"It is a truth universally acknowledged that I am obsessed with the Pulitzer Prize" -Yes! I'm right there with you, Greg. Excited to see who wins this year!
Just watched the awards and had to come back to watch this again. Hard to believe none of the books on your list were in the mix. I was rooting for North Woods. Hard to believe it wasn’t even a finalist.
I am always thrilled that so many people are so passionate about novels! I am far from being a strong reader. I have once read all or most of an abridged children's version of 'Black Beauty'. I think that these judges who read so many novels are geniuses!
Best wishes on what you choose to read, I hope you get some great stories. I'm currently at page 770 of the Count of Monte Cristo and still got some way to go. Enjoyable but I might be some time! Happy reading.
This is a great feature, thank you, Greg. I’m not sure there’s anyone else out there with their finger as on the pulse of the Pulitzer as you. I often (respectfully) disagree with your takes, but I broadly agree with you here: I liked (but didn’t love) Northwoods. I loved HaEGS (but not as much as GLB). I enjoyed Tom Lake initially, but it has only grown in my estimation over time. I think it would be a super winner and is a fabulous pick. It helps that Patchett is so lovely irl. (I haven’t read Absolution, so can’t comment on that). Which is all to say, I’m team Tom Lake (and also team James McBride), while acknowledging how silly that is and what super books these all are. Thanks again!
I love Tom Lake, and I think it is very complex. The structure, the tone. The fact that it is as much about the pandemic as it is about the agency of women. The weaving of Chekhov and Wilder’s themes with her own story. Patchett is a master novelist, and I think what she does so much better than anyone else is capture actual life. Something very dramatic *does* happen in this book, but Patchett understands that these things simply happen. People make their choices and their lives play out accordingly. I always think that if Ann Patchett wrote a book about somebody who had to cut their own arm off to survive, she would not focus on the moment that the arm gets cut off. She would focus on that person‘s life, after the fact, and she would show us a very relatable and mundane life. And that is her brilliance. She makes every single character she writes a mirror for the reader. She understands that the vast majority of people go through life fairly happy, fairly content, and focused on loving other people. Tom Lake and The Dutch House are great novels for this reason. But for what it’s worth, I am predicting that they do take the bold step of giving this award to Chain Gang All-Stars this year.
I've been waiting on the audiobook for Tom Lake because it's narrated by Meryl Streep. This is making me anxious to get ahold of it! The Dutch House was an amazing book, and I'd love to see Patchett win.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep and loved it! ❤️ Now I want the book to read and keep on my shelf. I think it’s going to be a fun yearly summer read for me, that’s how much I enjoyed it!
So many great possibilities. My local library has a book club. The August book will be this year's winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. They give us a copy at the July meeting!
I wait for this video! Got lucky the last 5 yrs. and had already read the winner. This year, I just don't have a strong feel about the winner at all, so glad you have stirred the pot! I've only read the first 4 and dnf 2 others. Didn't love any of them. So I am cherry picking some of your pics, and hoping to find one that I love. Real appreciation for all your research and passion Greg!
My favorites to win are North Woods and This Other Eden. However, I also loved Tom Lake, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, and Let Us Descend! Wouldn’t mind if any of these win! Loved your video and picks Greg! ❤
Fantastic video. We all know (well, I'm not a Booktuber so I am only guessing) how hard it is to put this much work into posting a video like this. Thank you! And, oh, how I hope you are right. Ann Patchett is absolutely a champion of books, authors, the publishing industry and free speech (and next to you the reason my TBR is so damn long) and Tom Lake is very nearly a perfect book.
Wow, this was fantastic! You put so much work into this compilation. A few titles I haven’t heard of and will be happy to check out eventually. Before watching this, I would’ve picked North Woods (and will still be thrilled if it wins), but as you introduced each title and the argument for it, I found myself rooting for so many other books/authors. I can’t believe Toni Morrison was the last Black woman to win! I haven’t read most of these yet, so I’m going to focus the next few weeks to reading contenders, starting with Heaven & Earth, Tom Lake, and Let Us Descend. Thank you so much for going down the Pulitzer rabbit hole for us-your enthusiasm is contagious. Hi to Joel, & scritches & an Easter biscuit to Teddy.
Teddy has been loving Easter so far! I hope you enjoy any of the books you pick up. I honestly can’t believe Toni Morrison was the last black woman to win either. It’s shocking!
Hi Greg, just watching your video to get hyped for the announcement later! (I loved Hangman so it would make my day if it was listed though I agree it's pretty unlikely)
I enjoyed this video. Sadly, I could not champion North Woods. I own Tom Lake and look forward to reading it. I will add many of these to my tbr. Thank you
Wonderful podcast! Thank you so much. You've given me a new reading list for the month that remains until the announcement. Love your research and informed commentary.
I love this list, but I was deeply moved by Blackouts. I think what may hurt it is it’s experimental with images, photos, the sepia ink, etc. means it’s not “literature.” Still I was so moved.
I have been predicting North Woods for months and I’m sticking with it! Your best video of the many I’ve watched. Thank you … this had to have been a ton of work 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼
Ooh, I hope you're right! I would be slightly surprised (because there are other books that seem more obvious) but very happy if your prediction comes through.
Thank you for putting The Lost Journals onto my radar! I definitely am adding that to my tbr!!! I would be happy if Chain Gang won but I do want to read north woods and Heaven and earth as well. I didn’t entirely enjoy This Other Eden… it was well written but it felt otherworldly meaning I did not connect to any of the characters.
Thank you for this, full of insight and so much knowledge. Glad you feel 'free'to follow your true instincts for the winner. Felt sad by the 'complications or criteria of a chosen winner by the panel though, certainly informed me that sadly there is much more considered here than just the best book!
I think any time a prize is organized, it’s going to face multiple considerations-and ultimately, it’s impossible to identify a best book anyway because that’s such a subjective thing. So I don’t let it bother me too much as long as it feels they’re fulfilling their brief and giving everyone even footing.
