Folio Prize Book Challenge

February 9^th until March 22^nd

The Folio Prize Book Challenge

The Folio Prize is the first major English language book prize open to writers from around the world. Its aim is simple: to celebrate the best fiction of our time, regardless of form or genre, and to bring it to the attention of as many readers as possible.

 

This is one of the UK’s biggest prizes (the winner will receive £40,000) and although this is only its second year, if last year is anything to go by, we have a real treat in store.

Last year George Saunders’ phenomenal Tenth of December was crowned the winner.

 

The Shortlist will be announced on February 9^th with the winner being crowned on March 23rd

 

Such is the strength of this list we have decided to do a FOLIO PRIZE BOOK CHALLENGE.

 

The challenge is to read as many, if not all of the shortlisted titles, before the winner is announced in March.

 

Here's how it's going to work;

 

As soon as the shortlist is announced on Monday February 9th, we’ll order copies of each of the books, which we’ll hopefully get by Thursday February  12th

We'll open until 7pm on that Thursday so people who want to take part can come along to say hello, take home one or more of the titles, and enjoy some rather lovely wine. Obviously, you don't have to come along on the Thursday if you want to take part.

Over the next six or so weeks those taking part will make a concerted effort to read as many of the eight shortlisted books as they can.

The group will meet again on Sunday March 22nd the evening before the winner is announced to discuss each of the books. After a heated debate, and a glass or two of wine, the group will vote for whom they think should win. We'll then announce our findings and wait with baited breath for the official announcement the following day.

 

We realise that the cost of the shortlist might be quite a lot, especially if there are hardbacks on it, and for us, the most important thing is that people can join in. So we’ve come up with a few solutions;

 

•For a one off payment of £30, we will be a lending library, where you can borrow each of the books one or two at a time. You can also keep your favourite book after the ceremony.

•We will offer a discount of 20% on the shortlist for Book Group members.

•A group of you could share the cost, and swap them between yourselves.

 

However you decide to do this, we will do everything we can to make the books accessible to you. The important thing is that you're able to join in.

It's a real challenge, but if you think you're up for it, come along.

 

We’ll be doing a similar challenge when the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist is announced in April.