Aspen Words Literary Prize & Community Read
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 Shortlist has been announced! Learn more about this year's novels and authors.
Aspen Words Literary Prize 2025 Longlist:
Aspen Words Literary Prize Livestream Party
Wednesday, April 23 | 4:00pm-6:00pm | Dunaway Community Room
Who will win the 2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize? Join us to watch the awards ceremony in real-time!
Attendees at the Library’s viewing party will be able to delight in the evening’s most exciting aspects: a conversation with the finalist authors led by Bilal Qureshi, independent essayist, broadcaster and critic, and the live announcement of the $35,000 prize winner.
Enjoy light refreshments, mingle, and find out who will win this year's Literary Prize as it is announced at the Morgan Library in New York City. Refreshments and snacks will be available, as well as a chance to win a raffle prize! All attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for a free copy of the winning book, which will be featured in the 2025 Community Read this summer.
Stay after the prize is announced and discuss your favorite book from the 2025 Longlist or 2025 Shortlist.
The Aspen Words Literary Prize winner will be announced at 5:20pm.
Please register so we can provide the appropriate amount of refreshments and snacks.
Sign Up for the Aspen Words Literary Prize Livestream Party.
Community Read
After the Aspen Words Literary Prize winner is chosen, Aspen Words and the Library partner together to provide 200 copies of the winning book to community members.
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.
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!