Franzen, Patti Smith nominees for critics awards

[January 24, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Jonathan Franzen is back in the awards circle.

Franzen's "Freedom," among last year's most highly praised novels, is a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle awards. Franzen had been bypassed by National Book Award judges.

Other nominees announced Saturday included Jennifer Egan's novel "A Visit From the Goon Squad" and memoirs by Christopher Hitchens ("Hitch-22") and Patti Smith, whose "Just Kids" won a National Book Award.

Winners will be announced March 10.

[Associated Press; By HILLEL ITALIE]

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