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I’ve never been to New York, but I love it.
The energy, the history and the way it’s been at the heart of so many stories just fascinates me.
Every time I read a book set in NYC, it feels like I’m stepping into a world I already know, even though I haven’t actually walked its streets.
So, of course, I get excited whenever the Gotham Book Prize announces its finalists.
That being said, I haven’t read any of the finalist books this year. Not a single one.
The Gotham Book Prize is a huge deal—it’s a $50,000 award that celebrates books set in or about New York City.
It was started in 2020 by Bradley Tusk and Howard Wolfson, and every year, it shines a light on incredible stories that capture the spirit of the city.
One of the coolest things about this prize is the judging panel.
It’s made up of notable New Yorkers from all kinds of fields—writers, filmmakers, professors, activists. This year’s judges include:
- Anna Akbari – Author, entrepreneur, and innovation expert.
- Ric Burns – Documentary filmmaker who literally made a whole series about New York.
- Christina Greer – Political scientist and writer with expertise in American politics.
- Tom Healy – Writer, activist, and former chairman of the Fulbright Scholars program.
- Mitchell Moss – Urban policy expert and self-proclaimed New Yorkologist (what a title!).
- Safiya Sinclair – Award-winning poet and author.
- Dennis M. Walcott – President and CEO of Queens Public Library and former NYC public school chancellor.
This is a powerhouse group of people, all bringing their own perspectives to the selection process. I can’t wait to see which book they pick!
The winner will be announced later this spring, and whoever it is will be joining past winners like Colson Whitehead (Crook Manifesto) and Andrea Elliott (Invisible Child).
In the meantime, I need to get reading. I may not have read any of the finalists yet, but that’s about to change!
Time to find out which books made the cut and start visiting New York through their pages.
Victim by Andrew Boryga
Javier Perez is a natural hustler, raised in the Bronx to see opportunity in every situation.
When he realizes that a tragic backstory can open doors, he tweaks his life story to fit what people want to hear.
His talent for stretching the truth lands him a prestigious scholarship and later, a big-time journalism job.
But his childhood best friend, Gio, knows the real him—and when Gio gets out of prison, Javi’s carefully crafted world is at risk of crumbling.
This one sounds sharp and funny but also a little heartbreaking.
It makes you think about the fine line between ambition and deception, and how identity can become a kind of currency.
Plus, I love a story that digs into friendship in unexpected ways.
Everything and Nothing at Once by Joél Leon
Joél Leon grew up learning that Black men had to be tough—no softness, no vulnerability.
But as he grows older, becomes a father, and rethinks the stories he was taught, he realizes that there’s so much more to Black masculinity than the world allows.
This collection of essays is raw, powerful, and deeply personal, and it covers everything from fatherhood to beauty standards to co-parenting.
The way this book is structured like an album, with each essay standing alone yet connected, feels so poetic.
I love books that break down stereotypes and invite people to see themselves in a new way, and this one sounds like it does just that.
Do Something by Guy Trebay
Guy Trebay’s life was anything but ordinary—born into privilege, but raised in chaos, he ended up navigating 1970s New York on his own.
With no formal education but a hunger for meaning, he found himself in the city’s underground arts scene, rubbing shoulders with Warhol superstars and future cultural icons.
This memoir is about survival, reinvention, and finding purpose in the most unexpected places.
I have such a soft spot for coming-of-age stories set in old New York, which is essentially what this prize is about.
There’s something magical about reading how people shaped their own destinies in a city that felt like a character itself.
This one seems like a ride through history, with all its grit and glamour.
Brooklynites by Prithi Kanakamedala
Long before Brooklyn became the borough we know today, it was a hub for Black activists fighting for justice.
This book tells the incredible stories of four Black families in the 19th century—business owners, church leaders, writers—who shaped Brooklyn’s history while facing constant threats to their freedom.
Their fight for equality helped lay the foundation for the city’s future.
I love books that bring hidden history to light, and this one feels especially important.
It’s inspiring to think about these families’ resilience and how their legacy still echoes today.
Plus, Brooklyn itself has such a rich history—it’s always fun to learn new layers of it!
There Is No Ethan by Anna Akbari
Imagine falling for someone online, sharing your deepest thoughts, only to realize he never really existed.
That’s what happened to three women who thought they were dating the same man—Ethan Schuman.
When they uncovered his lies, they joined forces to expose the truth.
Part memoir, part investigation, this book isn’t just about catfishing—it’s about how technology shapes our relationships and our understanding of reality.
This one sounds so intense!
I’ve always been fascinated by stories where people aren’t who they claim to be.
It’s wild to think about how easy it is to get caught up in someone’s illusion, and I can already tell this will be impossible to put down.
