5 University of Iowa writers make the prestigious National Book Award long list
Three University of Iowa graduates and two faculty members made the National Book Award longlist. Winners will be announced Nov. 20.
In a literary plot twist that would make even the most imaginative fiction writer proud, the University of Iowa has emerged as a powerhouse in this year’s National Book Award competition. Five authors with ties to the Hawkeye State have found their names etched on the prestigious longlist, proving that sometimes, the pen is indeed mightier than the combine harvester.
The National Book Awards, often dubbed the Oscars of the literary world, has recognized the talents of three University of Iowa graduates and two faculty members across multiple categories. This impressive showing underscores Iowa’s reputation as a nurturing ground for literary excellence, particularly through its renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
The Hawkeye literary stars
In the fiction category, two Iowa-connected authors have made the cut:
Kaveh Akbar, an associate professor and director of the undergraduate English and creative writing major at the University of Iowa, has been recognized for his novel “Martyr!” Akbar, already acclaimed for his poetry collections, is proving his versatility in the world of prose.
Tony Tulathimutte, a 2012 MFA graduate from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, earned a nod for “Rejection.” Tulathimutte, who runs a writing class in Brooklyn, is no stranger to accolades, having previously won an O. Henry Award and a Whiting Award.
The nonfiction category features Deborah Jackson Taffa, a 2013 MFA graduate from the UI Nonfiction Writing Program. Taffa’s memoir “Whiskey Tender” has caught the judges’ attention. As a citizen of the Quechan (Yuma) Nation and Laguna Pueblo, Taffa brings a unique perspective to her writing.
Poetry, a genre long associated with Iowa’s literary tradition, sees two nominations:
m.s. RedCherries, a 2021 MFA graduate from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, has been recognized for “mother.” RedCherries, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, showcases the diverse voices nurtured at Iowa.
Elizabeth Willis, a faculty member in the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, received a nod for “Liontaming in America.” Willis, a seasoned poet with six books to her name, including a Pulitzer Prize finalist, continues to push the boundaries of poetic expression.
The 2024 National Book Awards
The National Book Award longlist includes 10 titles in each of five categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature. Finalists will be announced on October 1, and the winners will be revealed on November 20.
As the literary world holds its breath for the final results, one thing is clear: the University of Iowa’s legacy as a crucible for literary talent remains as strong as ever. Whether through its acclaimed writing programs or its nurturing faculty, Iowa continues to produce authors who capture the imagination of readers and critics alike.
In a world where the next great American novel could just as easily emerge from a cornfield as a coffee shop, these Iowa-connected authors remind us that great writing knows no boundaries – geographical or otherwise.
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