Meet the 2025 book for Salem Reads: One Book, One Community!
Salem Reads, the community-wide reading project that invites everyone in Salem to read the same book, take part in discussions, and enjoy related programs, has announced its selection for 2025 — Why Didn't You Tell Me? by Carmen Rita Wong
In her memoir, Why Didn't You Tell Me?, columnist, television host, and professor Carmen Rita Wong delves into her difficult childhood and desperation to find a sense of belonging. Carmen grew up surrounded by Black and brown Latina women like her mother, Chinese men like her hustler father, and finally white playgrounds in New Hampshire after her stepfather joins the family. In adulthood, still struggling with a tense and conflict-filled relationship with her mother, Wong finally learns the deepest of family secrets when her mother is no longer alive and it's too late to ask: Why didn't you tell me?
Why Didn’t You Tell Me? is available to read or listen to in preparation for Salem Reads in February 2025. Print copies in English and Spanish as well as audiobook on CD are available to borrow from the library. In addition, eBooks and eAudiobooks in English and Spanish are available to download and enjoy on the cloudLibrary and Libby apps.
Salem Reads aims to foster a sense of community by bringing people together in person or virtually through reading, discussion and programs based on the themes of a common book. It is funded by the Salem Public Library Foundation, City of Salem Transient Occupancy Tax and through support from sponsors.
Watch for a book giveaway coming in December 2024, along with a release of the event schedule.