St. Valentine’s Day, yes. But also the birthday of a saint far more appealing to me — Gaetano Catanoso.

Happy birthday, cuz.

I’m happy to say that the story I delivered at The Monti in Carrboro, NC, in September has been nominated for the ridiculously prestigious and coveted Hippo Award as a finalist in the Best Overall Story category. The competition is steep, so I’m thrilled to be among the final four (my book-related story about my Uncle Tony and his search for his Aunt Maria in Italy during WWII was a Hippo finalist last year).

To check out all the finalists, click here. To vote, click here.