Story perspectives

2025's Literary Highlights: Celebrations and Standout Voices

12/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

In December 2025, The Lit Hub Podcast celebrated the year’s literary achievements, including staff favorites and the 100 Small Press Books curated by Miriam Gershow.
Fresh Air Weekend featured interviews with Michael Shannon and Rhea Seehorn, discussed their projects, and highlighted Maureen Corrigan's top nonfiction picks, with Karen Russell's The Antidote standing out.
Both platforms reflect a vibrant literary scene, emphasizing diverse voices and genres as 2025 concludes.

History

Historical Context

Established on September 29, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded over $5 billion in grants to support artistic excellence across the U.S. The NEA's recent celebration of literary achievements in December 2025 underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering diverse voices, despite facing challenges related to federal funding restrictions and political pressures.

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Story summary

In December 2025, The Lit Hub Podcast celebrated the year’s literary achievements, including staff favorites and the 100 Small Press Books curated by Miriam Gershow.
Fresh Air Weekend featured interviews with Michael Shannon and Rhea Seehorn, discussed their projects, and highlighted Maureen Corrigan's top nonfiction picks, with Karen Russell's The Antidote standing out.
Both platforms reflect a vibrant literary scene, emphasizing diverse voices and genres as 2025 concludes.

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