Everyone's Library

Which book(s) do you think shaped America?  Since this blog is primarily related to crime fiction, I could re-phrase the question, "Which crime fiction book do you think shaped America?" If you have any suggestions, the Library of Congress wants to know. The LOC is launching a "Celebration of the Book" with an exhibition June 25 through September 29, marking the beginning of an ongoing recognition of culturally significant books from all genres of writing. That's where you come in: members of the public are asked to nominate books for subsequent lists of "Books That Shaped America," and in 2013, the Library will also recognize "Books That Shaped the World."

Toward the end of the exhibition time frame on September 22 and 23, the LOC will host the annual Festival of the Book on the National Mall, with the author participants announced last week. Headliners include Patricia Cornwell, Michael Connelly and Charlaine Harris from the crime fiction community, and dozens of other authors of various fiction genres, nonfiction, poetry and children's/YA books. The Festival will be held rain or shine, and best of all, it's free.