Oak Lawn Public Library Announces One Book Selection

Let’s come together, and read the same book. The community read, One Book, One Oak Lawn, sponsored by the Oak Lawn Public Library, is back.

“Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson is the selection.

“Dead Wake” was chosen to coincide with Local History’s current exhibit from the National Archives on World War I. The exhibit includes numerous photographs and World War I artifacts, and it tells the story of the American experience in Europe. For a community perspective, the exhibits shares the personal stories of soldiers from Oak Lawn who fought in the war.

“Most people don’t realize the huge impact the war had on our country,” said Kevin Korst, Local History Manager. “The exhibit helps tell the story, but Larson’s book explores how the U.S. entered the Great War by setting the stage for the Lusitania disaster.”

The book is the story of the sinking of the Lusitania and how the event helped push the United States into World War I. The book also tells the stories of notable people such as U.S. President Woodrow Wilson; William Thomas Turner, captain of the ship; Walther Schwieger, German U-Boat Captain; and passengers such as Theodate Pope, one of the first female architects and Charles Lauriat, Boston bookseller.

“’Dead Wake reads like a mystery, but the story is anything but fiction,” said Korst. “No matter what genre of book you enjoy, this one has something for everyone.”

In addition to the book discussions on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 11am and 7pm, the Library created programing to place the Lusitania tragedy in the context of the era to enhance the experience of being part of a community read. Programs include a bus trip to Cantigny Park in Wheaton, film screenings, and a finale dinner featuring a World War I presentation by Clarence Goodman, local historian and character actor. Program details can be found in the One Book, One Oak Lawn guide available at the Library or in the Library’s newsletter, which was mailed to households in mid-August.

Library Director Jim Deiters hopes as many people as possible read the book, share their thoughts and discuss the issues that make people human.

“Readers benefit from a two-fold experience; they get the solitary joys of reading alone and the added joys of feedback from others,” said Deiters. “Think of communal experiences like going to a movie or listening to a concert. People love to share what is going on in their lives, and we love to catch-up on those happenings.”

Copies of “Dead Wake” are available from the Library via print, large print, eBook or audiobook. Patrons can request copies at catalog.olpl.org or stop by the displays near the Adult Services Desk and Customer Services Desk.

For more information on One Book, One Oak Lawn, visit the Library or www.olpl.org.

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