Alberta Readers’ Choice Award: You have the power
Sponsored by the Edmonton Public Library, the Edmonton Public Library Alberta Readers’ Choice Award is awarded annually for the best fiction or narrative non-fiction written by an Alberta author. The $10,000 award – presented annually by the Edmonton Public Library and one of Alberta’s richest literary prizes – recognized the exceptional writing talent in Alberta and encourages readers to support Alberta authors.
I considered applying to sit on the jury for the Alberta Readers’ Choice Award this year, but was intimidated by the amount of reading I’d have to do. I shouldn’t have been; I’d already read five of the longlisted ten (chosen by library staff across Alberta) and of the shortlist (decided by the jury,) I’ve read three of five, and own another. Ah well. I’ll have to be satisfied with the power of my vote. Regular joes like us decide who wins, and the winner gets a novelty-sized cheque for $10,000.
The Alberta Readers’ Choice Award Final Five are:
- Almost a Great Escape by Tyler Trafford
- Come Barbarians by Todd Babiak (my review)
- Pilgrimage by Diana Davidson (my review)
- The Dilettantes by Michael Hingston (my review)
- The Unfinished Child by Theresa Shea
Vote here. Voting is open for the whole month of May. Only one vote for person, so no annoying “vote everyday!” social media blitzes.
Today, I’m off to my local library branch, Jasper Place, to hear the four Edmonton-based authors read from their shortlisted books. We’ll also hear from readers, which is a cool twist! Check it out at 1:30 p.m. today, May 24th.
Last year’s winner was Frank Kimmel, for The Shore Girl, which is still on my to-review list (it’s great.) Check out Another Book Blog’s review and interview. I met Fran at a reading last year, and someone asked her what she spent that novelty-sized cheque on, which was a little rude if you ask me! Fran said she would spend it on upgrading her technology. The $10,000 prize would certainly be enough to get some sweet gear.
For me, the best Alberta book of 2013 wasn’t even on the longlist – Love Letters of the Angels of Death by Jennifer Quist. Roost by Ali Bryan was an oversight too. I don’t know if it’s proper etiquette to say who I voted for, but I’m nosy and I want to know who you are voting for, so here goes. I voted for the book that surprised me the most and brought me the most joy as a reader: The Dilettantes.
Which book has your vote?
Reading in Bed 
I am not qualified to vote, unless eenie-meenie-miney-mo is considered a good way to vote. I haven’t read any of these, which is sad, but a couple of them are on my to-read list. I just read your Dilettantes review and LOVED it! So good to hear that it’s a great book. This has bumped it much higher on my list. Also, I’ve had Love Letters on my radar, but haven’t heard much about it until now, Good to hear you liked that one, too. So, I guess you could say this post has been a great way to spread the word!
I reviewed Love Letters too: https://reading-in-bed.com/2013/10/06/love-letters-of-the-angels-of-death-by-jennifer-quist/
It’s fantastic, so different, from the perspective to the themes to the characters… I really think everyone should read it before they get married. Or after 🙂
Ok, you had me when you said you’d give this book to the next couple you knew getting married. Now I need to read it to know why. 🙂
Urgh. Not at my library.
I still have to read The Dilettantes. But I did vote! -Tania