Great video as always, Greg! Have read only a sliver of the contenders but my guess is Biography of X. I think it fits the bill as a story about American life, adds queer representation and a bit of a genre fiction twist with the alternate history setting to things the Pulitzer has undervalued so far. I think literary fiction has been moving strongly in the direction of embracing genre fiction, and while something like Chain Gang All-Stars is imo not gonna be viewed as elevated enough for the prize (rightly in my view, I wasn’t a fan, but no disrespect meant to those who loved it), I could see Lacey as striking a middle ground. Sleeper hit that I think was not mentioned in the video unless I missed it would be Ed Park’s Same Bed Different Dreams, which may not be viewed as “American enough” for the prize but he is an American author and it would not be the first time a “Korean book” by an American author gets the prize. I’ve yet to read it but I do see it frequently mentioned in literary communities as a breakout book, and I wouldn’t be terribly surprised to see it pull a Netanyahus style upset (a book that was positioned very similarly in the literary circles before its win in my memory).
I almost included Same Bed Different Dreams, but ultimately decided that genre bias would be too heavy against it. I think it would take something un-ignorable (not a word) to get a genre book in the conversation right now-like Chain Gang. And while I agree that literature itself is embracing genre conventions, I do think it will take a while for anything like the Pulitzer Board to catch up to that evolution. I would love for queer representation to get recognized-and since we aren’t far away from Less winning, it feels possible, but it also feels like it’s still a steep climb.
Phew - what a video. Thanks so much for your time, thoughts and passion for the Pulitzer, a few more to add to the TBR! I loved 'Tom Lake' (my first Patchett) for its quietness, gentle evolving of characters and the telling of difficult and powerful truths nonetheless. I was disappointed in 'North Woods' and having now read 'Barkskins' agree with your comment in a previous video that it 'better' covers the subject. Haven't read 'Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' yet but have it reserved from the library, hopefully available before May, but loved 'Deacon King Kong'. So, would be 'happy' to see either that or T. Lake win.
I've read 3 out of 4 of your top choices! I really loved "North Woods" the most out of those...the story and the writing... I'm wondering which of the many you talked about i should put on my TBR list... Great video and thanks so much for doing this!
Loved Tom Lake and I love Ann Patchett. I taught Our Town for years so this book really resonated with me. I agree about her being overdue. The Dutch House was a finalist a few years back, and I think Tom Lake is better in many ways (though not as sad!). North Woods completely passed me by and I'm interested to read that one. Thanks for your thoughtful comments!
Brand new to your channel. Love your passion and research on the Pulitzer. It was a great crash course for me, and other viewers, too (I’m sure). This was my biggest reading year, personally and also a year that I paid more attention to the publishing world. I’m surprised to learn that not only have I read many of your predictions but that I also agree with several options. My top choices are North Woods and Chain Gang All Stars. Haven’t read Wellness or Tom Lake yet but they are on my shelf.
Loved the video...too bad I'm listening at work because I would have taken a shot every time you said cilantro ...lol....loved all your commentary. Fabulous. 😘
Thanks for another year of this labor of love, Greg. I’d celebrate an Ann Patchett win for all the reasons you cited, but honestly I think the board might be too snobby to award a Reese’s Book Club pick 😬 I had a dream last month that Tremor won the Pulitzer, so now I’m kinda rooting for it because I think that would be funny for me. I haven’t even read it! But I have to agree with another commenter below-I would LOVE to see it go to Same Bed Different Dreams. It’s not quite as sci-fi as it seems, it just has a character who is a sci-fi novelist. Still a longshot, but I’m not counting it out just yet.
I feel like book clubs have become so common anymore that people are more likely to ignore the sticker. Demon Copperhead was an Oprah pick (but she’s been in the book club game way longer than the others). It would be so funny if you dreamed the winner! I didn’t know Same Bed wasn’t actually very sci-fi. I hope I don’t regret not including it!
Lovely video with such a comprehensive list. I loved Tom Lake and Northwoods. Haven't read your other two favorites, but I think you are spot on with your choices!
Well I better get to it. I bought Tom Lake a while back and then when Angelia from Read and Reread suggested reading Our Town I bought that... Slow reading for a bit now... I just wish I could slow down the purchases! Look forward to seeing if your prediction comes true!!!
I loved your choices and predictions. I’ve read many of these. 2023 gave us many memorable reads. I think Ann Patchett and James McBride both have written better novels than these two, but they deserve recognition. As you said Ann Patchett for what she has done for readers and book sellers is incredible and nice she was presented a medal at the a White House.
Your successful prediction/s last year will take some beating. I'm thinking this year it will be an unexpected book that wins although I also think the understory of Our Town in Tom Lake might be a favourable consideration.
I’m excited to read your top 4! I like your reasoning and feel like you might be onto a winner with that prediction. Tom Lake is next up for me now. Have loved Patchett’s books, especially The Dutch House. State of Wonder is another great one.
I like Tim O’Brien and I didn’t even know he had a book out this year. I am sure that you are more likely to be right than I, but I’m going to pick Let Us Descend. I think this is Ward’s year and the Prize has a chance to recognize a great author for taking a chance and writing a more ambitious and somewhat difficult book.
I think there's a definite case to be made for Ward--especially since her last two books were rather criminally overlooked by the Pulitzer. We'll see what happens!
Great video, loved seeing all your thought processes behind it. A surprised yet happy shock when I saw your prediction (even though I’ve still not read the book yet) Looking forward to the announcement in May and your reaction to it
Thank you for this! I learned so much about the Pulitzer selection. I enjoyed Tom Lake but I'll be shocked if it wins to be honest (I get your point about Patchett being a champion of the literary world however!) My pick would be North Woods for sure. Although I am a huge fan of James McBride, Heaven & Earth really missed the mark for me. This one was drowning in too many characters, too many story lines - for me that is!
Such a thorough video. Loved it! I really appreciated your argument for Tom Lake and your commitment. I have yet to read it, but it’s on my list for April. Who do I want to win, and who do I believe will win? 😬 I’d love for Heaven And Earth Grocery Store to win. If Tom Lake wins I won’t be disappointed. But I fear it will be North Woods, which was a great piece of literature, but just not my cup of tea. Nor did it stay on my mind for days on end. But as you mentioned, how lucky are we to have so many great reads from which to choose 😊
Greg I love this podcast. You have introduced me to so many good books. I think we have the same taste 😊. I was screaming to myself when you held up each book because so many of them I have already read, due to your recommendation. So, to the point- I agree with you on Tom Lake. I thought it was fantastic. I read it and then listened to the audio with Meryl Streep which was fabulous. It was as if it was Meryl’s life rather than just her perfect narration. I go to Parnassus Bookstore every time I am in Nashville (yearly) and it’s a wonderful place Thanks again for everything. ❤
Terrific video! Your final pick surprised me, so while I've been waiting patiently to get Tom Lake from the library, I'm now feeling more urgency. North Woods has my heart this year, but I do think it seems a bit obvious. I'm okay with that, though. Better that than pass it over and then feel the need to award Mason a "trickle down Pulitzer" for some future less deserving book. I won't be mad if this is McBride's year, though. I *will* be mad if The Deluge wins. Impressively constructed, yet such unpleasant reading for me. Thanks for building the hype and sharing your energy for this prize!
