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2008 Summer Read Launch
22 November 2008
The State Library of Victoria launched the 2008 Summer Read on 14 November, which celebrates the diversity of Victorian writing and encourages Victorians to enjoy some great books over summer. Using a reader-knows-best policy, the Summer Read asks readers to vote for their favourite from a list of 20 books of fiction, poetry, non-fiction, memoir, sports history and short stories, each set in Victoria or written by Victorians.
The Summer Read ambassador, actor, broadcaster and bookworm, Alan Brough, announced the Summer Read booklist at the State Library to an enthusiastic audience of 200 people. He directed them to vote early and vote often for the books they enjoy.
CEO and State Librarian Anne-Marie Schwirtlich believes Victorians will keenly embrace the Summer Read.
'Melbourne's designation as a UNESCO City of Literature demonstrates that Victoria has a vibrant literary and publishing community and no lack of eager readers ready to devour the stories that come from it,' she said.
'The 2008 Summer Read program contains some wonderful books for a wide range of readers, with Victoria as the common thread. I have no doubt that they will be greatly enjoyed, that the various Summer Read events will be well attended and votes submitted in great numbers from all around Victoria,' she said.
Summer Read events will be held around Victoria throughout summer offering readers the opportunity to speak with authors and share reading reflections.
The Summer Read website contains extracts from all 20 recommended books and allows readers to interact with authors and each other by contributing reviews, recommendations and blog entries.
Readers who vote go into the draw to win nearly $5,000 in prizes including a personal library of 20 Summer Read books, accommodation vouchers for Best Western Hotels, a Sovereign Hill ticket package and book vouchers. The five most popular books will be announced at the State Library of Victoria on Friday 20 March 2009.
Find out more about the 2008 Summer Read >
View the 2008 Summer Read shortlist and read an extract >
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