Manhattan Book Group gives Chaz Holesworth’s memoir gold at 2026 Manhattan Book Awards

Manhattan Book Group said Chaz Holesworth’s memoir, Life and How to Live it: Begin the Begin, won gold in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards on July 25, 2026. The award spotlights an independent-publishing title built around a coming-of-age story shaped by poverty, addiction and faith, with music playing a key role in the narrative.

Why it matters: - The gold award gives Life and How to Live it: Begin the Begin a credibility boost in an independent-publishing market crowded with memoirs. - The recognition can increase visibility for Chaz Holesworth and the first volume in the Life and How to Live it memoir series. - The honor also reinforces the Manhattan Book Awards as a showcase for books judged on narrative strength, originality, production quality and overall impact.

What happened: - Manhattan Book Group announced on July 25, 2026, that Life and How to Live it: Begin the Begin by Chaz Holesworth won gold in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. - The award recognizes storytelling, originality and imaginative scope in contemporary publishing. - The Manhattan Book Awards is a year-round recognition program for books from independent and hybrid publishers worldwide.

The details: - Titles are reviewed by an industry-experienced panel. - Gold honors go to books that show excellence in their genre and exceptional craft. - The memoir is set in Pennsylvania in the 1980s. - Holesworth grew up with a heroin-addicted father and a devoted evangelical Christian mother. - The book describes childhood conditions shaped by roaches, rats, gangs and drugs. - The story follows an isolated 13-year-old who sees little hope for the future. - A chance visit to an arcade becomes pivotal when a jukebox plays R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.” - The memoir is described as the candid first volume in the Life and How to Live it series.

Between the lines: - The award fits a memoir built on themes that often resonate with readers: survival, identity, faith, family rupture and self-discovery. - Music appears to function as both a plot device and a personal anchor in Holesworth’s story. - The language in the announcement positions the book as both raw and inspirational, signaling a strong emotional appeal for readers drawn to coming-of-age narratives.

What’s next: - Holesworth’s memoir series now has an award-winning launch pad as the author continues building the Life and How to Live it brand. - Manhattan Book Group is likely to keep using its awards program to surface independent and hybrid-publisher titles. - Readers interested in the book can find more information through the company’s announcement.