I woke up this morning to the news that my favorite book of 2008 (so far, but unlikely to be dethroned) was shortlisted for The Man Booker prize. This is one of the most prestigious literary prizes out there, and normally results in great sales for the winner and for the titles on the shortlist. (and yes, in case you are wondering, “shortlist” is one word, I checked the official website.)
A Fraction of the Whole, by Steve Toltz, is an unforgettable and incredibly brilliant first novel that deserves all of this attention, and more. If you want to hear more about it, you can listen to me discuss it on the Books on the Nightstand Podcast, Episode 8: Half-Year Faves.
The full list of shortlisted titles is below. Please note that the publisher listed is the British publisher, and may differ from country to country. In the United States, A Fraction of the Whole is published by Spiegel & Grau:
Aravind Adiga The White Tiger (Atlantic)
Sebastian Barry The Secret Scripture (Faber and Faber)
Amitav Ghosh Sea of Poppies (John Murray)
Linda Grant The Clothes on Their Backs (Virago)
Philip Hensher The Northern Clemency (Fourth Estate)
Steve Toltz A Fraction of the Whole (Hamish Hamilton)
Congratulations to Steve, and to my colleagues at Spiegel & Grau.
If you haven’t read it yet, please do — if for no other reason than to give you someone to root for when the winner is announced on October 14th.
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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:
A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, Spiegel & Grau hardcover, $24.95, 9780385521727
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Hi Ann,
Thank you for the tip. This book sounds amazing. I’m going to hurry up and do my work and then head to the library to get it. I’m thinking of picking up Ann Plachett’s Run, too. I have to check your blog to see if you’ve read that. I guess yes!
Kristen at http://www.thefamilythatreadstogether.blogspot.com
Hi Kristen,
I haven’t read anything from Ann Patchett, if you can believe it! I have them all, just haven’t read them yet. Have heard great things, though.
Please let me know what you think about A Fraction of the Whole when you finish.
Thanks!
Ann
*scurries off to add another book to the TBR pile*
Looks like a great selection, and since your favorite book of 2007 was Bridge of Sighs, I will definitely take the recommendation.
Thanks for the tip, Ann! I will keep my eye out for this one (though I can’t say I’ve seen it at the bookstore lately).
Shelley, it was published in Feb., so many stores may be out of the hardcover and have not reordered. They’ll bring it back in because of the Booker shortlist. A few stores I called today still had a copy or two. By next week I think everyone should have it.
Thanks for the tip on that title- I’ll definitely add it to the list. I’m afraid I haven’t heard of any of these books, Ack!