I have always loved Ann Patchett and want to visit Parnassus! I have read many of these books without thinking of the Pulitzer as, like you, I search out books that will be great!
The Lost Journals of Sacajewea winning would be amazing--an explosive moment not unlike the award going to Momaday's House Made of Dawn. It's funny--check out reviews from late 60s and 70s and see how they write about Native fiction (check out Momday's and James Welch, both in NYT) and then contrast that with how Native writing is talked about now. It's a shame. Dearborn is dear to my heart!
I looked up The NY Times review of House Made of Dawn when Momaday died earlier this year. I seriously gasped at what it said. It’s shocking! I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t read Welch yet even though he’s a Montana writer and he is from the same tribe as my foster son.
@@SupposedlyFun I watch and love all your videos, they are one of my main sources for recommendations. I am a teacher so my all consuming job keeps me from making many comments. But this week is spring break so I was able to cozy up with your video and a good cup of coffee. Now that I have updated my TBR my week of reading and relaxing truly begins. Appreciate you!
Excellent video! I really hope Tom Lake wins. I was at Parnassus Books yesterday and was telling my friend the audiobook for Tom Lake (narrated by Meryl Streep) was one of the two best books I’ve ever read. Loved it!
@@SupposedlyFun Do the judges have to read the physical books instead of audiobooks? I think having the divine Ms. Streep narrate your book would give it an unfair advantage 😄 I wanted to listen to Tom Lake, but already had the physical library book for a J-Ann-uary readathon prompt. By the time the audio came in I had already read it and had to budget my reading time for all the other titles I've been adding to my tbr thanks to BookTube. 😅
I’m sticking with my picks: Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and North Woods, but adding Absolution as my other finalist pick. I would love to see Ann Patchett win as she is one of my must-buy authors. The dark horse I would choose is Richard Ford’s Be Mine-there’s a lot to unpack in that book with a somewhat ambiguous ending (my SIL and I had different interpretations). I do wonder if Ford is too much of the old guard to pull off a win. Having said that, I think there is a 50% chance they will overcompensate and go with more obscure titles.
As long as we don’t end up with a whiplash year of 2022, I’ll be fine with any of the books you highlighted. 2022 was a disaster year for the prize in my opinion. That was a judging panel and board that was way out on a limb. Surprise choices are good as long as they are actually good. From your list, I’ve only read This Other Eden, The Reformatory, and Yellowface, although I have of the others here waiting for the call up to my lap. I’d love to see a book like All the Sinners Bleed as a finalist. I’m not a fan of consistent genre bias that causes really terrific and meaningful books to be overlooked.
Thanks for organizing such a thorough overview here! I agree with your thoughts about Tom Lake's subtle excellence....but I think either North Woods or Heaven and Earth Grocery Store will win. All 3 were in my top 10 last year so any of those outcomes will make me happy. I do think James McBride is the most overdue for a big honor.
Wow what a well thought out and inclusive list. I really appreciate this and am excited for the results. I think your final four was spot on. Your still a little more generous with North Woods than me. I’m with you on Tom Lake and feel exactly the same. But Absolution and it’s incite into colonialism was very interesting is my pick. I didn’t find Biography of X experimental enough to keep it from being a sleeper. I Have Some Questions For You, I don’t think will win , but how the author juxtaposed attitudes at our different ages as well as how we view people who are accused of harassing/ women and our views when it’s someone we know know. It was so powerful to me. IAnyway see you next time
Thank you for this fantastic video! Enjoyed every word. I am equally obsessed with the Pulitzer, and living in Italy I feel so alone in my obsession :-( Coming to the predictions: I haven't read Tom Lake, but I trust your guts... I'd vote for McBride's though. Even so, I'd love if The Deluge or Chain-Gang All Stars could win, it would give dignity to a genre that's widely snubbed
Genre aside, CGAS is what I think SHOULD win the Pulitzer. Realistically, I agree it will most likely be North Woods but if CGAS doesn’t win, I’d love to see HaEGS take the prize. Great video!
Thank you! Part of me would love to see CGAS win just because half of the people would be delighted and the other half would be in an uproar. Chaos! I would be delighted to see Heaven & Earth win, even if I ultimately predicted a different book. But North Woods is going to be tough to beat.
@@SupposedlyFunFor the record: I do think Tom Lake could definitely be a sleeper champion. It has a lot going for it and if it wins I definitely won’t be disappointed! It’s a fantastic book. Also, has a pandemic novel won a Pulitzer yet? I think that’s one of the aspects that could really help it become a frontrunner, if not.
A pandemic book has not won yet! And I do think the way Patchett handles the pandemic makes Tom Lake feel timeless enough that it could be the one. I do have to say, even though I was muted on North Woods, the top contenders this year are 🔥🔥🔥.
I always like the weird books, so I'm hoping Open Throat or Monstrilio takes it. I know neither of those books are happening, but maybe it will be like one of those odd years where Tinkers comes out of nowhere and nabs the prize, lol! A girl can dream!
I've read three of the first four books you predicted and look forward to reading Absolution. North Woods is my favorite so far. 5 ⭐s! I also read Trust (which is the only one I didn't really like), and had previously read Demon Copperfield. Kingsolver and Patchett were the only two I read outside of watching your predictions and recommendations, so you have made a real difference in my reading this year! In the next group, I read Blackouts and thought it was excellent. I was fascinated by all the non-fiction information in the book. I'm curious whether including the non-fiction makes a difference to how "eligible" a book might be for a fiction prize. ? Biography of X was mentioned in various contexts by several Booktubers; it's on my tbr. In the next group, the only one I've read is Yellowface. Thumbs down imo. What you have to say about all the books enriches my reading experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and all the effort you put into these videos!
I want Wellness to win, i liked The Nix and i'm already have Welness at home (yes, it's a very selfish prediction). I wouldn't mind Patchett or McDermott to win. But i think they'll go for a surprise win this year, so maybe The deluge has a chance. Ohio was totally overlooked during award season when it's ten times better than most overhyped debut novels in recent years
I think we leave for Ireland four days after the announcement, so the timing works in my favor! McBride is a good choice, and I will never get tired of pointing out how he should have won for Good Lord Bird.
