Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction

Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. The American Library Association (ALA) presents this award to recognize the best fiction books for adult readers published in the United States. The award is named after Andrew Carnegie, a renowned Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, who was a key figure in the development of public libraries in the United States, including the New York Public Library and the Library of Congress. The award is given in conjunction with the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, and both awards are administered by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) division of the American Library Association.

● Introduction

The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction is a prestigious literary award that recognizes outstanding fiction books published in the United States. The award is presented by the American Library Association (ALA) and is considered one of the most respected literary awards in the country, alongside the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Man Booker Prize. The award is named after Andrew Carnegie, who was a prominent figure in the development of public libraries in the United States, including the Chicago Public Library and the Boston Public Library. The award is also supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote literacy and education in the United States.

● History

The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction was established in 2012 by the American Library Association (ALA) to recognize the best fiction books for adult readers published in the United States. The award is presented annually at the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting, which is held in various cities across the United States, including New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. The award is given in conjunction with the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, which recognizes outstanding nonfiction books published in the United States. Both awards are administered by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) division of the American Library Association, which is also responsible for the Notable Books list and the Reading List award.

● Selection Process

The selection process for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction involves a rigorous evaluation of fiction books published in the United States during the preceding year. The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) division of the American Library Association (ALA) appoints a selection committee, which consists of librarians and book reviewers from across the United States, including New York Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, and Chicago Public Library. The committee reviews and evaluates fiction books published in the United States during the preceding year, considering factors such as literary merit, originality, and impact on the literary landscape, as well as the author's previous works, such as Toni Morrison's Beloved and Don DeLillo's Underworld. The committee also considers books that have been recognized by other literary awards, such as the National Book Critics Circle Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award.

● Winners

The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction has been awarded to several notable authors, including Richard Ford, who won the award in 2013 for his novel Canada, and Donna Tartt, who won the award in 2014 for her novel The Goldfinch. Other winners of the award include Jennifer Egan, who won in 2011 for her novel A Visit from the Goon Squad, and George Saunders, who won in 2018 for his novel Lincoln in the Bardo. The award has also been won by authors such as Michael Chabon, Jonathan Franzen, and Alice Munro, who have all been recognized for their contributions to American literature and Canadian literature. The winners of the award are chosen from a shortlist of finalists, which is announced in the spring of each year, and the award is presented at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, which is held in various cities across the United States, including Washington, D.C., Denver, and Seattle.

● Impact and Significance

The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction has had a significant impact on the literary landscape in the United States. The award has helped to promote literacy and reading among adults, and has recognized the contributions of American authors and Canadian authors to the literary canon. The award has also been recognized by other literary organizations, such as the National Book Foundation and the PEN American Center, which have praised the award for its commitment to recognizing excellence in fiction writing. The award has also been covered by major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR, which have helped to promote the award and its winners to a wider audience. The award is also supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, which provides funding for literary programs and initiatives across the United States.

● Notable Recipients

The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction has been awarded to several notable recipients, including Toni Morrison, who won the award in 2012 for her novel Home, and Don DeLillo, who won the award in 2016 for his novel Zero K. Other notable recipients of the award include Michael Ondaatje, who won in 2018 for his novel Warlight, and Annie Proulx, who won in 2018 for her novel Barkskins. The award has also been won by authors such as Margaret Atwood, Alice Walker, and John Updike, who have all been recognized for their contributions to American literature and Canadian literature. The notable recipients of the award are chosen for their outstanding contributions to the literary canon, and are recognized for their literary merit, originality, and impact on the literary landscape, as well as their previous works, such as The Handmaid's Tale and Rabbit, Run.