The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) is an organization of professional book critics and reviewers in the United States. Founded in 1974, its mission is to promote the role of book criticism in the literary community and to encourage high standards in the field. The NBCC provides a platform for critics to share their insights and engage in discussions about literature. Each year, the NBCC awards the National Book Critics Circle Awards to recognize outstanding books in various categories, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and criticism. These awards celebrate the work of authors and highlight the importance of literary criticism in shaping public discourse around literature.