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The winner of the Aspen Words Literary Prize was recently revealed to be Tommy Orange for his upcoming novel, Wandering Stars. This year’s competition was intense, with notable finalists such as James, Before the Mango Ripens, There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven, and The Safekeep. Notably, the award grants the winner a $35,000 prize, highlighting the increasing recognition of BIPOC authors within the literary landscape.
This week also brings a diverse array of new BIPOC literature, including a gripping social media thriller, an unconventional horror mystery, a romance featuring a Ghanaian heiress, and an unexpected historical merman tale.
Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
The latest addition to the dark thriller genre explores the darker sides of social media and influencer culture. It follows Chloe VanHuusen, a well-known influencer who makes a shocking video about discovering her long-lost twin sister, thereby capturing the attention of millions. However, when Julie Chan, the twin who leads a mundane life as a cashier, finds Chloe dead, she seizes the opportunity to take over her sister’s glamorous life. This transformation introduces her to a world of luxury, but it also unveils a web of secrets and dangers that might threaten her life as well.
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker
This novel blends mystery with horror, focusing on Cora, who has become numb to violence after witnessing her sister’s tragic death. Now working as a crime scene cleaner, she finds herself engulfed in a gruesome world, drifting away from friends and family. As mysterious murders arise, particularly of East Asian women in Chinatown, Cora must confront her connection to these events and the shadows that seem to follow her.
Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone
The story follows Ofosua Addo, a Ghanaian heiress who is faced with the challenges of cultural expectations. After meeting Cole during a publishing party, she is drawn to him, even as she remains engaged to a man her mother adores. As her extravagant wedding plans begin to unravel, Ofosua must confront her feelings and the pull between societal norms and personal happiness.
When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
This queer romance set in 1910s New York City offers a magical blend of fantasy and reality. Benny Caldera, an artist who creates a remarkable ironwork tank for a playground, discovers a merman named Río, who becomes a captivating presence in his life. As their connection deepens, Benny grapples with issues of freedom and sacrifice in a world that often constrains him.
**All Access members will find an extended list of noteworthy titles following this section**
This update comes from our Editorial Desk.
This week, we are shining a light on key literary events scheduled for the remainder of 2025. From awards announcements to the celebration of renowned authors’ birthdays and the observance of Banned Books Week, these dates are essential for any literature enthusiasts. Join us as we provide a preview and invite readers to keep an eye on these significant occasions.
The Most Anticipated Literary Events of (the Rest of) 2025
For many, significant literary events can serve as delightful surprises, while for others, there’s joy in anticipating these moments well in advance. The editorial team consistently works to keep track of noteworthy occasions that are set to enrich the literary landscape. Our planning sessions have focused on everything from the birthdays of literary giants to anniversaries of culturally impactful works and upcoming awards. We recognize that 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant year for literature, and there are still many exciting events to look forward to.
Whether you’re a content creator focusing on literature, someone who follows award winners closely, or a reader eager to stay informed, now is a great time to begin marking your calendars.
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