Lincoln City Libraries (LCL) today announced the three finalists for the 2023 One Book–One Lincoln Community Reading Program.
LCL has sponsored the annual program since 2002 to encourage adults in Lincoln and Lancaster County to read and discuss the same book at the same time, creating a community-wide reading and discussion experience.
The finalists are:
- “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver re-writes the classic novel David Copperfield as an ode to the lost boys of the American South. Demon’s journey through adolescence and young adulthood is at times frustrating, inspiring, ambitious and fearful. The story harnesses Dickens’ anger and passion surrounding institutional poverty and asks “what more can we do”?
- “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt is a debut novel that features a cranky octopus named Marcellus, aimless and orphaned Cameron, and Tova, the widowed janitor who keeps the Sowell Bay Aquarium clean. With whimsy and tenderness, Van Pelt interweaves these character’s storylines to show that sometimes to move forward, we have to look back.
- “Four Treasures of the Sky” by Jenny Tinghui Zhang weaves historical fiction and Chinese folklore together in her debut novel. The reader follows Daiyu’s journey from silk weaver’s daughter to frontier woman in the Idaho mountains during the 19th century. Hers is the story of decades of immigrants and yet incredibly unique. This epic tale is by turns harrowing, engaging and beautiful.
The book selection process began in February when a 17-member selection committee of community readers narrowed the 125 nominations down to the top three. The community is invited to vote to select the top title for the 2023 reading program. The deadline for voting is August 31. Ballots are available online only at lincolnlibraries.org.
The books are available in print, downloadable audio and ebook formats and may be borrowed by placing reservations through the library catalog. You can do that and find out more about LCL and upcoming One Book–One Lincoln events at lincolnlibraries.org.
(Photo Courtesy: Lincoln City Libraries)