This column, announcing the title for Omaha Reads, appeared in the July 7, 2024 edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE), page 7E of the Living Section. It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in new tab), opens a new window.
'The War Begins in Paris' by Nebraska author is 2024 Omaha Reads book
Each year, Omaha Public Library (OPL) encourages the community to vote for and read one book for Omaha Reads as a way to celebrate reading, build community and inspire discussion among Omaha and Douglas County residents. This year’s Omaha Reads selection is “The War Begins in Paris” by local author Theodore Wheeler.
Community reads campaigns like Omaha Reads; One Book, One Nebraska, opens a new window or Big Library Read, opens a new window, among others, encourage lifelong learning, help to build a culture of reading, and foster dialogue and understanding. Reading the same book creates a shared experience and offers opportunities for community engagement and connection.
Books selected for Omaha Reads are first nominated and then voted on by community members, and nominations for the next year’s read are accepted on a continual basis on the OPL website.
With Omaha Reads, community members are encouraged to read the book (check out a copy from your local library branch!), discuss the book with their friends and family and participate in a follow-up activity, if they choose. A dozen of OPL’s book clubs will be reading “The War Begins in Paris” for their August or September meetings, and an author visit with Theodore Wheeler will take place on Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. at the Downtown Branch of Omaha Public Library.
“The War Begins in Paris” is a literary noir about two female war correspondents who cross paths in Paris on the precipice of World War II. The story, structured as a series of dispatches from Europe, explores themes of propaganda, power and moral boundaries.
As described on the book jacket: “When World War II makes landfall in the City of Lights, Mielle falls under Jane’s spell, growing ever more intoxicated by her glamour, self-possession, and reckless confidence. But as this recklessness devolves into militarism and an utter lack of humanity, Mielle is seized by a series of visions that show her an inescapable truth: Jane Anderson must die, and Mielle must be the one to kill her.”
Wheeler is a writer, bookseller and college professor from Omaha. In addition to “The War Begins in Paris,” Wheeler authored the novels “In Our Other Lives,” and “Kings of Broken Things,” and the collection of short fiction “Bad Faith.” His writing has been featured in The Southern Review, The Kenyon Review, Boulevard, Narrative, LitHub and many more journals. He has won fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Nebraska Arts Council and Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart, Germany. He has received residencies and support from institutions including the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, AWP Intro Journals Award and Nebraska Book Awards.
Get involved with Omaha Reads by reserving your copy of “The War Begins in Paris,” participating in a program and discussing the book with friends, family and neighbors. All programs are free to attend, but registration may be required. Learn more at omahalibrary.org/omaha-reads.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org, opens a new window.
Add a comment to: OWH Column: ‘The War Begins in Paris’ by Nebraska author is 2024 Omaha Reads book