Saratoga Reads - Behind the Scenes

Selection Advisory Group took on a big challenge!

At a recent meeting of the Selection Advisory Group, clusters of readers worked to narrow the field.	Libby Coreno, book selection coordinator for Saratoga Reads, readies for the work ahead.
Starting with a list of some 150 titles, all of them nominated by the public as a must-read, the Saratoga Reads Selection Advisory Group (SAG, no kidding) had a special mission—winnow the list down to the slate of five top contenders for the Saratoga Reads book of choice. The slate is now up for a public vote to determine the winner. At a recent SAG meeting on the Skidmore College campus, 27 readers broke into cluster groups to discuss, debate, advocate, and wrangle as to what books should make the cut. Each participant reads and becomes familiar with as many of the nominated books as possible, with some tackling as many as 15 of the books. The books under discussion included novels, short stories, memoirs, non-fiction works, and biographies. Above all, the selected titles must be capable of inspiring lively community programming and invigorating dialogue. “These folks work hard, volunteering countless hours during the summer to screen books nominated by our community,” said Libby Coreno, book selection coordinator for Saratoga Reads. “The SAG members take each nomination seriously and make sure to provide a thoughtful and contemplative review of all contenders.” Once the reading is over, narrowing down the list of choices is no easy task, given the number of titles nominated, the wide range of styles and genres to consider, and the time constraints of individual schedules. Said Coreno, “SAG members are passionate about making their cases for books, and lively discussion and debate are part of the process. In the end, our mission is to find five great books with literary merit that will inspire area residents to become active Saratoga Reads participants.” Adds Coreno, “After four months of reading, reviewing, and debating, we breathe a sigh of relief as we pass the ballot of five titles to the people of Saratoga, who get to select the winner through a public vote.”