Men, stop what you are doing and pick up a good book.
That is one goal of La Cañada Flintridge's One City One Book program, which this year selected Ron Carlson's acclaimed novel of the outdoors, “The Signal,” as the work to read, contemplate and celebrate in November 2012. Carlson will discuss the book in La Cañada on Sunday.
Carlson's 2009 novel, which received enthusiastic reviews, follows troubled rancher Mack and his soon-to-be ex-wife Vonnie as they take one last trip into the wilderness in western Wyoming's Wind River Range. Mack has ulterior motives for the trip, however, and the novel rushes toward a thrilling conclusion while weaving in flashbacks that detail Mack's relationship with his father — a combination of themes that One City One Book organizers hope will lure a balanced group of readers.
“We wanted a book that would appeal to men, as well as women,” said Kathleen Kenna, the campaign's publicity chair. “Our event is usually 99% women, and we really wanted to get the men involved.”