| 2017 | The Wonderling | Chicago Public Library Best of the Best source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Selection · Best Fiction for Older Readers | |
| 2012 | The Memory Palace | Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Longlist · Nonfiction | |
| 2011 | The Memory Palace | National Book Critics Circle Awards source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Winner · Autobiography | |
| 2011 | The Memory Palace | Goodreads Choice Awards source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Nominee · Memoir & Autobiography | |
| 2011 | The Memory Palace | BookPage Best Books of the Year source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Selection · Best Books | |
| 2011 | The Memory Palace | Library Journal Best Books source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Selection · Biography & Memoir | |
| 2011 | The Memory Palace | The Globe and Mail Globe 100 source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Selection · Non-Fiction | |
| 2011 | The Memory Palace | Kirkus Best Books of the Year source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Selection · Nonfiction | |
| 2011 | The Memory Palace | Washington Post Best Books of the Year source ↗ (opens in a new tab) | Selection · Notable Nonfiction | |