Saratoga Reads has announced that out of some 75 titles nominated by the public for this year's book of choice, five have been selected as finalists.

The winning title will be decided by public vote, with area residents having until October 31 to cast their ballots. The selected book will be announced on November 10.

Among the top five contenders are two novels, A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan and Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier, and three nonfiction works—The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, The Invisible Gorilla by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons, and Zeitoun by Dave Eggers.

Voters are urged to read the descriptions of the books posted on the Saratoga Reads web site .

Votes may be cast online at the Saratoga Reads web site. In addition, ballot boxes will be available at the Saratoga Springs Public Library and at Barnes & Noble in Wilton.

"This ballot launches our eighth year of Saratoga Reads with five great books that are engaging and thought-provoking," said Tabitha Orthwein, chair of the board of Saratoga Reads. "Each of the books has the potential to inspire."

Once the winner is announced, the public is encouraged to read the selected title and to develop and participate in a host of educational and cultural activities connected to the book's themes. A list of junior companion books on related themes for pre-K and up will be announced December 2.

"As Saratoga Reads grows in popularity, we are making a special effort to reach out to all of Saratoga County," said Orthwein. "Our programs have wide appeal, and we want as many people as possible to take advantage of them."

The Saratoga Reads Selection Advisory Group, a committee of some 25 community members, reviewed the nominated titles and held a series of meetings to come up with a list of the top choices. The group determined the list based on each book's potential to spark discussion and community programming, and on the quality of writing and appeal to a range of interests and age groups.

"The readers in our advisory group are eager not only to find the books that they personally like but also ones that are most likely to engage the community in thoughtful discussion and inspire interesting programming," said Lauren Cohen, book selection coordinator for Saratoga Reads. "We make sure that the list of books has something for just about everyone."

Saratoga Reads centers on the community-wide reading of a single book and is dedicated to creating a shared conversation and a range of events and activities for area residents. To inspire young readers, the organization each year produces a list of junior companion books for a variety of reading levels.