Readers are encouraged to visit www.denverartsinteractive.com to cast their vote. Voting runs June 1 through June 15. Once voting ends and the winning book is determined, Arts & Venues Denver will roll-out the 2011 One Book, One Denver program for a September 1 launch. The people of Denver, young and old, are encouraged to join others in the shared experience of simultaneously reading the same book and participating in related events.
“We are thrilled to be a partner with One Book, One Denver for another year,” said Diane Lapierre, Denver Public Library. “Not only does this event engage people with reading, but also creates a wonderful sense of community as thousands of book enthusiasts read and discuss the same book, at the same time.”
Last year’s selection, “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett was a huge success with over 3,700 copies circulated. Watch for book-related events throughout the book club period and check out http://www.denvergov.org/tabid/436793/Default.aspx for book club discussions and tools.
This year's selections are:
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein: Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul, he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford: Henry Lee is a Chinese-American in 1986 Seattle who has just lost his wife to cancer. Henry hears that the belongings of Japanese immigrants interned during WWII have been found in the basement of the Panama Hotel, which spurs stories and memories of losses of old age and the bewilderment of youth.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine.
For more information on Arts & Venues Denver, please visit www.artsandvenuesdenver.com and cast your vote at http://www.denverartsinteractive.com/contests/2011-one-book-one-denver-book-selection.
