Leah Wilson, author of “The Girl Who Was On Fire,” will appear at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota, as part of the final celebration for the One Book, One Community program.
Lead character Katniss Everdeen’s adventures in the best-selling story may have come to an end, but her adventures continues to blaze in the hearts of millions worldwide. In “The Girl Who Was On Fire,” 16 young adult authors take readers back to Panem with moving, dark and funny pieces on Katniss, reality TV, survival and more. The included essays examine the correlations between the storylines and themes in “The Hunger Games” – the book chosen for the 2011-2012 One Book, One Community program — and how they relate to today’s society.
“The goal of the One Book, One Community program is for a book to inspire people to talk about not only the story, but how that story impacts their lives,” said Barb McDonald, outreach coordinator for Sarasota County libraries. “ ‘The Hunger Games’ is so big that it has spawned several connecting publications by other respected authors like Leah Wilson, and we are thrilled that she will be providing her insight on the story and what it takes to be an author in today’s publishing world.”
“The Hunger Games” was selected for the 2011-2012 One Book, One Community program by more than 4,000 voters. Since October 2011, readers have been attending book discussions at their local libraries, bookstores and at many area high schools. Book discussions will continue into March, as fans anticipate the movie premiere of “The Hunger Games” on March 23.
Since 2003, the Sarasota County Library System “One Book, One Community” program has encouraged reading by recommending a compelling book that links the community in a common conversation. The One Book, One Community project is spearheaded by the Sarasota County Library System in partnership with the Sarasota County School District, New College of Florida, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota County Extension Services, Ringling College of Art and Design and other local organizations.
Other events in February include book discussion groups, lectures and presentations. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 or visit the Sarasota County libraries website at www.onebooksarasota.com