It’s out!!!! It’s out! It’s out. • The release of this longlist has haunted me these past few days. You think I’m lying? Well, I had a dream about this longlist the other day lol 😆. While some people anticipate the release of new sneakers, I look forward to literary award longlist announcements. Sue me. Getting into this longlist though. I’m a little surprised but not that surprised. There are nine different languages represented in this longlist, which is everything. What made the Booker International Prize Longlist so beautiful and strong this past year was its diversity, so I have to thank the NBA judges for giving us a diverse list. I’m here for it. • Last week I made my predictions for this category. I only got two right. *looks directly at the camera.* BUT!!!! Out of the ten books nominated, I already had six here with me 😙😙. My bank account is screaming in excitement. That’s a win. Additionally, I already read four out of the ten books so far, which is another win for me. Those books are: “The Books of Jacob,” “Seven Empty Houses,” “The Employees,” and “A New Name.” All four of these books are incredible. I was obsessed with them for different reasons. I’m glad they are in this kiki with us. I do have to say I’m shocked that “Paradais” by Fernanda Melchor isn’t here 🥺. “Paradais” is still in my top 5 books of the year. I’m heartbroken by this snub. RIP. I’m also shocked that “Dead-End Memories” didn’t make it. I thought it had a strong chance. • Anyway, that leaves me with six books to read before the shortlist announcement in three weeks. This is very doable. Out of all the books I have to read I’m most excited about “Kibogo” by Scholastique Mukasonga. I’ve only heard great things about this writer. I’ve even seen her name in conversations for the Nobel Prize in Literature around the internet so I’m hyped to finally get introduced to her work with “Kibogo,” which sounds fantastic. I plan to read this entire longlist and hope I get to review the ones I haven’t yet. These next few weeks are going to be fun. • What did you think of this longlist? Let me know all your thoughts down below Henny!