Two Towns One Book

Two Towns One Book brings the community together through the shared reading of a common book. The annual book selection inspires rich discussion and community activities. Younger readers are encouraged to participate through companion books and related activities. Nominations for our 2026 book of the year are now open.

West With Giraffes is set during the Great Depression when soup kitchens were an important source of food for many Americans. In February, Culinary Institute of America prepared chef Abby Shea demonstrated how to create a vegetarian stock and then make soup with it. Enjoy her soup stock and soup recipes!

Did you know that June 21 is celebrated as World Giraffe Day? Learn more about how this day is celebrated globally as well as interesting facts about giraffes.

Read About our 2025 Annual Book Contenders

Click on each book to view a summary below.

Black Cake

Charmaine Wilkerson

Good Night Irene

Luis Alberto Urrea

Lady Tan's Circle of Women

Lisa See

West With Giraffes

Lynda Rutledge

The Personal Librarian

Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

View our past book winners here.

Our Mission

Our goal is to bring people in our community together through the reading and discussion of a shared book. Our choices inspire rich discussion and community activities and encourage younger readers to participate through companion books and related activities.

Kids Read, Too

Our Kids Read, Too!! committee has selected some junior companion books for families to read together with the hope that everyone will participate in discussions regarding the importance of using one’s strengths and sharing one’s story. Learn more about the Kids Read, Too Program here.

YOU love to read – so let’s read together!

One book for two towns. Get involved along the way nominate and then vote for the book you believe will inspire great discussions. Tell your neighbors and join us for many exciting events!

Learn more about us