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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Shine removed from finalists list

As the world knows, Lauren Myracle's YA book was named in error

First the National Book Awards committee added the right book (Chime) to the list, making the unusual number of six finalists, and then they changed their collective mind, and asked Myracle to withdraw her sound-alike, Shine.

According to Myracle's statement, released by publisher Amulet, she "was asked to withdraw by the National Book Foundation to preserve the integrity of the award and the judges' work" on Friday.  Being a decent sort, she didn't make a fuss, but agreed.

In recognition of the error, the NBF "has agreed to donate $5,000 to the Matthew Shepard Foundation." (The organization works to protect gay youth and "replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance."

Well, at least there has been heaps of publicity.  This is the book, in fact, that more people are likely to be able to name than any of the other contenders (with the possible exception of Chime.) Publisher Susan Van Metre says that Shine is "a beautiful and important book," and that they are very proud of their author, "not least for her grace in such a difficult week."

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