in october and also an incredible rise in a broad range of countries two places in the middle east that would surprise you were struck by this incredible wave and it actually had the opportunity to host a women's activists at the council where she was advocating against discrimination and sexual abuse against women. begin trading stories but these stories are not being told in the american media. lucky for me megan agreed to join together and we took this journey around the world.

>> to watch the rest of this program visit booktv.org use the search box at the top of the page to look for co-authors rachel vogelstein and megan stone for the title of their book awakening. >> welcome to the 2021 i am your host and i am coming to you live from the beautiful central public library in downtown austin, texas. like last year we wish you were in this room with us celebrating with the brightest literary stars of the year. we are grateful for this opportunity to share this moment from fans all around the world. to give us an idea of what it would be like if we were together tonight, megan caught up with some of this year's finalists and zuma recorded their pre-parties you can view their full conversations on

focus.com but for now let's sit back, grab a glass of champagne and enjoy it as if we were all together in real life assuring these conversations. >> you t want to start off weird joints started off together? >> weird. begin to start out weird. if you're hosting your fellow finalists in your own for this cocktail party, what would we eat? what would we be drink and what would be be listening to music? >> there would be sparkling water there would have to be chocolate of some sort going on. i'm hosting you at my house i would go crazy. i have not had anyone in my house.

everybody would have their own cake. my mom a doubling delicious desserts for us. we do have cocktails there be a cocktail theme there for people what do people drink during the renaissance? that was a provision right? >> that would not have kept them from drinking though. >> they were still drinking. regrettably or perhaps not we would be listening to the billboard top 100 of the year in i 1999. who would have a dance party for sure. >> learning the cha-cha dance right now i would be dancing with you all.

>> you would go crazy. (. >> very nice. okay go inside the actors studio is on your next. what did writing this book teach you? [laughter] what did you learn from this or what was the experience of writing this book? >> i learned how tired i could be. [laughter] i also learned the ancestors have a mind of their own. i can control the temporary but ancestral narrative is a narrative that you cannot always control. >> working through all of

these as a person living here is a woman as a mother, as a partner as a daughter and my allowed to be at home here how are we going to move forward and how do i want to move forward how can i have a sense of hopefulness even in the face of some really difficult things. >> i can learn things 25 years and i can find new ways of doing it and find pleasure of getting out of my usual mode. those are some things i learned with this book as it presents a protagonist is someone who does not always want to move forward in every single turn. with disregard to some rules of fiction writing altogether. >> it's always a pleasure even if the subject matter is quite

grim at times. so because the language is very rich i think translators revel in trying to represent the best they can. but to re-create in a fresh way what is being said. >> translation seems to have a different sign. so it may be like them more than the original they seem very surprised. >> and got to throw it to you now. >> i feel like i learned a lot about writing from every writer translate. the experience of translating the book that might come as a surprise to someone who has read the book, it was very pleasurable to translate even though it's pretty dark. >> i think i read them to teach myself how to write. first being the narrator because i had the novel both

had narrators. because i was a woman it was some kind and essential thing i was a female writer and then realized no it has nothing to do with how you see yourself. : : language doesn't have to do h that. and i learned that. >> always a challenge, but one i really enjoy, yeah. >> 454 nonfiction titles were eligible for this award, 154 nonfiction titles were this award and your books were chosen of the best in the best of the best. congratulations on the recognition. >> how did it make you feel? >> my publicist e-mailed me the

news. >> my editor called me. >> i got this e-mail. i have four children. a goodd day. in school for about a year and a half. [laughter] >> i said i don't believe you will. i still don't believe her. i do not believe that any of thiszi is happening. >> i was like, wow. as soon si saw it, i started weeping. >> i had a call from a great editor who was the man who put his finger on the book originally and said i think that something going on here. >> i think when good news happens i just assume that something has gone wrong. wait, this is great. >> published in the united states.

it is a real treat forever mexican writer. >> what is the title of your book in spanish. [speaking in native tongue] you think it is a matter of altitude. there are some spaces that rj gant take enough to foster a kind of horizontal role. >> the title is absolutely perfect. this idea of expansion outward. >> why was this the right title? >> assuming out of all the books published in that last year, you know, better eligible for the roprize. >> my book is called. [inaudible] the idea for the title came to me when i was approached by the smithsonian magazine to write an article about anne frank. i really did not want to write

an article about anne frank. the last thing i really want to do. living jews, not so much. you know, taking that idea and running with it. >> something that my father used to say when he would catch me doing something that was not masculine, like writing, for instance. kind of like a challenge. go ahead. i will come back. >> all that she carried. the journey of a black woman keepsake. because at the center of the story and how the survival caused issues.

>> a term that covers the body of lightning strike survivors. my book opens with the night that i took three accidental shocks to the heart from my defibrillator. i felt marked physically. i did not know what the inside of my body could look like you'd i hate that there are a lot of ways that we do not know what people's bodies look like as a result. and what is in the american medical system itself. so, lightning scars. >> that is so exciting and a great honor to be considered among folks addressing these issues.ea a real literary intention. >> the prize recognizes remarkable achievement in writing and illustration. that recognition comes in the

form of one of the richest literary awards in the world. $50,000 in three categories. fiction, nonfiction and young women's literature. in addition to $15,000, each will receive a trophy. an art piece created by the duo. every detail is hand made. the pages of the open book to the glass down solid base. a appreciation for the contribution the way that they make to our industry, art and in the world. how one could argue that the prize is the most difficult literary award to win because our critics read more books than any other judging panel. 2021 prize, our critics read

more than 10,000 books that means that less than .2% books achieve the level of the finalists. to be eligible for the prize, they must first earn a starred review. narrowing it down to six finalists in each category and deliberate to choose a winner. i would like to welcome all of our finalists joining us live you zoom from around the world. our first category tonight is young readers literature. the judges for the 2021 prize for young readers literature are author naomi, librarian crystal

to introduce the finalists and the young readers literature, the judge naomi.

of chinese culture the judges were floored by this young adult novel. groundbreakingst 1998 novel, the skin that i am in. brutally honest, but a portrayal of human trafficking. this is not just a typical coming-of-age story. it is clarity and honesty. but a vivid exposé feels ripped

from the headlines. legacy, leaving parts of the harlem renaissance by nicki grimes the northport illustrators. a glorious introduction to the harlem renaissance and women poets. a spirited and empowering dialogue between her poetic foremothers. intertwiningng the emotion and experiences of black women past and present. the judges singled out its masterful use of the poetic form as a vibrant illustration by 19 contemporary black women. your mama illustrated by kathryn

this joyful spin on your mama jokes featuring rhymes fluently and incorporatingin spanish wors alongside energetic expensive illustrations. the judges were thoroughly enchanted by this celebration of motherhood and culture. all 13, the incredible cave rescue of the boys soccer team. this work of nonfiction is written with the suspense and pacing of a thrilling adventure novel. all 13 brings to life each of the players enemies true

survival stories that made global headlines in 2018. while centering thai culture. the judges were impressed by the authors meticulous research. supported by sidebars and eye-catching colors. on spiegel. the toll so race massacre by carol weatherford. illustrated by floyd cooper. this picture book gently, but powerfully recounts the suppressed story of the 1921 massacre for young readers. this breathtaking illustration and equally sensitive text. deeply researched historical notes also draw personal connections to this senseless

tragedy. cooper who died this summer explains that his own grandfather was a survivor of the massacre. thee judges proved unspeakable s asan illuminating beacon on a tragedy that has too long been overlooked. >> as you may have noticed, this category includes two picture books, to middle grade books and two books for teenagers or young adults. congratulations to all the finalists. the winner of the 2021 prize for young readers is all 13 by christina. >> oh my gosh. oh my goodness. i am completely speechless and unprepared for this moment

because of the amazing company that i am in, i am so honored to have shared this moment on screen with such incredible, incredible creators. i admire all of you so very much i just want to thank my editor and everyone who was watching. sherry, amy tan, so many people that i am forgetting. my agent stephanie. i have to say, hi mom. i know she is watching and this is such a special moment. i want to thank so much, every one who shared their story with me for the book. writing this book was the biggest honor of my life. i felt like every single person that i interviewed was giving me

such a treasure and telling me their story. i learned so much from all of you. i learned from the boys, from all of the rescuers. most of all, i learned that human beings are capable of doing things that seem impossible. all we have to do is decide that it is important to us. i will carry that with me forever. carry that hope with me forever. thank you. >> christina, your book is the first book of nonfiction ever to win the prize in the category of young readers literature. congratulations and thank you for those special thoughts. now i would like to introduce the judges for the 2021 prize for fiction.

author -- book seller and critic bob and fiction editor lori. to introduce the finalists in the category of fiction, the prize judge. >> the finalists for the 2021 prize for fiction are the dangers of smoking in bed by mariana henriquez. this unsettling collection by a journalist who grew up in buenos aires during the dirty war. this examination of a sociopolitical climate of argentina. they were alternatively horrified, thrilled and

entertained by the author spectacularly twisted visions of daily life. a nightmare into reality and the supernatural woven into the every day. honorary -- [inaudible] how many 800 page novel command attention and open hearts on each and every page. this ambitious debut is a sweeping multigenerational story of black americans, especially black women living in a country haunted by its unrelenting pass. they love his mastery balancing. the narrative of race, history and family that will move and transform readers. my monticello.

this sharprp debut story collection captured cut straight to the lives of the american dream. the judges were enthralled by the historical and contemporary mapping by which black survival. a remarkable display of confidence and perceptiveness by major literary voice. it is unrepentant eye-opening novel of love and transgression, war and survival delivered to translate from finish by david. simultaneously t tender and cru.

stopping the judges in their tracks for the heroic trail for the dark part of human desire. [inaudible]nd after serious fiction, whitehead returns. it is engaging affectionate good humor and underpins this profound virtual author. theth judges of common marks to the underworld of 1950s harlem a display of a master novelist skill. >> haro by joyoy williams. american fiction comes this unsentimental visionary statement. a novel that offers a chilling vision of our future.

the judges applauded williams unapologetic rebuke to the generation. although more lacerating for the avoidance. a major contribution to the library of eco- fiction. >> congratulations to all of the finalists. the winner of the 2021 prize for fiction is joy is not able to join us live this evening, so she saved a message with her publisher. >> wow. thank you. before i read a statement from joy, i j want to just say thank you to this incredible group of

finalists for your work. she has honored to be in your company. what a group. she says that i am so grateful. she is grateful to everyone past and present who helped bring haro to the finish line and beyond. to my agents and to kelly blair for the striking cover design. i think of this book which was formed over so many years as set apart from the writing of it. there readers and judges by commending and honoring its heart have given presence. thank you. thank you. >> now for the final category of the evening. the judges for the 2021 prize in nonfiction are author. [inaudible] bookseller, kirkus critic and

kirkus nonfiction editor aaron luba child. the finalists in this category judge allman. >> the finalists for the 2021 kirkus prize for nonfiction are, a memoir by brian. this powerfully vulnerable and bleakly funny memoir reveals the authors struggling to shake off the role of a yay black man in america. easy redemption narrative showing how he gradually contains the salinity. the judges were baffled by the book's unique structure framed

by the poem. and by itself lacerating but ultimately hopeful insight. people love said use reports, haunted presence. in this potent provocative book offering a startling investigation of anti-semitism o in the context of how jewish history is. wour judges were impressed by e riveting study. especially her critique of the holocaust history. people love dead jews is a masterly combination of deep research, dark humor, fearless storytelling and original thoughts making it the unique and nesting addition to the literature on jewish history and culture.

all that she carried. the journey of ashley. black family keeps steak. a brilliant historical education generation to generation from the hands of an enslaved woman innd the 18 for these all the wy to its display at the smithsonian national museum of african-american history. in addition to her meticulous research, noted the authors covenant compassion and imagination. grippingip history creating a vision for survival and the triumph off black love as well s a model for repurchasing the path or regenerating relationships. speak you.

a-determia-determi ner journey through american loneliness. the subject of loneliness is a radical reconsideration and an opening and aching volume that transcends the limits of the graphic memoir genre. the words and images play intriguingly with and against one another. the boundaries between personal and communal subjective and objective. they were. enlightened whose recurring images and ideas linger after turning the last page. lightning flowers. my journey to uncover by catherine. the author who was diagnosed with a potentially deadly heart condition takes readers down the

rabbit hole of our flawed healthcare system in a volume that seamlessly blends the personal and political. the judges praise lightning flour as beautifully poetic. a book that takes big questions and allows for ambiguous answers horizontal vertigo. a city called mexico. translated by alfred. this portrait of an elusive city written by an acclaimed mexican and lucidly translated from spanish showcases the authors deep knowledge of mexico's history and natural setting as well as arts, literature and politics. the judges were exhilarated by the book's unfolding, accounts

and portraits which refuse to explain mexico city, but instead engage readers in deciphering a mystery of them metropolis for themselves. >> congratulations to all of the finalists. the winner of the 2021 kirkus prize for nonfiction is punch me up to the gods by brian. >> oh crap. oh geez. are you kidding me? wow. i do not know what to say. i am sitting here by myself because i thought that there was no way that this would be happening to me.

wow. i just want to thank all of the other authors in the category. it has been an honor to have my name mentioned in the same sentence as you for the past couple of weeks. thank you to kirkus reviews, the judges. this is overwhelming. thank you to my agent, danielle who is insightful and always encouraging. to my amazing editor. thank you so much. mom, i know that you are watching. thank you to my family and to my friends who have been so supportive throughout this whole process and throughout my whole life. i do not know what else i can say. i was not prepared.

thank you so much. it is so gratifying for someone like me to be in this position. it is amazing. i think that i have to make a few phone calls now. thank you guys. thank you. it's amazing. thank you. >> congratulations to all of tonight finalists and to our winners. it is so wonderful to see your joy this evening. the kirkus prize would not exist without the owners of the kirkus reviews. thank you for your unwavering support and generosity. i would also like to thank the judges and the staff and editors especially the incomparable vice president of marketing who made all the object happened tonight with michelle. brilliant and very hard-working editor and chief and our production team