Dynamic, creative, and a magnet for people all over the world, NYC is always in the process of reinventing itself. Its energy and its diversity makes New York City one of the best literary characters and settings in history.

The Gotham Book Prize was created in mid-2020 by Bradley Tusk and Howard Wolfson to recognize the culture that has made New York City special for generations and to uplift the creative community during the challenges of the pandemic. 

The Gotham Book Prize is awarded annually to the best book published that calendar year — either fiction or nonfiction — that either is about New York City or takes place in New York City.  Deacon King Kong by James McBride was selected as the first annual Gotham Book Prize winner in April 2021. Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott was selected as the second winner in April 2022.

Last year’s winners included Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana & The Sewing Girl’s Tale by John Wood Sweet.

This year, the jury will select one winner and the $50,000 prize will be awarded in June 2024.