Completely Normal (and Other Lies) wins inaugural Gab Williams Prize

Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James (HGCP) is the winner of the inaugural Gab Williams Prize.

Readings established the Gab Williams Prize in addition to its annual Readings Prizes to acknowledge the contribution of Australian young adult authors and honour previous prize manager and young adult author Gabrielle Williams, who passed away in early 2023.

Unlike the Readings Prize winners, who are chosen by panels of Readings booksellers, the Gab Williams Prize is chosen by teen readers aged between 14 and 18, all of whom are participants in the Readings Teen Advisory Board. As the 2023 winner, James receives $1000.

Readings chair Mark Rubbo said: ‘The Gab Williams Prize is a way we can acknowledge Gab’s contribution to the Australian literary scene and celebrate the genre of writing she was synonymous with—young adult literature. We are all very excited to be recognising her through this prize, and importantly, supporting new and emerging authors within the young adult category of which she was a passionate advocate.’

Olivia Campbell chaired the teen judge panel, which also included Anahatt Kaur Chhina, Jasper Elkins, Poppy Holden, Navya Satish Kumar, Stella Quon, Ione Rawlings-Way, Charlotte Ross and Scarlett Schmerlaib. Campbell said James had created a cast of characters ‘who are fully realised and alive’. ‘Through them, she explores family, friendship, first love and grief with empathy and (what we hope will become a trademark) gentle humour. Made of tears, laughter, and the long draws of life in between, Completely Normal is a true joy to read and reread,’ said Campbell.

Said James of the win: ‘To be awarded this prize in Gab Williams’ name is so utterly humbling and absolutely wonderful, in the most bittersweet way. And, despite being a person who writes stuff, I actually don’t have the words to express the emoting that’s happening. Gab Williams made authors from Melbourne real for me. I honestly don’t think I could have written my book without her, and I want to say thank you. Not only to Gab, but also to her colleagues, and her family. Because god knows, I wouldn’t be writing this now if it wasn’t for mine.’

Category: Awards Local news