Mind Book of the Year award

At the Mind Awards lunch on 15 May the award was presented to Martin Townsend for 'The father I had'.

This award is presented annually to a book that has helped to create a deeper understanding of mental health. Preference is always given to books with literary merit over and above the 'message', that are written in plain English, and are non-academic in nature.

This year Mind celebrated the 27th Book of the Year Award.

Our judges, Blake Morrison, Michèle Roberts and Fay Weldon, agreed this year's shortlist:

An idea in practice by Joe Griffin & Ivan Tyrrell, Human Givens Publishing
One unknown by Gill Hicks, Macmillan
The mistress's daughter by A M Homes, Granta
Why do people get ill? by Darian Leader and David Corfield, Hamish Hamilton
Minding by Chris Paling, Portobello Books
The centre cannot hold by Elyn R Saks, Virago
The father I had by Martin Townsend, Transworld

Foyles bookshop hosted a preview evening of readings by the shortlisted authors on 1 May.

Martin Townsend's winning book, The father I had, is available to buy through Mind's online shop.

Past winners have included Hilary Mantel, Linda Grant, Michael Ignatieff and Jenny Diski.

Publishers who would like to be kept informed about the nomination process for future Mind Book of the Year awards should email Johnny Bird.

You can now download a copy of the nomination form for the 2009 award.