funding comes from these television companies and more. including cox. >> committed to providing eligible families access to affordable internet. along with these television companies support c-span2 is a public service. >> welcome to the 2021 kirkus prize. i am coming to you live from the public library in downtown austin texas. like last year, we wish you were in this room with us celebrating with the literary stars of the year. we are grateful for the opportunity to share this moment with so many 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's some of this year's finalists over zoom and recorded their pre-parties. you can feel the full conversation, but for now, let's just sit back, grab a glass of champagne and enjoy it as if we were all together in real life sharing these conversations. >> you want to started off weird or more together? >> let's go weird. [laughter] we will start out weird. if you are hosting your fellow finalist in your home for this talk tail party, what would we eat, what would we drink and what would we be listening to music? >> i'm sure there would be wine, sparkling water, something going

on the mac i would go crazy. i have not had anybody in my house. >> not the little ones, but the big ones. >> my mom definitely send some delicious desserts for us. iou think that that would be a cocktail theme there. >> four people that want shots, i have them available fema keeping them from drinking. thanks to the shots. [laughter] >> we would be listening to the billboard top 100 of the year 1999. we would end with a dance party, for sure.

i'm learning the cha-cha dance right now. the mech we would just really go crazy. >> i will lay one of those inside the studio. the mac what did writing this book teach you? the mech what did you learn are a little bit about what was the experience of writing this book? >> i learned how tired i could be. i also learned that the ancestors have a mind of their own. control the contemporary year. a narrative that you cannot

always control. kind of a result of my being. as a woman, as a mother, as a partner, as a daughter. how are we going to move forward and how do i want to move forward? having a sense of hope wholeness mac finding different ways of doing it. breaking out of my usual mode. he met most supportive thing , present someone who is a leader that does not always want tont move forward in every singe tone.

disregarding some rules of fiction writing altogether. >> even if the subject matter is quite grim at time. the language is very rich. i think translators and trying to represent as best as they can re-creating in a fresh way what is being said. >> in translation, things kind of have a different time. more than i originally, i think. >> i have too throw it to you, now.rn i feel like i learned a lot about writing with every writer that i translate. it wase, very pleasurable to translate even though it's

pretty dark. >> i think teaching myself how to write. i was a woman. some kind of essential. and then i realized, no, it has nothing to deal with, you know, the language does not have to do with that. one that i really enjoy. .... .... 454 nonfiction titles eligible for this award, and your books were chosen as the best of the best of the best. congratulations on the

recognition. how did you learn the news that your book was nominated for the prize, and how did it make you feel? >> my publicist e-mailed me the news. >> i heard the news from my editor. >> my editor called me. >> i think i 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 [laughter] and i said i do not believe you. and i still do not believe her. i don't believe any of this is happening for. >> i'm like i've got this amazing news and i am alone in my house. quick as soon as i sought i started weeping. >> i had a call from a great friend, great editor who is the man his put his finger on the book originally funds that i think there is something going on here. >> at first irs thought i think

good things happen i assume something's gone wrong. and then throughout the book it's great, this is great for. >> single being published in the united states is a real treat for our mexican writer. >> what is the title of your book in spanish? you think vertigo is a matter of altitude but there is some spaces that are gigantic enough to foster a kind of horizontal vertigo. >> the title is absolute perfect. this idea of infinite expansion with no end in sight. >> why was this the right title i'm looking right at you. i seem out of all of the books published in the last year i get this question the most. >> my book is called the idea

for the title came to me when i was approached by smithsonian magazine to write an article about anne frank. while i really do not want to write an article about anne frank that sounds like the last thing i ever want to do. the first line is the smithsonian is the opening at the end of the book is people love dead jews, living jews not so much. their book sort of takes that idea and runs with it. >> punch me up to the gods is something my father used to say when my father would catch me doing something that was not masculine like writing for instance. and so it's kind of like a challenge. go ahead, punch me i'm going to come back. >> all that she carried journey of a keepsake.

>> is a thinned blanche burns that cover the body of a lightning strike survivors. the path electricity takes to the body following water. my book opens with the night i took three accidental sharks to the heart for my defibrillator taken those three shocks to the heart feels marked and visibly i did not know the inside of my body could have looked like i think there a lot of ways we don't know actually the people's bodies look like in the world as a result of the american medical system and within the american medical system itself. so lightning flowers. >> it is such a great honor to be considered in books that are addressing critical issues and literary intention.

