What if everyone in Wauwatosa read the same book at the same time? That’s the idea behind Tosa’s All-City Read, a common reading program designed to bring neighbors together and build a sense of camaraderie and community while promoting literacy at all ages. We hope you’ll join in the fun!

“The city that opens the same book closes it in greater harmony.” – Mary McGrory

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The Book

We Were the Lucky Ones

Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds.

It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety. An extraordinary, propulsive novel, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the 20th century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive.

Please join us in reading this biographical historical novel over the fall and winter, then join us at fun events relating to the story from mid-February through mid-March.  

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The Author

When Georgia Hunter was fifteen years old, she learned that she came from a family of Holocaust survivors. We Were the Lucky Ones was born of her quest to uncover her family’s staggering history. Hunter’s website, georgiahunterauthor.com, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the extensive research this project has entailed. She lives in Connecticut.

Hear Georgia Hunter talk about her discovery and research when she comes to Wauwatosa on Thursday, February 29, in collaboration with the Wauwatosa Public Library Foundation. Details to come.

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How to Participate

Copies of our Tosa’s All-City Read selection are available at the Tosa Library and for sale at Little Read Book and other bookstores. Once you’ve read the book, there are lots of ways to participate:

1. Join or start a book discussion in your neighborhood association.

2. Attend one of our public book discussions listed on our Events Page.

3. Take part in our fun events and activities. Come by yourself or bring your friends and neighbors!