“Sing For Your Life: A Story of Race, Music, and Family” is the 2018 selection for Sarasota County’s ‘One Book, One Community’ program. |
SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announces the return of the popular “One Book, One Community” program for 2018 with the selection of Daniel Bergner’s “Sing For Your Life: A Story of Race, Music and Family.”
The book details a young black man’s journey from violence and despair to become a star with New York’s Metropolitan Opera. It is the inspiring true story of Ryan Speedo Green and his beginnings from a difficult childhood and juvenile detention to a life full of hope and dreams fulfilled.
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Director Sarabeth Kalajian says the book was an inspiring choice for 2018’s One Book, because of the story’s universal themes of achieving success in the face of adversity.
“The purpose of the One Book, One Community program is not only to encourage discovery of new literary voices, but to inspire,” says Kalajian. “This true story, as written by Daniel Bergner, is an empowering reminder of what can be accomplished when you refuse to accept your circumstances and reach for something greater.”
The One Book concept was created in 1996 to help foster a shared love of reading by encouraging everyone within a community to read and discuss the same book concurrently. Sarasota County introduced its One Book program in 2003 as a way of connecting the area’s diverse mix of residents.
The program has recognized local authors as well as world-renowned writers. Each summer a committee selects the One Book title, then hosts a public event with the author and readers. This celebration includes follow-up programs at Sarasota County libraries and other venues.
Anyone can participate in One Book One Community by attending a library or community event, or hosting their own book discussion group.
As part of the celebration, Sarasota County is kicking off the program with a visit from author Daniel Bergner on Jan. 26. Mr. Bergner will be speaking and signing books at 10:30 a.m., Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Lane, North Port; and at 7 p.m., Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.
Visit onebooksarasota.com to register for these events and to learn more about how to participate. Additional information is also available by calling the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.