Portland writer's debut nonfiction work snags National Book Award

National Book Award in nonfiction goes to Gaza polemic ‘One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This’

A provocative essay collection about the West’s response to the Gaza war and a children’s book about young Iranians helping a Jewish refugee in World War II were two of the big winners at the National Book Awards held on Nov. 19. “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This,” by Egyptian-Canadian journalist and author Omar El Akkad, won the evening’s nonfiction prize. Based on a viral tweet El Akkad sent early into the Israel-Gaza war, …

National Book Award in nonfiction goes to Gaza polemic 'One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This'

The book by Omar El Akkad stems from a viral tweet. A book about Jewish refugees won the young people's literature award.

Portland writer's debut nonfiction work snags National Book Award

More than 1,800 books were submitted for consideration for the awards ceremony.

Omar El Akkad's "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" wins the National Book Award

Last night, author Omar El Akkad won the National Book Award for non-fiction for One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, his searing indictment of the West’s response to and complicity in the war in Gaza. One Day was the Ink Book Club’s June selection, and we invite you to watch our conversation with El Akkad.“While the terrible thing is happening — while the land is still being stolen and the natives still being killed — any form o…

Notes on a Script: Danny Strong on Making the Book to CHESS Work

What went in to making the book to Chess 'work'? The Chess revival's book writer Danny Strong shares how he began his deep dive into Chess, and what it looked like to rewrite the book that famously never quite found its footing. Strong shared, "I thought to myself, 'Why don't I check it out? Why don't I see what the problem with Chess is?' And this was purely as the musical theatre nerd that I am. So, I went online, I found Chess in concert with…

Portland author Omar El Akkad wins 2025 National Book Award in Nonfiction

El Akkad's book, "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This," is a blistering reflection on the Israel-Hamas war.