2023 B&N Discover Prize Finalists

Barnes & Noble has announced its Discover Prize finalists, honoring the "six most exceptional debut novels" published in 2023 in a contest judged by B&N booksellers. This year's prize winner will be announced on October 30 during a live event held in the bookseller’s Upper West Side location. 

The shortlist is as follows:

• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah — “Raw and visceral doesn’t even begin to cover it. This book whipped my heart around.” — Miwa M., Bookseller, Los Angeles, Calif.
• Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias — “Reading this book was such a pleasure. The poetic language builds a story full of beauty, pain, and unexpected humor.” — Craig B., Bookseller, New York, N.Y.
• The East Indian by Brinda Charry — “I loved this book — Charry confidently pulls you into her historical setting, and the finale was so satisfying.” — Josh S., Bookseller, St. Louis, Mo.
• Open Throat by Henry Hoke — “I read this in a single sitting. Seriously gripping, from the attention-grabbing opening line to the explosive final page.” — Jess L., Bookseller, Salem, N.H.
• The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters — “This begins as a tragic mystery and blossoms into a story of resilient hope. I couldn’t put it down.” —  Carly R., Bookseller, Green Bay, Wisc.
• In Memoriam by Alice Winn — “This is part love story, part epic war story, and the writing rips along and never slows down.” — Brenda A., Bookseller, Bentonville, Ark.