The 2004 One Book – One Lincoln program was wrapped up November 7th, 2004, with the last special program, but information about Peace Like a River and One Book – One Lincoln – 2004 is still available on this archive page.
The third One Book – One Lincoln community reading program began on July 26, 2004, with the announcement of Leif Enger’s novel Peace Like a River as the selected title for 2004, and concluded with programming events in November 2004. Information about Peace Like a River and One Book – One Lincoln – 2004 is still available on this page. This was a joint venture of the Lincoln Journal Star and the Lincoln City Libraries. This year’s official Resource Guide was published in the Lincoln Journal Star on August 23rd, 2004.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger has been selected for the 2004 “One Book – One Lincoln” program.
About One Book – One Lincoln – 2004
One Book – One Lincoln is a community reading program co-sponsored by Lincoln City Libraries and the Lincoln Journal Star. The program encourages all adults in Lincoln and Lancaster County to read and discuss the same book at the same time. The goal of the program is to encourage reading and dialogue by creating a community wide reading and discussion experience.
The idea of citywide reading programs started in Seattle in 1998 with the program “If All Seattle Read the Same Book” initiated by the Washington Center for the Book located at the Seattle Public Library. The Library of Congress’ Center for the Book reports that “One Book” programs are being introduced across the U.S.A. and around the world. This is Lincoln’s third year of the program. In the fall of 2002, thousands of Lincolnites read and discussed Plainsong by Kent Haruf. For 2003, Ann Patchett’s award-winning novel Bel Canto was selected for our second city-wide reading experience. Now, Leif Enger’s dazzling debut novel Peace Like a River has been chosen for Lincoln’s third annual community reading program.
Lincoln City Libraries Reference staff have compiled additional resources about Peace Like a River and Leif Enger.
How can I set up my own discussion group?
Special Peace Like a River kits are available to organizations and businesses interested in sponsoring a discussion group. The kits, which will include copies of the Resource Guide, with discussion questions, posters and bookmarks, can be acquired by calling Lincoln City Libraries at 441-8503.
Training sessions for those interested in setting up their own discussion groups will be provided in early September. Return here soon to see the days and times.
Preregistration is not necessary for these training sessions.
What programs will there be? Will the author visit?
Several special programs have been scheduled at various branches of the public libraries during September, October and November with ties to the themes and events of Peace Like a River. A preliminary list of programming events is posted here, and more information will be available when the Resource Guide is made available to the public in late August.
At present, Leif Enger is not scheduled to visit Lincoln. This web site will be updated to reflect any new information as it becomes available.
How was Peace Like a River chosen?
A call for nominations from the community in January resulted in 151 different titles being nominated. The general criteria for the title included:
A selection committee with community-wide representation was formed to select the book for this year’s community reading program. Members included
The title they selected is Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. Set in the Minnesota countryside and North Dakota Badlands of the early 1960s, Peace Like a River is a moving, engrossing, beautifully told story about one family’s quest to retrieve its most wayward member. Reuben Land, the novel’s asthmatic and self-effacing eleven-year-old narrator, recounts an unforgettable journey riddled with outlaw tales, heartfelt insights, and bona fide miracles. Equal parts tragedy, romance, adventure yarn and meditation, Peace Like a River is an inspired story of family love, religious faith, and the lifelong work and trust required of both. A book to be shared with friends and loved ones.
What other books were considered for 2004?
The other four finalists for One Book – One Lincoln – 2004 were:
For those interested in discussing these other finalists, two special book discussion sessions have been scheduled:
The Lincoln Journal Star and the Lincoln City Libraries thank the following additional supporter of One Book – One Lincoln:
One Book – One Lincoln – 2003: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
One Book – One Lincoln – 2002: Plainsong by Kent Haruf