Three writers with ties to Iowa have been named as finalists for the prestigious National Book Award. The finalists include Deesha Philyaw, Kawai Strong Washburn, and Rebecca Makkai, all of whom have connections to the state.
Deesha Philyaw, who was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, attended the University of Iowa’s Nonfiction Writing Program. Her book “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” has been recognized for its powerful and illuminating storytelling.
Kawai Strong Washburn, a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, has been nominated for his debut novel “Sharks in the Time of Saviors.” The novel tells the story of a Native Hawaiian family grappling with their identity and the supernatural.
Rebecca Makkai, who taught at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, is a finalist for her novel “The Great Believers.” The novel follows a group of friends in 1980s Chicago as they navigate the AIDS crisis and its impact on their lives.
The National Book Award is one of the most prestigious literary honors in the United States and recognizes excellence in American literature. The finalists were selected from a pool of talented writers across the country, making their recognition even more significant.
These three writers’ ties to Iowa showcase the state’s rich literary tradition and its influence on the literary world. Their nominations for the National Book Award are a testament to their talent and dedication to their craft.
The winners of the National Book Award will be announced at a virtual ceremony in November, where one writer from each category – fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young people’s literature – will be recognized for their outstanding work. The recognition of these Iowa-affiliated writers highlights the state’s continued impact on the literary landscape and its ability to produce top-tier talent.
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