Five books are in the running for the selection that will bring one author to Sarasota next March and put a single title on nightstands across the county.

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announced its 2027 One Book, One Community finalists on Tuesday, Aug. 4, continuing a tradition that has united local readers for more than 20 years. A committee reviewed dozens of titles before narrowing the field to five, according to Sun Newspapers.

The finalists are:

  • The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
  • The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
  • Heartwood by Amity Gaige
  • Kate and Frida by Kim Fay
  • Unread by Oliver James

The list spans four novels and one memoir. Bostwick's book explores friendship and the power of women supporting one another; Gaige's examines human relationships and everyday resilience; Evans focuses on connection and communication; Fay follows a story of creativity and self-discovery; and James's memoir digs into memory, identity and the stories people leave behind.

"It's always an exciting time when the One Book Committee announces its top five finalists because many in our community treat it as a must-read list," Dr. Renée Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, said in the county's announcement.

The winning author will visit Sarasota County in March 2027 for two community discussions and book signings, one in south county and one in north county. Last year's selection, Patrick Bringley's All the Beauty in the World, drew more than 350 guests to Shannon Staub Library in North Port and nearly 450 to Selby Library in downtown Sarasota.

The program is supported by the Library Foundation for Sarasota County.

Residents can start reading the finalists now through any of the system's 10 library branches or its mobile library. The library system encourages readers to share favorites on social media with #OneBook2027 and to join related book clubs at their local branch. Details are available at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook or by calling 311.

Upcoming community events:

  • One Book book clubs: Check your local Sarasota County library branch for discussion dates on the five finalists.
  • March 2027: Winning author visit with two community events (south county and north county locations to be announced).