This year, Whidbey Reads ‘Midwives’

A good book can bridge generational gaps and transcend demographics. A good book can bring communities together.

Oak Harbor Library’s Whidbey Reads program has grown from a humble, local experiment to an island-wide phenomenon.

Nancy Pearl, formerly of the Center for the Book in Seattle and the only librarian with her own action figure, years ago posed the question, “What would happen if all Seattle residents read the same book?” The answer was emphatic and from one question sprang the concept for a simple yet revolutionary program.

Following the literature guru’s lead, in 2003 Oak Harbor adapted the program locally. By 2005 the program had spread throughout the island and was appropriately renamed Whidbey Reads.

“It’s really like a giant book discussion,” said Pat Morse, the program’s chairwoman.

Oak Harbor Library Manager Mary Campbell was hired shortly after the program began. She has watched its maturation process all the way from infancy.

“There was a nine-month gestation period,” she quipped.

Whidbey Reads works because every person is literally on the same page in the same book. And with different interpretations and wholly unique emotions spurred by the story, the discussions diverge and grow tendrils, ultimately leading the aficionados into layers of the book previously unexplored.

“It’s moving to see the variety of people involved,” Morse said.

As the program has grown, its ability to secure more renowned authors has also grown. From highly respected science fiction writer and humorist Connie Willis in 2003, to National Book Award finalist Ivan Doig in 2006, to bestselling author Stephen Coonts last year, the Whidbey Reads board spends countless hours narrowing options and weighing not only each author’s literary strengths but the relevance of his or her story for the Whidbey Island reading community.

“We want a book that’s somewhat controversial but not divisive,” Campbell said. “We want a book that will elicit discussion and one that is available in paperback, making it affordable for people.”

The board schedules other events around the author’s arrival, generating even more interest in the book and in reading.

“We always fill the room to capacity,” Campbell said.

Chris Bohjalian will be in the hot seat at 7 p.m. Monday, May 19 at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club as he discusses this year’s Whidbey Reads book, “Midwives.” But the hot seat is exactly where the Vermont resident is comfortable. A staunch supporter of community book programs, Bohjalian, like other serious writers, relishes the somewhat rare occasions when the throngs of attendees have actually read the book.

“It’s fascinating to hear the author talk about it,” Morse said. “He has an excellent mastery of a woman’s voice.”

Bohjalian will also be promoting his newest novel, “Skeletons at the Feast.”

The ubiquitous, striking blue “Midwives” cover has leapt off library and bookstore shelves and into the hands of readers of all ages. A companion book dealing with the same subject matter was given to elementary and middle school students.

“Anything that promotes reading is worthwhile,” Campbell said, adding that “Midwives” is the first book in the program’s history to be included in the local Skagit Valley College campus’s curriculum.

Every year sees more community partners joining the program and lending their time and resources. Both Campbell and Morse, as passionate and voracious readers, have a personal stake in the program.

As each year ticks by, the carefully-scrutinzed book selections will continue to challenge and entertain readers while the reputation of Whidbey Reads will draw high-caliber writers. And writers with much more to say than what he or she has committed to the page.