I'm hoping for North Woods, which I thought was brilliant or The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. I loved both, but I think that North Woods taps into so many historical and American literary themes that I think it's likely to win.
I think North Woods will win, but that either The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store or Tom Lake should win. I wonder if the Board will want to award the prize to a book that deals with the Covid pandemic so soon, so that would exclude Tom Lake. I'm a man with four older sisters and I have a soft spot for novels about families of sisters, so it will make my heart happy if Tom Lake wins.
I think the subtle way Tom Lake includes the pandemic (more of a nod than a plot line) could get over any resistance people have to it. I struggle with pandemic fiction, but I loved Tom Lake. We’ll find out!
I didn’t think Chain Gang was a real contender until this video. It’s so damn prescient and unavoidable. I feel the only thing holding it back is “genre.” I also confess I soft DNFd it. I preordered it because of all the hype but I wasn’t a fan of Adejei-Brenyah’s short story collection so I should have known better. Chain Gang wasn’t for me but perhaps I wasn’t in the mood for it I’m still rooting for it but North Woods and Heaven and Earth will be tough to beat. The Lost Journals should be a contender as well. Killers of the Flower Moon has reawakened the conversation around Indigenous voices and storytelling. I’m all for it because we need more indigenous representation in American literary prizes.
I LOVE that you’re obsessed with the Pulitzer-I think “Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” will win over “Tom Lake” but you might be right of course. Ann Patchett is a national treasure, she’s one of my favorite people. ❤️
Not sure about fiction. I don't know if 2020: One City, Seven People and the Year Everything Changed by Eric Klinenberg is eligible for the nonfiction prize. It was an incredible book. I really liked Deluge and Absolution. I think The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store will win.
I truly believe there is little to no chance Tom Lake wins... tho I did love it, the other 3 options seemed much more plausible (though I agree this year might not be as predictable as last year's prize in terms of winner/finalists). BUT I also wouldn't be surprised if Tom Lake it was in the finalist list? It just seems like a weird book to be a Pulitzer Prize winner? idkk haha of the BIG books of the year tbh North Woods or Autobiography of X seem the most possible winners to me but idk
I think there's precedent for books like Tom Lake winning, and especially since Patchett was a finalist for her last book, I think she has a good chance!
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that I am obsessed with the Pulitzer Prize" -Yes! I'm right there with you, Greg. Excited to see who wins this year!
Have you settled on a prediction yet? Or are you waiting for the announcement without stressing yourself out?
@@SupposedlyFun admittedly I am waiting until the announcement but I enjoy following your predictions very much!
@@GreatBooksGuy That's the smart way to enjoy it!
You should be on the committee. Terrific work here.
I would love that! Thanks.
Just watched the awards and had to come back to watch this again. Hard to believe none of the books on your list were in the mix. I was rooting for North Woods. Hard to believe it wasn’t even a finalist.
Talking about books is almost as much fun as reading them. Love this.
That is true!
Your pulitzer prediction video gat more long and detail every year. Love it. The pulizer owed you big time with all the attention you brought 😂
At this rate, the video will be 2 hours long in 3-4 years. 😬
I am always thrilled that so many people are so passionate about novels!
I am far from being a strong reader.
I have once read all or most of an abridged children's version of 'Black Beauty'.
I think that these judges who read so many novels are geniuses!
Best wishes on what you choose to read, I hope you get some great stories. I'm currently at page 770 of the Count of Monte Cristo and still got some way to go. Enjoyable but I might be some time! Happy reading.
Happy reading!
Ann Patchett also has an incredible back catalog. She deserves it. Overdue, indeed!
I’ve only read one other book of hers. I look forward to more!
I’m obsessed with your obsession.😁
❤️🤗📚
Haha-me too! 📚📚📚
🥂📚❤️
I am SO excited about Wellness. It just blew me away and I hope it at least gets shortlisted!
We'll find out soon enough!
This is a great feature, thank you, Greg. I’m not sure there’s anyone else out there with their finger as on the pulse of the Pulitzer as you.
I often (respectfully) disagree with your takes, but I broadly agree with you here:
I liked (but didn’t love) Northwoods.
I loved HaEGS (but not as much as GLB).
I enjoyed Tom Lake initially, but it has only grown in my estimation over time. I think it would be a super winner and is a fabulous pick. It helps that Patchett is so lovely irl.
(I haven’t read Absolution, so can’t comment on that).
Which is all to say, I’m team Tom Lake (and also team James McBride), while acknowledging how silly that is and what super books these all are.
Thanks again!
I’m glad we agree here! It’s fun when there are so many possible contenders. Odds feel good that we’ll get a worthy winner this year, too.
I love Tom Lake, and I think it is very complex. The structure, the tone. The fact that it is as much about the pandemic as it is about the agency of women. The weaving of Chekhov and Wilder’s themes with her own story. Patchett is a master novelist, and I think what she does so much better than anyone else is capture actual life. Something very dramatic *does* happen in this book, but Patchett understands that these things simply happen. People make their choices and their lives play out accordingly.
I always think that if Ann Patchett wrote a book about somebody who had to cut their own arm off to survive, she would not focus on the moment that the arm gets cut off. She would focus on that person‘s life, after the fact, and she would show us a very relatable and mundane life. And that is her brilliance. She makes every single character she writes a mirror for the reader. She understands that the vast majority of people go through life fairly happy, fairly content, and focused on loving other people. Tom Lake and The Dutch House are great novels for this reason.
But for what it’s worth, I am predicting that they do take the bold step of giving this award to Chain Gang All-Stars this year.
That is such a great assessment of her novels, thanks for sharing that.
I've been waiting on the audiobook for Tom Lake because it's narrated by Meryl Streep. This is making me anxious to get ahold of it! The Dutch House was an amazing book, and I'd love to see Patchett win.
I hope you like Tom Lake as much as I did!
I did The Dutch House on Audible solely because Tom Hanks narrated it. Every night, it was like having him read me the most amazing bedtime story.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep and loved it! ❤️ Now I want the book to read and keep on my shelf. I think it’s going to be a fun yearly summer read for me, that’s how much I enjoyed it!
So many great possibilities. My local library has a book club. The August book will be this year's winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. They give us a copy at the July meeting!
That’s so cool!
