Friday, January 01, 2010

2009 Cybils Shortlists Announced

Well, that's it folks. The short lists have been announced. And this year has more surprising titles on it than usual (at least in my opinion). As always, some of my favorite books didn't make it, but what can you do? I've been a panelist in this long enough to know exactly what the groups go through to make these lists. And the name of the game is compromise!

Make sure you check out the official post for all the shortlists.

On a quick side note, I am so, so, so, so glad that Catching Fire didn't make the shortlist. I know I'm going to get rotten tomatoes for that comment, but let me explain. As soon as Hunger Games made the list last year it was pretty much a no contest to win. And Catching Fire would have been the same (and you know it!). Catching Fire has gotten so much good press already. Maybe I'm just weird, but there are lots of other books out there besides that one that are just as good and deserve their time in the spotlight. (Incidentally, this is the same reason why Harry Potter never made the Cybils shortlists either.)

3 comments:

Charlotte said...

Hmmm...I dunno if I agree about Catching Fire--I thought it was a weaker book than Hunger Games and wouldn't stand much chance against, say, Demon's Lexicon!

It is awfully nice, though, I agree, when there are less-well known books on the short lists.

Alyssa F said...

Interesting point Charlotte. On the other hand, I haven't read either Catching Fire or Demon's Lexicon (yet) so I was basing that mostly one things I've heard from other bloggers.

Either way, they are some great lists!

Linda Henderson said...

It's very interesting that Harry Potter didn't make the list. My daughter loves the books and movies.