“I am so impressed with the shortlist selection from our booksellers,” said Shannon DeVito, Director of Books, Barnes & Noble. “These eight titles are diverse and far-reaching, capturing a wonderful snapshot of the year highlighting books that have been in the public eye and books that flew under the radar. These books showcase all types of writers – beloved authors, musicians, journalists, international superstars and even a pizza consultant.”
The “Book of the Year” designation launched in 2019, is a chance for those working with books and readers to highlight favorites of the year that may or may not be seeing the same honors elsewhere. The first winner of the “Book of the Year” honor was Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse, which was an otherwise little-known title. The book launched its way to the top of the bestsellers list, where it has remained since, and it’s sold over 400,000 copies and Barnes & Noble alone.
World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil was the 2020 winner of the award, a huge win both for the book and its small press, Milkweed.
“2021 has been a banner year for books and an absolute treat for book lovers. Book sales are so strong, bringing readers old and new into our stores, with many of them looking for booksellers’ recommendations. In this age of online shopping, the craft of bookselling has never seemed more important,” said CEO James Daunt. “Our annual award of Book of the Year is a celebration of our love of books. The Barnes & Noble Book of the Year asks of our booksellers which title they are most proud to be selling. We make no other qualification, and we are always amazed at the inspiring nature of the list our booksellers nominate.”
The eight titles on this year’s shortlist are as follows, with comments from Barnes & Noble Booksellers about why each was selected:
The winner of Barnes and Noble’s “Book of the Year” will be announced November 18. This, along with Barnes & Noble’s annual Top Books list, as well as their various book clubs for readers of all ages, are meant to help excite readers who may otherwise not have discovered these titles. They’re bookseller approved and among the titles those same sellers are most eager to press into reader hands.
Readers are welcome to talk with fellow book lovers and booksellers are this year’s short list for “Book of the Year” across social media, using the hashtag #BNBookOfTheYear.
