The One Book One Valley community read program celebrates its 20th year in 2026, with “Spectacular Things,” a novel by Beck Dorey-Stein as this year’s selected read. Eleven public libraries throughout the region along with White Birch Books are encouraging readers throughout the area to read and discuss this year’s book, and then come together for a final event with the author at the Pub on Page Hill in Tamworth on Sunday, November 1, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
“Spectacular Things” was a Reese’s Book Club pick in 2025. The novel takes place primarily in Maine, and features a family with two generations of gifted soccer players, mom Liz and sisters Mia and Cricket. As the publisher notes, the novel asks the questions, “What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?”
In an interview with Reese Witherspoon, Dorey-Stein, who grew up playing soccer, said “the real reason I wanted to center “Spectacular Things” around the game is because of the 2019 FIFA World Cup. That U.S. roster, and their performance in the tournament, inspired me to such a degree I knew I wanted to spend more time in that world – and as a writer, I was lucky enough to do just that.”
The public is invited to a gathering with fellow readers to meet author Beck Dorey-Stein on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at the Pub on Page Hill, located at 400 Page Hill Road in Tamworth. The event will begin with a time to mingle with other readers, followed by a talk by the author which will include an audience Q&A. There will be no admission to attend, and light refreshments and water will be provided. There will be a cash bar for anyone wishing to purchase a fancier drink. Preregistration is required to attend.
In addition to the big event with the author, book group discussions will be held at many of the participating organizations during the coming weeks. Participating libraries are Bartlett, Brownfield, Conway, Cook Memorial in Tamworth, Freedom, Fryeburg, Jackson, Madison, Moultonborough, Pope Memorial in North Conway, and Samuel H. Wentworth in Sandwich. Find a full schedule of events at https://onebookonevalley.org/events/.
One Book One Valley is a community read program for the Mount Washington Valley and surrounding area, similar to others offered around the country. Its mission is to strengthen community ties and promote literacy through reading and discussing a book with a theme that resonates locally.
Friends of Cook Memorial Library, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, is fiscal sponsor for One Book One Valley. To help support the One Book One Valley community read program, contributions can be made to Friends of Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main Street, Tamworth, NH 03886, or contribute online at bit.ly/friendsofcml.
