The New York Times Book Review created a furor in the literary world last month when it chose Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” as the best American work of fiction from the past 25 years. Though the book was chosen by a panel of 200 esteemed writers, several critics demurred–with some accusing the Times of kowtowing to political correctness in their choice.
So to avoid similar fury in the Jewish community, this year’s Koret Jewish Book Awards are leaving one award up to the readers themselves–and that means you. You can go to this site to nominate your suggestions for the best works of Jewish fiction in the past 10 years. Did you love “The Plot Against America”? Do you still reread passages of “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay”? Nominate them now! A panel of judges will select five finalists from among the nominations, and readers will once again vote on the winner. The official winner of the “JBooks.com People’s Choice Award” will be announced in November.