The Tiny State Picks a Book 2013

2013 The Beauty of Humanity Movement by Camilla Gibb

Each year, Rhode Island, our tiny wonderful state, picks a book for the statewide read. Reading Across Rhode Island (RARI), tiny as it is, is a highly successful, statewide reading program in its eleventh year! Annual activities include a literacy conference for educators, book group discussions, a traditional Rhode Island May Breakfast featuring the author, and a statewide videoconference for high school students.

The acclaimed author of Sweetness in the Belly journeys to Vietnam in this rich and tantalizing new novel.

Raised in the United States but Vietnamese by birth, Maggie has come to Hanoi seeking clues to the fate of her father, a dissident artist who disappeared during the war. Her search brings her to Old Man Hu'ng's pho stall. The old man once had a shop frequented by revolutionary artists, but now Tu', a hustling young entrepreneur, is his most faithful customer. Maggie, Hu'ng, and Tu' come together during a highly charged season that will mark them forever. Exploring the indelible legacies of war and art, as well as love's power to renew, The Beauty of Humanity Movement is a stellar achievement by a globally renowned literary light.



Rhode Island Center for the Book at the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities  promotes personal and community enrichment by celebrating the art and heritage of reading, writing, making, and sharing books. Through a variety of programs and activities, the Center promotes a love for books among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Book Guide and Resource for The Beauty of Humanity Movement


PAST RARI BOOK SELECTIONS

2012 Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks

2011 The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney

2010 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows

2009 Five Skies by Ron Carlson

2008 Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

2007 The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty

2006 Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson

2005 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

2004 The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

2003 Wish You Well by David Baldaci