Lake Oswego Reads 2012


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The Lake Oswego Reads 2012 selection, Mink River by Brian Doyle,
is the story of the small Oregon coast town of Neawanaka and its people.

About Lake Oswego Reads

A Five Year Review:

"This was an absolutely fantastic visit, a dream from an author’s point of view. Having this extremely well-read, literate and engaged community pick my book, Cutting for Stone, and then discuss it and aspects of it in a month long celebration culminating with my visit—what more can one ask?  Combine that with a lovely setting, terrific hosts and a program that works like a Swiss clock, and you have one of the best experiences an author can have."

—Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone

“Your Lake Oswego community has surpassed any other community that we have been involved in. What you are doing is inspiring communities all across the country.”

—Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea

“It had to be one of the most amazing reader programs I’ve ever seen, and I’ve done a lot of them.”

—David Oliver Relin, author of Three Cups of Tea

"My narrator ... would have fully known the value of a community read such as Lake Oswego’s spirited one, all the way from its linguistic beginnings.  “Communitas,” the root of our usage of “community”—these several meanings are given: sharing, partnership, social ties, fellowship, togetherness.  What better rewards than these could readers and writer alike ask for, by way of the blessed common ground of reading?”

—Ivan Doig, author of The Whistling Season

When a city comes together to read and discuss the same book, they create the sorts of bonds that make a true community. This is the goal behind the Lake Oswego Reads program, and the Lake Oswego Public Library would like to invite you to join us next January.

What is the purpose of this program?

To provide an enjoyable common reading experience for the entire city of Lake Oswego and promote the Public Library as an educational and cultural hub for the community. This program is designed to bring the community together by inviting participants to read a novel and enjoy a series of events which expand on the cultural, social and political themes that tie that novel together.

Who can participate?

Anyone high school aged or older.

What would I be required to do?

Read the book, discuss it and/or attend events. These events are conveniently located and free of charge.

What are the book selection criteria
for Lake Oswego Reads?

The selected book must:

Who selects the book?

The Steering Committee for Lake Oswego Reads, consisting of librarians, community leaders, high school English teachers and high school students.  The book is selected from many different suggestions from the public and the committee.

What are the past selected books?

2007 — The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

In honor of Zafón’s tale of mystery and intrigue in Barcelona, we held events celebrating Spanish culture, history and cuisine. Frequent discussion groups on the novel complemented a special art exhibit by local artists and students, a lecture by the author, a concert of Spanish music by the Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band, Sangria Saturdays at Graham’s Book & Stationery, a special night of Spanish cuisine at Tucci and more.

2008 — Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Greg Mortenson’s story of building schools for girls in Pakistan after an attempt to climb K2 inspired the community to learn more about rural Pakistan and its culture. Events included a special tea-infused dinner at FiveSpice Bistro, a Pakistani Market, a Himalayan tea tasting, a harrowing lecture by a Pakistani immigrant, cooking classes focused on Pakistani cuisine, lectures by the authors, and charity drives.

2009 — Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler

Kessler’s account of one Japanese family’s struggles with racism in Oregon during World War II drove us to study all aspects of Japan and Japanese immigrants. Featuring a personal account of the Japanese internment camps, a speech by Lauren Kessler, a demonstration of traditional brush calligraphy, a concert by renowned koto master Mitsuki Dazai, mah jong and origami lessons, and a re-enactment of the trial of Minoru Yasui, the Lake Oswego community embraced all aspects of the story.

2010 — The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig

To complement Ivan Doig’s old-fashioned story of education and intrigue on the prairie, we hosted events that evoked the time-period and themes central to the plot. From an old-fashioned hoe down and horse show to a police captain’s talk about people living secret lives in Lake Oswego and even a spelling bee, we brought the novel to life in our community.

2011 — Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

The story of twin brothers born to a doctor and a nun and orphaned at birth, the book spans decades and generations, moving through history and hospitals in India, Ethiopia and America.  The community explored the novel through art exhibits by local artists and students, Ethiopian coffee and cuisine, Indian dance demonstrations, guest talks about Ethiopian culture and history, discussions of contemporary health issues, and a presentation by the author.

More information: 503-675-2538