The Forest Public Library and Forest Community Arts announce the launch of Forest Reads One Book on Tuesday, August 15, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Forest Public Library meeting room. The island-themed launch party will feature the committee’s One Book selection — Camino Island by John Grisham.
Forest Reads One Book is a novel campaign designed to bring Forest residents together through reading one great book at the same time. Members of the One Book committee began the selection process months ago by reading several fiction books by Mississippi authors and providing reviews. Limiting the final selection process to three books, the committee unanimously chose Camino Island as the One Book for the city to read. The campaign begins August 2017 and runs through April 2018. The library has ordered one dozen Camino Island books for check out within the community.
The outpouring of enthusiasm for this program has been immediate, states Forest librarian Dianne McLaurin. “We are so excited about this ongoing event! The programming possibilities are more than we ever imagined when we started this community-wide venture! We appreciate Forest Community Arts partnering with us. This is going to be a fun programming opportunity for the local arts organization, the public library and the town of Forest!”
Mary Jo Walsh, president of the Forest Community Arts, agrees with McLaurin about the book selection. “I read the book in two days and can only think, it is an outstanding choice! It has a world of possibilities. I really enjoyed it immensely, and could not put it down. I am so glad that we did not miss this opportunity for our One Book selection!”
The selection committee considered the following criteria when making their decision: 1) A work of fiction by a Mississippi author, 2) Reading complexity for high school students and community members, 3) Relevant themes and subject appeal to encourage participation and 4) Plot devices that promote interesting and entertaining programming ideas.
Programming is one of the most important aspects of the One Book campaign. “Along with the Island Launch Party set for August 15, we are also developing monthly programs that will coincide with the school year calendar,” McLaurin explained. “This aspect of the campaign continues to bring the community together for One Book events throughout the year. Camino Island was a perfect choice for programming opportunities – more than we can plan and execute during a school calendar year.”
Programs currently in the planning stages are as follows:
• The Writer’s Life: Novel or Not?
• F. Scott Fitzgerald: Prince of Paradise
• A Literary Intervention: Have You Written the Next Great Book?
• Thirty and Counting: The Novels of John Grisham
• Lemuria: A Look at the Independent Bookstore
• Rare Books Roadshow: Fascinating Facts and Finds
• Provence Interiors: French Country Decorating
• The Life Cycle of the Loggerhead Turtle
• Painting the Perfect Beach Scene
• The Great Gatsby Masquerade Ball!
According to McLaurin, anyone interested in more information about the campaign can visit the Forest Public Library and/or search the internet with keywords One Book or Community Reads to understand the concept. “Large cities and small towns all over the country promote community reads’ events. Not only does it foster community spirit, the campaign encourages all residents to read — together! We will also be participating in the Instagram promotion, #mycaminoisland, posting a picture of the book at our favorite relaxation spot. We hope to have many pictures from Forest readers to post on the site!”
