Four books have been shortlisted for the 2025 ACT Book of the Year award that showcase powerful storytelling across memoir, non-fiction, and historical reflection.
The 2025 ACT Book of the Year shortlist are:
- Lebanon Days by Theodore Ell
- Model Minority Gone Rogue by Qin Qin
- Stories My Grandmothers Didn't Tell Me by Andra Putnis
- Warra Warra Wai by Darren Rix & Craig Cormick
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson MLA, congratulated the shortlisted authors.
"Canberra's writing community continues to produce work of consistently high quality that reflects the diversity and creativity within our community," Minister Pettersson said.
"There were 56 entries for this years' coveted ACT Book of the Year award, so being shortlisted is a remarkable achievement. Each work offers a unique lens on identity, storytelling, place and experience."
"I would like to extend my congratulations to all our local authors who have had literary works published in the previous calendar year."
Eligible nominated books are read and judged by an independent, four-person panel experienced in writing, editing, publishing, and literature curation.
The ACT Book of the Year recognises quality, contemporary literary works by local authors published in the previous calendar year across multiple genres. The winning book will be announced at a special event on 24 October as part of the 2025 Canberra Writers Festival program.
To find out what's on during this year's Writers Festival visit www.canberrawritersfestival.com.au.
