Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud The Giller jury will be booksellers this year, and remembering Grateful Dead's Bob Weir
Jan 14, 2026
Andra (Anju) Gogia, a seasoned bookselling advocate from Another Story Bookshop, joins to discuss the Giller Prize's surprising decision to include only booksellers as jurors. She shares insights on diversity, jury makeup, and the implications for the prize. Dan Cantor, a musical director who was friends with Bob Weir, reflects on their unique bond formed while backstage at a Justin Bieber concert. He shares touching stories about Weir’s playful spirit, influential legacy, and the lessons he imparted on creativity and life. A heartfelt tribute to a musical icon!
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Booksellers Replacing Authors Alters Prize Perspective
- The Giller Prize replaced authors with seven booksellers as jurors, signaling a major shift in selection perspective.
- Andra Gogia warns this change raises optics and representation concerns and may not reflect diverse tastes nationwide.
Optics And Composition Spark Backlash
- Public reaction focused on the jury being all white and the decision to use only booksellers.
- Gogia says both the racial makeup and the exclusive bookseller choice are major issues for the community.
Broaden Jury Types For Fuller Perspective
- Include a wider mix of non-writer industry professionals if you want broader perspectives.
- Andra Gogia suggests adding librarians, festival directors, academics, and at least one writer to the jury.