One Book Everyone Wants to Read

By Margaret Hicks in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 30, 2006 3:03PM

Today the “One Book, One Chicago” book was announced, and honestly; this is the most excitement we’ve seen come out of the Harold Washington Library in a long time.

The book is “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri.

“Interpreter of Maladies”, a collection of short stories, was published in 1999, and won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000. The stories revolve around immigrants, set in both India and the United States, who are dealing with life in a new country. But the stories touch on universal human emotions like lonliness, confusion, and striving for something bigger than ourselves. Daley said at a press conference at Harold Washington Library, “These stories also remind us that immigrants are just like native-born citizens. They fall in and out of love, laugh and cry, make friends and enemies, and sometimes have trouble creating a place that feels like home."

Very wise Mr. Mayor, very wise.

Lahiri was born in London and grew up in Rhode Island, but her parents took her to India often.

We’re embarrassed to say we haven’t read any of Lahiri’s books, but the mention of her name has already elicited tons of love and interest. Certainly the issue of immigration is timely, and we can’t wait to read the book.

Plus, we think she’s very pretty.

Check out all of the events here.