In August 2023, I decided to add this project to my list, starting with 2020, and wind up my James Tait Black Fiction Prize project. I decided this when I realized I was reading far more books by British than American authors. I’m hoping to correct this bias by reading the books by the finalists and winners. So, here are the books that I have challenged myself to read. The winners are indicated in red (or purple, if there is a link to my review).
2020
The Topeka School by Ben Lerner
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
2021
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Telephone by Percival Everett
A Registry of My Passage on the Earth by Daniel Mason
2022
The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family by Joshua Cohen
Monkey Boy by Francisco Goldman
Pulmares by Gayl Jones
2023
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The Immortal King Rao by Vauhini Vara
2024
Wednesday’s Child by Yiyun Li
Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park
Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips