PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Public Library will sponsor its 20th Community Read next month.
The annual event will center on “Big in Sweden” by Sally Franson.
The novel follows Paulie Johansson, an American woman competing on a Swedish reality show, where Swedish-Americans compete to win a reunion with their Swedish relatives.
Through a series of absurd challenges, such as rowing from Denmark to Sweden in the freezing rain and a pickled herring eating contest, Johansson increases her resolve to win the competition herself.
“Sally Franson is a modern alchemist as she’s turned the lead of reality television into comedy gold,” said Melody Sky Weaver, Port Townsend’s community services director. “I loved every word of Sally Franson’s ebulliently sparkling new novel. She has captured the magic and madness and aspirational absurdity of starring on a reality show and finding family in another country.
“I am excited for our community to go on the journey of reading and discussing this humorous novel together and enjoying the wonderful program line up for our annual Reading Month. It is timely to remember how delightful reading can be.”
Franson was a 2022 cast member of Allt för Sverige, a Swedish reality TV show about finding your roots, along with Weaver.
She will present an author talk on March 28 at the Port Townsend Public Library to finish up the Community Read.
In addition to “Big in Sweden,” Franson also is the author A Lady’s Guide to Selling Out,” a Minnesota Book Award finalist.
For a full schedule of events in this year’s community read, visit www.ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/community-read.
