Today marks two annual occasions: International Women’s Day and the finalist announcement for the BC Book Prizes.

BC Book Prizes announces the 2012 finalists on March 8, 2012I worked for three years with the company that produces the BC Book Prizes, so I have a soft spot in my heart for the awards. But honestly, it is much more than that: I am passionate about reading local authors, supporting our local bookstores and writers, and spreading the joy of reading.

I am thrilled that the nominee list includes Beggar’s Garden by Michael Christie, and Frances Greenslade’s Shelter (whom I heard read at Incite). Carmen Aguirre’s Something Fierce is also nominated, which garnered lots of discussion during the past Canada Reads. I am also excited to see a couple favourite illustrators nominated and a conscientious array of non-fiction titles including Charlotte Gill’s Eating Dirt and Andrew Nikiforuk’s Empire of the Beetle.

So, be sure to check out the full list of nominees on the BC Book Prizes website. What books/authors are you excited to see on the list?