Every year, librarians from Nassau Library System (a consortium that includes the LPL) and the Public Libraries of Suffolk County come together to select a book for Long Island Reads, a special (and FREE!) event that focuses on books set on Long Island and/or written by Long Island authors. It’s a great chance for readers from around the Island to get together and discuss a fantastic book; think of it as a massive book club meeting that includes the author! This year’s pick is Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. Larson, a master of the nonfiction narrative (previous publications include: In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin and The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America), is also a native Long Islander, born and raised in Freeport. He will be speaking and signing books on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at the Hillwood Recital Hall at C.W. Post, Long Island University in Brookville, NY, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tickets, which are free for the taking, are now available online.
Of course, if you want to be a part of Long Island Reads, you should probably read Dead Wake. If you haven’t read it yet, there’s still time! Not only is this selection an endorsement of the book’s quality, but Dead Wake also received excellent reviews when it was published in 2015 and went on to become a bestseller. History buffs are likely familiar with the story; 1,198 perished when a German U-boat torpedoed the luxury liner in 1915. The event was a historical turning point, partially contributing to America’s entry in World War I. The beauty of reading a book like Dead Wake is that you can learn nuances of the story often overlooked by sources like Wikipedia, told with beautiful, compelling language. The book is available in hardcover, paperback, large print, audio book, and electronic formats, for all your reading needs. If you need help locating a copy, you can contact our Reference Desk at 516-731-5728.
This is such a great opportunity, and I hope as many of you as possible are able to attend. I know from personal experience that hearing an author discuss their work and writing process adds something truly special to the reading experience.
Happy Reading,
Jess
