9/11 report in the running for top US literary award

The report by the federal commission investigating the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US was a surprise nominee for one of the most prestigious American literary prizes - the National Book Award. The lengthy report, which has sold more than one million copies since its publication in July, was nominated in the non-fiction category, together with more traditional fare such as a Shakespeare biography.

While government studies are hardly known for raising readers´ pulses, The 9/11 Commission Report (digital version / audio version) has been widely praised for its narrative force and accessibility, as well its comprehensiveness. The report contained a broad indictment of United States intelligence and air defences in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which killed almost 3,000 people

The 567-page report was compiled by a 10-member bipartisan commission after a two-year investigation. Republican Thomas Kean, the Sept 11 commission´s chairman, said members of the bipartisan panel were determined that the work should be written as clearly as possible.