The Community Read, presented by Aspen Words and Pitkin County Library, strives to celebrate literature, unite readers around a work of fiction, and ignite meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored in each year's Aspen Words Literary Prize winning novel and those nominated.
The 2025 Longlist has been announced! Learn more about this year's novels and authors.
The Lit Lounge Book Club
We have started a brand new book club!
Welcome to The Lit Lounge, a dynamic book club inspired by the thought-provoking works that were nominated and considered for the Aspen Words Literary Prize. This book club meets every third Tuesday of the Month from 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Each month, we dive into exceptional fiction that illuminates critical social issues, challenges perspectives, and fosters meaningful conversations. Our selections span diverse voices and genres, exploring themes like justice, identity, resilience, and the human experience so that we can delve into stories that not only captivate with their artistry but also ignite discussions about the world we share. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or someone looking to expand your literary horizons, The Lit Lounge is a space for readers who value the power of fiction to inspire change, connect communities, and spark new ideas.
The intention of this group is to gather and discuss great books. Each month, you are encouraged to select the book you’re most interested in from the wide world of Aspen Words Literary Prize nominees and then come together to discuss, share insights, and encourage fellow readers. Join us for engaging dialogue, thoughtful insights, and, of course, the occasional surprise guest or creative twist!
Choose one of these incredible books to read and discuss.
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Aspen Words Literary Prize 2025 Longlist:
Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
James by Percival Everett
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
The Kingdom of No Tomorrow by Fabienne Josaphat
The Road to the Salt Sea by Samuel Kọ́láwọlé
Before the Mango Ripens by Afabwaje Kurian
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
There is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Ryes Jr.
Lilith by Eric Rickstad
Fire Exit by Morgan Talty
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
Devil is Fine by John Vercher
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Previous Community Read Books
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
The Haunting of Hajji Hotak and Other Stories by Jamil Jan Kochai
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
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Recordings of Previous Author Talks by Aspen Public Radio
Community Read Author Talk with Literary Prize Winner Jamil Jan Kochai
Aspen Words Community Read: Author Talk with Dawnie Walton
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Aspen Words was founded in 1976 as a literary center based in Aspen, CO. A program of the Aspen Institute, its mission is to encourage writers, inspire readers and connect people through the power of stories. The Aspen Words Literary Prize is a $35,000 annual award for an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue and demonstrates the transformative power of literature on thought and culture. Open to authors of any nationality, the award is one of the largest literary prizes in the United States and one of the few focused exclusively on fiction with a social impact. The inaugural award was presented in 2018 to Mohsin Hamid for his novel Exit West.