Saratoga Reads announces top five books
Saratoga Reads, a Skidmore College-Saratoga collaboration, has announced that out of some 87 titles nominated by the public for this year's book of choice, five have been selected as finalists.
The winning title will be decided by public vote, with area residents having until October 31 to cast their ballots. The selected book will be announced in mid-November.
Among the top five contenders are three novels—The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, Doc by Mary Doria Russell, and The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. The ballot also includes two memoirs—Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup (as told to David Wilson) and Blood, Bones, and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton.
Voters are urged to read the descriptions of the books posted on the Saratoga Reads web site at www.SaratogaReads.org. Votes may be cast online at the Saratoga Reads site or at ballot boxes available at the Saratoga Springs Public Library and at Barnes & Noble in Wilton.
"This ballot launches our ninth year of Saratoga Reads with five great books that are engaging and thought-provoking," said Tabitha Orthwein, chair of the board of Saratoga Reads. "Each of the books has the potential to inspire great programming and discussion, and now we need the community to make the tough choice as to the top book."
Once the winning book is announced, the public is encouraged to read the selected title and to develop and participate in a host of educational and cultural activities connected to the book's themes. In late November, Saratoga Reads will issue a list of junior companion books on related themes for pre-K and up.
"As Saratoga Reads grows in popularity, we are making a special effort to reach out to all of Saratoga County," said Orthwein. "Our programs have wide appeal, and we want as many people as possible to join us and to take advantage of them."
The Saratoga Reads Selection Advisory Group, a committee of some 25 community members, reviewed the nominated titles and held a series of meetings to come up with a list of the top choices. The group determined the list based on each book's potential to spark discussion and community programming, and on the quality of writing and appeal to a range of interests and age groups.
Saratoga Reads centers on the community-wide reading of a single book and is dedicated to creating a shared conversation and a range of events and activities for area residents. To inspire young readers, the organization each year produces a list of junior companion books for a variety of reading levels.
