If All Arkansas Read the Same Book is a project begun in 2001 when the Arkansas State Library chose a book that it then introduced statewide, also then bringing in the author to encourage a wider reading public. The first author was Terry Kay, and his book, To Dance with the White Dog.
To read is one of the greatest gifts. To be immersed in a book, in a story to the exclusion of all else. What could be better? It gets better with me, because I can talk about the book with the author. And the 2015 State Library choice is Jenny Wingfield, and her novel, her first: The Homecoming of Samuel Lake.
Born in Arkansas, she grew up in Louisiana, is a graduate of Southern Arkansas University, taught school in Hope and Ashdown, and now lives in Texas. Her book is wonderful; has had glowing reviews, such as: "A spectacular ensemble of unforgettable characters," or "Wingfield's sense of people and place is uncanny." I know I couldn't bear to put it down. So, what started it?
This program originally aired Sun., March 13, 2016.
Arts Scene with Ann Nicholson airs weekly on KLRE at 12:00 p.m. and KUAR at 5:30 p.m. in Little Rock.
