2001 was a remarkable year for first novels in Canada. Half of the novels nominated for the Giller Prize were debuts, as were some of the other most talked-about books of the yearùDennis Bock's The Ash Garden was the first name on every literary journalist's tongue for most of the summer and fall, it seemed. So it's no surprise that W.P. Kinsella has been able to choose such a strong and varied shortlist for the Amazon.com/Books in Canada First Novel Award, one that includes books from major publishers and well-regarded smaller presses, from established poets who have turned to the novel as well as young writers whose novels have served to introduce them to the world. We happily congratulate this year's nominees: Bock's ambitious and delicate Ash Garden; Michael Crummey's meticulous, mysterious River Thieves; Linda Little's moving coming-of-age story, Strong Hollow; Elizabeth Ruth's surprising and challenging Ten Good Seconds of Silence; and Marina Endicott's passionate Open Arms, ten years in the making as was its fellow nominee, Michael Redhill's funny, intricate Martin Sloane.

One of the great pleasures of being part of Amazon.com is the chance to discover and share exciting new writing, and supporting the Amazon.com/Books in Canada First Novel Award is one of the ways we can introduce our readers to innovative Canadian literature. It's early yet in the new year, but we've already read a few first novels deserving of a spot on next year's shortlist, which we can only hope will make next year's list of nominees as strong as this one's.

Sincerely,
Marven Krug
General Manager, Canada

Steve Duda
Editor-in-Chief, Canada

Tom Nissley
Literature Editor, Canada