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Library Selects "The Kite Runner" for One Book, One Community Program
Aug 15, 2006 FOR RELEASE AUGUST 15, 2006 Media Contacts: Lee County Library System Selects "The Kite Runner" for One Book, One Community Program Fort Myers, FL (August 15, 2006) – Lee County Library System (LCLS) announces its third annual One Book, One Community: Lee County Reads selection is Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner." "Taking us from Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the present, The Kite Runner is the unforgettable, beautifully told story of the friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul… Their intertwined lives, and their fates, reflect the eventual tragedy of the world around them… Written against a backdrop of history that has not been told in fiction before, ´The Kite Runner' describes the rich culture and beauty of a land in the process of being destroyed. But with the devastation, Khaled Hosseini also gives us hope: through the novel's faith in the power of reading and storytelling, and in the possibilities he shows for redemption." (From the book jacket.) Earlier this year, a panel of library staff developed a list of suggested book titles for the One Book, One Community program. Ballots were then placed at all Lee County Library System locations, at the annual Lee County/Southwest Florida Reading Festival, and online for the public to make their selection. Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" was the winner. One Book, One Community: Lee County Reads is a countywide reading and discussion program that encourages all residents to read the same book at the same time to create a countywide book club. The goal of the program is to allow libraries to bring entire cities and counties together through literature. One Book, One Community events will be held during September and October. This year's program also includes a separate title for children and a related film for adults. Deborah Ellis' "The Bread Winner" was chosen for children in grades 5- 8, as an appropriate and comparable read to "The Kite Runner." The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana who lives in Afghanistan under strict Taliban rule. "Due to strict limitations on women's freedom and behavior, eleven-year-old Parvana must disguise herself as a boy so that her family can survive after her father's arrest." (From the book jacket.) Adults are also invited to view the film and participate in the discussion of "Kandahar – Journey into the heart of Afghanistan". The story is about an Afghan born Canadian journalist (Nafas) who returns to her homeland in a desperate attempt to reach her sister. Her odyssey takes her across desert landscape where she encounters different people and experiences along the way. More than 200 copies of "The Kite Runner" are available at the library along with copies in large type and books on CD, read by the author. Readers will also be able to enjoy the first few chapters online at the Lee County Library System website. A book discussion kit will soon be available for check out for groups wanting to hold their own discussions of the title. Visit the Lee County Library System website for a complete schedule of activities or call the Lee County Library System at 239-479-INFO (4636) for One Book, One Community events at the location nearest you.
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