One Book One Valley: “And the Winner Is…”

by Laurie Dale Marshall, Adult & Teen Services Librarian

First, the nominations were made. Then five finalists were announced. Then the voting commenced.

And now the suspense is over.

Almost. It’s just one short week until the Estes Valley Library announces the winning book to be featured as this fall’s One Book One Valley selection. And to give this occasion its due, we are inviting the community to a Book Reveal Party on Friday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Library.

We’ll start the evening off with some light refreshments and treats. And we’ll enjoy conversation about some of our favorite books.

The evening’s presentation will begin at 6:30, as we re-cap the process that led to this year’s nominations, which were chosen by local book clubs. You’ll take away some great book recommendations in the process.

And of course, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the announcement of this year’s title, chosen by our community. Afterward, you can take home a copy of the book to read.

We’ll have some fun along the way. The anticipation, akin to an awards show, has inspired our faux red-carpet theme. Of course, gowns and tuxes are not required attire. Unless you want to join in our whimsy, then by all means, costumes are welcome.

We are thrilled that One Book One Valley is making its welcome return this October. This annual literary celebration invites our entire valley to share in the reading and discussion of one single book, as we embark together on a journey of shared discovery through special programs, conversations, and thematic events. The initiative encourages civic dialogue and supports several of the Library’s key strategic goals based upon community requests.

We thank our local book clubs who took time to nominate this year’s books. We thank everyone who took time to reflect on the choices and cast their votes. And we thank the Library Friends & Foundation for providing the financial support to make this fall’s events and activities possible, including the purchase of hundreds of copies of the book to be shared throughout the Estes Valley.

Here, alphabetically by author, is a re-cap of the titles that made the list of finalists:

•   “A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains” by Isabella Bird

•   “The Last Bus to Wisdom” by Ivan Doig

•   “The Emerald Isle” by Kevin Fedarko

•   “The Distance Between Us” by Reyna Grande

•   “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson

These are all outstanding books—and you can borrow print and digital copies of these titles from the Library. From these “Final Five”, there emerged a clear winner from the voting.

We can’t wait to share it with you next Friday, July 28. Please join us for the announcement. Then watch for a full list of One Book One Valley events in the next “Gatherings” guide, arriving in mailboxes the first week of September.

And now, the envelope, please ….