On Wednesday, the publishers association announced nominees in 28 categories, from drama to fantasy to humor. Winners will be revealed during a March 4 ceremony, hosted by Amy Sedaris.
“This year’s finalists represent the very best in storytelling, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their achievements," association president Sean McManus said in a statement. “We’re also thrilled to have Amy Sedaris as our host — her wit, charm, and unmistakable sense of humor will bring a unique spark to the evening.”
Memoir/autobiography nominees also include Elton John's “Farewell Yellow Brick Road," Salman Rushdie's self-narrated “Knife” and Kelly Bishop's self-narrated “The Third Gilmore Girl.” McKinnon's “The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science,” narrated by McKinnon and Emily Lynne, is a humor nominee. The late Lisa Marie Presley's memoir, “From Here to the Great Unknown,” narrated by Julia Roberts and Presley's daughter Riley Keough is a finalist for multi-voiced performance.
Two Percival Everett novels were cited. “Erasure,” the publishing satire that was the basis for the Oscar-nominated “American Fiction,” is a humor finalist. Everett's prize winning “James,” as read by Dominic Hoffman, is a nominee for best fiction narrator, and for literary fiction/classics.
Common's self-narrated “And Then We Rise” is a finalist for business/personal development, while Erik Larson's “The Demon of Unrest,” narrated by Larson and Will Patton, was cited for history/biography.
Mystery nominees include Lev AC Rosen's “Rough Pages,” narrated by Vikas Adam; and Lisa Gardner's “Still See You Everywhere,” as read by Hillary Huber. Dean Koontz's “The Forest of Lost Souls,” narrated by January LaVoy, is a finalist for thriller/suspense, with others including Gregg Hurwitz's “Lone Wolf,” narrated by Scott Brick.