Book About Family, Love Chosen For Library's 'One Book' Program

When the set out 120 copies of its latest "One Book" community reading selection, The Art of Racing in the Rain, the response was so great that just a week later, only three copies remained available for check-out.

"I think every year, I'm always amazed," Erica Christianson, manager of the library's popular materials department, said of the "One Book" program's response each year.

The library recently kicked off its fifth annual "One Book" program, and Christianson said she is confident that library officials have selected a great one.

Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain features a story told from the perspective of a dog who is at the end of his life.

"I enjoy the fact that the narrator is a dog," Christianson said. "It's a different perspective."

Christianson said it's interesting to think about "what our four-legged friends think about what we do."

Ultimately, though, the book is "a story about family. It's a story about love," Christianson said.

Christianson said when looking for an appropriate book for the community-wide reading initiative, library officials "look for something that has a broad appeal.

"Maybe it's something you may never have picked up before," she added.

Previous selections included: My Antonia by Willa Cather; Manhunt by James L. Swanson; Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen; and The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

"The ultimate goal is to get people talking about it," Christianson said of the book selection.

Residents will have many chances to talk about The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Book discussions will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. June 22 at in Lake Zurich and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 14 at the Ela Library.

Christianson said this year's "One Book" program will also feature an online book discussion through the new Ela Readers Online program. Patrons can sign up on the library's website.

Readers will also get to participate in a Skype discussion with author Garth Stein from 7 to 8 p.m. July 26 at the library, Christianson said. Readers can register for this discussion on the library's website.

The "One Book" program ends July 31.