Winners advocate hope in uncertainty at L.A. Times Book Prizes
The 45th Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony on Friday night at USC’s Bovard Auditorium was a celebration of literary excellence. As winners in 12 competitive categories and three special prizes took the stage, they addressed the challenging political climate in the U.S. and the city of L.A. rebuilding after the devastating firestorms in January.
One of the highlights of the evening was Pico Iyer receiving the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement. His latest novel, “Aflame: Learning From Silence,” tells the story of his mother’s home in Santa Barbara burning down during a wildfire in 1990. Despite the loss of handwritten drafts for three books in progress during the fire, Iyer spoke about how the experience opened new doors and possibilities for him.
Emily Witt, an investigative journalist, received the Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose for her memoir “Health and Safety: A Breakdown,” which explores New York’s nightlife scene. She drew inspiration from Isherwood’s writing about pre-World War II Berlin, highlighting the ideological challenges of her own time.
Amanda Gorman, a celebrated L.A.-born poet, was honored with the Innovator’s Award for her contributions to bringing books, publishing, and storytelling into the future. In her acceptance speech, Gorman emphasized the power of love and compassion in navigating turbulent times.
Other winners included Laura Beers for the biography prize, Rebecca Boyle for the science and technology award, and Kim Johnson for young-adult literature. Each of them shared unique perspectives on important societal issues through their writing.
The ceremony, emceed by Times columnist LZ Granderson, marked the beginning of the weekend’s Festival of Books at USC. With over 550 storytellers across various stages and venues, the event offers a chance for unity, purpose, and support in a world that often feels confusing and distressed.
As the festival continues, attendees can look forward to engaging discussions and panels with a diverse range of authors and entertainers. The lineup includes names like Amor Towles, Stacey Abrams, Rachel Kushner, and Wilmer Valderrama, promising a weekend filled with literary inspiration and entertainment.
The L.A. Times Book Prizes not only recognize outstanding literary works but also serve as a platform for meaningful conversations and connections. Through the power of storytelling, writers and readers alike can find hope, renewal, and a sense of community in the face of uncertainty.
