McCartney, Rashford and Ishiguro shortlisted for Book of the Year award

Sir Paul McCartney, Marcus Rashford and Sir Kazuo Ishiguro are among those shotlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year award.

The Beatles star’s highly anticipated new book, The Lyrics, is one of 13 titles under consideration.

It is up against You Are A Champion, a children’s book written by England footballer Rashford, and Sir Kazuo’s Klara and the Sun, his first novel since he won a Nobel prize.

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera is also included on the shortlist.

This year’s shortlist is made up of five non-fiction titles, four fiction novels and four children’s books.

Luke Taylor of Waterstones said: “With such a strong year for publishing it was always going to be an incredible selection of titles that would make up our Book of the Year shortlist, and as in previous years, the nominations from our booksellers are eclectic and diverse.

“The final 13 that make up this year’s list are a true reflection of our booksellers’ passion for sharing outstanding books with readers.

“It is an extraordinarily exciting list, and one that should provide many with a welcome relief after the last 18 months.”

Previous winners include Sally Rooney for Normal People, Greta Thunberg for No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference, and Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet.

The Waterstones Book of the Year 2021 will be picked by a Waterstones panel.

It will be announced on 2 December.