One Book One Middletown Choice is Word War II Story, 'Unbroken'

Editor's note: Mayor Dan Drew announced this year's One Book One Middletown selection is "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand, author of "Seabiscuit." It is the remarkable true World War II story of bombadier and athlete Louis Zamperini, who survived a plane crash in the Pacific Ocean and 46 harrowing days at sea in shark-infested waters.

The Russell Library has copies of the book for checkout and in January, the Rotary will announce talks, book discussions and events centered around the theme of this New York Times best-seller.

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce formally kicks off the holiday season Friday afternoon with a number of festive events. Holiday on Main features caroling on the South Green led by the middle school chorus and high school band, four tree lightings, a parade up Main Street with Santa Claus, hay and horse and carriage rides.

One other exciting event is also an annual feature — the announcing of the book chosen for the Rotary Club One Book One Middletown project.

It’s kind of like a city-wide book club and states across the nation participate every year. The Library of Congress keeps lists of all the titles chosen and it’s a terrific jumping off point for those seeking highly regarded literature suggestions.

The title is kept secret until the official announcement. Just before 6 p.m., Mayor Dan Drew will name the Rotary Club committee’s choice. Since 2003, the spring ushers in book discussions, talks and other events coordinated with the book’s theme to encourage those of all ages to read and participate as a community.

We'll give you a hint. It's a true story. It spend many weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. It has been optioned for a movie, as was the author's previous book (and many of those below).

The Russell Library stocks dozens of copies of the book for check-out beginning on Saturday.

While you’re waiting to learn this year’s selection, check out these from years past.

One Book One Middletown

• 2011: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
• 2010: The Soloist by Steve Lopez
• 2009: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
• 2008: Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
• 2007: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
• 2006: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
• 2005: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• 2004: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
• 2003: The Giver by Lois Lowry.

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