Matt Rasmussen said he was in disbelief when he found out his poetry book, “Black Aperture,” has been shortlisted for a National Book Award.

“You dream about your book being received well, but I never imagined this would happen,” the International Falls native said of being a finalist.

A National Book Award is an American literary prize administered by the National Book Foundation. According to the National Book website, winners of the award are chosen by a panel that reads all of the books submitted in their category and then compiles a longlist of 10 titles. The list is then narrowed to five, of which Rasmussen is included on. Winners will be announced during a Nov. 20 ceremony in New York City.

“I was Skyping with my mom...who wanted to know what time the finalists would be announced on (MSNBC),” Rasmussen said of discovering he was chosen. “So I called the National Book Foundation and they told me I was a finalist...I had to continue to Skype with mom without letting her know because (until it was announced) I had to keep it confidential.”

“Black Aperture,” about the 1991 suicide of his older brother, Erik, earned the Gustavus Adolphus College professor the 2012 Walt Whitman Award. Rasmussen, who was 16 years old when Erik died, said recognitions for the book can trigger bittersweet emotions.

“Writing the book, reading from it and talking to people about it has definitely made me more comfortable discussing Erik’s suicide, but it also means I have to dredge up those memories and emotions each time, so it’s difficult,” he said. “Being nominated for the National Book Award is a great thing, but it does feel a little strange being praised for a book about such a tragic event.”

The poet said he has struggled with feeling guilty for exploiting the tragedy for a personal gain, “but I think I convince myself it’s OK because at least I’m doing something with it rather than shutting it away or avoiding it.”

He said the family support from his wife, Jana; daughter, Lydia; and parents, Allen and Gail Rasmussen, of International Falls, helps.

“I think everyone is excited for me,” he said. “My parents, wife and daughter are all going to New York City for the ceremony...It will be great for my parents to see New York City and celebrate with me regardless whether I win or not.”

Rasmussen, who now lives in Robbinsdale, Minn., said he is also surrounded by a supportive Twin Cities literary community.

”It has supported me very well,” he said. “I feel extremely fortunate to be part of such a supportive community.”

While he waits for Nov. 20 to roll around, Rasmussen said he is still writing poems and while has doesn’t have a specific project in mind, reading to his 3-year-old daughter has inspired him to tackle a different kind of writing.

”I’ve started working on a children’s book,” he said. “It’s a very difficult genre to write, so I don’t know when I’ll finish it — if ever.”

For more information on Rasmussen, visit his website at http://mattrasmussen.net.