One Maryland One Book

2020 Selection: The Island of Sea Women

The 2020 One Maryland One Book selection is The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. This is the story of the complex and decades-long friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja, two women living on the Korean island of Jeju. Readers can follow their journey from the Japanese occupation of the 1930's to the 21st century.

Lisa See on One Maryland One Book: “I’m thrilled and honored that The Island of Sea Women has been chosen as the 2020 One Maryland One Book selection. This has been a trying year and some of us have sustained terrible losses. I’m proud of the way we’ve had to come together in our families, communities, and states. Books have always given me joy, solace, and courage. Now we have the opportunity to come together to have a shared reading experience. I hope the sea women that I wrote about—their physical and emotional bravery—are as inspiring to all of you as they have been to me. I’m so looking forward to our events and meeting all of you. We’re going to have fun!”

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit the Maryland Humanities website. One Maryland One Book is a program of the Maryland Center for the Book at Maryland Humanities.

How To Participate

All Marylanders can participate in One Maryland One Book!

First, grab your copy. You can get a copy of The Island of Sea Women from the Pratt Library through Sidewalk Service, Books by Mail, or our Digital Library. Once you have a copy of the book, check out the One Maryland One Book Reading Guide.

Each year, more than 10,000 Marylanders read the One Maryland One Book. How many of those people are your friends or family members? How many are perfect strangers you sit next to on the train or stand in line with at the grocery store? Use the book to jump-start a meaningful conversation with an old friend or make a new one.

Get involved and join us in exploring the 2020 theme of friendship with these Pratt Library One Maryland One Book events.