A diverse group of finalists are contenders for the 39^th Toronto Book Awards, which honours books of “literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto.” Presented by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Public Library, this year’s list includes two novels, a memoir, and collections of photography and poetry.

The finalists are:

¢ Kamal Al-Solaylee, Intolerable: A Memoir of Extremes (HarperCollins Canada)
¢ Shawn Micallef; Pattrick Cummins, photog., Full Frontal T.O. (Coach House Books)
¢ Kevin Irie, Viewing Tom Thomson, A Minority Report (Frontenac House Poetry)
¢ Aga Maksimowska, Giant (Pedlar Press)
¢ Katrina Onstad, Everybody Has Everything (McClelland & Stewart)

A series of readings by the finalists will take place throughout September and October, including an appearance at Toronto’s Word on the Street on Sept. 22. On Oct. 3, the shortlisted authors will give a reading at the Yorkville Library.

The winner will be announced Oct. 9 at a celebration hosted by CBC Radio’s Matt Galloway at the Toronto Reference Library.

This years jury consists of Literary Review of Canada special projects director Michael Booth, writer Julia Chan, former library board member Tina Edan, Association of Canadian Archivists editor Karen Teeple, and arts worker Diane Spivak.

The prize awards $15,000. The winner receives $11,000, with each of the finalists receiving $1,000.