Wi7: One Institute, One Read

To share some of the rich historical and literary heritage of New Orleans, the host city for the 2012 Winter Institute [1], at the suggestion of several members, the American Booksellers Association has launched One Institute, One Read [2]. Beginning this week, thanks to the generosity of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a complimentary copy of Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize-winning All the King’s Men is being mailed to all booksellers who were registered for Wi7 as of December 1. ABA hopes all attendees will be able to read — or re-read — this classic, which is replete with Louisiana history and one of the best novels written about American politics.

A reader’s guide provided by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is available on the Wi7 website [2], and there will be many opportunities to discuss the life and world of Willie Stark in New Orleans. A great place to start will be at the Wi7 Opening Reception, which will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Cabildo – Louisiana State Museum. The Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803 and was used by the New Orleans city council until the mid-1850s. It’s a remarkable venue located right on Jackson Square, in the heart of historic New Orleans.

To help booksellers get the most out of the Crescent City, included in the mailing is a complimentary copy of Frommer's New Orleans Day by Day, published by Wiley. New Orleans is a singular city and the Frommer’s guide — which covers everything from neighborhood walks to restaurants, nightlife, and the city’s arts scene — will help Wi7 participants make the most of it.

On behalf of all bookstore attendees, ABA extends many thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Wiley for their continued support and for supplying this special New Orleans reading list.

Registered booksellers should keep an eye out for a white envelope bearing the Wi7 logo and the One Institute, One Read slogan. For complete details about the Winter Institute, visit wi7.bookweb.org [1]; questions, as well as cancellations [3], should be addressed to ABA staff at wi7@bookweb.org [4].