LA County Library is launching a book club called One Book, One County, and Friday is inviting readers in the county to join.
The book chosen for the program is "L.A. Weather" by Maria Amparo Escandón. It is a New York Times best seller published in 2022 about a family in Los Angeles dealing with issues of family loyalty, secrets, and survival.
The book club, created in collaboration with the Los Angeles Public Library and 16 library systems, is designed to discuss the book, foster community connections and encourage education.
"One Book, One County is a testament to the power that books have to unite communities. By reading and discussing `L.A. Weather' together, we hope to foster a sense of shared experience and understanding across our diverse county," said Skye Patrick, LA County Library Director. "We are proud to partner with the Los Angeles Public Library in this unique initiative that connects communities through the joy of reading."
The program begins Saturday and will run through July 27, culminating with a celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles.
"Powerful storytelling has the ability to connect Angelenos," said City Librarian John F. Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library. "This groundbreaking collaboration with 18 library systems across Southern California brings together the diverse communities we serve to highlight L.A. stories and experiences."
"L.A. Weather" will be available in eBook form and audiobook copies accessible through the Libby app by OverDrive at participating libraries. Hard copies are also available.
Escandón is a award-winning bilingual author known for her insightful storytelling. She has won a Reese's Book Club award and the Fiction Award at the 2022 International Latino Book Awards.
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"I wrote `L.A. Weather' as a tribute to my home city hoping to share this story of familial love with my fellow Angelenos. So, when my novel was selected for the One Book, One County community reading program, I felt so honored," Escandón said. "What better way to pay homage to our public libraries, to books, and to the stories that we can relate to than to come together as a community and read with one another?"
The celebration on July 27 at Gloria Molina Park will be from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature an author talk with Escandón, musical performances by Banda Las Angelinas, community resources and activities.
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