Readers in Sandy Springs will have the chance to join other cities across the country in promoting literacy during Sandy Springs Reads’ “One City One Book” event in October.
A Walk in the Woods, Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson is the Sandy Springs selection for the event, a collaboration of Art Sandy Springs, the Sandy Springs Education Force, Friends of the Sandy Springs Library and the Sandy Springs branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System.
“Please read this great book and join friends and neighbors for a series of Sandy Springs Reads programs during the month of October, sponsored by Art Sandy Springs,” said Christine Heller, chairperson of the event, in a press release. “October is a beautiful time of the year to take a walk in the woods, reflect on nature, and enjoy our local green spaces.”
Companion books suitable for children during this event include A Week in the Woods, by Andrew Clements; Hatchet, by Gary Paulson; and Lost in the Woods, by Carl Sams.
Bryson wrote A Walk in the Woods following his return to the United States after 20 years in Britain. The travel writer decided to reacquaint himself with his country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail. The book relays the history and ecology of the trail, talks with people along the way and makes a plea for conserving the wilderness.
The event also includes guided nature walks, volunteers reading to school children, and author talks and book discussions at the Sandy Springs Library. The event culminates with a screening of the adventure documentary Appalachian Impressions, which tells a story about hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lefont Theater.
Before the events kick off, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul is scheduled to proclaim Sandy Springs Reads Day at the Sept. 16 city council meeting.
Visit www.sandyspringsreads.org for a complete list of events as well as a book discussion guide.