The WFNB Nonfiction Award
The Writers' Federation of New Brunswick Book Prize recognizes the best book of nonfiction published by a New Brunswick resident in a given year. Since 2015 the prize has been sponsored by the Brennan family on behalf of the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick.
WFNB began three decades ago as a few friends gathered in a writers’ living room. Today, we’re a province-wide organization with 260+ members living in every corner of New Brunswick.
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2017 Awards
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Winner
Rachel Bryant, The Homing Place.
Published by Wilfrid Laurier Press.
Judge Andrew Westoll's citation: "Great nonfiction often challenges the reader to reconsider their place in the world, and that is exactly what Bryant has achieved with The Homing Place. Exhaustively researched, deeply informed by literary criticism, and written with the force of an impassioned thinker who has seen behind the veil of reconciliation in Canada, The Homing Place delivers a series of uncomfortable truths about the indigenous and settler relationship. A humanistic treatment that rewards, and deserves, deep engagement."
Also on Shortlist
Tony Robinson-Smith, The Dragon Run. Published by University of Alberta Press.
Jan Wong, Apron Strings. Published by Goose Lane.
2016 Awards
Melynda Jarratt, Letters from Beauly: Pat Hennessy and the Canadian Forestry Corps in Scotland, 1940-1945. Published by Goose Lane.
Roslyn Rosenfeld, Lucy Jarvis: Even Stones Have Life. Published by Goose Lane.
Judge Myrl Coulter's citation: "Shadow of Doubt is a vivid account of the 2011 murder of Richard Oland and the 2015 trial of his son Dennis for the crime. With a huge amount of information, evidence, and detail that could have made reading this book a sluggish experience, Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon maintains fine control of her material as she guides her audience from the murder scene to the intensity of the courtroom. Weaving in the complexities of a protracted police investigation, a
Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon, Shadow of Doubt.
Published by Goose Lane.
Winner
Also on Shortlist
Nicholas Guitard, The Lost Wilderness. Published by Goose Lane.
David Sullivan, Boss Gibson: Lumber King of New Brunswick. Self-
published.
2015 Awards
Winner
Donald Savoie, What is Government Good At?
Published by McGill-Queens University Press.
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Also on Shortlist
Judge Jane Silcott's citation: " Donald Savoie’s layered exploration of his own question is a well-timed look at the role of government. As he delves into the factors that affect our personal wellbeing, from regulation and de-regulation to the mores of the day, Savoie’s own beliefs are clear and cogent, and yet he doesn’t belabour them. This is a well-written, well structured book, packed with information and lightened with engaging and nuanced examples.
contentious family history, and a conflicted community mood, Shadow of Doubt is a fast-flowing page-turner that is hard to put down.."
