Percival Everett, a celebrated author known for his thought-provoking narratives and imaginative storytelling, has been honored with this year's prestigious Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. The American Library Association bestowed this accolade upon his novel 'James', a reimagining of the classic narrative 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' through the eyes of Jim, Huck Finn's enslaved companion.
In addition to the medal, Everett's novel received a $5,000 cash award, further solidifying his stature in the literary world. 'James' has already made waves by winning the National Book Award and the Kirkus Prize. It is also a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle award. The book's success extends to commercial achievements, having topped The New York Times fiction hardcover list—a notable feat for a literary work without major book club endorsements or movie adaptations.
Allison Escoto, chair of the Carnegie Medal selection committee, praised Everett's work as 'a modern masterpiece' that offers 'a fresh perspective from the eyes of a classic character'. The novel's accolades underscore not only its innovative storytelling but also its cultural significance and impact.
On the nonfiction front, Kevin Fedarko’s 'A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon' was awarded the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. Fedarko, who is known for his vivid and gripping writing style, offers readers a journey through the grandest natural wonder in America, detailing the hazards and triumphs faced by explorers. This work, alongside its predecessor 'The Emerald Mile', deeply benefits from extensive library research, as Fedarko revealed he heavily relied on resources from the Northern Arizona University library. This only highlights the pivotal role libraries play in fostering a deeper understanding of our world.
The Carnegie Medals, established in 2012 with a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, have become a hallmark of literary excellence. Previous recipients include remarkable works such as Donna Tartt’s 'The Goldfinch', Colson Whitehead’s 'The Underground Railroad', and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s 'The Bully Pulpit'.
This year's finalists in the fiction category were 'Cinema Love' by Jiaming Tang and 'Martyr!' by Kavin Akbar, alongside Everett's 'James'. In nonfiction, the runners-up included Adam Higginbotham's 'Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space' and Emily Nussbaum's 'Cue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV'. Such a diverse lineup showcases the incredible breadth and depth found in contemporary literature.
Percival Everett's 'James' not only extends the dialogue on timeless themes such as freedom and identity but also celebrates the power of literature to breathe new life into stories we thought we knew. His award-winning work stands as a testament to the enduring influence of libraries in shaping literary landscapes and fueling the imagination of writers and readers alike.