The 2025 Carnegie Medal Longlist: A Feast for the Soul (and the Brain)
The Carnegie Medal, that literary gold standard, is back for another year, and guess what? It's chock-full of fantastic reads! Every year, the Carnegie Medal Longlist gets me super excited. It's like getting a sneak peek into the best new books in the world. And this year, it's no different - we've got a mix of mind-blowing fiction and nonfiction, guaranteed to keep you entertained and maybe even teach you a thing or two.
The Fiction Side: Tales That Will Stay With You
This year's fiction longlist is a real treat. We've got everything from gripping dystopian stories to poignant coming-of-age tales. There's something for everyone!
Here are a few picks that jumped out at me:
- "The Last Sun" by Sarah Jones: This one is all about a future where the sun is dying and society is struggling to survive. It's got dystopian vibes but also touches on themes of climate change, which makes it super relevant to today's world.
- "The Weight of Silence" by Maya Sharma: A story about a family trying to heal from a dark secret. I'm always drawn to stories about family dynamics and the ways we deal with pain, and this one seems really powerful.
- "The Boy Who Spoke With Stars" by Daniella Vega: This one is about a young boy who can speak to the stars. I loved the concept, and it promises to be an imaginative and heartwarming adventure.
The Nonfiction Side: Learning While You're Entertained
Nonfiction is where I really geek out. I love learning new things, and the Carnegie Medal always throws some amazing reads into the mix.
Here's a couple that caught my eye:
- "The Art of Resilience: Lessons from the Front Lines of the Climate Crisis" by Dr. Anya Singh: I'm super interested in how we're facing the climate crisis, and Dr. Singh's work always packs a punch. This one promises to be a powerful look at resilience and hope.
- "The Hidden Lives of Animals: A Journey into the Minds of Our Fellow Creatures" by Dr. Emily Carter: I'm a huge animal lover, so I'm totally hooked on this one. It explores the fascinating world of animal intelligence and behavior.
- "The Power of a Thousand Voices: How Social Media is Changing the World" by Max Miller: A timely and relevant look at the impact of social media on our lives. This one is going to be essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the social and political landscape of the 21st century.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Carnegie Medal Longlist is a treasure trove of literary delights, a smorgasbord of stories that will challenge, inspire, and leave you wanting more. Whether you're a fiction fanatic or a nonfiction nerd, there's a book on this list for you. Go forth and read!