NEW YORK – The illustrious Gotham Book Prize for this year was awarded to writers who delve into the essence of New York City through on-foot, bus, and train experiences.
Ian Frazier, celebrated for his work “Paradise Bronx: The Life and Times of New York’s Greatest Borough,” and Nicole Gelinas, author of “Movement: New York’s Long War to Take Back Its Streets from the Car,” are the honored recipients who will share the $50,000 prize. This award is presented to works that “encourage and honor writing about New York City,” as revealed by award officials on Monday.
This commendable prize was initiated in 2020 by philanthropists and political strategists Bradley Tusk and Howard Wolfson. Their aim was to “uplift the creative community” amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Frazier’s “Paradise Bronx” vividly brings to life the borough’s rich tapestry, drawing from his extensive experiences of walking through its streets. He intricately ties together elements ranging from the Revolutionary War to baseball and hip-hop culture. On the other hand, Gelinas’ “Movement” aligns with classics like Robert Caro’s “The Power Broker,” chronicling the passionate efforts of New Yorkers to safeguard and enhance their city’s mass transit systems.
“This year, we are proud to award the Gotham Book Prize to two outstanding works of non-fiction that combine rigorous research with a unique point of view to illuminate the rich and complex history that makes New York City great,” Tusk and Wolfson declared in a statement.
The Gotham Book Prize has previously recognized exceptional works such as:
2021: James McBride for “Deacon King Kong.”
2022: Andrea Elliott for “Invisible Child.”
2023: John Wood Sweet for “The Sewing Girl’s Tale,” and Sidik Fofana for “Stories from the Tenant Downstairs.”
Looking ahead to 2024, the prize will be awarded to Colson Whitehead for his “Crook Manifesto.”