"Terrific. Another great discussion."

"It’s interesting the whole city read a same book."

"Awesome, first time reading a book where the whole city is involved."

"A great idea, having the author speak and the book discussions was fun and interesting."

"I think it’s a fantastic idea. I’m disappointed that it will be annual and not quarterly. I appreciate the coordination of multiple events so we can pick different dates. The session and leader on 10/10 did a great job at Borders."

"It’s a great idea – I’d like to have enough discussion groups for high school kids that the teachers don’t send them for forced credit to the regular groups held at book stores, library, etc. (It’s not an age thing – I just think it’s nice when all participants are there willingly.)"

"I enjoyed listening to everyone’s input. I had never attended this type of group meeting. Very interesting."

"This presents a unique perspective on the book."

"The book is excellent; as were the discussions."

"My first foray into a book discussion and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would definitely participate again."

"I enjoyed the book very much especially that it was written in such a different way. I hope that this is the start of more good books that the city as a whole can share."

"I think it’s a great influence and program to our community."

"I thought this book was very interesting. I liked how it was so different and required deeper thinking. Loved the discussion!!! Keep doing these discussions and community reads!"

"Superb! I’m serious about the one book, two cities idea!"

"It’s a great idea and I enjoyed participating. I’d like even more people to participate next year. It is a great idea to have different events at different times. I look forward to participating next year. It’s a great project to build community spirit."

"I wanted to be part of this – part of a community project – I definitely would read the next book - The discussions were meaningful. I want to reread this book."

"I think it’s a great idea because the discussions engendered to the insight of other people’s thoughts and feelings. Thanks a lot."

"This is a great idea. I hope it continues. It must be tough to pick a book. Having it tied to a tragic real event in our lives may have been a problem for many."

"This is a great idea. Good publicity. It gave a variety of options. Wish more would catch on and be involved. Great to hear insights of others at discussion groups."

"This is a valuable project that contributed to a sense of community and fosters the love of reading."

"It’s very nice but you should pick a book that kids and adults can understand. My sister who is 8 years old would like to be a part of this too! A city is composed of people of all ages, not just adults." (Note: Please see the companion titles for the 2008 program.)

"I think that this project was great!"

"Great idea; a few times a year would be great!"

"Love this idea. Please continue with it!"

"This was wonderful. It’s great to hear so many perspectives on this book! Let’s do it again and again."

"This is a great idea. It made me think 'outside' of the box. Would be a good annual event."

"I have been enjoying the variety of activities integrated with the themes, characters, and writing of one book! The community book idea has been a pleasant and enlightening experience for me. I’ve met some interesting people too! Thanks."

"I loved the performance. She has so much feeling and knowledge about the pieces. She is great. I’m glad I could come. I want to come again."

"Fern Davye was wonderful."

"It’s an awesome exciting idea. I love it. I hope you continue doing this."

"Love it! We went out to Pasadena for the Kite Runner event. I’m from Simi but I’m a member of the library ($70). Si I appreciate T.O. library events."

"Wonderful. Thank you so much! Well publicized and well organized. Odd book; seems people either love it or hate it. Loved the film showing also."

"Great idea. Need more stuff like this."

"I think it has been terrific. The book was a great selection for a discussion. Many discussion points; great group."

"This was a wonderful experience and it was very informative to learn from what others thought about this book. This was really fulfilling and I enjoyed this One City One Book project. The story itself filled my heart and I loved it!"

"It’s a great idea. What’s next yea’s book? I enjoyed this and would not have chosen this book, even though I like innovation, without a push."

"This is a great idea! I’m looking forward to your next book choice. Books are such a gift!"

"Great idea. Librarians are very helpful to book groups, giving out information at the library. Also helpful to find out other things going on in the community."

"This is a great book and a great discussion group. Both participants and leaders. Thank you. Excellent choice of book and a wonderful idea. Depth of the discussions and literary background of Edith was great."

"Great. I want to read it again."

"I am enjoying this experience. Thank you for all your hard work."

"I found it interesting and enlightening that this was not a literary project which explains the choice. The people that read it are richer for it and those that gave up; oh well, their loss."

"As a moderator of the discussion of Foer’s book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close I was completely blown away by the intelligence, diligence and insights of the entire group. For such a difficult book, their willingness to persevere through to the end was very gratifying. More of the same would be great!"

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