2023 Finalists Announcement

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

Just missed this live. Pleased Trespasses made it to the finals. I am looking forward to reading the other five. I would have like Our Wives Under the Sea to survive but I can understand it is an odd book so maybe not for everyone. I hope to read at least two of the non-fiction finalists too this year, An Immense World and Fourth Time We Drowned. Thank you Robert as ever.

[@BookTubePrize]

I need to get busy with the Nonfiction, but I've read the Fiction finalists. It seems that each year, the Nonfiction list gets better and better.

[@Anna-wh1zn]

Such a strong selection of books in the finals. Further to @donreadsalot4932's comments about Foster. I also thought it was a beautiful little book but there just wasn't enough substance for it to compete with the other titles in my opinion.

[@BookTubePrize]

I get that. I'm very glad to have read it, though.

[@donreadsalot4932]

I thought Foster was well-written, but at 62 pages could not in good conscious put it forward as it's more a novella in a field of ovels. It didn't have the depth of any other group A choices, for me.

[@BookTubePrize]

Yes, but I think that's a valid element to consider. Some readers don't like story collections or novellas. Or don't think they should be in the category, but I didn't want to rule any books out just based on length, so we do get a few novellas each year.

[@alldbooks9165]

Three science reads in the finals! I’m stoked!

[@BookTubePrize]

I thought you might be! 😂

[@LauraRodriguez-Peace]

Thank you, Robert. 🙂 (Thank you, BookTube Prize judges.) ☮️🧡📚

[@BookTubePrize]

Always my pleasure.

[@jennifernash4638]

I'm loving that people are loving Trespasses - one of my favorite books this year!

[@BookTubePrize]

It was one of the first ones I read, but I found it very interesting. I always enjoy reading about Irish history, even if the history is more of a backdrop for a personal story.

[@jennifernash4638]

@@BookTubePrize Me, too. Somwthing about all the conflict around The Troubles always captivates me.

[@jennychasteen]

I hadn't heard of it before the Semifinals video. What is it about?

[@BookTubePrize]

@@jennychasteen It's based in the Troubles in Ireland.

[@jennychasteen]

@@BookTubePrize Interesting! I don't think I've ever read about that topic before.

[@getbookish]

Very pleased that Paradise Falls made it to the Nonfiction finals! Only three books for me to read to submit my ballot which is always nice. -Becks

[@BookTubePrize]

Thanks as always, Becks, for your support of this project!

[@illustratorsam]

Oh wow! Some shocking finals 👏 This is going to be an exciting final round!

[@BookTubePrize]

Which ones surprised you?

[@illustratorsam]

@@BookTubePrize trespasses moving forward?! 👀 Also surprised neither Half American or Under The Skin made it to the finals.

[@BookTubePrize]

@@illustratorsam You won't be shocked to discover when I post the full results in October that the races in those groups were extremely close.

[@booksoverbreakfast]

How High We Go in the Dark is a bit of a surprise for me. There were some perfect chapters and some that I had to skim through. I was one of those who voted for Foster. I felt more emotion in that small book than some of the others I read this round. I would've liked to see Nightcrawling move forward but I know that is a difficult one to read. The Nonfiction group is going to be tough. Some very strong books in that one.

[@BookTubePrize]

I really enjoyed it, but completely understand what you mean about different chapters striking me very differently. Nightcrawling was very close to advancing. The fiction groups were extremely tight in the middle.

[@ruthypoo2675]

Dare I say it… size doesn’t matter? Now I’m being a little cheeky here, but I want to say, I can read 600 pages and be left wanting, while 60 well-written pages can leave me awestruck and emotionally filled… or depleted. Part of my impression when I read is taking into account what the story makes me feel, and that factors into my reviews and rankings. Robert - Well done this year and excellent work by all the judges in being able to narrow down a particularly stellar pool of literary works. I can’t wait to find out which of the finalists land on top!

[@BookTubePrize]

That's why I still believe story collections and novellas should be considered, even if they don't have the same heft for some readers.

[@seriela]

So happy My Fourth Time, We Drowned made it! Thanks Robert and all the judges for an exciting event.

[@BookTubePrize]

That one is on my "soon" TBR.

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

Excited to see what will make it to the end. There’s always surprises along the way with my predictions. 😊💙

[@BookTubePrize]

If I ever predict anything correctly, I think that'll be the biggest surprise.

[@anjascrazywonderland]

Not one of my favorite fiction made it, but I love the variety and can‘t wait to read along

[@BookTubePrize]

Hope you enjoy some good ones from the final 6!

[@sangeethav4512]

Surprising list, as always. It was a pleasure to participate again.

[@BookTubePrize]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andreluissoriano]

The only thing I’ve read so far is Demon (which I love so much). I have to catch up! How High We Go sounds interesting.

[@BookTubePrize]

Well, if you're only reading one, you picked a great one. Good luck with the others, as well.

[@juju.ukrainiangirl]

Too bad translated works category was out this year, i hope itll return in following seasons. Great selection! Look forward to see the winners!

[@marcellainthemargins]

I'm really pleased with the results for fiction, my top two went through, and the third one I',m not at all surpised by.

[@BookTubePrize]

It won't surprise you when I post results after we're finished that these races were so close. They seemed to change as each new ballot was recorded.

[@m-vickyprince3663]

Good Afternoon everyone!

[@BookTubePrize]

👋

[@JamaykangirlintheCity]

👏👏👏👏

[@BookTubePrize]

👋