The Gab Williams Prize seeks to acknowledge the contribution of young adult author and immediate past manager of The Readings Prize, Gabrielle Williams, who passed away early in 2023.

Unlike the other prize winners, which are chosen by panels of Readings booksellers this prize has been chosen by teens themselves, all aged between 14 to 18, and all participants in The Readings Teen Advisory Board. The board read the shortlist for The Readings Young Adult Prize and came together to choose their favourite as the winner.

The Gab Williams Prize inaugural winner

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Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James

Olivia Campbell, chair of judges: The Readings Teen Advisory Board is so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and discuss this wonderful selection of stories. It was so meaningful to us – being able to explore these lives and worlds reflective of our own. It is our genuine pleasure to recognise Biffy James’ debut novel, Completely Normal (and Other Lies), as the winner of The Gab Williams Prize.

James has created a cast of characters who are fully realised and alive. Through them, she explores family, friendship, first love, and grief, with empathy and (what we hope will become a trademark) gentle humour. Made of tears, laughter, and the long draws of life in between, Completely Normal is a true joy to read and reread.

This book embodies teenage mistakes. It is poignant, earnest, and real. We hope this platform will bring it to more young readers; Completely Normal made us feel seen.

Author Biffy James said of her win: To be awarded this prize in Gab Williams’ name is so utterly humbling and absolutely wonderful, in the most bittersweet way. And, despite being a person who writes stuff, I actually don’t have the words to express the emoting that’s happening.

Gab Williams made authors from Melbourne real for me. I honestly don’t think I could have written my book without her, and I want to say thank you. Not only to Gab, but also to her colleagues, and her family. Because god knows, I wouldn’t be writing this now if it wasn’t for mine.

The judges of The Gab Williams Prize 2023 are: Olivia Campbell (chair), Anahatt Kaur Chhina, Jasper Elkins, Poppy Holden, Navya Satish Kumar, Stella Quon, Ione Rawlings-Way, Charlotte Ross and Scarlett Schmerlaib.

The 2023 winner receives $1,000 in prize money.