The wait is over. Thomas County’s 5th Annual One Book Community Read has chosen its 2017 author. 

This year’s book selection is “To Dance with the White Dog” by Georgia native Terry Kay. In this novel about love, loss and family, Kay weaves a tapestry of an elderly man’s bout with grief and the mysterious white dog who helps him travel this phase of life.

One Book Thomas County brings literacy and community to the forefront in its weeklong celebration of Kay’s book. One Cork, the kickoff event, takes place at The Bookshelf on Sept. 7 to introduce this year’s selection, and the official One Book events will be Sept. 28 to Oct. 5. Kay will present his book to the community on the final evening.

During the past four years, One Book programming has brought bestselling authors to Thomas County and this year will be no exception. Local businesses and partners make One Book a community affair by getting copies of each year’s selection into the hands of students.

“We are very excited to host another Georgia author this year,” said Nancy Tillinghast, director of the Thomas County Public Library System and One Book Committee Chair. “Terry Kay’s book will be relevant to readers young and old.”

In an effort to involve younger generations in this literacy celebration, literature classes will feature the book in their lessons as well provide the opportunity for students to submit artwork for One Book’s Art Contest. At the end of One Book week, Kay will visit each school system to discuss his work with students.

“The point of One Book is to get people to read,” said Tillinghast. “We’re hoping to make a literary impact in Thomas County.”

For more information, contact the Thomas County Public Library at (229) 225-5252, on the web at www.onebookthomascounty.org or on Facebook @onebookthomascounty.