coming to you live from austin texas w. in this room celebrating with the start of the year. grateful for the opportunity to share this moment with so many fans all around the world. giving us an idea of what it would be like if we weren't

together tonight. caught up with some of this year's finalists over zoom. you can view the full conversations on kirkus.com. for now, let's just sit back,en grab a box of champagne and enjoyed as if we were all together in real life sharing these conversations. >> you want to start it off together? >> we are going to start out weird. hosting your fellow find a list in your home, what would we eat, what would b we drink and woulde be listening to music? >> wine, sparkling water, chocolate if some sort going on.

>> i have not had anybody in my house. >> everybody would have their own cake. >> my mom definitely send some delicious desserts for us. >> cocktails. i think that that would be a cocktail theme there. [laughter] >> what do people drink during the holidays? that was a the prohibition, rightou? >> still drinking. [laughter] regrettably, would be listening to the billboard top 100 of the year 1999. [laughter] it wouldn't in a dance party,

for sure. >> i am learning to cha-cha. [laughter] >> we would go crazy. [laughter] >> very nice. >> okay. i will -- what did writing this book teach you? [laughter] >> what did you learn or a little bit about what was the experience of writing this? >> i learned that the ancestors have a mind of their own. i can control.

a narrative that you cannot always control. kind of the results to my being. a woman, mother, partner. am i allowed to be at home? how do i want to move forward and how can i have a sense of hope? some really difficult things. >> finding a different way of doing it. finding the pleasure. >> the most important things that i learned. they don't always want to root for this.

inspiring me with some rules of fiction writing altogether. >> even if the subject matter is quite grim at times. the language is very rich. trying to represent what they can and re-create in a fresh way. >> things kind of have a different time. i kind of like them more than the original, i think. >> megan, i have to throw it to you now. >> the experience in the book, building a, book, is it

pleasurable to translate? >> it depends on where i was writing them. teaching myself how to write. i had two previous novels. i was a woman, some kind of essential thing, and then you rewrite. no. it has nothing to do with, you know, seeing yourself. the language has nothing to do with that. >> always a challenge, but one that i really enjoy. >> 154 nonfiction titles were eligible for this award.

your books were chosen as the best of the best of the best. congratulations on the recognition. the book was nominated for the turkish prize. how did it make you feel? .... .... got an e-mail -- i have four children. it was the first day that any of them had been in school for about a year and a half. >> i said i don't believe you. and i still don't believe her. i don't believe any of this is happening. >> i was like i got this amazing news, and i'm like wow, i'm alone in my house, and there's no one to talk about it with. >> as soon as i saw it, i started weeping. >> i had a call from a great friend, great editor, [inaudible] mcdonald, who was the man who put his finger on the book originally and said i think there's something going on here. >> at first, i thought i think

when good news happens, i just assume that like something has gone wrong. and then like throughout the day, i was like wait, this is great. >> the single fact of being published in the united states, it is a real treat for a mexican writer. >> what's the title of your book in spanish? so your book in spanish recollects spanish horizontal and vertical. you think vertigo is the mother of altitude. there are some spaces that are gigantic to foster a horizontal vertigo protects your timing was absolute perfect. it is this idea of infinite expansion outward with no end in sight for. >> i am looking right at you. i'm assuming out of all the books published in that last year i get the question the most.

>> the idea for the title came to me when i b was approached by smithsonian magazine went really i don't want to write an article about anne frank. that sounds like the last thingut i ever want to do the first line of the smithsonian was the opening essay in the book, people love dead jews living jews not so much. >> the title of the book is a punch me up to the gods. is something my father used to say to me when he would catch me doing something that was not masculine like writing for instancece. the title is somewhat of a challenge punch me i'm going to come back. >> are distant really creative

editor the journey. it helps propel people's lives all across the nation for. >> is a term that refers to the thin branched that covers the spotting of lightning strike survivors the pathha that strikes. taking the three shocks to the heart i felt marked but invisibly i did not know what the inside of my body look like i think there are a lot of ways we do not know actually what people's bodies look like in the world as a result of the medical system and within the american medical system. so lightning flowers. >> it's a great honor to be considered among books that are addressing critical issues

and literary intentions. >> the price recognize this remarkable achievement in writing and illustration. that recognition comes a form of one of the richest literary awards in the world. $50000 in three categories fiction nonfiction literature in addition to $50000 each winner will receive a trophy the trophy is a commission art piece created by the dual in london. every detail is handmade from the porcelain pages of the open book, to the handblown glass down in solid base. we create these each year as a gift of appreciation for their contributions as they are in the world.

note one could argue the price is w a most difficult literary award to win because our critics read more books than probably any other judging panel. 2021 prize our critics rent more than 10,000 books, which means thatd less than point to percent of the books read by our critics achieve the level of finalists. to be eligible for the prize a book must first earn a starred review. then the judges narrow it down to six finalists in each category and deliberate to choose a winner. i would like to welcome all of our finalists are joining us live via zoom from around the world. our first category tonight is young leaders literature. the judges for the 2021 prize for the young readers literature are librarian

crystal, carcass critic amy robinson and turkish young reader editor to choose the finalists and young readers literature judge naomi. >> the finalists for the 2021 carcass prize for young readers literature are, the surprising power of a good dumpling. this is a deeply poignant novel about growing up in an asian immigrant family with eight mother who suffers from a debilitating mental illness

sort above other fiction we're going to read this year. sensitive exploration of chinese a culture and attitudes towards mental health. by exploring a variety of teen issues from academic pressures to bullying the surprising power of a good dumpling moved us to tears and made us rejoice. the life i am in the judges were floored by the breathtaking novel. compared to groundbreaking 1998 novel the skin i am in never sensationalistic of human trafficking.

it is not just a typical coming of age story. it's depicted with clarity and honesty. this ripped from the headlines. legacy of the harlem renaissance by nikki grimes and multiple illustrators. a glorious introduction to the renaissance and women poets legacy is a spirited and empowering dialogue between grimes and her poetic grandmothers intertwining the emotions and experiences of black women past and present. the judges singled out its masterful use of the poetic form as well as the vibrant

eclectic illustrations by 19 contemporary black women artists. ♪ ♪ your mama illustrated by jacqueline. this joyful spin on your mama jokes features snappily rhythmic rhymes of fluidly incorporating words alongside energetic, expressive illustrations with the tattoo motif. the judges were thoroughly enchanted with motherhood and then latin x cultures. the incredible cave rescue of the soccer team by christina.

this work of middle grade nonfictionri is written the pacing of a thrilling adventure novel. all 13 brings to life each of the players from this true survival story in 2018. sensitively censuring thai culture. the judges were impressed by the authors meticulous research supported by informative sidebars and eye-catching color photos. >> unspeakable the massacre mccarroll boston west suffered illustrated by floyd cooper. this picture book gently but powerfully recounts the suppressed stories of the 2021

toll senate race for young readers with breathtakingra illustrations and equally sensitive text. deeply researched historicalis notes also draw personal connections to the senseless tragedy cooper who died this summer explains his own grandfather was a survivor of the massacre. it's too long been overlooked. >> he might have this category includes two picture books to middle grade books into pictures for teens and young adults.on congratulations to all the finalists. the winner of the 2021 for young readers literature 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 i am in, i am so honored to have shared this moment on screen with such incredible, incredible creators. i am fans of every single one of you. i v admire you so very much. i just want to thank my editor and everyone he was watching from candlewick. sherry, jamie, karen, and so many people i am forgetting my agent. i have to say hi mom because i know that she is watching and this is such a special moment.

i want to thank so much everyone who shared theirr stories with me for the book. writing this book is the biggest honor of my life. i feel like every single person that i interviewed, was giving me such a treasure in telling me their story. i learned so much from all of you. from all of the rescuers, most of all i learned that human beings are capable of doing things that seemm impossible. all we have to do is decide it is important to us. i'mrr going to carry that with me forever that help with me forever. thank you. >> christina, your book is the first work of nonfiction ever to win a carcass prize in the

category of young readers literature.nd congratulations and thank you for the special thoughts. now i would like to introduce the judges for the 2021 carcass prize for fiction. bookseller critic, and fiction editor laurie to introduce the finalists in the category of fiction, kirkus prize judge. >> the finalists for the 2021 kirkus prize perfection are the dangers of smoking embed translated by megan. unsettling collection of

stories by a journalist or group in bonus aris during the war struggles with multiple genre and examination of the political climate ofma argentin. the judges were thrilled and entertained by the author w spectacularly twisted vision of daily life when nightmare leads into reality the future under the supernatural's every day. >> how many 800 page novel commander readers full attention open hearts in each and every page? this ambitious suddenly accomplished debut as a sweeping multigenerational story especially black women living in the country haunted by an unrelenting pastor. the judges models the mastery

to forge a majestic narrative of great history that will move and transform leaders. >> my monticello this sharp debut story collection cast by the stunning cut straight to the life of the t american dream and realizes the truth the judges were enthralled of the historical and contemporary by scrupulous mapping which black survival. my monticello is a remarkable study of which by a major literary voice. ♪ ♪ translated. this unrepentant eye-opening

novel of love and transgression the survival of kosovo is delivered in limited prose finish. simultaneously tender, cruel stop the judges in their tracks with that shockingly controlled terminally into heroic tale that penetrates the dark heart. harlem shuffle after two landmark works of serious affection whitehead returned deceptively wicked ride engaging affectionate but humor and underpinned by the depths of this author. the judges reveled of condiment and mark running with the underworld of harlem it's technically polished good hard display of a master novelist skill.

>> haro by joy williams. because the unsentimental visionary statements and novel that offers a chilling vision of our inescapable future. unapologetic review with the aspirations all the more lacerating for its wit and avoidance. haro is a major contribution to the library of eco- fiction. >> congratulations to all the finalists. the winner of the 2021 kirkus prize for fiction is haro by joy williams. joy is not able to join us live this evening she sent a message with her publisher.

>> wow, thank you and before i read a statement from joy i want to say it thank you to this incredible group of finalists for your work. she is honored to be in your company, what a group. she, says i am so grateful to deb garretson thank you joy she's grateful to everyone past and present who helped to bring haro to the finish line and beyond to my agents into kelly blair for the striking cover design. i think of this book that was formed over so many years as an existence unto itself quite apart from the writing of it the readers and judges by commending and honoring his heart and given for their presence, thank you. thank you. >> and now for the final

category of the evening, the judges for the 2021 kirkus prize and nonfiction are author marsha bookseller karen kirkus critic margaret, and kirkus nonfiction editor eric. to introduce the finalists in this category kirkus prize judge karen. >> the finalists were 2021 kirkus prize for nonfiction or punch me up to the gods a memoir powerfully vulnerable bleakly sunny memoir it reveals the authors struggling to off the descriptive frequentlyth dangerous role of a

gay black man in america. an easy redemption narrative showing instead how weak gradually with the internalized masculinity. the judges were dazzled by the book's unique structure framed by gwendolyn's poem be real cool self lacerating but ultimately hopeful insight. report from a haunted and this potent provocative book horn offers a startling investigation of anti-semitism in the context of how jewish history is often voided and manipulated our judges were impressed by riveting study especially her critique of how jewish heritage and holocaust history are often presented people love it dead jews as a

masterly combination of deep research, dark humor barrel storytelling and original thought making it unique addition to the literature on jewish history and culture. all that she carried the journey of ashley a black family keepsake by ty at miles miles leads the reader on a historical explanation following an important generation from the hand of an enslaved woman in the 1850s all the way to display at the smithsonian national museum of african-american history. in addition to her meticulous research judges noted the authors evident compassion and imagination the gripping history creates a vision for

survival and the triumph of black love as well as a model for refocusing the past and re- generating relationships. eight journey through american loneliness by christian radke. the subject of loneliness gets a radical reconsideration in this open and aching volume that transcends the limits of the graphic memoir genre keeps the words and images play intriguingly against one another in a group that experiments with the boundaries between personal and communal subjective and objective judges were both constant and enlightened his recurring images and ideas linger long after touring the last page. lightning flowers, my journey to uncover saving a life by

catherine. the author who was diagnosed with a potentially deadly heart condition called congenital qt syndrome takes readers down the rabbit hole of art fatally flawed healthcare system in a volume that seamlessly blends the personal and political. the judges scrupulously philosophical book that takes big questions and allows for ambiguous answers. horizontal vertigo the city called mexico translated by alfred mcadam. this portrait of elusive city written by an acclaimed

novelist showcases the author's deep knowledge mexico city history and natural setting. art history and policy judges were exhilarated by the book's unfolding conversation, accounts and portrait which refused to explain mexico city but instead engage readers in deciphering that mystery of the metropolis for themselves. >> congratulations to all of thera finalists. the winner of the 2021 kirkus prize for nonfiction is punch me up to the gods by brian groome. >> oh crab. are you kidding me?

wow. i do not know what to say. i'm sitting here by myself because i thought there was no way, heck, this would be happening to me. wow. i want to thank all of the other authors in this category. it has been an honor to have my name mentioned in the same sentences as you for the past couple of weeks. thank you two kirkus reviews, the judges this is overwhelming. thank you to my agent, danielle who is indefatigable and always encouraging to my amazing editor, thank you so much mom i know you are watching, thank you to my family and my friends who have

been so supportive throughout this whole process and throughout my whole life. whoa. i do not know what else i can say. i was not prepared. just thank you so much it is soto gratifying for someone like me too be in t this position. it is amazing i think i probably need to make a few phone calls now. so thank you guys, thank you so very, very much it is amazing thank you, thank you. >> congratulations to all of tonight's the finalists into our winners. it is so wonderful to see your joy this evening. the kirkus prize would not exist without herbert simon and marv winkleman the owners of kirkus reviews thank you for your unwavering support and generosity. i would also like to thankev the judges and the editors of kirkus reviews. especially the incomparable

our vice president of marketing who made all of the magic happen tonight with this show. our brilliant and very hard-working editor-in-chief in our production team. thank you also to the awesome public library for sharing this beautiful space with us and thank you for joining we will see you next year, good night. >> suspends new mobile app and stay up-to-date with video coverage of historical events live stream of the house and senate floor in key congressional hearings to white house events at supreme court oral arguments even our live interactive programs "washington journal". hear your voices every day at c-span now has you covered. download the app for free today. >> weekends on cspan2 or intellectual feast every

saturday history to date documents story and on sundays book tv brings you the latest and nonfiction books and authors funding for cspan2 comes from these television companies and more including charter communications. >> broadbent is event that's what charter invested billions in infrastructure, upgrading technology empowering opportunity in communities big and small. charter is connecting us. >> charter communications along with these television companies support cspan2 as a public service. now on book tvs after words programs former new york city police department commissioner discusses his leadership in law enforcement over three decades authors thought on policing america he's interviewed by charles ramsey former philadelphia police commissioner chief of the