Free Library of Philadelphia Announces 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia Choice

At Phillyist, we love anything that gets people reading books, the real kind that you hold in your hands. There's nothing like the heft of a book with an actual cover to make you feel like part of something larger. In fact, we may have looked like a stalker on occasion when really all we wanted to see was what book you were reading. We love that books open up the possibility to make a connection with a complete stranger. So when the Free Library announced that The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is the 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia selection, we were ecstatic. A "graphic novel," this text will invite voracious and hesitant readers alike. The story is captivating and thought-provoking, of course, but it is also beautiful. Satrapi is giving a free reading at the Free Library on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. That seems to be her only public reading in the area, so miss the one-time opportunity to see her. (And if you unfortunately do, check back later in the week for our recap of the reading.)

So pick up a copy and join the city-wide investigation of a text that manages to boast complexity and accessibility, a rare gift in the world of literature and a wonderful choice for the city.