Each year since its inception, the program has honored three books—one fiction, one nonfiction, and one poetry title—that deepen our understanding of science and technology. The books’ authors are awarded $10,000 each, celebrated at a ceremony in March, and featured in national public programming. To qualify, books must have been published in English by US publishers within the last three years. Winners are chosen by a committee that operates independently of the National Book Foundation staff.
While the Audies focus on the audiobook itself, judging each title for its performance, direction, production, and content, the titles rounding out this year’s finalists in several categories lack in diversity. There are several categories that offer no books written by authors of color, History/Biography (which is also a slate made up entirely of male-identifying authors), Mystery, and Science Fiction. That doesn’t mean other categories lack representation nor that the performers and production teams are not inclusive; it is, however, important to point out that the range of stories can often continue to uplift those with more privilege.