Naperville Reads theme is 'Unlock Your Mind'

Naperville will celebrate the works of two nationally known authors early next year as part of its continuing effort to get residents reading and talking about books.

The theme of the Naperville Reads 2008 campaign is "Unlock Your Mind" and it will feature books by Brian Selznick and Daniel Pink, organizers said Thursday.

Most events won't take place for at least another month or so, but program leaders say they're eager to get participants started.

"We want people to know what the books are so they can start reading them" before the authors' scheduled appearances," said Candy Purdom, spokeswoman for Anderson's Bookshop, one of the event's co-sponsors.

Both writers are scheduled to visit town in February to talk about their work. This year's campaign features Selznick's children's novel, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" and Pink's non-fiction book, "A Whole New Mind: Why Righter-Brainers Will Rule the Future."

"There's such a nice tie between the two authors," Purdom said. "They're both very interested in the intellect and how the brain works."

Naperville Reads began in 2002 as a way to encourage residents of all ages to read and has continued each year as a partnership that includes Anderson's, Naperville Public Library, Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204. The project is partially supported by a grant from the city.

The campaign includes public book discussions, presentations and other activities.

Organizers say Selznick will visit Naperville North High School for a public program at 7 p.m. Feb. 4. Pink will speak at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall. Ticket information soon will be available.

Selznick is a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and New York Times best-selling author whose "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" is this year's children's book choice. The book combines elements of a picture book, graphic novel and film to create a novel that was a finalist for the 2007 National Book Award in the Young People's Literature category and a Quill Award winner.

Pink's "A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future" was chosen as this year's adult book and stresses the idea that "outside the box" thinking will prevail in the future.

Pink is a contributing editor at Wired and was a speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore.

Previous Naperville Reads authors have included Gary Paulsen, Pete Hamill, Jerry Spinelli, Kevin Henkes, Tracy Chevalier, Yann Martel, Katherine Hannigan, Kate DiCamillo, Joseph Bruchac, Greg Mortenson and Lisa See.

For details on the program, visit napervillereads.org.