Passang Nuru Sherpa’s “Behind The Mask” Named Finalist in 2026 International Book Awards

Nepali-American author Passang Nuru Sherpa has been named a finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards (IBA) in the Nonfiction: Creative category for his book, “Behind The Mask: A Pandemic Memoir,” organizers announced.

Hosted annually by American Book Fest, the International Book Awards is considered one of the world’s most recognized literary competitions, attracting thousands of entries from authors and publishers globally. This year, more than 400 winners and finalists were selected across over 100 categories for works published between 2020 and 2026.

Jeffrey Keen, president and CEO of American Book Fest, said the competition was especially strong this year, with submissions from major publishers and independent authors worldwide.

Sherpa’s 449-page memoir presents a powerful, firsthand account of life in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the city was considered the global epicenter of the crisis. Through personal experiences, community service, and on-the-ground observations, the book captures the fear, uncertainty, resilience, and compassion that defined the period.

The memoir highlights the contributions of volunteers, healthcare workers, essential employees, students, and immigrant communities who came together during the pandemic. It also pays tribute to those who lost their lives.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the International Book Awards,” Sherpa said. “This book is not only my personal story but also the story of a community that stood together during one of the darkest moments in recent history.”

Published in August last year, “Behind The Mask” is available in paperback and hardcover through Amazon and other major online platforms. Sherpa said the book is currently distributed across 55 platforms worldwide. Before releasing the English edition, he published a Nepali version titled “Corona Katha.”

Divided into five chapters, the memoir documents the severe disruption of daily life and the broader social impact of the pandemic, particularly in New York City. It provides a detailed narrative of the struggles faced by individuals and communities navigating the crisis.

In the book’s foreword, Sherpa recalls his early involvement in relief efforts, describing how he began assisting neighbors and later joined a network of Nepali expatriates providing aid and raising awareness during the outbreak.

Peter Gill, who contributed to editing and translation along with Mahesh Paudel, notes that the book chronicles stories from Jackson Heights and beyond, including patients and healthcare workers at Elmhurst Hospital, as well as vulnerable individuals Sherpa encountered while delivering assistance.

A New York resident, Sherpa served as a community first responder during the pandemic, distributing medicine, masks, thermometers, groceries, and other essential supplies to hundreds of families across New York and New Jersey. His efforts earned him the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Brooklyn Borough President COVID Hero Award.

“I didn’t get involved in social service by design,” Sherpa said in a previous interview. “Whenever there was a need, I went to the field.”

Beyond writing, Sherpa is a lyricist and a hairstylist who owns “Pasang Striking Style” in Jackson Heights, a well-known salon in the Nepali community. Since immigrating to the United States in 2004, he has built a career while remaining actively engaged in community service.

His book has received growing recognition, including being named a finalist in the 2025 Best Book Awards and earning a “Get It” recommendation from Kirkus Reviews.

The International Book Awards include participation from major publishers such as Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Bloomsbury, alongside hundreds of independent presses. Past honorees include Pope Francis, George Saunders, and Vanessa Williams.

The full list of 2026 winners and finalists is available on the International Book Awards website.