Congratulations again to Steve Toltz. Not only has his book A Fraction of the Whole made it to the Booker shortlist (as has Linda Grant's The Clothes on Their Backs), it also figures in the 2009 Guardian first book award shortlist. Discussing the genesis of his novel earlier this year with the JC's Francesca Segal, Toltz recalled antisemitism in his school playground. "After a while," he said, "you don't even care about the ugly sentiments behind the jokes - you just wish they were funnier." With his own book clearly amusing at least two sets of literary judges, Toltz can enjoy the last laugh.