Before the First Novel Prize winner is announced at the Annual Awards Benefit, join The Center for Fiction on Friday, December 1st to celebrate with the seven shortlisted authors (including our very own Christine Byl, for Lookout).
The First Novel Fête is a beloved tradition — a chance to gather for readings from the finalists' stunning work, catch up and mingle over snacks and drinks from the open bar, win door prizes from generous sponsors, and receive personalized book recommendations and literary tarot consultations. This year's Fête once again promises to be a fun, festive evening.
Doors open at 6:30pm, and readings begin at 7pm.
Funds raised by the First Novel Fête support The Center's public events, Emerging Writer Fellowships, reading groups and writing workshops, and KidsRead / KidsWrite educational programming for New York City public school students.
The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, first awarded in 2006, recognizes the year’s best debut novel as selected by a panel of distinguished American writers and carries with it an award of $15,000. This year’s judges are Hannah Lillith Assadi, Ayana Mathis, Tochi Onyebuchi, and Deesha Philyaw.
This year’s shortlisted nominees are:
Family Lore Elizabeth Acevedo (HarperCollins / Ecco)
Lookout Christine Byl (Deep Vellum / A Strange Object)
Pay As You Go Eskor David Johnson (McSweeney’s)
Moonrise Over New Jessup Jamila Minnicks (Hachette / Algonquin Books)
Night Wherever We Go Tracey Rose Peyton (HarperCollins / Ecco)
We Are a Haunting Tyriek White (Astra House)
Y/N Esther Yi (Astra House)