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5/24/2007 11:01:00 AM
One Book One County reveals its 2007 book
By Cory Smith
Daily News intern
GREENVILLE - In its third year, the One Book One County Montcalm program has revealed its book for 2007 with a goal to bring people together in a positive and unifying way through reading.
About 50 people waited in anticipation at Montcalm Community College's Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Greenville as a curtain covered a poster-sized image of the book's cover.
After refreshments and music the curtain was removed and the audience gasped, then cheered, as this year's book selection, "Water for Elephants," was revealed.
Nels Hansen's accordion music set the mood for the audience, as the new book is set in the circus world.
"Water for Elephants" is authored by Sara Gruen. Gruen lives north of Chicago and based her story on real people and true stories she gathered while researching the world of traveling circuses in the 1930s.
"The author is relatively unheard of," said Maureen Burns, a program organizer. "The book came out of nowhere and has taken the world by storm."
Burns said she and Eron Drake, dean of teaching, learning and community services at Montcalm Community College in Sidney, hand-picked the book faced with a number of circumstances.
"The book must be around 300 pages, available on audio CD, and printed in paperback," Burns said. "It must be nonthreatening, noncontroversial, and a book that both men and women will enjoy."
"The book has so many different levels of discussion," she added. "We looked for something that people will learn from."
Only three people in the audience had read the book and gave the book positive reviews.
Burns said the book does contain some adult content and may not be available in school libraries.
"The book is recommended for adults" she said.
Burns and Drake are both very pleased with the success of the One Book One County Montcalm program in its three-year existence.
"It's great to see so many people come to witness the unveiling of the new book," said Drake.
According to Burns, the program's success doubled in book sales and library rentals from its first to second year.
"It's wonderful to hear people around town talking about a book," said Burns. "As a county we have all learned from the previous two books and I'm sure this one won't disappoint."
The program will feature discussions throughout the summer at all public libraries in Montcalm County.
Burns said to get involved all people have to do is read the book.
"You can come to discuss, to listen, or just have a good time with friends," she said.
Copies of the book can be found at Robbins Booklist, Meijer and Pam's Coffee House in Greenville.
The publisher has sold out of copies, but efforts to print more copies are being rushed.
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