Finn nominated one of the best first novels of the year!

[ski diva]

I know, I know -- yet another post about the novel you're all too sick of hearing about, Finn, by Mr. Ski Diva (AKA Jon Clinch).

But I have to. I'm compelled. Because Finn was just named a finalist for the 2006 John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, a very prestigious literary award for the best first novel of the year.

Only 7 books are nominated. We find out if it wins at a dinner in NYC on October 29. Still, just being nominated is an honor. Pretty cool!

 

[SnowHot]

You just keep telling us about these great honours! He really does deserve the accolades he's getting.............and more!!

Please tell him how proud we are of Mr SkiDiva!
and give him a big hug!!!

 

[Quiver Queen]

How wonderfully gratifying and affirming for you and Jon!

Any Diva out there that hasn't read Finn, get it and stick your nose in it! The read is truly one of the most unexpected and thought-provoking experiences I've ever had. I'm still wondering how Jon's brain came up with it.

 

[ski diva]

I'm still wondering how Jon's brain came up with it.

Me, too!

I've always told him that I think he writes like Jean Killy skis. (Boy, that dates me, doesn't it?). But it's true. Effortlessly and artfully.

Thanks for your kind words.

 

[Ski Spirit]

Best First Novel

Finn was just named a finalist for the 2006 John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, a very prestigious literary award for the best first novel of the year.

Only 7 books are nominated. We find out if it wins at a dinner in NYC on October 29. Still, just being nominated is an honor. Pretty cool!

What an honor! Very cool just to be nominated I would think! But we will cross our fingers for more!! Sounds like he's just a natural at it.........which must be an incredible reward on its own....I have to admit to not having read it...but obviously it's going on the list!

All the best!!!

 

[tcarey]

That's awesome!
T

 

[Sheena]

Thats awesome! You have to let us know how it all goes!

I for one like hearing about it, so keep the updates coming!

 

[Jilly]

Heh Congrats from a reader/fan in Canada. I really loved the book, and having not read Huckleberry Finn to start with, it was even better, no bias. Crossing fingers, toes for a win on Oct 29th. I'll check CNN for that one!

 

[ski now work later]

That is quite an honor! I'm waiting for the book to be available on CD as my eyes are so tired at the end of my day that I don't read as much as I should.... Mr. SNWL has heard about the book on BBC and wants to read/listen to it too....

Mazeltov!

 

[ski diva]

That is quite an honor! I'm waiting for the book to be available on CD as my eyes are so tired at the end of my day that I don't read as much as I should.... Mr. SNWL has heard about the book on BBC and wants to read/listen to it too....

Mazeltov!

No problem! It's available both on CD and in large print. Go to Amazon or BarnesandNoble.com and place your order!

 

[Lilgeorg]

If I had a vote, I would certainly vote for Jon. I am very excited for him. Please tell him we are very proud of him.

 

[ski now work later]

No problem! It's available both on CD and in large print. Go to Amazon or BarnesandNoble.com and place your order!

OK, I put it in my virtual "shopping cart" and will pick it up as a Christmas gift for my hubby!

 

[liquidfeet]

I have recommended this book to so many people. :cheer: I knew it would get a prize! So glad this is happening for you and Jon!

 

[Lola]

Congratulations Jon! I really enjoyed Finn and I am looking forward to reading future novels by this illustrious author. Anyway, please send him our best from Lola and Phil

 

[Lisamarie]

Awesome! BTW, would Jon be interested in doing a talk on Helium's Book People
https://www.helium.com/smf/index.php?topic=13070.0

Basically, they take place on a Tuesday and work like a regular message board. Members post questions and the "guest moderator" answers.

I did one a few weeks ago: https://www.helium.com/smf/index.php?topic=15941.0

If Jon is interested. let me know, and I can set it up with Kara.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!! My fingers, toes, arms, legs and eyes are crossed that he will win!!!!!

 

[ski diva]

In case anyone's interested, I just learned who the other finalists for the award are. Here's the complete list:

Finn by Jon Clinch (Random House)
Lost City Radio by Daniel Alarcon (HarperCollins)
The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander (Alfred A. Knopf)
Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman (Pantheon Books)
Bearing the Body by Ehud Havazelet (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (Riverhead)

 

[SnowHot]

I know, I know -- yet another post about the novel you're all too sick of hearing about, Finn, by Mr. Ski Diva (AKA Jon Clinch).

But I have to. I'm compelled. Because Finn was just named a finalist for the 2006 John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, a very prestigious literary award for the best first novel of the year.

Only 7 books are nominated. We find out if it wins at a dinner in NYC on October 29. Still, just being nominated is an honor. Pretty cool!

Today, I imagine, SkiDiva and Mr SkiDiva are traveling to NYC.
I picture Mr SkiDiva remaining calm, yet wondering if he is the recipient of this esteemed award, which all of us know he deserves.
I picture SkiDiva trying to remain calm, yet she's sooooooo excited for Jon, she just can't stand it! If you can see her, you'd see she is a little this >><<, and a LOT of this >><<!!
I wonder if Jon wishes he could give her one of these >><<.

Not many people find themselves in such a profound place!
John & SkiDiva, Embrace this moment!!!

 

[Quiver Queen]

Yeah, I've had all my fingers and toes crossed so hard all day now I've got cramps!

 

[ski diva]

Well, ladies, here's the report:

Finn did not win. Junot Diaz' book, The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao, won, instead. We kind of saw it coming; he's the "flavor of the month."

HOWEVER -- just being included was a real honor. And the whole event was an experience not to be missed. We're at peace with it.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) it's back to the Green Mountain State.

Thanks for all your good thoughts and wishes. They really meant alot.