[applause] the national book awards are a huge part of that mission, and it is a thrill to be here with everyone tonight recognizing exceptional literature and increasing the visibility of books which are among the most powerful weapons we have against what has lately felt like an often hostile world. i think this past year has felt overwhelming and disheartening to many people. it s also felt exhausting for women, for people of color, for immigrants, for muslims, for the lgbtq community, for so many groups. to remain on the defensive in nearly every waking hour takes its toll. for some of us, books provide a welcome escape into someone else s world. for others they serve as a valuable resource for arming ourselves with indispensabling knowledge of history. but all books offer something we need so desperately right now; broadened perspective. books allow us to view circumstances through the eyes of someone else. they cultivate empathy. they inspire action. they make us f