"The rise of American democracy is bound up with the history of reading and writing, which is one of the reasons the study of American history is inseparable from the study of American literature."
   

Jill Lepore ~ The Story of America

In honor of Lexingtons 300th anniversary, the theme for this years Lexington Reads is The Story of America. In keeping with this theme, we have selected The Story of America: Essays on Origins by Jill Lepore as the Community Book for 2013.

In The Story of America, Jill Lepore discusses the impact that our stories have had on our history ---from John Smiths largely fictionalized account of the settling of Jamestown to President Obamas first Inaugural Address. Featuring a wide variety of historical and literary figures including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Noah Webster, Edgar Allen Poe, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Charles Dickens ... Professor Lepore questions and exposes the political motives underlying commonly accepted versions of history. Along the way, she also explores such contemporary issues as race, equality, voting rights, taxes, poverty, and the role of America in the world.

Think you know the story of America? Find out the stories behind the stories! Stop by or call the Library (781-862-6288 x250) to pick up or reserve a copy of Story of America.

Throughout the month of March, Cary Library will be hosting a variety of programs and activities designed to explore our history, and to illustrate how the way we tell the story has shaped the story itself. Please join us!