One Book, One Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - One Book One Philadelphia is in its ninth year and reviewing this year's choices, actually two books by Sherman Alexie, War Dances and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, have much in common with former years' selections.

"The Diary", which won the National Book Award, talks about the isolation soldiers in battle felt in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried and that of a homeless man in The Soloist by Steve Lopez.

In What is the What, a problem of cultural isolation for the African new in this country, is similar to the feelings of Alexie's Native-American protagonist in an all-white school.

This year's books will resonate with both older and younger people -- disparities in education, illness, poverty, failing marriages, and politics.

One hundred fifteen teachers are using the material in their classrooms and there are more than 120 programs across city neighborhoods.

One Book One Philadelphia continues until March 17th, so there is still time to read, to join a discussion and hear Sherman Alexie speak.

Get information at FreeLibrary.org/OneBook.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio