“The War Begins in Paris” by a Nebraska author will be published by Omaha Reads in 2024

Each year, the Omaha Public Library (OPL) invites the public to select and read a book for Omaha Reads to celebrate reading, strengthen community, and stimulate discussion among Omaha and Douglas County residents. This year’s selection for Omaha Reads is The War Begins in Paris by local author Theodore Wheeler.

Community reading campaigns such as Omaha Reads, One Book, One Nebraska or Big Library Read promote lifelong learning, help build a culture of reading and encourage dialogue and understanding. Reading the same book creates a shared experience and provides opportunities for community engagement and connection.

Books selected for Omaha Reads are first nominated and then voted on by community members. Nominations for next year’s read are accepted on a rolling basis on the OPL website.

With Omaha Reads, community members are encouraged to read the book (borrow a copy from your local library branch!), talk about it with friends and family, and, if they choose, participate in a follow-up activity. A dozen OPL book clubs will read “The War Begins in Paris” at their August or September meetings, and an author visit with Theodore Wheeler will be held at the Omaha Public Library’s Downtown branch on October 27 at 3 p.m.

The War Begins in Paris is a literary noir novel about two female war correspondents whose paths cross in Paris on the brink of World War II. The story, structured as a series of reports from Europe, deals with themes such as propaganda, power and moral boundaries.

The book jacket states: “As World War II reaches the City of Light, Mielle falls under Jane’s spell, becoming increasingly intoxicated by her glamour, self-control, and reckless confidence. But when that recklessness turns to militarism and a total lack of humanity, Mielle is haunted by a series of visions that show her an inescapable truth: Jane Anderson must die, and Mielle must be the one to kill her.”

Wheeler is an Omaha-based author, bookseller, and college professor. In addition to The War Begins in Paris, Wheeler is the author of the novels In Our Other Lives and Kings of Broken Things, and the short story collection Bad Faith. His writing has appeared in The Southern Review, The Kenyon Review, Boulevard, Narrative, LitHub, and many other journals. He has won fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nebraska Arts Council, and the Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart. He has received residencies and support from institutions such as the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, the AWP Intro Journals Award, and the Nebraska Book Awards.

Get involved with Omaha Reads by reserving your copy of The War Begins in Paris, attending a program, and discussing the book with friends, family, and neighbors. All programs are free to attend, but registration may be required. For more information, visit omahalibrary.org/omaha-reads.