Two books have been selected to represent New Mexico's literary culture at the 2025 National Book Festival. The chosen titles are "She Persisted: Deb Haaland" by Laurel Goodluck and "The Half-White Album" by Cynthia Sylvester. These selections were made by the New Mexico Center for the Book at the New Mexico State Library (NMSL).
Katherine Miles, Public Services Bureau Chief at NMSL, commented on the selection process, stating, "For 23 years, the Center for the Book at the New Mexico State Library has championed the stories, voices, and traditions of the Southwest, leading with literary vision and bringing the richness of New Mexico’s culture to the heart of the National Book Festival."
The festival will take place on September 6 in Washington, D.C., and online. It will feature livestreamed and recorded programs celebrating books and authors.
The youth book selection is "She Persisted: Deb Haaland," a biography by Laurel Goodluck. The book details Deb Haaland's life journey from her childhood as a military child to becoming one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and later serving as a cabinet secretary.
The adult book selection is "The Half-White Album" by Cynthia Sylvester. This debut collection blends fiction, poetry, and nonfiction to explore lives lived between worlds. It focuses on themes of generational trauma and healing through storytelling.
Both books are available in libraries across New Mexico and through NMSL’s statewide eBook program NMReads.
New Mexico Center for the Book is affiliated with the Library of Congress' Center for the Book. It promotes literacy and celebrates New Mexico’s literary heritage under NMSL's administration.
Information from this article can be found here.
