What Awards Has 'Priestdaddy' Won?

I remember 'Priestdaddy' making waves when it came out, though it didn't scoop up as many awards as some expected. The big one was the 2017 Goodreads Choice Award for Memoir & Autobiography, which was huge given the competition. It also got nominated for the Thurber Prize for American Humor, showing how brilliantly it balanced deep themes with laugh-out-loud moments. What stood out was how Patricia Lockwood's unique voice—part poet, part preacher's kid—got recognized in literary circles beyond just awards. The book popped up on tons of 'Best of 2017' lists from places like The New York Times and NPR, which in my book counts as a win even without trophies.

'Priestdaddy' is one of those memoirs that sticks with you, and its award nods reflect that. The Goodreads Choice Award win was deserved—her writing about growing up with a guitar-playing, ex-marine priest father is both hilarious and piercing. The Thurber Prize nomination mattered because humor memoirs rarely get that blend of wit and depth right.

Beyond official awards, Lockwood’s background as a poet shines through in how she crafts sentences. Critics loved how she turned bizarre family anecdotes (like her dad refusing to wear pants at home) into sharp commentary on religion and identity. The book landed on year-end lists from The Washington Post and Time, proving its staying power. What’s cool is how it resonated with both literary snobs and casual readers—rare for a debut memoir. If you liked this, check out 'The Glass Castle' for another offbeat family story with heart.

Lockwood’s 'Priestdaddy' cleaned up in less obvious ways. Sure, the Goodreads win was great, but the real victory was how it dominated conversations. Book clubs adored it, and indie bookstores couldn’t keep it on shelves. The Thurber nomination was cheeky—fitting for a book where her dad’s antics (like blessing her laptop) make you snort coffee.

What’s wild is how it crossed genres. Poetry fans praised its lyrical style, comedy lovers highlighted the absurdity, and religious readers found unexpected depth. It didn’t need a shelf of awards; its cult status says more. For similar vibes, try 'Educated'—another memoir that blends family chaos with brilliant writing. 'Priestdaddy' proves awards aren’t everything when your book becomes a phenomenon.