The Schenectady County Public Library announced the five titles for the voting phase of its fourth One County, One Book program.
The selection committee, which was made up of community residents, library staff and board members, decided to use the past three years of titles nominated by the community to choose the final titles. Library Trustee Edwin D. Reilly Jr., chairman of the 2009 One County, One Book program, made the announcement.
The finalists are:
Atonement by Ian McEwan. Three children lose their innocence, having their lives changed forever in a novel set in England during World War II.
`The Island at the Center of the World` by Russell Shorto. In this nonfiction book, Shorto provides a new view of American beginnings with a narrative history of Manhattan’s founding.
`The Omnivore’s Dilemma` by Michael Pollan. In this work of nonfiction, Pollan discusses how food is grown and what exactly it is that we’re eating. The book covers industrial farming, organic food and what it is like to hunt and gather food for oneself.
`Water for Elephants` by Sara Gruen. In this novel, a 90-something nursing home resident looks back on his Depression-era days as a member of a second-rate circus.
`When the Emperor Was Divine` by Julie Otsuka. This novel tells the story of one Japanese-American family that must put its life back together after its internment in an enemy alien camp in Utah during World War II.
In describing the nominated books, Reilly said, `These are excellent reads, all with such a good chance to be the leading vote getter that I anticipate a close vote. Reviewer comments say of the author of ‘Atonement’ that, ‘No one now writing fiction in the English language surpasses Ian McEwan.’ I agree.
`Of ‘The Island at the Center of the World,’ the New York Times says, ‘A tour de force. The dramatic story of New York’s origins is splendidly told. A masterpiece of storytelling and first-rate intellectual history.’
`The reviewer for the Seattle Times writes, ‘If you ever thought, `What’s for dinner?` was a simple question, you’ll change your mind after reading [`The Omnivore’s Dilemma,` Michael] Pollan’s searing indictment of today’s food industry ` and his glimpse of some inspiring alternatives. I just loved this book so much I didn’t want it to end.’
`The Denver Post says, ‘Lively with historical detail and unexpected turns `Water for Elephants` is a rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined.’
`Julie Otsuka’s brilliant first novel, ‘When the Emperor was Divine,’ is a searing story about the ill-founded decision of our World War II American government to confine all resident Japanese-Americans, citizens or not ` and most were ` for the duration. It will break your heart, but it is a powerful work of literature.`
Residents of Schenectady County will be able to cast their votes through Saturday, Nov. 8 online at www.scpl.org, or pick up ballots at any county library branch, the Open Door Bookstore, or the Whitney Book Corner.
The winning title will be announced Monday, Nov. 17, at noon in the Central Library’s McChesney Room. In early 2009, the Schenectady County Public Library will start theme-related programs for the winning book.
The past winning titles included `To Kill a Mockingbird` by Harper Lee (2006); `My Sister’s Keeper` by Jodi Picoult (2007); and `The Kite Runner` by Khaled Hosseini (2008).
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