Lorrie Moore Triumphs at National Book Critics Circle Awards, Judy Blume Shines Alongside

The literary world buzzed with excitement as Lorrie Moore clinched the prestigious prize for fiction. The National Book Critics Circle showered accolades on Judy Blume and the American Library Association, recognizing their unwavering commitment to the written word. Committee chair David Varno hailed Moore’s winning work as a “heartbreaking and hilarious ghost story” that delves into the essence of humanity amidst a backdrop of “voluntary insanity.” It’s no wonder they deemed it an unforgettable masterpiece from a revered American wordsmith.

Judy Blume, a beloved figure in the realm of literature, received the esteemed Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award. Her profound impact on readers and her impassioned advocacy against book bans have solidified her status as a literary luminary. In a gracious acceptance speech delivered from her bookstore sanctuary in Key West, Florida, Blume expressed gratitude to the American Library Association for their unyielding defense of intellectual freedom.

The American Library Association, a beacon of enlightenment in the realm of book culture, was honored with the Toni Morrison Achievement Award. Praised for their enduring dedication to equity and progressive initiatives, the ALA has been a stalwart defender against censorship and discrimination in the literary landscape. Their historic campaigns against library segregation and advocacy for LGBT+ literature stand as testaments to their pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive literary world.

The glittering awards ceremony at the New School in New York saw deserving winners across various categories. Jonny Steinberg’s poignant exploration of Nelson and Winnie Mandela’s marriage in “Winnie and Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage” earned him the biography award. Maureen Freely’s skillful translation of Tezer Özlü’s “Cold Nights of Childhood” from Turkish garnered her the translation accolade, highlighting the intricate art of bringing foreign works to new audiences.

In the realm of criticism and nonfiction, Tina Post’s “Deadpan: The Aesthetics of Black Inexpression” and Roxanna Asgarian’s “We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America” shone brightly, capturing the essence of their respective genres with finesse. Honorary awards were also bestowed upon exceptional individuals like Washington Post critic Becca Rothfield and NPR’s Marion Winik for their invaluable contributions to literary discourse.

The National Book Critics Circle, a venerable institution comprising esteemed reviewers and editors, continues to celebrate excellence in the literary sphere. As the night concluded, the words of Lorrie Moore and Judy Blume lingered in the air, a powerful testament to the enduring magic of storytelling and the transformative power of books.