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Announcing the finalists for the $50,000 Gotham Book Prize: Share a New York narrative.

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NEW YORK — The Gotham Book Prize has revealed its 14 finalists for this year’s prestigious award, which comes with a substantial $50,000 prize recognizing exceptional writing—whether fiction or nonfiction—that encapsulates the essence of New York City. Among the contenders are notable works such as Rumaan Alam’s “Entitlement,” Ian Frazier’s “Paradise Bronx,” and Lisa Ko’s “Memory Piece.”

Founded in 2020 by businessman and philanthropist Bradley Tusk alongside political strategist Howard Wolfson, the prize emerged as a response to the pressing need for impactful literature highlighted during the pandemic. The founders expressed that their experience during these challenging times deepened their appreciation for the literary arts.

Other finalists include Xochitl Gonzalez’s “Anita de Monte Laughs Last,” Prithi Kanakamedala’s “Brooklynites,” Guy Trebay’s “Do Something,” Joél Leon’s “Everything and Nothing at Once,” and Muriel Leung’s “How to Fall in Love in a Time of Unnameable Disaster.” Nicole Gelinas’ “Movement” also joins this impressive list.

Additional nominees are Yasmin Zaher’s “The Coin,” Karen Valby’s “Swans of Harlem,” Tricia Romano’s “The Freaks Come Out to Write,” Anna Akbari’s “There Is No Ethan,” and Andrew Boryga’s “Victim.” The winner of this esteemed award is set to be unveiled in the spring.

In a joint statement, Tusk and Wolfson emphasized the significance of these works, noting, “Each of these 14 finalists have captured a compelling and unique slice of the New York City story. Whether fiction or nonfiction, set in decades past or even the future, these books reflect the vibrancy, complexity, and resilience that define New York.”

Notably, past winners of the Gotham Book Prize have included Colson Whitehead’s “Crook Manifesto” and Andrea Elliott’s nonfiction piece, “Invisible Child.”