The Washington Center for the Book has chosen Laila Lalami‘s Secret Son as their 2010 Seattle Reads selection.

Secret Son is about a Youssef, a young man in Casablanca who discovers his long-lost father is not only alive, but wealthy and powerful. Youssef joins his father in the affluent and corrupt business world, but struggles to keep a firm grasp on his identity, his morals, and the truth–whatever that may be. To learn more about the book and Lalami, check out her website.

The new paperback edition of the book just landed in stores, so we’re thrilled that it’s also hitting the book clubs of Seattle! For those of you that don’t know, Seattle Reads is a program that teams up with a publisher (hey, that’s us!) and The Center for the Book to infuse communities with modern literature. It provides free books to participating book clubs, promoting reading and discussion, but also appreciation and engagement in literature. This particular program places an emphasis on works by authors of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Seattle, check out the schedule of events built around Seattle Reads. There are readings, receptions, discussions, and screenings. They’ll even provide the books!

Not in Seattle? Yeah me neither. But it turns out that every state has a Center for the Book, putting on conferences and workshops, facilitating book distribution, and promoting literacy. You can find information on these programs through your state library web page.

-Susannah