Studies of addiction and autism up for Wellcome Book Prize

LONDON (AP) — A memoir of alcoholism, a study of psychosomosis and an innovative look at autism are among finalists for the medically themed Wellcome Trust Book Prize.

Amy Liptrot’s account of addiction, “The Outrun,” neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan’s “It’s All in Your Head” and Steve Silberman’s “Neurotribes” are among six books shortlisted for the prize, open to fiction or nonfiction works published in Britain that deal with medicine, health or illness.

Other finalists announced Monday are Cathy Rentzenbrink’s memoir of a devastating accident, “The Last Act of Love,” and two novels: Alex Pheby’s psychosis study “Playthings” and Sarah Moss’s Victorian medical story “Signs For Lost Children.”

Funded by charity the Wellcome Trust, the 30,000 pound ($43,000) prize aims to bridge the gap between literature and science.

The winner will be announced April 25.