Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

By SANDRA RHODES The new season One Book Bradford has gone to the dogs. The OBB committee has chosen "The Art of Racing in the Rain," a New York Times bestseller by Garth Stein for its 2013 season. The book is a poignant tale told from the perspective of a dog, Enzo, whose owner - race car driver - endures a multitude of hardships. "We feel this book will appeal to a wide array of people," said OBB chairperson Pat Shinaberger. "There's something for animal lovers as well as racing fans. Most of all, this is a great book that we are excited to share with all of Bradford and beyond." OBB is community-wide reading initiative where one book is chosen for community to read. The season includes several activities based on the book. Each year, the highlight of the season is a visit by the author. Stein will be in Bradford to discuss "The Art of Racing in the Rain" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in auditorium of Bradford Area High Sc...

By SANDRA RHODES One Book Bradford’s next selection is sure to be worth every cent – or so the author’s name implies. “Still Life” by Louise Penny of Quebec, Canada, has been chosen for the upcoming One Book Bradford season. In its fourth year, One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is picked and the community is encouraged to read it. Several activities are held throughout the season, which culminates with a visit from the author. “I was so pleased and so humbled that you would choose my books,” Penny said. “You know, Emily Dickenson called novels, 'frigates' that allowed us to travel to places we wouldn't normally go. “Bradford has taken it that glorious extra step, by not only choosing to 'travel' to Quebec, but in spending months reading the series and considering it, you are bridging the considerable divide between Bradford and Quebec. And I am most grateful for that.” This year, the committee also wanted to challenge the reade...