On February 21, The Los Angeles Times released the names of the finalists for the 2011 Times Book Prizes. The Prizes, held annually since 1980, recognize "distinguished works" published in 2011. Winners in ten categories will be announced on April 20th at a ceremony held at the LA Times Festival of Books.

Last year's winners included Laura Hillenbrand for "Unbroken," Michael Lewis for "The Big Short," and Thomas Powers for "The Killing of Crazy Horse." Christopher Hitchens and Ron Chernow were also finalists in 2010.

2011 Finalists in Biography

• “Clarence Darrow: Attorney for the Damned” by John A. Farrell
• “Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention” by Manning Marable
• “Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman” by Robert K. Massie
• “Reading My Father: A Memoir” by Alexandra Styron
• “My Long Trip Home” by Mark Whitaker