Portland writer Kimberly King Parsons was honored with the prestigious Ken Kesey Award for Fiction at the 2025 Oregon Book Awards on Monday, April 28, for her debut novel We Were the Universe. The book, which explores the complex grief of a young mother after the death of her sister, has received widespread acclaim, including recognition from Time Magazine as one of its Must-Read Books of 2024. The New York Times also praised the novel for its poignant storytelling.
Parsons’ win highlights her growing reputation within the literary community, both locally and nationally. The Ken Kesey Award for Fiction is presented annually by Literary Arts, an organization based in Portland, and honors the best work of fiction by an Oregon author.
In addition to Parsons’ achievement, several other awards were presented at the ceremony:
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Stafford/Hall Award for Poetry: Portland poet charity e. yoro for ten-cent flower & other territories
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Angus L. Bowmer Award for Drama: Brianna Barrett of Portland for Still Harvey Still
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Frances Fuller Victor Award for General Nonfiction: Rebecca Clarren of Portland for The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota and an American Inheritance
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Sarah Winnemucca Award for Creative Nonfiction: Jaclyn Moyer of Corvallis for On Gold Hill: A Personal History of Wheat Farming and Family, from Punjab to California
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Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult & Middle Grade Literature: Makiia Lucier of Portland for Dragonfruit
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Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature: Ann Broyles of Portland for I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People
Two special awards were also presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to Oregon’s literary scene. Jelani Memory of Portland, founder of A Kids Co., received The Walt Morey Young Readers Literary Legacy Award, while Laura Moulton of Portland, founder of Street Books, was honored with the Stewart H. Holbrook Literary Legacy Award.
The 2025 Oregon Book Awards were based on submissions reviewed by out-of-state judges, who considered 212 titles by Oregon authors, selecting 35 finalists.
Literary Arts, founded in 1984, has been recognizing Oregon’s literary talent since 1987. The nonprofit organization, which hosts a variety of programs such as the Portland Arts & Lectures series and the Portland Book Festival, plays a crucial role in fostering the state’s vibrant literary culture. Literary Arts also offers writing fellowships, writing classes, and youth programs like “Verselandia,” in addition to producing the radio show and podcast The Archive Project, which airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on OPB.
