One Book for Stevenage
1book4stevenage for 2008 has been launched. The book this year is “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith.
Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over sixty books on a wide array of subjects. For many years he was Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and served on national and international bioethics bodies. Then in 1999 he achieved global recognition for his award-winning No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, and thereafter devoted his time to the writing of fiction, including the 44 Scotland Street and the von Igelfeld series.
His books have been translated into forty-two languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Elizabeth, a doctor.
The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is the first in the series of novels featuring Precious Ramotswe - Botswana’s leading, and only, female private detective. The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels have become worldwide bestsellers.
The film of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency was shown on BBC 1 at Easter. It starred Jill Scott at Mma Ramotswe and was directed by the late Anthony Minghella
The idea of One Book for Stevenage began when local author Ken Follett was on tour in the US a few years ago. He noticed that several of the cities he visited had community books and thought that this would work very well in Stevenage. He approached the Mayor and the Leader of the Council to look for support. The dual aim of project was agreed as promoting literacy and community spirit through enjoyment of the same book. The scheme is now in its fourth year. Book selected to have wide appeal and be suitable for 14 year olds through to adult readers.
One Book for Stevenage is the only campaign of its kind in the South of England.
The campaign’s partners are Stevenage Borough Council, author Ken Follett, Waterstones in Stevenage town centre, Hertfordshire County Council, Stevenage Museum, Hertbeat FM, North Hertfordshire College and The Comet newspaper.
A number of events are planned throughout the year to tie in with the book, these include:
- a 1 book 4 Stevenage stall at the annual Stevenage Day event
- a quiz night at North Herts College
- a major competition based on the book
- a business breakfast
- exhibitions of African art
- a series of talks by authors of African themed books
- a redesigned 1book4stevenage website