>> the kirkus prize recognizes remarkable achievement and illustration. that recognition bridges literary awards in the world. $15000 in three categories fiction, nonfiction and young readers literature. in addition to $50000, each winter will receive a trophy for the trophy as a commissioned art piece created by the duo. every detail is handmade from the porcelain pages of the open book to the handblown glass and down in solid base. we create these each years as a gift of appreciation for those contribution that winners make to your industry, art, and the world. no one could argue the kirkus prize is the most difficult

literaryor award to win because our critics read more books than probably any other judging panel. the 2021e kirkus apprise our critics run more than 10,000 books. that means less than point to percent of the books read by our critics achieved the level of kirkus prize finalists. to be eligible for the prize a book first must earn a starter view than the judges there 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 via zoom from around the world. our first category tonight is young readers literature. the judges for the 2021 kirkus prize for young readers literature are, author naomi,

librarian crystal, kirkus critic amy robinson, and kirkus young reader editor. to introduce the finalists in the category of young readers literature kirkus prize and judge naomi. [background noises] >> the finalists for the 2021 kirkus prize for young readers literature are, the surprising power of a good dumpling. this deeply poignant novel about growing up in an asian immigrant family with a mother who suffers from an debilitating mental illness soared above other young adult fiction the judges read this

year. sensitive exploration of chinese culture and attitudes towards mental health. by exploring a variety of teen issues from academic pressures comment to bullying and first romance. the surprising power of a good dumpling, moved us to tears and made us rejoice. the light on invite sharon g flake. the judges were floored by this breathtaking young adult novel the companion to groundbreaking 1998 novel the skin i am in. here is authors a beautifully honest but never sensationalistic portrayal of human trafficking. this is not just a typical coming of age story.

it is teen protagonist depicted in the clarity and honesty's vivid exposé ripped from the headlines. >> old legacy poets of the harlem renaissance and multiple illustrators. a glorious introduction to the harlem renaissanceou and women poets legacy is as 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 it's a masterful use as well as the vibrance eclectic illustrations by 19

contemporary black women artists. your mama illustrated by jacqueline, this joyful spin on your mama jokes features a snappy rhythmic fluently incorporating spanish words alongside intergenic expressive illustrations with a tattoo motif. the judges were thoroughly enchanted by this vital celebration of motherhood and the latin x cultures. ♪ ♪ all 13 incredible cave rescue of the soccer team might christina. this work of middle grade

nonfiction is written with the suspense and pacing of eight thrilling adventure novel. all 13 brings to life each of the players and the true survival story that made global headlines in 2018 sensitively centering thai culture. the judges were impressed by the author's research supported by informativeve sidebars and eye-catching color photos. ♪ ♪ unspeakable the recent massacre by rutherford illustrated by floyd cooper. this picture book gently but powerfully recounts the suppressed story of the 1921 race massacre for young

readers this breathtaking illustrations and equally sensitive text. deplete research historical notes also draw personal connections to the senseless tragedy. cooper who died this summer explains his own grandfather is a survivor of the massacre. the judges proved unspeakable as an illuminating beacon on a tragedy that has too long been overlooked. >> this category includes few picture books to middle grade books intoo books for teens or young adults. congratulations to all of the finalists. the winner of the 2021 kirkus apprise 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 it was such incredible, incredible creators. i am fans of every single one of you i admire you so very much. i just want to thank my editor andrea, and everyone who was watching from candlewick. sherry, jamie, karen in 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 thanks so much everyone whoth shared their

story with me for the book. writing this book was the biggest honor of myi 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. ii learned so much from the boys, from coach, from all of the rescuers, most of all i learned human beings are capable of doing things that eseem impossible. all we have to do is decide it isha important to us. i'm going to carry that with me, carry that hope with me forever so thank you so much to the committee, thank you. >> christina, your book is the first work of nonfiction ever to win a kirkus apprise in the category of young reader literature. congratulations and thank you for the special thoughts.

now i would like to introduce the judges for the 2021 kirkus prize for fiction. bookseller. kirkus critic and kirkus fiction editor laurie. to introduce the finalists in the category of fiction kirkus apprise a judge. >> the finalists for the 2021 kirkus prize for fiction are the dangers of smoking in bed. translated by megan mcdowell. unsettling collection of stories by a journalist to grow up and point during the

war struggled multiple genres and examination the political climate,li argentina. they were horrified, thrilled andst entertained by the author's spectacularly twisted vision of daily life were nightmare bleats into reality in the supernatural is woven into the everyday. by andre. how many 800 page normal and open hearts on each and every page? this ambitious steadily accomplish debuts a sweeping multigenerational story of black americans, especially black women living in a country haunted by a pastor. the judges of marvels the mastery is epic and intimately appalling in the affirming for

digestive narrative of family that will move and transform readers. ♪ ♪ >> might monticello by johnson. sharp collection cuts straight to the lives of the american dream and rewrites the truth. the judges were enthralled by johnson savvy historical and contemporary and buyer scrupulous and mapping of of black survival meansla hope. might monticello is a remarkable display of wit, confidence perceptive by major literary voice. ♪ ♪ bola is unrepentant eye-opening novel of love and transgression, war and survival is delivered in prose

from finish by david haxton. tender, cruel and unflinching stops the judges in their tracks of the shockingly visceral heroic tale that penetrates the dark heart of human desire. ♪ ♪ after two landmark works of serious fiction whiteheadsed returns with deceptively wicked ride engage in affectionate vacuum or by the depths we expect from this profoundly versatile author. the judges by tale of conmen that went to the underworld polishes a good hundred of a master novelist skill. pero by joy williams.

