The editors of Southern Literary Review select several books each year to receive special recognition. It recognizes books published over the previous two years (with October of the current year as the cut-off date for consideration.) Categories are Book of the Year, recognizing a novel or nonfiction full-length work; Short Fiction of the Year, recognizing an outstanding collection of shorter fiction; and Poetry of the Year, recognizing an outstanding collection of poetry.
*Note: Books written by friends of the editors will not be considered for recognition for ethical reasons.
The Book of the Year should
- Be written by a Southern author or have a Southern setting.
- Have lasting value as part of the Southern literary canon.
- Exhibit artistic worth, literary quality, and originality.
- Employ flawless language that suits the subject matter.
- Engage the reader on each page.
- Be a book deserving of wider recognition.
2024 Books of the Year
Fiction – Wofford’s Blood by Donna Coffey Little
Poetry – Glass Cabin by Tina Mozelle Braziel and James Braziel
2023 Books of the Year
Atomic Family by Ciera Horton and
Moonrise Over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks
2022 Book of the Year
Wild Spectacle: Seeking Wonders in a World Beyond Humans by Janisse Ray
2021 Book of the Year
The Committee by Sterling Watson