What if everyone in Utah read the same book, and then joined all those other readers in talking about it?

 The Utah State Library and Utah Humanities are excited to announce One Book, One Utah, a statewide book club that invites all Utahns to read a common book and then come together virtually to enjoy, reflect, and discuss. The program aims to bring Utahns closer together during this time of distance and adversity.

 The inaugural book selected for discussion is Virga and Bone: Essays from Dry Places by Craig Childs.  It’s a deeply felt essay collection focusing upon a vivid series of desert icons--a sheet of virga over Monument Valley, white seashells in a dry desert sand, boulders impossibly balanced. Childs delves into the allure of our starkest landscapes and the profound nature of the desert.

 Public and tribal libraries throughout Utah will receive copies of the book for checkout, and digital copies may be available through OverDrive depending on your library.  Additional resources, discussion questions, and activity guides may be found at https://thrive125.utah.gov/virga-and-bone/.  This page will be updated with more activities in the coming weeks.

 On May 27th at 7 pm, join us for a virtual author talk with Craig Childs to hear his thoughts.  Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-voice-from-the-desert-an-evening-with-craig-childs-tickets-141058215921