from oneon of the most celebrated voices in american fiction comes in unsentimental visionary statement a novel that offers a chilling vision of our inescapable utopian future. the judges applauded williams on a product rebuke of the aspirations of the boomer generation, all the more lacerating for its wit and avoidance. harrow is a major contribution to the library of eco- fiction. >> congratulations to all of the finalists. the winner of>> the 2021 kirkus prize for fiction is harrow by joy i williams. joy is not able to join us live this evening so she sent a message with her publisher. >> oh wow, thank you.

before i read a statement from joy i want to just say 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, joint, she's grateful to everyone past and present who helped bring harrow to the finish line in beyond. to my agent imagine urban and multi atlas into kelly blair for the striking cover design. i think of this book which was formed over so many years as an existence unto itself quite apart from the writing of it. the readers and judges of kirkus by commanding and honoring have given harrow for their presence, thank you, thank you. >> and now for the final category of the evening, the

judges for the 2021 kirkus apprise and nonfiction are, author bookseller karen auburn, kirkus critic margaret, and kirkus nonfiction editor. to introduce the finalists in this category kirkus prize judge karen. >> the finalists the 2021 kirkus apprise for nonfiction are, and memoir by brian this powerfully vulnerable funny memoir it reveals the struggling to shake off the descriptive role of a gay black man in america. bringing with it an easy

redemption narrative showing instead howte he gradually comes to terms with the masculinity. the judges were dazzled by the books structure framed by gwendolyn and by self lacerating ultimately hopeful insight. most judges reports from a constant presence by airhorn in the potent provocative book horn offers a startling investigation in the context of how jewish history is often exploited and manipulated. our judges were impressed by horne's riveting study, especially how jewish heritage and holocaust history are often misrepresented people of dead jews as a masterly combination of deep research,

dark humor, fearless storytelling and original thought making it the unique addition to the literature on jewish history and culture. all that she carried, the journey of ashley a black family keepsake bite tie at miles. miles leads readers on a thrilling historical exploration following in border generations from the hands of an enslaved woman in the 1850s all the way to its display at the smithsonian national museum of african-american history. in addition to her meticulous research, noted the authors evident compassion and imagination. gripping history, mount creates a vision for survival in the triumphant's model for

repurchasing the past and for regenerating relationships. a journey through american loneliness by christian radke. the subject of loneliness gets a radical reconsideration in the open and aching body that transcends the limits of the graphic memoir genre that keeps words and images intriguingly against one another in a book that experiments with the boundaries between a personal, communal, subjective and objective. the judges of both haunted and enlightens his recurring images and ideas turning the last page. lightning flowers, my journey to uncover bite catherine.

theri author or the potentially deadly heart condition called congenital long qt syndrome takes readers on the rabbit hole of our fairly flawed healthcare system in a volume that seamlessly blends the personal and political. the judges praised lightning flower as both a brutally poetic and scrupulously philosophical. a book that takeslo big questions and allows for ambiguous answers. ♪ ♪ horizontal virgo city called mexico translated by alfred mcadams. this portrait of an elusive city printed by an acclaimed mexican novelist and loosely translated from spanish showcases the authors a deep

knowledge of mexico city history and natural setting as well as its art, literature and politics. the judges were exhilarated by the unfolding conversation which refused to explain mexico city but instead engaged readers in deciphering the mystery of the metropolis for themselves. >> congratulations to all of the finalists. the winner of the 2021 kirkus prize for nonfiction is punch me up to theod gods by brian grimm. >> oh, crab. oh geez, are you kidding me? wow.

i do not know what to say. i'm sitting here by myself because i thought there was no wayou in heck this would be happening to me. wow, i just want to thank all of the other authors in this 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, from the judges, this is overwhelming. thank you to my agent, danielle is indefatigable and always encouraging. to my amazing editor, thank you so much mom, i know you're 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 so gratifying forto someone like me too be in 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 thank you, thank you. >> congratulations to all of tonight's the finalists and to our winners it is so wonderful to see your joy this evening. it kirkus prize would not exist without her simon and mark winkelman thank you for your unwavering support and generosity. i also like to thank the judges and the staff and editors of kirkus reviews. especially the incomparable sarah our vice president and marketing who made all of the

magic happen tonight with the show. our brilliant and very hard-working editor-in-chief and ourod production team. thank you also to the awesome public library for sharing this beautiful space with us. thank you for joining, we will see you next year good night. >> download c-span's new mobile app and stay up-to-date with live video coverage series of events from live streams at the house and senate floor and key congressional hearings and supreme court oral arguments even our live internet "washington journal" your voices every day. c-span now has you covered download the app for free today. >> weekends on cspan2 are an intellectual feast. every saturday documents

stories and on sunday book tv brings you the latest and nonfiction books and authors. funding for cspan2 comes from these television companies and more including cox. >> cox is committed to providing eligible families access to affordable internet makes digital divide one at a time, clocks bringing us closer along with these television company support cspan2 as a public service. >> no on book tvs after words program, heather mcgee examines the cost of racism for all americans. she's interviewed by author harvard university professor. >> i am so delighted to be here today with heather mcgee someone of whom i am a huge fan. he got to know her when she