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‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ announced as the 2011 One Book, One Denver pick

Denver Mayor today continued a tradition started by his predecessor, — the One Book, One Denver program that is focused on cultivating a culture of reading in the city.

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The Art of Racing in the Rain was chosen as Denver's 2011 One Book, One Denver selection.

This year’s book, “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” a best-seller written by Seattle’s Garth Stein about “Enzo,” a dog who knows he’s different. Reviews call the book “a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty and hope.”

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” currently is No. 8 on the New York Times’ Paperback Trade Fiction List.

Hancock announced the selection this morning at the Denver Animal Shelter, standing before a giant statue of a dog made out of 90,000 dog licenses. The statue, “Sun Spot,” was dedicated for the new animal shelter that opened in June.

Hickenlooper started the One Book, One Denver program seven years ago as a way to create a city-wide book club and encourage multi-generations to read and discuss the same book.

The book was among three finalists, which included “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.

About 1,450 people voted on the city’s website for the finalist. The Art of Racing in the Rain got 38 percent of the votes, said Niecie Washington, special events coordinator for the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

“We try to find books that appeal to a mass audience so we can get people reading,” Washington said. She said the book is appropriate for the city that has had a long-standing love affair with dogs.

“This program was created to develop a culture of reading in Denver by widening our local circles of readers,” Hancock said. “Over the years I have been impressed by the work of One Book, One Denver, as I have watched it build a stronger sense of connectivity in Denver and provide a shared citywide experience.”

As an ongoing, key collaborator in this program, the Denver Public Library will circulate 1,100 copies of The Art of Racing in the Rain through its system. Almost 500 of those copies have already been reserved by One Book, One Denver enthusiasts.

Denver citizens are encouraged to participate in the program by checking out or purchasing the book and attending related events through October 31.

For the new One Book, One Denver Scavenger Hunt, 40 wrapped copies of The Art of Racing in the Rain were placed today at the 16th & Cleveland McDonalds and The Oxford Hotel & Spa. The books are wrapped in red wrapping paper and are hidden in public spaces throughout each location. There is a limit of one book per person. A sign will be placed outside each location once all books have been found.

In their third year of partnership, The Oxford Hotel & Spa will host a breakfast book discussion and have hidden prizes in several of the books at their location. Stop by the hotel to receive special offers good at The Oxford Hotel and The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon.

Here are some other events that will be coming up as part of the One Book, One Denver program:

– Film series at Denver Film Center/Colfax
– Cooking classes at The Seasoned Chef Cooking School
– Craft classes presented by Ceramics in the City
– Writers workshops presented by Lighthouse Writers Workshop
– Teen Writing Contest presented by Lighthouse Writers Workshop
– Radio drama adapted and performed by University of Colorado at Denver students and airing on Colorado Public Radio
– Professional Readings at Crossroads Theater
– Poetry Slam by Café Nuba
– Dramatic readings by Stories on Stage
– Photo Contest: “Dogs are People Too: Show us you’re your dog’s “person”ality” presented by Arts & Venes Denver .

All events are free, but some require reservations. Visit the One Book, One Denver website for more information.

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  • Gemosufan

    Great choice! Awesome book!!

  • Joan

    this is the BEST book~~~~you will love it !!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    i cant believe this!! me and my sister just got two i-pads for $ 42. 77 each and a $ 50 amazon card for $ 9. the stores want to keep this a secret and they dont tell you. 
    Go here CoolCent . com

  • mynameiswhat

    I thought I’d finally participate in the One Book One Denver this year, so I picked up a copy at the Denver Public Library and read the first few chapters. I was disappointed. I thought it would be an interesting book because the book is written in the perspective of a dog, but the writing is bland and the writer compares life to Nascar. I just couldn’t finish this book. Sorry Denver, you failed again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/hleighsteves H Leigh Steves

    I read the book pursuant to the recommendation of a fellow SCCA racer and loved it. Like most dog stories it has its sad parts but the ending brings the mood back up.

  • CUBUFF80

    Excellent choice, this is a GREAT book.

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