Did you know that Tennessee picks its best books each year? First awarded by Humanities Tennessee in 2024, the Tennessee Book Award was founded to recognize outstanding works by Tennessee authors, to help support and promote writers in the state, and to provide engagement opportunities for readers, writers, and libraries. The Tennessee Book Award recognizes excellence in Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry written by Tennessee residents. Check out the 2025 winners and see if you would have picked the same books.

Fiction Winner

Judged by Rebecca Makkai (I Have Some Questions For You), this fiction winner takes a look at what it’s like to grow up LGBTQ in rural, and highly religious, Appalachia, specifically West Virginia. I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I started reading this one, but it kind of grabbed me once I got into it. Not the easiest read, but it definitely had some heart and soul. It reminded me quite a bit of Gilead (Marilynne Robinson) or Wendell Berry’s fictional works (Hannah Coulter). Not sure I would have picked this as my favorite, but I can see why it was chosen as the winner. This is Sizemore’s only novel, but he has written other essays and short stories that were published in various journals.

Fiction Finalists

I have to say that I didn’t really want to read this one. Not because it sounded bad, but Harper’s brand new husband Ben is diagnosed with cancer right at the beginning. Then he gets this idea to help his wife find a new love before he’s gone so I knew it would be sad. Which is not my jam. But I persevered and powered through. Was it sad? Yep. I absolutely sobbed through parts of this, so maybe don’t read it in public. But it was also moving and I was still thinking about it after I finished. To me, that’s a sign of a good read. If you like Nicholas Sparks (b/c it’s sad) or Ashley Poston (b/c of the alternate realities), check this one out.

I saved this one for last because this is the one I would have picked to read just for fun. Country star Colton Gentry blows up his second chance at music fame when he gets drunk and goes on an anti-gun rant. Suddenly he finds himself back home at his mom’s with no career, no wife, and no prospects. Now he has to go about rebuilding his life. Again. I just wanted to give him a hug. I understand why the judge chose how she did, but this would have been my pick for best fiction book all day. In fact, it may be one of the best books I’ve read all year. You can tell that the author was actually a musician in his other life cuz he gets it. I didn’t want it to end. Great read. I may need to go back and seek out his other books.

Nonfiction Winner

This was a good read. I agree with judge Chris Offutt (My Father the Pornographer) that this was the best nonfiction candidate. It covers the 2008 coal sludge-slide that hit Kingston, TN. I did not remember this happening, although when I asked friends, they definitely recalled the disaster. It was fascinating to read about local lawyer Jim Scott taking on the TVA behemoth as workers started getting sick and dying. This definitely had some Erin Brokovich energy. It was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down.

Nonfiction Finalists

I enjoyed this one as well, but you know I’m always up for a good cookbook. Since I’m not from the South originally, I didn’t always know the history behind these well-known recipes. I actually sacrificed my body for this one because I burned the palm of my hand pretty badly (don’t use wet hot pads to get cast iron skillets out of the oven), trying to make the cornbread. It was good, but my husband liked the apple cider fritters I made better. Lots of fun things to experiment with here.

This book is a combination of narrative about the 2018 Waffle House shootings here in Nashville and a discussion of gun control as it relates to public health and safety. I remember the shootings because they weren’t too far from my house, and the debate was interesting as well. This one kept me engaged throughout.

Poetry Winner

I have to admit that I am not the biggest into poetry. I think I like to read too quickly. With poetry you have to be patient and let it breathe a little. I can see why judge Richard Blanco (fifth inaugural poet of the United States, City of a Hundred Fires) picked this one, but it was a little dark for me.

Poetry Finalists

This collection is aptly titled. After reading, I feel like I’ve been haunted. There is pain in these words and I probably wouldn’t read it again, but it was moving.

These words have power. Even though I am not a black woman, I can still feel the magic and the warrior in these words. It made me want to go and read her novel, Memphis.

I enjoy reading Tennessee authors and these are some of the best. There is something here for everyone to fall in love with. And if that’s not awarding enough for you, be sure to join us for our 2025 Literary Award events with Amor Towles. 

Check out our website for all the wheres and whens to be a part of this epic celebration.

Happy awarding…
:) Amanda