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:
• Be for high school aged readers and older.
• Appeal to a wide range of readers.
• Strengthen civic pride, foster discussion among residents, and bring the community together through the common bond of reading.
• Offer opportunities for additional citywide special events.
• Be affordable and available in paperback, audiobook, eBook and large print formats.
• Author available to speak.
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.
Previous Lake Oswego Reads Titles:
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.
2012 — Mink River by Brian Doyle
The story of the small Oregon coast town of Neawanaka and its people was the perfect book to do a community read and celebrate a book that was written by one of our own Lake Oswego residents, Brian Doyle. There were a total of 31 programs at 20 venues and a whopping 10,000 participants. Of the 31 events, 28 were free, including a barbecue dinner that tied into the book attended by 600 people. During February there was an opportunity to learn Gaelic, have a “cow” barbecue, listen to opera, learn about crows, see 25 artists’ paintings inspired by the book, ride a bicycle with the mayor, see a photo exhibition inspired by the book, and visit the Public Works Department and operate a piece of heavy equipment. There was such a sense of happiness and friendliness during the entire month.