Award recipients at the L.A. Times Book Prizes event champion optimism amid prevailing doubt.
Literary Masterminds Unite: A Night of Wit and Wisdom
The literary world descended upon USC's Bovard Auditorium for the 45th annual L.A. Times Book Prizes. It was a captivating evening where winners from twelve compete categories and three special prizes graced the stage. The event was peppered with references to the tumultuous political climate in the U.S., the ongoing struggle to rebuild after Southern California's devastating firestorms, and the importance of utilizing one's voice to reflect the current state of the world.
In light of recent events, many speakers urged audiences to recognize the urgency of highlighting social issues. Remica Bingham-Risher, the poetry prize winner, shared thoughts on the hardships her grandmothers faced, remarking that had they lived in a different time, their narrative would have been hers. Similarly, Jesse Katz, the current interest prize winner, drew attention to the unique stories of MacArthur Park residents, reinforcing the importance of empathy and acknowledging the individuality of often-stigmatized communities.
The evening was marked by the presentation of the Robert Kirsch Award to renowned author Pico Iyer, who has written 15 books in multiple languages. His latest novel, "Aflame: Learning From Silence," recounts his mother's home in Santa Barbara being scorched during a wildfire in 1990—this poignant narrative serves as a reminder of the resilience that emerges from hardship. Iyer encouraged the audience, referencing the recent disasters in California, to embrace the transformative power of adversity.
Amanda Gorman, beloved poet and L.A. native, received the Innovator's Award for her constant efforts to bring books, publishing, and storytelling into the future. When accepting her award, Gorman recited a powerful passage about love, stressing its ability to guide and empower us.
The biography prize went to Laura Beers for "Orwell's Ghosts: Wisdom and Warnings for the Twenty-First Century," a book written on the 75th anniversary of "1984," which examines George Orwell's prophetic teachings. Journalist Rebecca Boyle clinched the science and technology prize for "Our Moon: How Earth's Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are," a book that unraveled the moon's influence on our biological and cultural evolution. In her stirring acceptance speech, Boyle drew parallels between the cyclical nature of the moon and the changing political landscape, emphasizing the need to remain hopeful and resilient in the face of adversity.
As the night progressed, several other award-winning authors shared their works and insight, including participants in the L.A. Times Festival of Books lineup, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The weekend event will feature appearances from prominent figures such as Chelsea Handler, Stacey Abrams, Amanda Gorman, and Jon M. Chu.
Additional Reading:
- Rain doesn't dampen spirits at L.A. Times Book Prizes
- The Best Books of the Last 30 Years: Honorable Mentions
- L.A. Times to honor Pico Iyer for his literary accomplishments
Sources:
- L.A. Times Book Prizes 2025: 'The Fraught Political Climate, L.A. Rebuilding After Firestorms Ensure Winners Address the Present Moment'
- L.A. Times Book Prizes 2025: Pico Iyer, Amanda Gorman, Others to Talk About Books at Festival
- L.A. Times Book Prizes 2025: Full List of Winners by Category
- Despite the tumultuous political climate in the U.S., the 45th annual L.A. Times Book Prizes in Los Angeles, California, served as a beacon of wit and wisdom.
- The event was held at USC's Bovard Auditorium, where speakers addressed pressing social issues, recounting their experiences and urging audiences to act.
- Remica Bingham-Risher, winner of the poetry prize, shared her grandmother's hardships, emphasizing the importance of sharing narratives that reflect the current state of the world.
- Jesse Katz, the current interest prize winner, highlighted the unique stories of MacArthur Park residents, reinforcing the significance of empathy and acknowledging the individuals in often-stigmatized communities.
- Pico Iyer, recipient of the Robert Kirsch Award, shared his personal experiences during California's wildfires in Santa Barbara, underscoring the transformative power of adversity.
- Amanda Gorman, the Innovator's Award recipient, stressed love's ability to guide and empower us during her acceptance speech.
- Laura Beers earned the biography prize for "Orwell's Ghosts: Wisdom and Warnings for the Twenty-First Century," a book that examines George Orwell's prophetic teachings.
- Journalist Rebecca Boyle, winner of the science and technology prize, provided insights into the moon's influence on our biological and cultural evolution in "Our Moon."
- Boyle also drew parallels between the cyclical nature of the moon and the changing political landscape, encouraging resilience in the face of adversity.
- As the night continued, authors from the L.A. Times Festival of Books lineup shared their works, celebrating the event's 30th anniversary.
- Prominent figures such as Chelsea Handler, Stacey Abrams, Amanda Gorman, and Jon M. Chu will appear at the Festival of Books, offering further opportunities for learning and entertainment.
