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Chicago Public Library Thu Mar 03 2011
Spring One Book, One Chicago Selection Announced
This spring, the entire city will dive into Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere for the 20th One Book, One Chicago selection. The fantasy novel follows Richard Mayhew as he leaves the ordinary world of London Above to journey through the dangerous London Below with his companions Door, who is on a quest to discover the secrets behind her family's murder, the Marquis of Carabas, a trickster, and Hunter, who guards bodies and hunts big game. Pick up your copy of Neverwhere at any of the Chicago Public Library branches or one of your local independent bookstores, find out how the book started in Chicago and check the CPL's website for listings of book group discussions and events, including two author appearances in April.
Robert McNees / March 4, 2011 4:35 PM
While I think "Neverwhere" is a neat pick -- something that participants in One Book, One Chicago might not otherwise read -- why not stick with Chicago writers? Or even a writer from the midwest? Events like this are great opportunities to celebrate local (or regional) talent; to honor the city's literary heritage or throw our support behind an up-and-coming writer. Yes, Cisneros and Chandler were past picks. But other choices (like Toibin's "Brooklyn") feel like giving in to Second City-ism. How about a local writer like Patrick Somerville, instead? I really like Neil Gaiman, but choosing him for OBOC feels a little like Oprah picking Franzen for her book club.