Booker Prize Gets Bad Books

 

The Booker Prize—one of the most prestigious literary awards in the English-speaking world—just had a year where the judges were frustrated enough to roll their eyes. Roddy Doyle, chair of the 2025 Booker Prize jury, came out and said judges had to discard more than 120 of the 153 novels submitted because they weren’t even worth discussing. Think about that for a moment. Over three-quarters of the submissions went straight into the “no” pile.

Now, the Booker Prize isn’t just any prize. Since 1969, it’s been the gold standard for novels written in English and published in the UK or Ireland. Winning can launch a book from the back corner of a shop to the front window. Life of Pi by Yann Martel? Booker Prize winner. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje? Booker Prize winner. Even Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children, often called one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, found its place in the spotlight thanks to the Booker.

When judges say the majority of entries weren’t even worth a second glance, it’s surprising. Or perhaps not, depending on how you view it. Readers know the feeling of opening a book, turning a few pages, and realizing it just isn’t going anywhere. Judges have to do that on repeat—153 times in this case. It makes one wonder how they keep their patience.

There’s some humor tucked into this bit of news. Imagine a stack of 153 books on your kitchen table. Each one carries the dream of being declared the best novel of the year. Now picture yourself tossing 120 of them aside before finishing your morning coffee. The judges don’t get the luxury of closing the cover politely and moving on. They have to explain why a story doesn’t stand a chance.

Here’s where the trivia comes in. The Booker Prize rules allow any publisher to submit novels as long as they’re published in the UK or Ireland. Big publishing houses can enter two novels, plus more if their authors have been shortlisted before. Smaller presses get one slot. What happens then is a flood of hopefuls—some polished, some less so. The prize has always aimed to spotlight excellence, but the uneven quality isn’t new. In 2011, Stella Rimington, chair of that year’s judges, was criticized for favoring “readability” over “literary quality.” Readers and critics have been debating the balance ever since.

Think of the irony. In a world overflowing with novels, where self-publishing makes it easier than ever to print a story, one of the world’s top prizes still has to sift through a mountain of weak submissions. It shows how rare great writing really is. For readers, it’s a reminder of the joy in finding a book that lingers long after the last page.

The Booker Prize has also had its share of controversies. In 2019, the jury broke its own rule and awarded the prize jointly to Margaret Atwood for The Testaments and Bernardine Evaristo for Girl, Woman, Other. It was the first tie in nearly three decades, and it stirred plenty of opinions. Some loved the decision, others thought it diluted the honor. Either way, it kept the prize in the headlines—proving that even a staid institution like the Booker isn’t free from drama.

So, what’s the takeaway from this year’s grumbling? For readers, it’s a bit of reassurance. If you’ve ever picked up a book, felt disappointed, and thought, “Maybe I’m missing something,” you’re not alone. Even Booker Prize judges find themselves slogging through pages, wondering why anyone bothered to submit. The difference is, they have to keep going until they find the gems hidden in the stack.

And here’s a little encouragement. When you stumble across a book that truly captivates—whether it’s a Booker winner or a forgotten novel from a secondhand shop—you’ve struck gold. Not every story will shine, but when one does, it makes the search worthwhile.

Fun trivia like this reminds us, reading isn’t just about awards or critical acclaim. It’s about the hunt for words that matter, the thrill of turning a page and finding yourself somewhere unexpected. The Booker Prize judges may have had a rough year, but readers everywhere still have shelves waiting to surprise them.

Stories like these remind us how words shape lives—how they steady us, stir us, and spark change. The Power of Authors, by Evan and Lois Swensen, carries this conviction to its core. More than a manual on writing, it is a meditation on purpose, showing how every word—whether in a novel, a thank-you note, or a simple message—can echo far beyond its moment. To celebrate its release, you’re invited to a book signing party on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from noon to 3 PM at 8370 Eleusis Drive, Anchorage, Alaska. Copies are available through Amazon (link), Barnes & Noble, and everywhere good books are sold. For an autographed copy, visit this link.

 

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