I dropped into a Barnes & Noble yesterday to sign stock, and picked up their new Discover Great New Writers pamphlet, which just came out yesterday. I gaped when I saw the centerfold. (Third pic from the right made me happy.)
My editor had emailed the news that I was a finalist a few hours earlier, but I didn't realize they would print these, and it hit me very differently when I saw it in print.
Jill Lamar, who directs the program, also included very nice comments in her letter to readers on the cover: "The six finalists include . . . a journalist who spent years investigating the high-school massacre in Littleton, Colorado, to craft his book . . ."
Winners will be announced March 3 at a NY ceremony.
Starting yesterday, Columbine should be back in the Discover Great New Writers section of every B&N store for the next two months, and I think that means it will be 20% off in all their stores for the duration. If it wins, it stays there for a full year.
Thank you Jill and everyone at B&N. You guys have been very good to my little book.
I think I forgot to mention that Columbine has also been nominated for an Edgar Award. That ceremony is April 29, also in NYC.
The book has made two dozen Best of 2009 lists now, including Top Fives from Salon and the LA Times, and #1 from iTunes and the American School Board Journal, which named it Top Education Book of 2009. It won the GoodReads Choice Award for best nonfiction book of 2009.
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Plus I talked to some of the employees there, and they all knew who I was, and knew about the book and the award. They are apparently all geared up to promote the three finalists to anyone browsing for a good nonfiction book. That is the best part. More readers, that's what it's all about.
I read your book this past summer. As a teacher I am deeply interested and invested in this story--I feel responsible somehow.
Columbine is a well written and important book. Well done.
R
I didn't even know this prize existed, so it was quite a nice surprise. (And I didn't realize the Edgars had a nonfiction category, so I was shocked by that nomination, too.)
I thought all that was over now--I'm glad it's not. hehe.
Shiral, I felt unexpected compassion for several people as I went on, including the parents.
http://essexlibrary.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/barnes-noble-discover-award-finalists-selected/