The 2008 One Book — One Lincoln selection is “The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield.

“I know plenty of people who read it cover to cover — they couldn’t put it down,” said Donna Marvin, One Book selection committee chair.

“It’s a book for everyone.”

Setterfield’s first novel is mysterious without being a mystery. A tale of two women with secrets brought together by separate needs for resolution.

The book is entertaining, but literary by the same measure, Marvin said.

“One very well-read member of our book group felt this book could become a classic.”

“The Thirteenth Tale,” surpassed the other four finalists:

* “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak  

* “The Double Bind”  by Chris Bohjalian

* “The Memory of Running,” by Ron McLarty

* “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson

It wasn’t a committee consensus, said Marvin, but it received a few more votes than “The Memory of Running.”

“We really struggled between this book and the other finalist.”

The Lincoln City Libraries will offer book discussion groups and other programming related to the chosen title.

Programs include:

* It was a Dark and Stormy Road: A discussion of the Gothic elements in this novel and others,  led by Laura Mooneyham White, associate University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor of English.

* Yorkshire is Where?: Films featuring Yorkshire, England, setting of “The Thirteenth Tale.”

* Classic Filmfest: Four branch libraries will screen double features of gothic films based on novels by authors such as Jane Austen, Daphne du Maurier and the Bronte sisters.

* Buried in Books: Lincoln historian Jim McKee will share the tale of a local bibliomaniac.

Several other programs are planned — including the telling of ghost stories and an exploration of gardens and topiaries such as those found in the book.

Details and a complete list of discussion times and places are available at all branch libraries and online at www.lincolnlibraries.org.  Watch for a printed resource guide from the Lincoln City Libraries that will be in the Sept. 21 Lincoln Journal Star.  

Reach Cindy Lange-Kubick at 473-7218 or clangekubick@journalstar.com.