Read On Galveston

Even as Galveston Reads continues its 2010 programming related to 2010’s city-wide read, Rocket Boys, one Galveston Reads committee is preparing for 2011. The book selection committee, charged with finding books that will stimulate reading, discussion and community activities, has announced its three finalists vying to be the city-wide book next year. The public is invited to read the three selected as finalists and vote for their choice to be the Galveston Reads “one city, one book” selection in 2011.
Like one of the multi-stage rockets that Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys, worked on, the payload of 2010 programming is still in orbit, with discussions around town, a screening of “October Sky,” and an appearance by one of the original Rocket Boys yet to come. The exploratory capsule for 2011 has zoomed forward, though, as the selection committee read more than 50 books in search of the best choices for Galveston Reads.
The three books chosen—“Into the Beautiful North,” by Luis Urrea, “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” by Garth Stein , and “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate,” by Jacqueline Kelly—were selected for their readability, relevance to the community, and broad appeal.
“Into the Beautiful North” follows a spirited band of young women from a coastal Mexican town as they head north across the border to retrieve some of the men who have left home to live in America. The tale of their road trip, as they discover both wonders and disappointments, has charmed readers with its funny, sad but always compassionate look at two cultures. “Into the Beautiful North” was written by Luis Alberto Urrea, a Pulitzer Prize finalist who draws on his Mexican-American heritage for many of his insights.
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“The Art of Racing in the Rain” is narrated by a dog; readers will be amazed at how seamlessly his explanations of how dogs think are merged with his observations of his human family. The book blends auto racing, family drama and canine philosophy into an engaging and thought-provoking story.
“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” is set in central Texas in 1899, a time and place where young girls were expected to concern themselves with needlepoint, household skills and etiquette. The inquisitive Calpurnia Tate, however, is encouraged by her grandfather in a more scientific direction, and the conflicts that arise between her desires and the expectations of society will be eye-opening to many readers.
All three of the Galveston Reads 2011 finalists are available at Rosenberg Library and at local bookshops. Voting continues through April 27 and can be done at the library or online at galvestoneadsbook@yahoo.com.
By Karen Stanley