The Deschutes Public Library announced the 10th annual “A Novel Idea…Read Together” selection at the official “Novel Idea Unveiled” event Saturday December 1st to a crowd of more than 250 people at the downtown Bend Library. The novel selected for the 2013 “A Novel Idea” community read program is The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.

According to the author’s website, Ms. Ivey was inspired to write the novel after she discovered the classic Russian fairy tale of the snow maiden. The story haunted her with its loneliness and magic in a landscape very similar to the one she grew up in. She spent the next few months researching the original tale, and depictions of it in Russian art work and then began writing. The Snow Child is short-listed for two major awards, the UK National Book Award and the Center for Fiction's first novel prize.

“We selected this magical debut novel for its quality of prose and storytelling that unveils itself with a slow suspense that encourages the reader until the end of the novel,” said “A Novel Idea” project director Chantal Strobel. “The Snow Child takes place in Alaska during the 1920’s as a couple homesteads an impossible land after losing their child ten years prior. The author carries us through grief and the stark Alaskan landscape without apology – threading the story together with a magical realism and hopeful persistence.”

“A Novel Idea” kicks off on April 13, 2013 with three weeks of free cultural programs, book discussions, films, food tastings, lectures and art openings. The program culminates with two presentations from author Eowyn Ivey in Bend on Friday May 3 at the Tower Theatre and Saturday May 4 at the Ridgeview High School in Redmond. All events are free and open to the public.

“A Novel Idea…Read Together continues to be the most successful community read and discussion program in the state of Oregon,” said Strobel. “Every year more than 5,500 Deschutes County residents participate in the readings, discussions, and free cultural events and author presentations. Our communities should be very proud of this participation and engagement.”

Reader’s guides, book club kits, and calendar listings will become available in March at each of the public libraries in Deschutes County. The materials are free and available while supplies last. Book club kits can be reserved ahead of time by calling Liz Goodrich at (541) 312-1032 or emailing her at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org.

A Novel Idea is made possible by the generous donors of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation, the Starview Foundation, BendBroadband, The Bend Bulletin, Bend Research, Francis Hansen & Martin law firm, Oregon Humanities, the Roundhouse Foundation, and the E.H. & M.E. Bowerman Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.

For more information about A Novel Idea, please contact Chantal Strobel at (541) 312-1031 or chantals@deschuteslibrary.org.

Check out the “A Novel Idea” website at www.dpls.lib.or.us/events/novelidea/ for event listings and information regarding the author.