Thomas Page McBee

Tonight the fact that I was shortlisted for a major nonfiction book prize truly hit me for the first time. I could never have imagined that this book I wrote, as both an offering and a way to save myself, would touch people the way it has. I didn’t win the prize, but I was so moved by the passionate speech one of the judges, the incomparably gifted @lifeofmaari, gave about my book, I nearly cried.

She generously sent it to me after we took this selfie together. It read, in part:

“McBee has penned a very honest, much needed look at the intersections of masculinity, identity and violence… His style of revealing truths and feelings did not preach or overshare opinions. His nouveau perspective is what makes this book stand out. His writing is illuminating. So this book is one that I’m excited for many to consume. I’m earnestly excited for many more to consume it given it’s place on our shortlist. The human experience is so vast and constantly changing. It can only be a good thing for us to be able to widely understand and empathise with the experience in all it’s guises and in it’s full diversity. Amateur is a must read and one of the best non-fiction books of this year - it will stand the test of time and be marked as a snapshot for future generations.

I will never take it for granted. What a gift, to take James Bond pics of who I dream myself to be, and then to feel truly seen. What a life. Thank you to @lifeofmaari, the Baillie-Gifford judges, and everyone whose sent me an email or told me at a reading that this book matters. I am so grateful✌️#wontbeerased

Congratulations to Thomas Page McBee, whose book Amateur has been shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize! It couldn’t be better deserved – it’s a brilliant, timely, vital book about navigating masculinity by a writer of exceptional skill.

When this comes out I recommend you buy, beg, steal and/ or borrow this. A blazingly wise and beautiful book…