Paradise Bronx by Ian Frazier
Ian Frazier takes readers on a journey through the Bronx, from its Revolutionary War history to the birthplace of hip-hop.
He explores the borough’s mix of cultures, its struggles and triumphs, and the people who make it so unique.
Whether he’s writing about the Yankees, immigration waves, or community resilience, his love for the Bronx shines through.
There’s something really beautiful about a book that celebrates a place with such depth.
The Bronx has an incredible history, and I love how this book captures its energy.
I feel like you could walk its streets after reading and see everything with new eyes.
Entitlement by Rumaan Alam
Brooke wants more. She’s not struggling, but she’s hungry for purpose, admiration, and a little bit of luxury.
When she starts working for an aging billionaire who wants to give away his fortune, she steps into a world of power and privilege that shifts her entire view on money and morality.
But what happens when desire takes over?
This one sounds so compelling—like a mix of sharp social commentary and a psychological deep dive.
Money can be such a strange and fascinating force, and I love books that explore how it changes people.
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
Anita de Monte was a rising star in the art world—until she died mysteriously in 1985. By 1998, no one remembers her.
That is, until Raquel, a struggling art history student, stumbles upon her work.
As Raquel’s life begins to mirror Anita’s in unsettling ways, she realizes there’s more to Anita’s story than the world was told.
This book feels like a mix of mystery, history, and art-world drama—such a great combo!
I love stories that bring forgotten women back into the spotlight, especially when they have a touch of intrigue.
Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby
In the 1970s, five Black ballerinas made history, dancing for the Queen of England and performing on Broadway.
But despite their groundbreaking success, their names were almost erased from history.
Now, decades later, they’re sharing their story of sisterhood, resilience, and the fight to be seen in the ballet world.
I love a story about hidden history, and this one feels extra special because it’s about friendship, too.
There’s something so powerful about women lifting each other up, and I can already tell this book will be both heartbreaking and beautiful.
The Coin by Yasmin Zaher
A young Palestinian woman comes to America with big dreams, but the reality is more complicated.
She teaches at a school for underprivileged boys while secretly running a Birkin bag resale scheme with a homeless man.
Torn between luxury and the struggles of the world, she starts to unravel in ways she never expected.
This one sounds so layered—mixing humor, sharp social commentary, and a deep, personal journey.
The contrast between wealth and hardship makes for such an interesting story, and I can already tell this character’s journey will be unforgettable.
The Freaks Come Out to Write by Tricia Romano
This book tells the wild history of The Village Voice, the iconic weekly newspaper that shaped culture, politics, and journalism.
Through the voices of its legendary writers and editors, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the paper that gave a platform to outcasts, rebels, and truth-tellers.
I love books that capture the energy of a time and place, and this one seems like it’s bursting with life.
It’s a must-read for anyone who loves journalism, New York history, or stories about people who changed the game.
How to Fall in Love in a Time of Unnameable Disaster by Muriel Leung
Postapocalyptic New York City, acid rainstorms, and a makeshift family of humans and ghosts—this book sounds like a wild, emotional ride.
Mira is heartbroken, stranded, and desperately calling out on her HAM radio, hoping to find her lost love, Mal.
But she’s not entirely alone. She’s got a ghost cockroach for a neighbor, a headless man who’s fallen in love, and a ghostly grandpa causing chaos.
With survival getting harder and the world crumbling, this story digs deep into love, loss, and what it means to keep going when everything feels impossible.
It’s weird, haunting, and probably going to make me cry—and I love that.
Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
Three friends, big dreams, and the slow realization that life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned.
Memory Piece takes us from the 1980s, when Giselle, Jackie, and Ellen are just teenagers with artistic ambitions, to adulthood, where success gets complicated.
Giselle ends up navigating the high-stakes art world, Jackie watches the internet shift from promise to profit, and Ellen fights gentrification in a rapidly changing New York.
It’s got a mix of nostalgia, ambition, and hard truths about growing up—plus a speculative glimpse into the 2040s.
This one feels like the kind of book that makes you reflect on your own friendships and where life has taken you.
Movement by Nicole Gelinas
New York and its never-ending battle with cars—honestly, it’s kind of fascinating how the city has spent decades trying to undo the damage cars caused.
This book dives into how NYC fought (and is still fighting) to become a place for people, not just vehicles.
From subway revivals in the ’80s to bike lanes, pedestrian spaces, and the chaos of ride-shares, it’s a deep dive into urban planning, activism, and what makes a city truly livable.
If you’re into stories about everyday people pushing back against a system and reshaping the places we live, this sounds like a must-read.
Plus, it’s always fun to see Robert Moses’ legacy get taken down a notch.
Which of these books will you check out? Let me know!
