Hugo Nominees Up

[chris_gerrib]

So, John Scalzi reports that the 2009 Hugo Award nominees are up. Since I will be buying a supporting membership to Worldcon to vote, here are my first thoughts, typed while I watch the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. As a reminder, here was my ballot for Hugo nominees.

Novel
I'm not surprised that Little Brother is on the ballot, but of the novels listed, I think Saturns' Children is the best. I'm sad that Slow Train to Arcturus (one of my recommendations) didn't make it, but it was a long shot. Ditto Sly Mongoose although not so much of a long shot. Toby's a big boy - he'll get over it.

Novella
The Political Prisoner (my recommendation) made the cut, and hopefully I'll get a chance to read the other nominees online.

Novelette
None of these picks are terribly familiar, although it appears that the only one not online is an F & SF story sitting in my to-be-read pile.

Short Story
I'm glad to see Evil Robot Monkey made the cut. I read Baen's Universe but the Resnick story doesn't ring any bells for me. Still, it's nice to see a new publication get stuff on the final ballot.

There are no real surprises in the two dramatic categories, although I would have liked to see something from The Sarah Connor Chronicles in the list. I still think a "best series" category would be appropriate for the Hugos. Working down the editors and fan writers list, it appears to be a collection of The Usual Suspects (yes, that means you, shsilver), but that's a function of the industry. Alas, j_cheney didn't make the Campbell cut, but I think she's got another year of eligibility. Still, it's tough to argue that the folks on that list didn't earn their slots.

Overall, it looks like a solid ballot, and it should be an interesting vote.

Comments

[karenjeane.livejournal.com]

Gaiman's nominated book is also youth adult . . . I've noticed much of the good genre fare is in the YA section of the book store, while the "adult" SF&F section has tie-ins and weak fantasy. Any insights on this?

[chris-gerrib.livejournal.com]

Well, two books I nominated for the list, Sly Mongoose and Slow Train to Arcturus, were both adult books. I think there's plenty of good in the adult section, but the kids seem to be driving more of the sales at the moment.