Jenny Levine
Blogs Editor
The New Canaan Public Library decided to choose Nathaniel Philbrick’s first novel In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex for this year’s new One Book program. It is the heartbreakingly true story of Nantucket whalers in a battle of survival when their ship is attacked by a sperm whale. This tale of adventure won the 2000 U.S. National Book Award for Nonfiction and a movie adaptation is set to be released in 2015 starring Chris Hemsworth.
The goal of the program is to get everyone in New Canaan simply to read one book. “The idea of the one book program is for the community to read one book and there are a series of activities built around the reading of that book including a discussion with the author,” New Canaan High School librarian Michelle Luhtala said.
To some who are not inexperienced in non fiction, it may seem a little dry. “I know as a librarian you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I was a little skeptical at first.” She said, “It turns out to be a really fascinating book. I think it has an appeal factor for all groups of readers.”
English department chair Heidi Dacosta agreed that the book is worthwhile. “It has plenty of gore and adventure for people who like that, but there is also history and it has a good narrative.”
photo by Jenny Levine.
The concept of a town coming together to read one book and then meeting for a discussion isn’t new,” A lot of other towns have done this such as Fairfield, Westport has done it, it’s not always designed in this way in which we have a living author, which we are fortunate enough to have accessible.” said Ms. Dacosta.
Ms. Dacosta is hopeful that this event will bring out the best in NCHS students: “High school students are readers and writers, and it’s always great when they see themselves as such, we’re usually tucked away in high school, so it’s important for us to be a part of such a great community event.”
“It’s a community building program, it gives everyone a common place to start and gather around new ideas and to have a conversation you might not normally have.” Teen librarian Cheryl Capitani said. “We want high schoolers to come to our main event when the author (Nathaniel Philbrick) comes April 4th, so people young and old can share what they got out of the book.” she said.
“I hope it will stay for many years to come. It’s exciting to interact with the author, and this type of thing tends to generate a lot of energy in the community,” Ms. Dacosta said.
