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One Book – One Lincoln – 2004

one_bookmapThe 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.


One Book – One Lincoln – 2004:
The Third Time’s a Charmer

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.

‘A dazzling first novel…This poignant book is about family and sacrifice and the lengths to which people go to protect those they love. Peace Like a River has all the hallmarks of a lasting piece of fiction.’
— Karin Glendenning, Chattanooga Times/Free Press

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger has been selected for the 2004 “One Book – One Lincoln” program.

peacelikeariverAbout 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 participate?

  • Get the Book. Check out a copy of Peace Like a River at any of the Lincoln City Libraries or purchase your own copy at your local bookstore. The title is available at Lincoln City Libraries in paperback, unabridged audiocassette, and unabridged book on CD forms. Copies of the book will also be available in Spanish.
  • Read! Join your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and fellow Lincolnites in reading the same book – together!
  • Use the resource guide published in the Lincoln Journal Star on August 23rd. We’ll link to it from this page when it becomes available, and copies will also be available at all libraries.
  • Attend our related programs.
  • Look at our additional resources about Peace Like a River.
  • Discuss in Person! Attend a Community Discussion at your local library, bookstore, community and recreation center. A complete list of Community Discussion groups will be made available here and in the resource guide shortly.
  • Share your comments on-line Visit our Online Discussion Forum [NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL] to share your views about the book and the special programs electronically.
  • Help us evaluate our program by filling out our feedback form [NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL].

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.

  • Thursday, September 9, 2004, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Loren Corey Eiseley Branch, 1530 Superior St. [441-4250]
  • Sunday, September 12, 2004, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Charles H. Gere Branch, 2400 S. 56th St. [441-8560]

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:

  • Fiction or Non Fiction
  • Of general interest to adults and young adults
  • Sparks thoughtful discussion
  • Easily available in paperback
  • Address universal themes of life
  • Readable

A selection committee with community-wide representation was formed to select the book for this year’s community reading program. Members included

  • Greg Throckmorton
  • Alex Crawford
  • Kathy MaGruder
  • Holly Paxson
  • Sara Biggs-Wudel
  • Geoff Goodwin
  • Phil Heckman
  • Charles Stephen
  • Marvie Sullivan
  • Tami Works
  • Marj McKinty
  • Patty Beutler
  • Jeff Kirkpatrick

peacelikeariverThe 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:

fivequartersoftheorange   secretlifeofbees   crythebelovedcountry   oldjules50thanniversary

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:

lclcard   ljs

One Book – One Lincoln – 2003: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
One Book – One Lincoln – 2002: Plainsong by Kent Haruf