Saratoga Reads announces top six books

Nonfiction titles on the ballot for the first time

Saratoga Reads, a program designed to foster a sense of community through a shared reading experience, has announced that out of a record 203 nominations from the community, six books have been selected as finalists for this year's book of choice. The program is a Skidmore College-Saratoga collaboration.

The winning title will be decided by public vote. Area residents have until October 31 to cast their votes. The book of choice will be announced on November 6.

For the first time in its five-year history, Saratoga Reads offers a ballot that includes not only novels, but also non-fiction and biography. The top six books are the following:

Fiction
Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Memoirs
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir by Bill Bryson Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace?One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Relin

Biography
Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season by Jonathan Eig

Descriptions of the books are posted on the Saratoga Reads web site at www.saratogareads.org.

Votes may be cast online at the Saratoga Reads web site. In addition, ballot boxes are available at a number of locations in the area including: the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Barnes & Noble (Wilton), Borders (Saratoga Springs), Saratoga Coffee Traders (on Broadway in Saratoga Springs), Higher Grounds Caffe (in the Saratoga Springs Public Library), the Skidmore Shop (on the Skidmore campus), and the Saratoga Springs High School library.

"We're thrilled that as we launch our fifth year, there has been enthusiastic support for broadening the ballot to include biography and nonfiction titles," said Tabitha Orthwein, board coordinator of Saratoga Reads. "The novels selected in our first four novels have been very popular. The expanded genres add a new dimension for an exciting community-wide read."

Once the votes are tallied, the public is encouraged to read the selected title and to develop and participate in a host of educational and cultural activities related to the book's themes. Junior companion books on related themes will be suggested for young readers.

The Selection Advisory Group, a committee made up of more than 30 community members, reviewed the 203 titles nominated by the public. The group determined the top 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.

Last year, 866 votes were cast by local residents to determine the Saratoga Reads book of choice. The novel Water for Elephants won, leading to a range of programs and a visit by author Sara Gruen. "I would love to see the number of votes increase dramatically," said Orthwein. "Voice your opinion by casting a vote prior to October 31."