Smith – The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems

1. A stunning collection from a previous finalist (Blood Dazzler, 2008).

Translated Literature

This category celebrates outstanding works originally written in other languages, brilliantly translated into English.

Solvej Balle – On the Calculation of Volume (Book III)

1. Translated by Sophia Hersi Smith and Jennifer Russell.
2. A thought-provoking novel about math, love, and existence.

Gabriela Cabezón Cámara – We Are Green and Trembling

1. Translated by Robin Myers.
2. A vibrant, surreal story of resistance and nature.

Anjet Daanje – The Remembered Soldier

1. Translated by David McKay.
2. A poignant tale of war, memory, and loss.

Hamid Ismailov – We Computers: A Ghazal Novel

1. Translated by Shelley Fairweather-Vega.
2. A unique, poetic exploration of technology and humanity.

Neige Sinno – Sad Tiger

1. Translated by Natasha Lehrer.
2. A deeply moving story of trauma and healing.

Young People’s Literature

These five books are must-reads for young adults, tackling big themes with heart and honesty.

Kyle Lukoff – A World Worth Saving

1. A hopeful, inspiring story about activism and change.
2. Lukoff is a previous finalist in this category.

Amber McBride – The Leaving Room

1. A lyrical, emotional novel about grief and healing.
2. McBride’s writing is both poetic and powerful.

Daniel Nayeri – The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story

1. A gripping, historical tale of survival and resilience.

Hannah V. Sawyerr – Truth Is

1. A bold, unflinching look at identity and justice.

Ibi Zoboi – (S)Kin

1. A thought-provoking story about family, culture, and belonging.
2. Zoboi is a previous finalist in this category.

Lifetime Achievement Honorees

This year, the National Book Foundation will also honor two literary giants with Lifetime Achievement Awards:

George Saunders – A master of short fiction and professor at Syracuse University, Saunders is celebrated for his sharp wit, deep empathy, and innovative storytelling. His works, including Lincoln in the Bardo, have redefined contemporary literature.

Roxane Gay – A prolific author, cultural critic, and professor at Rutgers University, Gay is known for her fearless, insightful writing on feminism, race, and identity. Her books, such as Bad Feminist and Hunger, have inspired millions.

The 2025 National Book Awards Ceremony: How to Watch

The 74th National Book Awards Ceremony will take place on November 19, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The event will be streamed live and free for everyone, so readers around the world can join in the celebration.

Host: Jeff Hiller

This year’s host is Jeff Hiller, an Emmy-winning actor, comedian, and writer best known for his role in Somebody Somewhere. His wit, charm, and love for literature make him the perfect emcee for the evening. Hiller’s comedic memoir, Actress of a Certain Age, was released this summer, and he regularly performs at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

Musical Guest: Corinne Bailey Rae

The ceremony will also feature a special performance by Corinne Bailey Rae, the GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter. With over 10 million albums sold worldwide and hits like "Put Your Records On," Bailey Rae brings soulful, uplifting energy to the stage. In 2026, she will release her first children’s book, Put Your Records On, inspired by her iconic song.

Why the National Book Awards Matter

The National Book Awards are more than just a prestigious prize, they’re a celebration of storytelling. These awards highlight the voices that shape our culture, challenge our thinking, and inspire us to see the world differently.

Whether you’re a casual reader, a book lover, or an aspiring writer, the finalists and winners of the 2025 National Book Awards offer something for everyone.

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