Picture a North Carolina storyteller who spun a tale so gripping it snagged the National Book Award—meet Jason Mott! With a knack for blending humor, heart, and hard-hitting social commentary, Mott has carved out a unique space in contemporary American literature. His breakout novel, Hell of a Book, took nearly a decade to perfect, but its blend of metafiction and raw emotion made it a literary sensation.
Born and raised in Bolton, North Carolina, Mott’s journey from small-town poet to award-winning novelist is as inspiring as his stories. His work tackles big themes—race, identity, love, and loss—with a playful yet poignant voice that keeps readers hooked.
The Making of Jason Mott
Growing up in southeastern North Carolina, Jason Mott was surrounded by the rich oral traditions of the South, which shaped his love for storytelling. He earned a BFA in Fiction and an MFA in Poetry from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, honing a lyrical style that shines in his prose. Before his breakout success, Mott worked odd jobs, including as a call center operator, while writing poetry and fiction for literary journals. His persistence paid off when his debut novel, The Returned, caught the eye of Hollywood, sparking his rise to literary fame.
Jason Mott’s Unforgettable Stories
Mott’s novels are a masterclass in blending the surreal with the deeply human. His debut, The Returned (2013), explores love and loss through a magical premise: deceased loved ones mysteriously reappear. Adapted into the TV series Resurrection, it showcased Mott’s ability to weave emotional depth into speculative fiction.
The Wonder of All Things (2014) followed, diving into themes of sacrifice and healing as a young girl with miraculous powers grapples with her gift’s cost. The Crossing (2018) offered a haunting look at war and displacement through a dystopian lens. But it’s Hell of a Book (2021) that cemented Mott’s legacy. This National Book Award winner follows an unnamed Black author on a chaotic book tour, interweaving his story with that of Soot, a young boy facing racism, and The Kid, a possibly imaginary figure. The novel’s metafictional structure, sharp humor, and unflinching take on police violence and Black identity make it a modern classic.
Mott’s style is a tightrope walk—lyrical yet accessible, funny yet devastating. He draws on Southern storytelling traditions, infusing them with modernist flair inspired by authors like Ralph Ellison, creating narratives that feel both timeless and urgent.
Why Jason Mott Matters
Jason Mott’s work resonates because it speaks truth through imagination. Hell of a Book confronts the Black experience in America with a rawness that’s both personal and universal, earning praise from readers and critics alike. Its 2021 National Book Award win, along with accolades like the Sir Walter Raleigh Award, underscores Mott’s role as a literary trailblazer. His ability to tackle heavy topics—racism, grief, identity—with humor and hope has made him a vital voice in contemporary fiction, inspiring book clubs and sparking conversations about art and justice.
Beyond his novels, Mott’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a celebrated author inspires aspiring writers, proving that perseverance and authenticity can break through. His upcoming novel, People Like Us, promises to build on his signature blend of wit and wisdom.
- Born: Bolton, North Carolina
- Key Works: The Returned, The Wonder of All Things, The Crossing, Hell of a Book
- Awards: 2021 National Book Award for Fiction, Sir Walter Raleigh Award, 2024 NEA Fellowship
Snag Hell of a Book and dive into Jason Mott’s electrifying world of humor, heart, and truth!