LEWISTON — The Maine Readers’ Choice Award selection committee has announced the three finalists for the inaugural Maine Readers’ Choice Award. The committee, which was comprised of 20 librarians, booksellers, literacy advocates, reviewers and writers, has selected the following from an initial field of more than 40 works of fiction:
“A Land More Kind than Home” by Wiley Cash, “The Yellow Birds” by Kevin Powers and “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.
Lewiston Public Library patrons who read all three finalists by Sept. 1 will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card to Books-A-Million. Library patrons may pick up a book journal at the circulation desk to participate in this summer reading program. Patrons can vote for their favorite of the three finalists in their personal book journal or online from Sept. 1-15 at mainereaderschoiceaward.org.
The Maine Readers’ Choice Award was officially established in 2013 by the Maine State Library and the Maine Library Association with the aim of increasing awareness and reading of adult literary fiction. In order to be considered, books must be published in the United States in the previous year, appeal to a wide audience and be judged by the committee to be notable works of exceptional quality.
Revised editions, updates of previously published works, series or trilogies were not eligible for consideration.
Recommendations for the Maine Readers’ Choice Awards’ initial long list of more than 40 works of fiction came from a variety of “best” books lists. In future years recommendations will come from library and bookseller communities throughout the state. That list was pared down through a blind voting process by members of the committee.
The final award winner will be announced as part of the 2013 Bangor Book Festival, running Oct. 4 and 5 at venues throughout downtown Bangor.
For information regarding the Lewiston Public Library summer reading program contact Beth Martel at 513-3134.
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