History of One Book, One Community

Begun in 1996 in Seattle, Washington, the One Book concept was developed to create a community of readers with a shared love of reading, writing and expressing ideas.

In 2003, Allegheny County chose To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, as its first One Book. Racial tolerance was the central theme, which intertwined in programming and discussions. The inaugural program was a success.

Building on that success, the 2004 committee selected Flowers for Algernon, written by Daniel Keyes, which focused on mental disability and their impact on the community.

The 2005 One Book selection was Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café, by Fannie Flagg, which unveils a three-part theme: intergenerational friendship, personal empowerment and community connections.

The 2006 One Book selection was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, with themes including the risks and rewards of standing up for convictions, how communities can help empower individuals to do that, and how we can all support individuals who have been victimized.

Fish by L.S. Matthews was selected as a parallel book for middle school and junior high students. With many parallel themes to The Kite Runner, Fish provided an experience of One Book, One Community for younger readers.

This year's 2007 One Book selection is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, with themes including love, family, and redemption found in the struggle with homelessness.

Money Hungry by Sharon Flake has been selected as a parallel book for middle school and junior high students. With many parallel themes to The Glass Castle, Money Hungry provides an experience of One Book, One Community for younger readers.