Ex-Comedy Central star Wilmore to host National Book Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — Comedian and former television show host Larry Wilmore's next gig will have a literary theme: hosting the National Book Awards.

The National Book Foundation announced Monday the former Comedy Central star will preside over the Nov. 16 dinner ceremony and benefit in New York.

The foundation presents the awards and has reached out to the entertainment world before, with previous hosts including Steve Martin and Andy Borowitz. Other hosts have ranged from Garrison Keillor to "Lemony Snicket" author Daniel Handler.

Wilmore used to host "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore." He's working on a comedy series for HBO called "Insecure," starring Issa (EYE'-suh) Rae.