The City of Vancouver’s Cultural Services department released the shortlist for the 2011 City of Vancouver Book Award today. The award recognizes the year’s books that best “demonstrate excellence and enhance readers’ understanding of Vancouver’s rich history and culture.”

The nominees are:

• Lynne Bowen, Whoever Gives Us Bread (Douglas & McIntyre)
• Michael Christie, The Beggar’s Garden (HarperCollins Canada)
• Wayde Compton, After Canaan: Essays on Race, Writing, and Region (Arsenal Pulp Press)
• Lesley McKnight, Vancouver Kids (Brindle & Glass)

This year’s jury comprises independent bookseller Emilie Dierking, author and 2009 City of Vancouver Book Award winner Lee Henderson, and poet and editor Jim Wong-Chu. The winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize presented by Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson at City Hall on Oct. 18.