TORONTO, ON (October 1, 2008) - This evening, Amazon.ca and "Books in Canada" presented the 2007 First Novel Award and a cheque for $7,500 (CDN) to Gil Adamson, author of "The Outlander," at a ceremony held at the Drake Hotel in Toronto. Adamson was selected to receive the award from a group of six finalists, all of whom had their first novels published in 2007.

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. This is the 31st year of the award. Madeleine Thien, author of "Certainty," won the 2006 award; Joseph Boyden, author of "Three Day Road," won the 2005 award; and Colin McAdam, author of "Some Great Thing," won the 2004 award. Other previous winners include Michel Basilières, Michael Ondaatje, Rohinton Mistry, Joan Barfoot, Joy Kogawa, Wayne Johnston, Nino Ricci and Deborah Joy Corey.

"The Outlander," 10 years in the writing, is Adamson's first novel. Her acclaimed short fiction has been widely published in magazines and literary journals, and her collection of stories has received rave reviews. "The Outlander" is published by House of Anansi Press and is available at Amazon.ca (www.amazon.ca).

Joining Adamson as 2007 First Novel Award finalists were David Chariandy for "Soucouyant" (Aresenal Pulp Press); Kyo Maclear for "The Letter Opener" (Harper Collins Canada); CS Richardson for "The End of the Alphabet" (Doubleday Canada); Brian Tucker for "Big White Knuckles" (Nimbus Publishing), and Andrew Wedderburn for "Milk Chicken Bomb" (Coach House Books). All six finalists were presented with Amazon.ca gift certificates in the amount of $750 (CDN) at the event.

This year's finalists were selected by Aritha van Herk, an intellectual and motivational cultural speaker and an award-winning Canadian novelist, whose work has been acclaimed throughout North America and Europe. Van Herk is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, and a professor of Canadian literature and creative writing in the Department of English at the University of Calgary. Van Herk was recently elected to the Order of the University of Calgary. Also serving as judges were Dr. Gerald Lynch a professor at University of Ottawa and recipient of a number of writing awards; Dr. Nicholas Maes, a Toronto-based writer, reviewer and essayist; and Dr. Clara Thomas, one of the first women to receive a doctorate in Canada and the doyenne of Canadian literary studies.

"Amazon.ca would like to thank and congratulate all of the talented novelists who participated in the 2007 First Novel Award process," said Julie Todaro, director of Amazon.ca. "We continue to be inspired by the many emerging authors who embody Canada's rich and longstanding literary history. Amazon.ca remains committed to providing a platform through which literary fans everywhere can discover their work."

"Books in Canada" will be accepting submissions for the 2008 First Novel Award until December 31, 2008.

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 millions of 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 also offers FREE Super Saver Shipping, available on orders of $39 or more delivered to a single Canadian address. 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. Through Amazon Marketplace, Amazon.ca customers can conveniently buy and sell used, new, and collectible merchandise on the same pages where Amazon.ca sells those items new.

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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For more information contact:
Margaret Antkowski / Mark Van Tol
NATIONAL Public Relations
416-586-0180
mantkowski@national.ca / mvantol@national.ca