I wait for this video! Got lucky the last 5 yrs. and had already read the winner. This year, I just don't have a strong feel about the winner at all, so glad you have stirred the pot! I've only read the first 4 and dnf 2 others. Didn't love any of them. So I am cherry picking some of your pics, and hoping to find one that I love. Real appreciation for all your research and passion Greg!
My guess is Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. Love the Pulitzers...it's like my Super Bowl and my Oscar.
I love that! I love the Oscars, too, though.
My favorites to win are North Woods and This Other Eden. However, I also loved Tom Lake, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, and Let Us Descend! Wouldn’t mind if any of these win! Loved your video and picks Greg! ❤
Thank you! It’s an exciting year for the Pulitzer since there are so many possibilities.
Fantastic video. We all know (well, I'm not a Booktuber so I am only guessing) how hard it is to put this much work into posting a video like this. Thank you!
And, oh, how I hope you are right. Ann Patchett is absolutely a champion of books, authors, the publishing industry and free speech (and next to you the reason my TBR is so damn long) and Tom Lake is very nearly a perfect book.
Thank you--it's a lot of work but it's fun (at least, it's fun when it's done).
Wow, this was fantastic! You put so much work into this compilation. A few titles I haven’t heard of and will be happy to check out eventually. Before watching this, I would’ve picked North Woods (and will still be thrilled if it wins), but as you introduced each title and the argument for it, I found myself rooting for so many other books/authors. I can’t believe Toni Morrison was the last Black woman to win!
I haven’t read most of these yet, so I’m going to focus the next few weeks to reading contenders, starting with Heaven & Earth, Tom Lake, and Let Us Descend. Thank you so much for going down the Pulitzer rabbit hole for us-your enthusiasm is contagious. Hi to Joel, & scritches & an Easter biscuit to Teddy.
Teddy has been loving Easter so far! I hope you enjoy any of the books you pick up. I honestly can’t believe Toni Morrison was the last black woman to win either. It’s shocking!
Love your passion about books and the Pulitzer Prize! Sending a hug to Teddy!
Thank you! Teddy sends a hug back!
Hi Greg, just watching your video to get hyped for the announcement later! (I loved Hangman so it would make my day if it was listed though I agree it's pretty unlikely)
Love the phrase, cilantro book!
Me too!
I’ve read 8 on your list. Others like Absolution and Wellness are on my TBR. Delighted to see Deluge on the list. I think it’s remarkable.
I think Deluge is the spoiler-iest book on this list, so we’ll see!
Loved, loved Tom Lake. I'm all in for this one! Also, fascinating breakout here! Thanks for your thoughtful parsing of the race.
Thanks!
I love your entusiasm when you talk about Pulitzer Prize
Thank you!
I enjoyed this video. Sadly, I could not champion North Woods. I own Tom Lake and look forward to reading it. I will add many of these to my tbr. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Based on your review, I am most interested to read North Woods. Thanks for this. Very concise presentation.
Thanks! I hope you like North Woods.
I love the BookBrowse, Pulitzer, and Booker Prizes equally but look forward to your input every year.
Thank you!
Wonderful podcast! Thank you so much. You've given me a new reading list for the month that remains until the announcement. Love your research and informed commentary.
Thank you so much!
I love this list, but I was deeply moved by Blackouts. I think what may hurt it is it’s experimental with images, photos, the sepia ink, etc. means it’s not “literature.” Still I was so moved.
I can see a scenario where Blackouts is a finalist but doesn’t win. We’ll find out tomorrow!
I just finished rereading David Copperfield and then Demon Copperhead. Demon Copperhead was so good!
I loved Demon Copperhead. I’m glad you did, too!
I have been predicting North Woods for months and I’m sticking with it!
Your best video of the many I’ve watched.
Thank you … this had to have been a ton of work 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼
It was a lot of work but I love doing it! Thank you. North Woods is a great prediction.
Ooh, I hope you're right! I would be slightly surprised (because there are other books that seem more obvious) but very happy if your prediction comes through.
I would be ecstatic.
Thank you for putting The Lost Journals onto my radar! I definitely am adding that to my tbr!!! I would be happy if Chain Gang won but I do want to read north woods and Heaven and earth as well. I didn’t entirely enjoy This Other Eden… it was well written but it felt otherworldly meaning I did not connect to any of the characters.
It does feel like a win for This Other Eden would spark a lot of debate from people who didn’t like it.
Thank you for this, full of insight and so much knowledge. Glad you feel 'free'to follow your true instincts for the winner. Felt sad by the 'complications or criteria of a chosen winner by the panel though, certainly informed me that sadly there is much more considered here than just the best book!
I think any time a prize is organized, it’s going to face multiple considerations-and ultimately, it’s impossible to identify a best book anyway because that’s such a subjective thing. So I don’t let it bother me too much as long as it feels they’re fulfilling their brief and giving everyone even footing.
Great video as always, Greg! Have read only a sliver of the contenders but my guess is Biography of X. I think it fits the bill as a story about American life, adds queer representation and a bit of a genre fiction twist with the alternate history setting to things the Pulitzer has undervalued so far. I think literary fiction has been moving strongly in the direction of embracing genre fiction, and while something like Chain Gang All-Stars is imo not gonna be viewed as elevated enough for the prize (rightly in my view, I wasn’t a fan, but no disrespect meant to those who loved it), I could see Lacey as striking a middle ground.
Sleeper hit that I think was not mentioned in the video unless I missed it would be Ed Park’s Same Bed Different Dreams, which may not be viewed as “American enough” for the prize but he is an American author and it would not be the first time a “Korean book” by an American author gets the prize. I’ve yet to read it but I do see it frequently mentioned in literary communities as a breakout book, and I wouldn’t be terribly surprised to see it pull a Netanyahus style upset (a book that was positioned very similarly in the literary circles before its win in my memory).
I almost included Same Bed Different Dreams, but ultimately decided that genre bias would be too heavy against it. I think it would take something un-ignorable (not a word) to get a genre book in the conversation right now-like Chain Gang. And while I agree that literature itself is embracing genre conventions, I do think it will take a while for anything like the Pulitzer Board to catch up to that evolution. I would love for queer representation to get recognized-and since we aren’t far away from Less winning, it feels possible, but it also feels like it’s still a steep climb.
Thank you for this excellent overview of the prize and this year’s contenders. I truly hope Patchett wins.
We'll see what happens soon enough!
