What we read is as varied as the committee members themselves, and the process of selection can be a fascinating one.  We vote, we argue, we lobby, we twist arms, we cajole, we appeal both to reason and to emotion and—when all is said and done—we find consensus.  Among the many fine titles the committee considered this year, were the following... 

 

                       Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson

                       Atticus by Ron Hansen

                       Five Skies by Ron Carlson

                       The Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins

                       Summer by Edith Wharton

                       The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig