LAWRENCEVILLE – Gwinnett County Public Library has scored a coup: Charles Frazier, winner of the National Book Award for his bestselling novel Cold Mountain, will participate as keynote speaker of the 2008 Gwinnett Reads program featuring his latest book Thirteen Moons as its centerpiece.

The popular summer reading program encourages metro Atlanta adults to read the same book as they participate in activities throughout Gwinnett County

reflecting aspects of the story’s plot and culture. Gwinnett Reads culminates in a major public event featuring Charles Frazier, who has been honored by the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation for his dedication to helping save the Cherokee language and culture. Thirteen Moons has become a high-profile part of Frazier’s efforts to help the Cherokee’s preservation ef forts.

“Growing up in western North Carolina,” said Frazier, “I never asked too closely how it came about that neighboring Cherokee people still persisted there in places like Snowbird and the town of Cherokee so long after the Trail of Tears. In large part, Thirteen Moons is my belated attempt to understand that move ment of American history and to tell a part of the story of the southern Appala chians and its people at a moment of transformation.”

This final Gwinnett Reads activity brings everything together at Gwinnett Center on the evening of July 12 with Frazier reading from his book, answering questions, and presenting Cherokee music, singing, and readings. He will also sign books that are available at the event in English and Cherokee.

As historical fiction, Thirteen Moons offers an opportunity to become absorbed in a compelling novel while learning about the transformation of a young, industrializing America, Cherokee Indian arts and language, and an Indian

culture struggling to survive.

“In Thirteen Moons, Charles Frazier takes us on an exciting adventure,” said Nancy Stanbery-Kellam, executive director of the Gwinnett County Public Library. “At the same time, readers experience an enchanting journey through the Cherokee culture, which is also part of the fabric of our local history here in Gwinnett. Frazier’s moving story describes the beauty, passion, and tragedy of a once-independent nation trying to survive within a new, emerging nation.”

Gwinnett Reads participants will have an opportunity to hear Cherokee transla tor Myrtle Driver Johnson interpret some of the program’s English language readings. Another highlight of the program will be the musical storytelling of Cherokee native John Grant, who plays a Native American flute and sings in English and Cherokee. The Chieftains Museum in Rome, Georgia will also host activities related to Cherokee culture.

In the metro Atlanta venue, Frazier sees the potential to address a large audience interested in learning more about the rich heritage of the Cherokee people. The $15 per person ticket includes buffet-style appetizers,

entertainment, audience interaction, and a book signing with Frazier.

Proceeds will benefit the language preservation efforts of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation.

Gwinnett County Public Library lays claim to Georgia’s highest book circulation numbers and ranks among the largest systems in the country. With its dynamic position of growth in the booming Atlanta region, Gwinnett County Public Library has been able to attract top authors for Gwinnett Reads since it began in 2003.

In the coming weeks, a schedule of Gwinnett Reads activities and events will be released and available at all Gwinnett County Public Library locations and online.