Pasadena’s One City, One Story
Showcase Interviews Jill Hunting
Now in its 24th year, Pasadena Public Library’s One City, One Story (OCOS) works to broaden and deepen an appreciation of reading and literature and to promote tolerance and understanding of differing points of view by recommending a compelling book that engages the community in discussion. We spoke about this program with radio essayist and author Jill Hunting (Finding Pete: Rediscovering the Brother I Lost in Vietnam and For Want of Wings: A Bird with Teeth and a Dinosaur in the Family), who serves on the selection committee.
Showcase: You select two titles each year. Why two?
Hunting: More than 20 years ago, Pasadena Public Library (PPL) joined a nationwide movement that encourages communities to read the same book. Five years ago, the library started an additional program, which merged the existing Adult Summer Reading Club with a program for children and teens. For both the March and summer programs, the library gives away hundreds of the two selected titles. In 2023 the giveaway included both English and Spanish editions of the summer book.
Showcase: What did you choose for 2023? Have you decided on 2024 yet and when will that take place?
Hunting: For the spring 2023 book, our committee chose Nadia Hashimi’s Sparks Like Stars. For summer, we chose María Amparo Escandón’s L. A. Weather, which I liked so much that I reviewed it for the NPR affiliate High Plains Public Radio. Both Nadia and María came to Pasadena to speak at free public events. In late November we will announce our complete list of 2024 nominees. In December the two selected authors are announced, with videos that feature them introducing themselves to Pasadenans.
Showcase: Each program culminates with an in-person conversation with the author. What happens leading up to this?
Hunting: Our committee chairperson contacts the author or her/his publicist or agent to determine the author’s interest in coming to Pasadena if her/his book is chosen by the OCOS committee. Not every author’s schedule permits accepting our invitation, and sometimes an author’s fee exceeds our budget, but we have been fortunate in attracting an outstanding lineup.Showcase: What selection criteria do you follow?
Hunting: First, the author must agree to come to Pasadena. Second, the book must be suitable for high schoolers through adults. Books that are available in more than one language or format (paperback, audiobook, hardcover) support our commitment to serving a diverse audience. Traditionally, the committee chooses fiction. This year I proposed Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope because its message resonates whether you are young or old. Others committee members agreed, but ultimately our nominee list was all fiction.
Showcase: What impact would you say One City, One Story has had? How would you rate its success?
Hunting: The program is very popular. This is borne out by surveys collected after OCOS events, feedback from book discussion groups, and comments made to the library director and staff at our author events, which are well attended.
Showcase: Thanks. Anything we’ve left out?
Hunting: Participating in OCOS has challenged me to grow as a reader. In the past I have typically gravitated to nonfiction—primarily biographies and history, or background reading for a book I’m working on. Serving on the OCOS committee means that I now spend two or three months reading 25 to 30 books, most of them fiction. Reading in a different genre than my usual introduces me to current titles and new authors that people are talking about. It’s fun, and it has helped me up my game as a reader.