2008 book chosen for Putnam County READS

Sunday, March 2, 2008

"An Unfinished Life" by Mark Spragg has been chosen for the 2008 Putnam County READS Project, sponsored by the Putnam County Public Library.

The program is supported with support from the Dr. James Elrod Fund and the Friends of the Library. The 2004 book selected is suitable for adults and young adults. Community programs will be conducted throughout the year, including brown bag and evening discussions at the library, and book discussions at Heritage Lake, Bainbridge, and Cloverdale. Other special events such as a "dinner and a movie" night are also being planned.

The purpose of Putnam County READS is to promote the reading and discussion of a single book by an entire community. This is the library's first year of encouraging people to read a book, discuss it with friends, in classes, at book clubs, and participate in other activities related to the book throughout the county -- and throughout the year.

An Unfinished Life is a story told from multiple points of view, which allows for a full exploration of the complexities and vulnerabilities of the various relationships in the story. Seeking to escape her brutal boyfriend and hoping to introduce her daughter, Griff, to the grandfather she has never met, widow Jean Gilkyson seeks refuge in her late husband's Wyoming hometown. There she must come to terms with her estranged father-in-law who cares for his lifelong friend Mitch, crippled and in constant pain from injuries he received when he was mauled by a bear.

The PCPL will also offer Book Club To Go Kits. Each kit will contain 10 to 15 copies of the title (as needed), large print copy, book on CD or PlayAway, and a discussion guide -- all in a handy canvas bag. Kits can be checked out for a period of 30 days by an existing book group, high school class -- or start a new group!

Copies of An Unfinished Life are available to check out from the library. Additional copies will be "released" in various locations throughout Putnam County. Whoever "finds" the book is encouraged to read, enjoy and discuss it with a friend and then pass it along to someone else -- and join one of the public discussions during the year. Large print copies of the book and audio versions are also available.

The first PC READS event will be a brown bag discussion at the Putnam County Public Library from noon-1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch; dessert and coffee will be provided. Please join us in the exciting reading venture!

Committee members from the community involved in the PC READS book selection process include Tamara Beauboeuf, Tona Gardner, Bill Lorton, Bart Spencer and PCPL staff Suzanne Hall, Margot Payne, and Lynne Tweedie. The final selection was based on input from the community, reviews, and other "One Book, One Community" selections.

For more information contact Margot R. Payne at 653-2755, ext. 118 or visit the library's web page at www.putnam.lib.in.us.

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