What if Everybody Reads the same book?

What if Everybody Reads the same book?  Answer:  there would be a simultaneous rush of page turning, dynamic conversations among friends, and readers making a bee line for their local library for a chance to meet the author.   I have good news…just such an opportunity awaits you.

Once again, libraries in Washington and Idaho unite to participate in the 2011 Everybody Reads Event!  This year’s reading selection is Blue Heaven by mystery writer extraordinaire and New York Times bestselling author C.J. Box.  Box’s writing style has been described as suspenseful, fast-paced and gritty.  Best known for his Joe Pickett series, Blue Heaven is a stand-alone thriller that takes place in north Idaho.  According to the official Everybody Reads website (everybody-reads.org), “Blue Heaven was the winner of the 2009 Edgar Allen Poe Best Novel award,  spent four weeks on the extended New York Times bestseller list, optioned for film by producers Michael Besman (About Schmidt) and Cameron Lamb, and selected by the American Library Association as a 2009 Reading List award winner in the category: Adrenaline. “

The Everybody Reads program was started in 2000 by Jim Hepworth of Confluence Press.  It is supported, in large part, through grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Washington State Library, the Idaho Humanities Council and Humanities Washington.  Local corporate sponsors include The Lewiston Tribune, Whitman County Gazette, FishHawk Guides, Clarkston Quality Inn & Suites, The Bookie, Main Street Books and Hastings.

C.J. Box arrives to the Palouse in early November.  Here is the schedule of author visits:

•    Monday, November 7

• Noon – The Bundy Reading Room, Avery Hall, WSU, Pullman
• 7pm – 1912 Center, Moscow

•    Tuesday, November 8

• Noon – Box Lunch with C.J. Box, Whitman County Library, Colfax

Come to listen, bring a lunch or call ahead to reserve a special “Box” lunch for $8 at 509-397-4366

Main Street Books will have copies available to purchase

• 7pm – Neill Public Library, Pullman

Enjoy light refreshments, purchase a book from The Bookie or bring your own copy and have it signed

•    Wednesday, November 9

• 10am – Lewiston High School
• 7pm – Nezperce Community Library

•    Thursday, November 10

• Noon – Asotin County Library, Clarkston
• 6pm – Reception followed by presentation at 7pm, Orchid Room, Morgan’s Alley, Lewiston

Books by C.J. Box, including Blue Heaven, are on display right now at Neill Public Library.  Copies are flying off the shelves so stop by today to get ‘em while you can!  For more information about this upcoming author event, contact us at 509-338-3254 or visit our website at www.neill-lib.org.  Happy Reading!

by Joanna Bailey

Temporary Library Services Manager

published September 17, 2011

Moscow-Pullman Daily News