Phew - what a video. Thanks so much for your time, thoughts and passion for the Pulitzer, a few more to add to the TBR! I loved 'Tom Lake' (my first Patchett) for its quietness, gentle evolving of characters and the telling of difficult and powerful truths nonetheless. I was disappointed in 'North Woods' and having now read 'Barkskins' agree with your comment in a previous video that it 'better' covers the subject. Haven't read 'Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' yet but have it reserved from the library, hopefully available before May, but loved 'Deacon King Kong'. So, would be 'happy' to see either that or T. Lake win.
I’m glad you agree about Barkskins. It’s an interesting year with a lot of contenders.
I've read 3 out of 4 of your top choices! I really loved "North Woods" the most out of those...the story and the writing... I'm wondering which of the many you talked about i should put on my TBR list... Great video and thanks so much for doing this!
Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy any of the books you pick out.
Loved Tom Lake and I love Ann Patchett. I taught Our Town for years so this book really resonated with me. I agree about her being overdue. The Dutch House was a finalist a few years back, and I think Tom Lake is better in many ways (though not as sad!). North Woods completely passed me by and I'm interested to read that one. Thanks for your thoughtful comments!
Brand new to your channel. Love your passion and research on the Pulitzer. It was a great crash course for me, and other viewers, too (I’m sure). This was my biggest reading year, personally and also a year that I paid more attention to the publishing world. I’m surprised to learn that not only have I read many of your predictions but that I also agree with several options. My top choices are North Woods and Chain Gang All Stars. Haven’t read Wellness or Tom Lake yet but they are on my shelf.
Ooooooo I was so excited to see the title of this video. You are my Pulitzer guru lol.
Loved the video...too bad I'm listening at work because I would have taken a shot every time you said cilantro ...lol....loved all your commentary. Fabulous. 😘
Tom Lake was not my jam but I would love to see Ann Patchett win.
Thank you!
Just discovered your channel today. Great stuff. Subscribed. 👏
Welcome aboard! Thanks.
Thanks for another year of this labor of love, Greg. I’d celebrate an Ann Patchett win for all the reasons you cited, but honestly I think the board might be too snobby to award a Reese’s Book Club pick 😬
I had a dream last month that Tremor won the Pulitzer, so now I’m kinda rooting for it because I think that would be funny for me. I haven’t even read it!
But I have to agree with another commenter below-I would LOVE to see it go to Same Bed Different Dreams. It’s not quite as sci-fi as it seems, it just has a character who is a sci-fi novelist. Still a longshot, but I’m not counting it out just yet.
I feel like book clubs have become so common anymore that people are more likely to ignore the sticker. Demon Copperhead was an Oprah pick (but she’s been in the book club game way longer than the others). It would be so funny if you dreamed the winner!
I didn’t know Same Bed wasn’t actually very sci-fi. I hope I don’t regret not including it!
👀
Lovely video with such a comprehensive list. I loved Tom Lake and Northwoods. Haven't read your other two favorites, but I think you are spot on with your choices!
I hope so--we'll find out!
Well I better get to it. I bought Tom Lake a while back and then when Angelia from Read and Reread suggested reading Our Town I bought that... Slow reading for a bit now... I just wish I could slow down the purchases! Look forward to seeing if your prediction comes true!!!
I tell myself I’ll at least get close someday. Whether or not that’s true doesn’t matter, it sounds good.
I loved your choices and predictions. I’ve read many of these. 2023 gave us many memorable reads. I think Ann Patchett and James McBride both have written better novels than these two, but they deserve recognition. As you said Ann Patchett for what she has done for readers and book sellers is incredible and nice she was presented a medal at the a White House.
I didn't know she was presented a medal at the White House! How cool.
Your successful prediction/s last year will take some beating. I'm thinking this year it will be an unexpected book that wins although I also think the understory of Our Town in Tom Lake might be a favourable consideration.
I agree that there’s a strong likelihood a lesser known book will win this year. But Tom Lake has a good shot!
I’m excited to read your top 4! I like your reasoning and feel like you might be onto a winner with that prediction. Tom Lake is next up for me now. Have loved Patchett’s books, especially The Dutch House. State of Wonder is another great one.
I’ve only read Tom Lake and Run at this point. I think Commonwealth will be next for me, but State of Wonder and Dutch House are up there.
I like Tim O’Brien and I didn’t even know he had a book out this year.
I am sure that you are more likely to be right than I, but I’m going to pick Let Us Descend. I think this is Ward’s year and the Prize has a chance to recognize a great author for taking a chance and writing a more ambitious and somewhat difficult book.
I think there's a definite case to be made for Ward--especially since her last two books were rather criminally overlooked by the Pulitzer. We'll see what happens!
Great video, loved seeing all your thought processes behind it. A surprised yet happy shock when I saw your prediction (even though I’ve still not read the book yet)
Looking forward to the announcement in May and your reaction to it
I was a bit surprised, too!
Tom Lake is a very savvy choice! I like your rational for picking it. Am on waitlist for it at my library. Look forward to reading it…
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Thank you for this! I learned so much about the Pulitzer selection. I enjoyed Tom Lake but I'll be shocked if it wins to be honest (I get your point about Patchett being a champion of the literary world however!) My pick would be North Woods for sure. Although I am a huge fan of James McBride, Heaven & Earth really missed the mark for me. This one was drowning in too many characters, too many story lines - for me that is!
I just ordered the Deluge and am so excited to read it! Have you read it Greg? ❤
I haven't read it yet! If it does win, I'll try to get to it quickly.
Such a thorough video. Loved it!
I really appreciated your argument for Tom Lake and your commitment. I have yet to read it, but it’s on my list for April.
Who do I want to win, and who do I believe will win? 😬
I’d love for Heaven And Earth Grocery Store to win. If Tom Lake wins I won’t be disappointed. But I fear it will be North Woods, which was a great piece of literature, but just not my cup of tea. Nor did it stay on my mind for days on end.
But as you mentioned, how lucky are we to have so many great reads from which to choose 😊
There really are so many great books to choose from. But I would also feel a touch disappointed by a North Woods win.
Greg I love this podcast. You have introduced me to so many good books. I think we have the same taste 😊. I was screaming to myself when you held up each book because so many of them I have already read, due to your recommendation. So, to the point- I agree with you on Tom Lake. I thought it was fantastic. I read it and then listened to the audio with Meryl Streep which was fabulous. It was as if it was Meryl’s life rather than just her perfect narration. I go to Parnassus Bookstore every time I am in Nashville (yearly) and it’s a wonderful place Thanks again for everything. ❤
I'm so jealous that you get to visit Parnassus! And I'm glad that you also liked Tom Lake.
