Swing by one of the Loudoun County Public Libraries or the school library now through Nov. 30, to pick up a copy of this year’s book from 1Book 1Communiy, “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai.

1Book 1Community is a program that promotes the community to all read one book, with the idea that everyone gets together to discuss what has been read through book clubs hosted at the public libraries.

“The Loudoun County Public Libraries has a fund established to choose one book for the community so they can come together and discuss,” SBHS Librarian Mrs. Farzin said.

There is a total of nine different book club meetings, with 7 remaining. The final book club takes place at Briar Woods High School, the author will be there to discuss her book, as well as answer questions and sign books.

“Lai is donating her entire speaking fee to her nonprofit, Viet Kids, which buys bicycles for low-income students in Vietnam who otherwise would have to walk two hours each way to school,” Loudoun County Public Library said.

The Stone Bridge library is giving copies of the book out.

“We started out with 85 [copies of the book] and now there are only 6,” Mrs. Farzin said.

Along with the school having copies, the Loudoun County Public Library is giving away copies of the book both in hard copy and eBook.

“Thousands of free copies are now available at all LCPL branches and unlimited eBook copies can be downloaded from OverDrive through Nov. 30,” Loudoun County Public Libraries said.

The New York Times Number 1 best-selling novel is about “a girl who recounts her life in 1975 leaving Vietnam with her family, and going to Alabama.”

Lai relates to the main character, she also left Vietnam after the Vietnam War.

“I am half way through and enjoying it,” Mrs. Farzin said. “It’s from the kid’s point of view and very timely with what’s going on today.”

The book is written in short free-verse poems.

“I am thrilled to discuss “Inside Out and Back Again” with the Loudoun County community and share my story of learning English and becoming a writer,” Thanhha Lai said.