Concord Reads

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Concord Reads is a citywide literary event encouraging community members to read and discuss the same book. Celebrate the power of books in creating a stronger community.

The goal of Concord Reads is to celebrate the written word and to build social capital. Concord Reads brings people together by encouraging them to read and participate in discussions and other events about the same book.

When choosing a title the committee considers many things, including if it appeals to a wide audience and resonates with the citizens of the Greater Concord, NH community; whether it appeals to all age groups from teens to older adults; whether the themes of the book are relevant to the times and community and lend to open and robust discussion; whether the themes of the book lend to library programming at all age levels; whether the book is available in a multitude of formats; and whether the themes of the book vary from years prior.

If you would like to recommend a book for Concord Reads, please submit an entry for recommendation!

Past Concord Reads Programs

2020: Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic Concord Reads did not take place in 2020.

2019: Ghost of the Innocent Man by Benjamin Rachlin

Ghost of the Innocent Man Cover

2018: Following Atticus by Tom Ryan

Following Atticus Book Cover

2017: Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea by Steve Callahan

Adrift Book Cover

2016: When Books went to War by Molly Guptil Manning

When Books Went to War Book Cover

2014-2015: The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters

The Last Policeman Book Cover

2013: Maxine Kumin's three books: Inside the Halo and Beyond, Where I Live: New & Selected Poems, 1990-2010,

Women, Animals & Vegetables: Essays & Stories.

Women_Animals_and Vegetables Book CoverWhere I Live Book Cover

Inside the Halo and Beyond Book Cover

2012: Weight of Water by Anita Shreve

The Weight of Water Book Cover

2011: Outcasts United by Warren St. John

Outcasts United Book Cover

2010: Firoozeh Dumas’ two books Funny in Farsi and Laughing Without an Accent 

Laughing Without an Accent Book CoverFunny in Farsi Book Cover

2009: “How one person can make a difference” - theme with two books:
Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde and The Soloist by Steve Lopez

Pay it Forward Book Cover

2008: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Animal Vegetable Miracle Book Cover

2007: Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich

Nickel and Dimed Book Cover

2006: When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

When the Emperor was Divine Book Cover

2005: Water Witches by Chris Bohjalian

Water Witches Book Cover

2004:  The works of poet and author Donald Hall

Donald Hall Photo

2003:  Empire Falls by Richard Russo

Empire Falls

2002:  The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder

The Bridge of San Luis Rey Book Cover