Pointless host Osman tops Indie Book Awards shortlist
The shortlist for the Indie Book Awards 2021, the annual awards curated by independent bookshops as part of Independent Bookshop Week has been revealed.
The awards honour the paperback books of the year across four categories – Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Fiction and Picture Book – as voted for by independent booksellers.
Celebrating the best reads for summer, books readers should take on holidays or staycations, the awards are a part of the annual campaign celebrating indie bookshops in the UK and Ireland, organised by the Booksellers Association.
Independent Bookshop Week, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, runs from Saturday June 19 to Saturday June 26.
This year’s shortlist include the debut sensation Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club, the number one Sunday Times Bestselling author Matt Haig, The Midnight Library and Julia Donaldson, The Hospital Dog.
A judging panel of independent booksellers and authors will decide on the four winners to be announced at 10am on Friday June 25.
The full Indie Book Awards 2021 shortlist ...
FICTION SHORTLIST
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Summerwater by Sarah Moss
Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud
NON-FICTION SHORTLIST
The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn
My Name Is Why by Lemn Sissay
The Stubborn Light of Things by Melissa Harrison
Humankind by Rutger Bregman (Bloomsbury Publishing)
Agent Sonya: Lover, Mother, Soldier Spy by Ben Macintyre
Hungry by Grace Dent
CHILDREN’S FICTION
There are gems to be found in independent book shops
SHORTLIST
Tamarind & the Star of Ishta by Jasbinder Bilan
Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah
The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q Rauf
The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff
Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
Vi Spy: Licence to Chill by Maz Evans
PICTURE BOOK
SHORTLIST
The Bear, the Piano & Little Bear’s Concert by David Litchfield
Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love
The Hospital Dog by Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie
Dog Gone by Rob Biddulph
Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Halls, illustrated by David Litchfield
The Girl and the Dinosaur by Hollie Hughes & Sarah Massini
Raynor Winn, author of The Wild Silence, sequel to The Salt Path, said: ‘Independent booksellers are an amazing network of people with an understanding and passion for books like no other.
“They’re incredibly important not only for authors and publishers but also as hubs of connection within their communities.
“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to indie booksellers the length of the county for the overwhelmingly generous support they’ve shown for both of my books – thank you!”
Booksellers Association head of campaigns Emma Bradshaw said: “The Indie Book Awards celebrate the best titles of the year, as recommended by the expertise of independent booksellers.
“This year’s shortlist features an eclectic mix of books.”
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