The goal of the Gulf Coast Reads program encourages readers throughout the Gulf Coast to discuss a particular book with their neighbors, co-workers, friends and families during October each year.
From the Gulf Coast Reads website (edited for clarity and conciseness):
This year, to celebrate a decade of reading together, Gulf Coast Reads invited all readers across southeast Texas to vote in May on which book we will read this October. The Gulf Coast Reads Committee has narrowed the field down to three great titles that have broad appeal for adults and young adults, and that will encourage lively dialogue about important issues.
The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A thoroughly enchanting novel that follows lovable Arthur, the caretaker of magical misfit orphans from around the world. Full of whimsy, romance, and a touch of intrigue, The House on the Cerulean Sea will make you smile from the first word to the very last.
(With additional recommendations....)
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Elsinger, Steven Scott & Harmony Becker
A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself -- in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
A deeply moving portrait of a family of Ghanaian immigrants ravaged by depression and addiction and grief—a novel about faith, science, religion, love. Exquisitely written, emotionally searing.
This year, to celebrate a decade of reading together, Gulf Coast Reads invited all readers across southeast Texas to vote in May on which book we will read this October. The Gulf Coast Reads Committee has narrowed the field down to three great titles that have broad appeal for adults and young adults, and that will encourage lively dialogue about important issues.
The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A thoroughly enchanting novel that follows lovable Arthur, the caretaker of magical misfit orphans from around the world. Full of whimsy, romance, and a touch of intrigue, The House on the Cerulean Sea will make you smile from the first word to the very last.
(With additional recommendations....)
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Elsinger, Steven Scott & Harmony Becker
A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself -- in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
A deeply moving portrait of a family of Ghanaian immigrants ravaged by depression and addiction and grief—a novel about faith, science, religion, love. Exquisitely written, emotionally searing.
Past years' Gulf Coast Reads selections include:
2012 Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
2013 The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
2014 Remember Ben Clayton by Stephen Harrigan
2015 The Promise by Ann Weisgarber
2016 The Train to Crystal City by Jan Jarboe Russell
2017 News of the World by Paulette Jiles
2018 Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
2019 The Library Book by Susan Orlean
2020 Gods of Jade and Shadow by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia
2021 The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
2012 Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
2013 The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
2014 Remember Ben Clayton by Stephen Harrigan
2015 The Promise by Ann Weisgarber
2016 The Train to Crystal City by Jan Jarboe Russell
2017 News of the World by Paulette Jiles
2018 Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
2019 The Library Book by Susan Orlean
2020 Gods of Jade and Shadow by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia
2021 The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune