The City’s Biggest Book Club Unites to Read Amy Jones’ Debut Novel
Imagine an entire city of readers united by the experience of reading a single book. On June 20, the Thunder Bay Public Library announced a new initiative called One Book: One Community.
One Book: One Community events take place in many cities across the country and are designed to encourage reading and literacy, celebrate books and build community by having everyone read the same book at the same time.
In Thunder Bay, the Community Action Panel and library staff selected Amy Jones’ new book, We’re All in This Together as the inaugural title for members in our community and region to read. Action Panel member, Cheryl Reid, said “this is the perfect book to select because it’s set in Thunder Bay, by an author who calls Thunder Bay home.” Reid went on to say that “Jones’ expertly weaves in many references to local culture and scenery and explores themes related to family relationships and mental health with humour and insight.”
Jones, who is also the associate editor of The Walleye, commented “I am so excited
Amy Jones, Photo by Spun Creative
for my debut novel to be chosen for One Book: One Community, and to share this story with the people of Thunder Bay. I have been so inspired by this community and I am happy I am able to give something back.”
The Friends of the Library have generously donated ten individual copies of the book to the library plus a Book Club in a Bag set (ten copies for borrowing together). The library is purchasing additional copies for borrowing and eBooks are also available. Personal copies of the title may be purchased from local bookstores.
Starting in September, those who have read the book can share their experience by participating in weekly social media challenges. Joanna Aegard, head of virtual services will lead the challenges and believes “the online interaction will expand the reach of the program, and help to unite our community online. If someone in Thunder Bay who has read the book participates, then all their Facebook friends or Twitter followers will know, and hopefully want to read the book and participate as well.”
Join the city’s biggest book club and read Amy Jones’ We’re All in This Together over the summer. TBPL is also planning some events for September and October to encourage discussion and learning, including a mental health panel. One Book: One Community will culminate with an afternoon celebration with Amy Jones on Saturday, October 22 at 2 pm at the Waverley Resource Library.
Visit tbpl.ca/onebook for details.
