Area libraries reveal Linn Area Reads book

This year's Linn Area Reads selection is 'The Book Thief,' the 2005 award-winning novel by Markus Zusak.

For 13 years the Linn Area Reads program has been encouraging citizens of Linn County to read and discuss one book together each spring. The program is staffed by representatives from the Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha public libraries, as well as members of the literary community.

Set in World War II Germany, 'The Book Thief' is the story of 9-year-old Liesel Meminger, who moves in with foster parents after her brother is killed. The family houses a Jewish man in secret, and he teaches Liesel to read, instilling her with a love of language. Liesel starts to see language as power, and begins stealing books the Nazis plan to destroy. The novel is narrated by Death, giving it an unusual and powerful structure.

Author Markus Zusak has added Cedar Rapids to his very limited list of U.S. speaking engagements, and will be on-hand to discuss his work and answer questions.

There also will be an evening event with local author Anneliese Tisdale, who lived in Germany during World War II and wrote a non-fiction book about her experiences. She will give a short reading of her work and answer questions about life under Nazi rule.

Linn Area Reads is supported by Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Friends of the Hiawatha Public Library, Friends of the Marion Public Library, the Metro Library Network, and the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation.