Trevor Noah Wins 2017 Thurber Prize for American Humor
October 4, 2017
Penguin Random House author and Comedy Central Network Daily Show host Trevor Noah has won the 2017 Thurber Prize for American Humor, sponsored by Thurber House, for his bestselling memoir, BORN A CRIME: Stories from a South African Childhood (Spiegel & Grau/Random House). Mr. Noah received a $5,000 prize and a commemorative crystal plaque Monday, October 2, at a ceremony in New York City.
In BORN A CRIME, told during the twilight of apartheid in South Africa and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed, Mr. Noah illuminates his curious world with an incisive wit and unflinching honesty. He weaves his stories together to form a moving and searingly funny portrait of a boy making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time, armed only with a keen sense of humor and a mother’s unconventional, unconditional love.
Congratulations to Mr. Noah, his editor, Chris Jackson, and everyone at Spiegel & Grau and the Random House Publishing Group.
The Thurber Prize for American Humor was founded by Thurber House in 1997 in honor of James Thurber, one of the foremost American humorists of the 20th century, author of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and creator of numerous cartoons for The New Yorker magazine. This prize annually recognizes excellence in humor writing. Popular Company News
In Memoriam: Ann Godoff, Founder, President, and Editor-in-Chief, Penguin Press
February 26, 2026
From Scott Moyers, President & Publisher, Penguin Press: It is with great sadness that I write with the news of the passing of our beloved colleague…
Doubleday to Publish New John Grisham Thriller, THE FRENCH ILLUSION
March 13, 2026
Doubleday will publish John Grisham’s new international thriller, THE FRENCH ILLUSION, on September 29, 2026. The announcement was made on March 12, 2026 by Grisham’s publisher, Suzanne Herz, and U.S. rights…
PRHPS & Oni Press Worldwide Partnership Begins August 2026
February 4, 2026
Penguin Random House Publisher Services (PRHPS) announced on February 3 a multi-year worldwide sales and distribution agreement with Oni Press, the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher…
Andy Weir’s PROJECT HAIL MARY Premieres on the Big Screen, Starring Ryan Gosling
March 23, 2026
The highly anticipated film adaptation of Andy Weir's PROJECT HAIL MARY (Ballantine Books) hit the big screens on Friday, March 20! Project Hail Mary (2026) is…
Congratulations to Our International Booker Prize Longlisters
March 2, 2026
The longlist for The International Booker Prize, the world’s most significant award for a single work of translated fiction, was recently announced. This year’s International Booker…
John Mark Comer’s THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY Surpasses 1M Copies Sold
February 5, 2026
THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World, by New York Times bestselling author…
Spotlighting Our 2026 Edgar Award Nominees
February 2, 2026
Mystery Writers of America recently announced the nominees for the 2026 Edgar Allen Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction, nonfiction and television published or…
Our Upcoming Author Events | March 2, 2026
March 2, 2026
The Penguin Random House Communications team invites you to discover some of the Penguin Random House Author Events we’re looking forward to this week! Every Monday, a curated selection…
Spotlighting Our LA Times Book Prizes Finalists
February 23, 2026
The Los Angeles Times announced the finalists and honorees for its 46th Annual Book Prizes, recognizing outstanding literary achievement across 13 categories and celebrating the highest…
