The NBCC Celebrates 50 Years

The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is marking a significant occasion with the announcement of its first-ever longlist for the nonfiction genre, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The longlist, which was released on December 18, highlights the organization’s commitment to honoring exceptional writing in the literary field.

A Look at the Nonfiction Longlist

This year’s nonfiction longlist includes compelling titles like The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq by Steve Coll and Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham. Other noteworthy entries feature A Fatal Inheritance: How a Family Misfortune Revealed a Deadly Medical Mystery by Lawrence Ingrassia and The Freaks Came Out to Write: The Definitive History of the Village Voice by Tricia Romano.

Recognition Beyond Nonfiction

In addition to the nonfiction category, the NBCC recognizes outstanding works in fiction, biography, autobiography, criticism, and poetry each year. Special awards, such as the Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize and the John Leonard Prize for debut authors, further highlight the diversity and talent within the literary community. The 2023 nonfiction winner, We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America by Roxanna Asgarian, set a high standard for this prestigious award.

The 2024 finalists for the NBCC Awards are set to be revealed on January 23, 2025, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 20, 2025. This longlist announcement is a hopeful preview of the compelling works that continue to emerge in the realm of literature.