Saratoga Reads announces top five books

Saratoga Reads, a Skidmore College-Saratoga collaboration, has announced that out of some 150 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. Area residents have until Oct. 31 to cast their votes, with the book of choice being announced on Nov. 6.

The top five contenders are The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein,City of Thievesby David Benioff, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows, Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.

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), the Skidmore Shop (on the Skidmore campus), and the Saratoga Springs High School library.

"This ballot launches year six 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 we've culled from this year's nominations has the potential to be a terrific springboard for our community-wide read."

Once the winner is announced, 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. A list of junior companion books on related themes for pre-K through grade 12 will be announced on Nov. 20.

The Saratoga Reads Selection Advisory Group, a committee of more than 30 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.

"These folks work hard, volunteering during the summer to screen books nominated by our community," said Libby Coreno, book selection coordinator for Saratoga Reads. "The advisory group members take each nomination seriously and make sure to provide a thoughtful and contemplative review of all contenders."

Adds Coreno, "In the end, our mission is to find five great books with literary merit that will inspire area residents to become active Saratoga Reads participants."

"We urge everyone to participate this year," said Orthwein. "Voice your opinion by casting a vote by Oct. 31."