Read About It!Book Groups for Our Stories, Our Future


Esmeralda Santiago's novel When I Was Puerto Rican is one of the books featured in the American Life Stories program.
Stories from the American Experience
As part of the Our Stories, Our Future initiative, PHC is offering two book discussion programs to libraries across the state. These programs explore how the American experience is portrayed by diverse writers and works of literature.
  • American Life Stories
    Many contemporary memoirs highlight the diversity of the American experience. Why are we so fascinated by people's life stories? What do they tell us about America, its people, and its culture?

    Books include James McBride's The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother, Esmeralda Santiago's When I Was Puerto Rican, Firoozeh Dumas' Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America, and Frank McCourt's 'Tis: A Memoir.

  • Facts in Fiction: The Civil War Era
    Featuring contemporary examples of historical fiction about the Civil War era, this program looks at what we enjoy about these novels, how the stories strive for historical authenticity, and how they connect the past to contemporary concerns.

    Books include Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels, Lorene Cary's Price of a Child, E. L. Doctorow's The March, and Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain.

Please note that book lists are subject to change.

How to Apply
The application for fall 2008 and spring 2009 programs is now available. The postmark application deadline is May 15, 2008. To apply:
  1. Review the current guidelines [802K PDF] and the downloadable application form [PDF] (545K) or [Word Document] (45K) to determine if your library can meet the program goals and requirements. To receive them by mail, contact PHC.

  2. See the new Frequently Asked Questions section for help with common questions.

  3. Submit an application by fax or mail. PHC recommends that applications be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. PHC will not be responsible for applications that are lost or damaged in the mail. The postmark deadline is May 15, 2008. Applications that are incomplete or postmarked after the deadline will not be accepted.

Please note: PHC will respond to all applicants by the end of June 2008.

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