Each year, Omaha Public Library (OPL) encourages the community to vote for and read one book as a way to promote literacy and inspire discussion among Omaha and Douglas County residents. The selection is celebrated with book talks and other related programming. Join us in reading this year’s Omaha Reads selection, “The Perfume Thief,” by Timothy Schaffert.
“The Perfume Thief” is a stylish, sexy page-turner set in Paris on the eve of World War II, where Clementine, a queer American ex-pat and notorious thief, is drawn out of retirement and into one last scam when the Nazis invade. Complete with romance, espionage, champagne towers, and haute couture, this full-tilt sensory experience is a dazzling portrait of the underground resistance of twentieth-century Paris and a passionate love letter to the power of beauty and community in the face of insidious hate.
“This year, our community has selected a rich and entertaining work of historical fiction,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “We look forward to presenting programs to help readers explore some of the prominent themes presented in this book.”
Get involved with Omaha Reads by checking out the book, participating in a program, and discussing the book with friends, family and neighbors. All programs are free to attend, but registration is required. Learn more and register at omahalibrary.org/omaha-reads.
- Thursday, Sept. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.: Omaha Reads Book Discussion at Wilson & Washburn, 1407 Harney Street. Join us for an evening of mingling and discussion of “The Perfume Thief.”
- Sunday, Sept. 11, 3-5 p.m.: Timothy Schaffert Author Visit at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel’s Schimmel Ballroom, 302 S. 36th Join us for a conversation with the author moderated by OPL Adult Services Manager Amy Mather, followed by a Q & A session with the audience. Copies of "The Perfume Thief" will be available for purchase and signing.
- Tuesday, Sept. 20, noon-1 p.m.: Omaha Reads Virtual Book Discussion. Join us on Zoom to discuss “The Perfume Thief.” A link to access the event is available at org.
- Saturday, Sept. 24, 10-11 a.m.: Omaha Reads Book Discussion at Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Lane.
- Saturday, Oct. 1, 6-7 p.m.: Omaha’s Underground Queer Culture: A Panel Discussion at The Max, 1417 Jackson Street. Join OPL, The Max and UNO Libraries’ Queer Omaha Archives for a discussion and exhibition on the queer culture and history of Omaha, followed by a cabaret show. Author Timothy Schaffert will join in conversation with The Max’s Stosh Moran and other Omaha LGBTQIA+ influencers. This event is for ages 21+.
Follow @OmahaLibrary on Facebook and Instagram and enter for an opportunity to win a free copy of the book. Simply “like” posts about the book giveaway and tag one of your favorite bookish friends in the comments.
Timothy Schaffert grew up on a farm in rural Nebraska and now lives in Omaha. He is the author of "The Swan Gondola" as well as four previous critically-acclaimed novels, which have been among Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selections, Indie Next Picks, and New York Times Editor’s Choices. Schaffert teaches creative writing and literature at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Learn more about the author and his most recent novel at theperfumethief.com.
Visit omahalibrary.org to reserve your copy of “The Perfume Thief,” and for information about additional programs and resources offered at Omaha Public Library.
