Yiddish for Pirates on the Scotiabank Giller Prize Shortlist!

This is surprising and delightful news. Yiddish for Pirates is on the shortlist with five other books. Here's the complete list.

When I read the Jury Citation for my book, I'll admit to tearing up. I was so moved that the jury "got" what I was trying to do & that they articulated it with such precision and enthusiasm.

There are lots of events associated with the shortlist—media and readings—and I get to stay in a hotel that has a "glass-enclosed cheese cave." I want to repeat that phrase over and over. It feels better in the mouth than any cheese.

The Hamilton Spectator had a story about my nomination on the front page (the front page!) and interviewed me. That astounded me. And as I was walking on a downtown street, a guy pulled his car over to the curb and jumped out, ran up to me and shook my hand to congratulate me. Really, Dad, that was too much. But actually, I didn't know the guy. Very strange but sweet.