I just picked up Tom Lake at a thrift store and had no idea it was a contender! Also got Yellowface during same thrift store trip.
I think a lot of people underestimated Tom Lake (myself included). We’ll see!
Terrific video! Your final pick surprised me, so while I've been waiting patiently to get Tom Lake from the library, I'm now feeling more urgency. North Woods has my heart this year, but I do think it seems a bit obvious. I'm okay with that, though. Better that than pass it over and then feel the need to award Mason a "trickle down Pulitzer" for some future less deserving book. I won't be mad if this is McBride's year, though. I *will* be mad if The Deluge wins. Impressively constructed, yet such unpleasant reading for me. Thanks for building the hype and sharing your energy for this prize!
I have always loved Ann Patchett and want to visit Parnassus! I have read many of these books without thinking of the Pulitzer as, like you, I search out books that will be great!
I hope you’re right! Loved Tom Lake!
It’s such a good book!
The Lost Journals of Sacajewea winning would be amazing--an explosive moment not unlike the award going to Momaday's House Made of Dawn.
It's funny--check out reviews from late 60s and 70s and see how they write about Native fiction (check out Momday's and James Welch, both in NYT) and then contrast that with how Native writing is talked about now. It's a shame.
Dearborn is dear to my heart!
I looked up The NY Times review of House Made of Dawn when Momaday died earlier this year. I seriously gasped at what it said. It’s shocking! I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t read Welch yet even though he’s a Montana writer and he is from the same tribe as my foster son.
Great work; really enjoyed it!
Glad to hear it!
This was wonderful, I love the prize videos and love that it was longer. Thank you!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
@@SupposedlyFun I watch and love all your videos, they are one of my main sources for recommendations. I am a teacher so my all consuming job keeps me from making many comments. But this week is spring break so I was able to cozy up with your video and a good cup of coffee. Now that I have updated my TBR my week of reading and relaxing truly begins. Appreciate you!
Thank you for being a teacher! I hope you enjoy spring break, and I hope you enjoy any books you pick up.
Excellent video! I really hope Tom Lake wins. I was at Parnassus Books yesterday and was telling my friend the audiobook for Tom Lake (narrated by Meryl Streep) was one of the two best books I’ve ever read. Loved it!
Meryl reading the audio of Tom Lake is an all-time great. I’m so jealous you were at Parnassus!
@@SupposedlyFun Do the judges have to read the physical books instead of audiobooks? I think having the divine Ms. Streep narrate your book would give it an unfair advantage 😄 I wanted to listen to Tom Lake, but already had the physical library book for a J-Ann-uary readathon prompt. By the time the audio came in I had already read it and had to budget my reading time for all the other titles I've been adding to my tbr thanks to BookTube. 😅
@@MsPixieD I can't say if they have any guidelines about how the jury or Board should read the books. I do recommend the audio of Tom Lake, though!
I’m sticking with my picks: Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and North Woods, but adding Absolution as my other finalist pick. I would love to see Ann Patchett win as she is one of my must-buy authors. The dark horse I would choose is Richard Ford’s Be Mine-there’s a lot to unpack in that book with a somewhat ambiguous ending (my SIL and I had different interpretations). I do wonder if Ford is too much of the old guard to pull off a win. Having said that, I think there is a 50% chance they will overcompensate and go with more obscure titles.
I am also thinking that they may go with a more obscure title. We'll find out soon!
I absolutely will try first those 4 recommendations by you📚🤗
I hope you like them!
Tom Lake is a great pick! I wondet if it's a book none of us thought of
I think it would be a great winner!
You’ve convinced me! I loved the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, but I love anything Ann Patchett writes. I wish they could both win
It would be great if we could get another tie with those two.
As long as we don’t end up with a whiplash year of 2022, I’ll be fine with any of the books you highlighted. 2022 was a disaster year for the prize in my opinion. That was a judging panel and board that was way out on a limb. Surprise choices are good as long as they are actually good.
From your list, I’ve only read This Other Eden, The Reformatory, and Yellowface, although I have of the others here waiting for the call up to my lap. I’d love to see a book like All the Sinners Bleed as a finalist. I’m not a fan of consistent genre bias that causes really terrific and meaningful books to be overlooked.
I still need to read an S.A. Cosby, but given the great things I've heard, I would be excited for him! I'm not a fan of the Netanyahus year, either.
@@SupposedlyFun Definitely do SA Cosby on audio. His narrator is AMAZING!
@@mradcaqbdb Thanks! That's the way I'll go.
Thanks for organizing such a thorough overview here! I agree with your thoughts about Tom Lake's subtle excellence....but I think either North Woods or Heaven and Earth Grocery Store will win. All 3 were in my top 10 last year so any of those outcomes will make me happy. I do think James McBride is the most overdue for a big honor.
Thks Greg - very informative video.
Thank you!
This was super interesting, thanks!!!
Thank you!
I loved Tom Lake and hope that it wins! I also loved The Day and Yellowface, so those are my picks.
We’ll see! The announcement will be here before we know it.
Thank you so much for all your time and effort in doing this video. Amazing! I always check in to see and hear your reviews. 😊📚👍🏻
Thanks so much!
Wow what a well thought out and inclusive list. I really appreciate this and am excited for the results. I think your final four was spot on. Your still a little more generous with North Woods than me. I’m with you on Tom Lake and feel exactly the same. But Absolution and it’s incite into colonialism was very interesting is my pick. I didn’t find Biography of X experimental enough to keep it from being a sleeper. I Have Some Questions For You, I don’t think will win , but how the author juxtaposed attitudes at our different ages as well as how we view people who are accused of harassing/ women and our views when it’s someone we know know. It was so powerful to me. IAnyway see you next time
Thank you for this fantastic video! Enjoyed every word. I am equally obsessed with the Pulitzer, and living in Italy I feel so alone in my obsession :-( Coming to the predictions: I haven't read Tom Lake, but I trust your guts... I'd vote for McBride's though. Even so, I'd love if The Deluge or Chain-Gang All Stars could win, it would give dignity to a genre that's widely snubbed
I'm so glad you're bringing Pulitzer love to Italy! I can't wait to find out what happens.
Ok I got one of the books on your list Yellowface.🤗
I hope you enjoy it.
Ok yes my first time hear I really did subscribe to your channel but what do you mean by cilantro book?
@@sylviawhitlock5321 A cilantro book is a book that people either love or hate.
Absolution for the win! I felt North Woods was overrated and while I love Ann Patchett, Tom Lake was only so so.
I would be happy for an Absolution win. I think it’s a beautiful book.
They went way off course this year! I'm not sure I had even heard of these books. (No spoilers if you haven't read or watched yet!)
Genre aside, CGAS is what I think SHOULD win the Pulitzer. Realistically, I agree it will most likely be North Woods but if CGAS doesn’t win, I’d love to see HaEGS take the prize. Great video!
Thank you! Part of me would love to see CGAS win just because half of the people would be delighted and the other half would be in an uproar. Chaos! I would be delighted to see Heaven & Earth win, even if I ultimately predicted a different book. But North Woods is going to be tough to beat.
@@SupposedlyFunFor the record: I do think Tom Lake could definitely be a sleeper champion. It has a lot going for it and if it wins I definitely won’t be disappointed! It’s a fantastic book. Also, has a pandemic novel won a Pulitzer yet? I think that’s one of the aspects that could really help it become a frontrunner, if not.
A pandemic book has not won yet! And I do think the way Patchett handles the pandemic makes Tom Lake feel timeless enough that it could be the one. I do have to say, even though I was muted on North Woods, the top contenders this year are 🔥🔥🔥.
I always like the weird books, so I'm hoping Open Throat or Monstrilio takes it. I know neither of those books are happening, but maybe it will be like one of those odd years where Tinkers comes out of nowhere and nabs the prize, lol! A girl can dream!
I've read three of the first four books you predicted and look forward to reading Absolution. North Woods is my favorite so far. 5 ⭐s! I also read Trust (which is the only one I didn't really like), and had previously read Demon Copperfield. Kingsolver and Patchett were the only two I read outside of watching your predictions and recommendations, so you have made a real difference in my reading this year!
In the next group, I read Blackouts and thought it was excellent. I was fascinated by all the non-fiction information in the book. I'm curious whether including the non-fiction makes a difference to how "eligible" a book might be for a fiction prize. ?
Biography of X was mentioned in various contexts by several Booktubers; it's on my tbr.
In the next group, the only one I've read is Yellowface. Thumbs down imo.
What you have to say about all the books enriches my reading experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and all the effort you put into these videos!
Thank you so much! That means a great deal to me. 🥂📚
I want Wellness to win, i liked The Nix and i'm already have Welness at home (yes, it's a very selfish prediction).
I wouldn't mind Patchett or McDermott to win.
But i think they'll go for a surprise win this year, so maybe The deluge has a chance. Ohio was totally overlooked during award season when it's ten times better than most overhyped debut novels in recent years
Thank you!!
Thank you for watching!
Fascinating video! I'm picking James McBride though I admit to The Good Lord Bird bias. Will you be in Ireland when the winner is announced?
I think we leave for Ireland four days after the announcement, so the timing works in my favor! McBride is a good choice, and I will never get tired of pointing out how he should have won for Good Lord Bird.
Enjoyed that immensely. First time I ever heard the term "cilantro book." Could I impose on you for a definition? Thanks.
I'm hoping for North Woods, which I thought was brilliant or The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. I loved both, but I think that North Woods taps into so many historical and American literary themes that I think it's likely to win.
It feels like North Woods winning is the most likely outcome.
Ok, I am here for THAEGS and Tom Lake, but I need to read Absolution and North Woods.
I think it’ll be This Other Eden. Interesting you didn’t mention Lauren Groff.
I think North Woods will win, but that either The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store or Tom Lake should win. I wonder if the Board will want to award the prize to a book that deals with the Covid pandemic so soon, so that would exclude Tom Lake. I'm a man with four older sisters and I have a soft spot for novels about families of sisters, so it will make my heart happy if Tom Lake wins.
I think the subtle way Tom Lake includes the pandemic (more of a nod than a plot line) could get over any resistance people have to it. I struggle with pandemic fiction, but I loved Tom Lake. We’ll find out!
Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride wins. The other two finalists, North Woods and Chain gang All-stars
We'll find out May 6!
I need to read Tom Lake. Bel Canto is one of my all time faves. It's the most unlikely found family
@@jeremyl2594 I need to read that one.
Betting on Northwoods 🎉
That’s the safest bet!
Argh! Why are there two that I love competing with each other? ❤️😭
I didn’t think Chain Gang was a real contender until this video. It’s so damn prescient and unavoidable. I feel the only thing holding it back is “genre.” I also confess I soft DNFd it. I preordered it because of all the hype but I wasn’t a fan of Adejei-Brenyah’s short story collection so I should have known better. Chain Gang wasn’t for me but perhaps I wasn’t in the mood for it
I’m still rooting for it but North Woods and Heaven and Earth will be tough to beat.
The Lost Journals should be a contender as well. Killers of the Flower Moon has reawakened the conversation around Indigenous voices and storytelling. I’m all for it because we need more indigenous representation in American literary prizes.
Thanks!
Thank you! 🥂
I LOVE that you’re obsessed with the Pulitzer-I think “Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” will win over “Tom Lake” but you might be right of course. Ann Patchett is a national treasure, she’s one of my favorite people. ❤️
I would honestly be happy with either book winning. We'll see what happens!
after watching the movie "American Fiction" I feel "YellowFace" must win, lol
Not sure about fiction. I don't know if 2020: One City, Seven People and the Year Everything Changed by Eric Klinenberg is eligible for the nonfiction prize. It was an incredible book. I really liked Deluge and Absolution. I think The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store will win.
I would be very happy if Heaven & Earth Grocery Store wins. I put everything into fiction and haven't stayed up on the nonfiction titles.
I truly believe there is little to no chance Tom Lake wins... tho I did love it, the other 3 options seemed much more plausible (though I agree this year might not be as predictable as last year's prize in terms of winner/finalists). BUT I also wouldn't be surprised if Tom Lake it was in the finalist list? It just seems like a weird book to be a Pulitzer Prize winner? idkk haha of the BIG books of the year tbh North Woods or Autobiography of X seem the most possible winners to me but idk
I think there's precedent for books like Tom Lake winning, and especially since Patchett was a finalist for her last book, I think she has a good chance!
Hoping Jesmyn Ward wins.
I really do think it’s only a matter of time before she gets a Pulitzer.
James by Percival Everett?
I think it will absolutely be a contender for next year's prize!