Nominated By BPL Librarians and Staff Members, Titles Reflect Brooklyn’s Inclusive and Dynamic Spirit
BROOKLYN, NY—Brooklyn Public Library announced today the longlists for the 2022 Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize for fiction and nonfiction/poetry, recognizing writing that exemplifies the spirit of Brooklyn. The prize is selected by librarians and staff and draws on their broad knowledge of literature and contemporary writing, and the deep relationships they have with patrons in every neighborhood of the borough.
“The 24 titles which comprise the 2022 Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize represent the brightest and most evocative writers working today including the voices of those who have, for too long, been overlooked,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “From short stories to poetry, from novels to nonfiction, the selections here—connected to the borough by author, subject matter or theme—embody the Library’s mission to spark meaningful conversation about the urgent social and political issues of our time.”
Comprised of a wide range of voices, the long list includes debut authors, women, non-binary and bi-gender writers and features essays, novels, memoirs, nonfiction and three books of poetry. The selections also cover a wide variety of topics including race, sexuality, immigration, poverty, health care, climate change, art, travel, love, and loss.
Brooklyn figures prominently in several of the fiction selections–in Sunset Park, a depressed wedding planner helps clients on the happiest days of their lives. A queer disabled poly protagonist crosses the Brooklyn Bridge on her bicycle, searching for her first love. Four young men, after a stint in juvenile detention, explore the city’s wonders—the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, and the Brooklyn Bridge—hoping to start life anew.
In the nonfiction category, journalist Andrea Elliott introduces readers to one of the 100,000 homeless school children in New York City, and her life in a Brooklyn shelter. Mickey Rowe, an autistic actor, recounts his journey from Seattle to the Broadway stage, while Rajiv Mohabir traces his journey from Florida to New York, by way of Varanasi, India, a sacred Hindu City.
"This year's nominees reflect a variety of experiences, voices, and genres. We are proud to have put together two lists that defy literary conventions, break down barriers, and tackle difficult subjects with heart and thoughtfulness. Selected by a group of library workers with different perspectives, we believe that these lists reflect both the interests and concerns of our diverse Brooklyn community. We hope that by highlighting these exciting books, we celebrate the inspiring and sometimes challenging ideas that can be found in the stories that most resonate with us," said Librarian Jess Harwick, who chairs the BPL Book prize committee.
The Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize was first established in collaboration with the Brooklyn Eagles, a group of young and engaged Brooklynites who are passionate about Brooklyn Public Library and work to engage new patrons, promote the Library as a cultural center, and build a vibrant community around the resources the library offers. The shortlist nominees will be announced this fall with the final winners announced in November.
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY 2022 LITERARY PRIZE LONGLISTS
Alphabetical by author last name
Fiction
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Doubleday
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Tor Books
What Storm, What Thunder by Myriam J. A. Chancy
Tin House
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
Flatiron Books/Macmillan
My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
Saga Press
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Knopf
Panpocalypse by Carley Moore
Feminist Press
Las Biuty Queens by Iván Monalisa Ojeda
Astra House
Kaikeyi by Vaishanvi Patel
Red Hook (Orbit)/Hachette
My Volcano by John Elizabeth Stintzi
Two Dollar Radio
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Viking/Penguin
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
Tor Books
Nonfiction and Poetry
The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth Alexander
Grand Central Publishing
¡Hola Papi!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer
Simon & Schuster
Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City by Andrea Elliott
Random House
Punks: New and Selected Poems by John Keene
Song Cave
The Hurting Kind by Ada Limón
Milkweed Editions
Cost of Living: Essays by Emily Maloney
Henry Holt and Company
Antiman: A Hybrid Memoir by Rajiv Mohabir
Restless Books
Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage by Mickey Rowe
Rowman & Littlefield
Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America by Mayukh Sen
W.W. Norton & Company
Customs by Solmaz Sharif
Graywolf Press
Warmth: Coming of Age at the End of Our World by Daniel Sherrell
Penguin
How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith
Little, Brown and Company
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.