Wish You Well is the story of two children, Lou and Oz, who after a tragic accident are forced to give up their life in New York City and trade it in for a new one on their great-grandmother’s farm in rural Virginia. They must now enter a life that will test them at every turn, but they come to find has offered them unimaginable rewards.

This year’s programs will begin on Sept. 5, with a fun event for the whole family. An Appalachian Culture night will presented in the Handley Library Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. The program will feature the return of two popular performers from our Summer Reading Program, Kathy Coleman and Bill Wellington.  They will each share many stories and songs that is fun for the whole family. The Friends of Handley Regional Library will provide refreshments.

Just as in the book Wish You Well, in today’s society many grandparents are raising their own grandchildren. The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University had extensively surveyed among grandparents in the state of Virginia, and will be present on Sept. 26 to present their research and findings. The program will begin at 7 p.m. in the Handley Library Auditorium.

Another fun family event we have this year is a Teddy Bear Picnic. If you have read Wish You Well, you know there is a very important moment in the story that involves a teddy bear. To celebrate our fun loving friend, we have planned a morning of stories, songs, and fun at the Bowman Library in Stephens City.  The program will take place on Saturday, September 30 and will begin at 11:00 a.m. everyone is encouraged to bring his or her favorite teddy bear along for all the fun.

Our events conclude on Tuesday, October 3rd with a visit from this year’s author David Baldacci. David Baldacci is author of thirteen bestselling novels and seven original screenplays and his works have been in worldwide magazines, newspapers, journals, and publications. All of his books have been national and international bestsellers, translated into over 38 languages and sold in more than 80 countries. Nearly 50 million copies of Baldacci's books are in print worldwide. Born in 1960, in Virginia he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a law degree from the University of Virginia, after which he practiced law for nine years in Washington D.C.

Baldacci will be speaking at 7 p.m. at Millbrook High School. Following his speech, there will be a book signing. A local bookstore will be on hand to sell copies of his book.  All events are free and open to the public. For more information on this year’s selection and activities check us out on the web at www.hrl.lib.state.va.us and click on the One Book One Community link.

Also, if you have read David Baldacci’s Wish You Well, we want to hear what you thought it, send us your feedback at wishyouwell@hrl.lib.state.va.us and don’t forget to stop by any branch of the Handley Regional Library and sign a teddy bear to let us know that you have read this year’s selection.

Contributed by Handley Regional Library, www.hrl.lib.state.va.us. 

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