Jane Gardam nominated for 2009 Los Angeles Times Book Prizes

The Los Angeles Times has announced the finalists for its 2009 Book Prizes. Four women and one man are vying for the top prize in fiction. Jane Gardam is in good company with Michelle Huneven, Kate Walbert, Jill Ciment and Rafael Yglesias. The prizes will be awarded in an invitation-only ceremony in connection with the 15th annual LA Times Festival of Books, which takes place April 24-25. Last year, more than 130,000 people attended the festival, which is held at UCLA; many of the book prize finalists will participate in panels, discussions and book signings.