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National Book Award for Fiction

One of the most prestigious literary prizes in the United States, administered by the National Book Foundation.

Established

1950

Country

United States

Prize

$10,000

Frequency

annual

fiction
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the National Book Award for Fiction?

The National Book Award for Fiction is one of the United States' most prestigious literary prizes. Established in 1950, it honors the best fiction published in the United States during the preceding year. Winners receive a $10,000 prize and a bronze sculpture.

2

Who can win the National Book Award?

The National Book Award for Fiction is open to U.S. citizens for books published in the United States during the award year. The work must be a novel, short story collection, or other form of fiction.

3

What books have won the National Book Award for Fiction?

Recent winners include "James" by Percival Everett (2024), "Blackouts" by Justin Torres (2023), and "The Rabbit Hutch" by Tess Gunty (2022). Browse the complete list of 20 winners below.

Notable Past Winners

Explore some of the most celebrated books that have won the National Book Award for Fiction, from groundbreaking debuts to literary masterpieces that have shaped contemporary literature.

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2024 Winner

James

by Percival Everett

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2023 Winner

Blackouts

by Justin Torres

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2022 Winner

The Rabbit Hutch

by Tess Gunty

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2021 Winner

Hell of a Book

by Jason Mott

Award Winners

20 winners recorded from 2005 to present

2024
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James

by Percival Everett

2023
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Blackouts

by Justin Torres

2022
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The Rabbit Hutch

by Tess Gunty

2021
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Hell of a Book

by Jason Mott

2020
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Interior Chinatown

by Charles Yu

2019
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Trust Exercise

by Susan Choi

2018
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The Friend

by Sigrid Nunez

2017
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Sing, Unburied, Sing

by Jesmyn Ward

2016
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The Underground Railroad

by Colson Whitehead

2015
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Fortune Smiles

by Adam Johnson

2014
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Redeployment

by Phil Klay

2013
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The Good Lord Bird

by James McBride

2012
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The Round House

by Louise Erdrich

2011
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Salvage the Bones

by Jesmyn Ward

2010
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Lord of Misrule

by Jaimy Gordon

2009
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Let the Great World Spin

by Colum McCann

2008
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Shadow Country

by Peter Matthiessen

2007
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Tree of Smoke

by Denis Johnson

2006
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The Echo Maker

by Richard Powers

2005
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Europe Central

by William T. Vollmann