Announcement marks 26th Annual First Novel Award

Toronto, ON (October 8, 2003) - Amazon.ca and Books in Canada today presented the 2002 First Novel Award and a cheque for $7,500 to this year's winner, Mary Lawson, author of Crow Lake, at a ceremony held at the Book Television studio in Toronto. Lawson was chosen from a group of six finalists, all of whom had their first novels published in the year 2002.

"All of this year's nominees have made valuable contributions to Canadian literature that are truly significant," said W.P. Kinsella, preliminary judge for the 2002 First Novel Award and 1982 First Novel Award winner for Shoeless Joe, which was later adapted into the movie Field of Dreams.

The First Novel Award recognizes outstanding achievement by first-time Canadian novelists and has served as a springboard for the careers of many of Canada's most renowned authors. Michael Redhill won the 2001 award for his first novel, Martin Sloan. Other previous winners include Michael Ondaatje, Joan Barfoot, Joy Kogawa, Nino Ricci and Deborah Joy Corey.

Mary Lawson's Crow Lake, set in the rough-hewn heart of the Canadian Shield, delves into the lives of a close-knit family, bound by love but tormented by hidden resentments and misunderstandings. Born in a small, southern Ontario farming town, Lawson resides in England with her husband and two sons. Her engaging first novel is a noteworthy Canadian literary work, published by Knopf Canada and available at Amazon.ca (www.amazon.ca).

Other finalists in this year's program included: Christy Ann Conlin for Heave (Doubleday of Canada); Aislinn Hunter for Stay (Polestar); Clint Hutzulak for The Beautiful Dead End (Anvil Press); Michael V. Smith for Cumberland (Cormorant Books); and Marnie Woodrow for Spelling Mississippi (Knopf Canada). All finalists were presented with Amazon.ca gift certificates in the amount of $750 at the event, which was hosted by Book Televison's Daniel Richler.

Also serving as judges for the 2002 award were: Noah Richler, a former literary columnist for the National Post currently writing a literary atlas of Canada; Leah McLaren, feature writer and columnist for the Globe & Mail; Val Ross, author and winner of a National Newspaper Award for her coverage of books and publishing for the Globe & Mail, where she is currently the deputy comment editor; and Patrick Watson, an accomplished novelist and advisory editor and creative director for Historica.

"The First Novel Award celebrates and raises awareness of some of Canada's most gifted authors," said Marven Krug, general manager, Amazon.ca. "We are extremely proud to support this important literary award and to promote this country's emerging talent. Amazon.ca is committed to providing a platform where fans from all over the world can discover the works of these great Canadian authors."

Books in Canada will be accepting submissions for the 2003 First Novel Award until December 31, 2003.

About Books in Canada

Books in Canada was launched in 1971 to promote Canadian literature and to offer a forum for Canadian writers. Over the course of the last 31 years, Books in Canada has played a significant role in developing an independent and rich Canadian literary life. The Books in Canada print archive of reviews, profiles, essays, interviews, features, photographs and caricatures represents the largest extant collection of such material on Canadian fiction. The publication has acted as both a beacon for Canada's emerging literary life and an organizing focus of intellectual talent. With the growing maturity and sophistication of the Canadian literary and intellectual scene, Books in Canada is refashioning itself to reach a larger audience of literate Canadians and to disseminate Canadian literature to an international audience. The challenge faced by Books in Canada is to juxtapose the best Canadian writers with the best writers around the world. Its vision is to boldly promote Canada as a rich, multicultural, open, and prosperous society that can act as a model for countries and different people around the world.

About Amazon.ca

Amazon.ca (www.amazon.ca) is part of the global family of Amazon Web sites that have become known for great prices, selection and convenience. Amazon.ca customers can find and discover more than 2 million English and French books, CDs, videos and DVDs as well as a vast array of Software, Video Games and Consoles -- all at everyday low prices. Amazon.ca sources products directly from Canadian publishers and distributors, ensuring a rich offering of Canadian titles and content. Features such as original editorial reviews in English and French and product recommendations help Amazon.ca customers find the right products for them among the site's broad selection.

To ensure all orders are delivered to customers quickly and efficiently, Amazon.ca works with Canada Post, one of the world's most progressive postal companies. Orders placed at Amazon.ca are fulfilled and shipped from within Canada by Assured Logistics, a part of the Canada Post Group of Companies.

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Amazon.ca is the trading name of Amazon.com.ca, Inc., an affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc.

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