164 One Book

Reading one book

In its 15th year, the One Book One Community project in Winchester and Frederick and Clarke counties went in a different direction--reading a cookbook.

But this is no ordinary cookbook--“Dishing Up Virginia.” It has stories and highlights (145 recipes) of every area in the commonwealth and entices the reader to try as many as possible.

The community got the opportunity recently at Handley Library to do just that. Samples from area eateries were offered free to anyone who came through the doors. Who knew a cookbook could be so interesting and come to life so vividly.

In addition, a movie “Chef” started this year’s events at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. It is a hilarious story of a chef who finds his way in the tumultuous world of cooking. It has many ups and downs that are prevalent in the profession.

The final event will be the author’s visit this coming Wednesday. Patrick Evans-Hylton will tell the audience how he got into this line of work and why he continues in this field. This is a free event and open to the public at 7 p.m. at John Kerr Elementary School in Winchester.

Finding a book that appeals to the community is never easy but this one appealed immediately. Food always draws people together and this selection definitely proves that point. The attendance has been great and the comments positive.

Over the past years, One Book has offered an array of titles, events, and authors. From the first book, “Rocket Boys,” to this year’s, there has been a collection of memoirs, historic novels, as well as a bit of nonfiction. None of these choices have disappointed.

There is always a group of reliables that come to all of the events while newcomers often join when it is a specific title that piques their interest. All are welcome for any reason or motivation.

Suggestions are always welcome as the committee works all year reading and discussing books to come up with a choice that appeals to the masses.

Visit the Facebook page--One Book One Community--to leave any suggestions or comments.

Here are the titles that have been selected over the last 15 years. It is never too late to read and enjoy!!

2003  Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam

2004  Seabiscuit by Laura Hillebrand

2005  Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
2006  Wish You Well by David Baldacci
2007  On Agate Hill by Lee Smith
2008  This I Believe, edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman

2009  See You in a Hundred Years by Logan Ward
2010  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2011  The Devil Amongst the Lawyers by Sharyn McCrumb
2012  For Cause and Comrades by James McPherson
2013  O Pioneers! by Willa Cather
2014  Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel
2015  The End of Night by Paul Bogard
2016  Factory Man by Beth Macy
2017  Dishing Up Virginia by Patrick Evans-Hylton