Arts & Entertainment
Space Novel ‘Orbital’ Named 2026 Selection for One Book, One Chicago
The Chicago Public Library announced the space novel “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey as this year’s One Book, One Chicago citywide reading program selection. (Courtesy of Matt Lincoln)
English author Samantha Harvey’s space novel “Orbital” was chosen for this year’s One Book, One Chicago citywide reading program, the Chicago Public Library announced Wednesday.
Starting this month through November, the Chicago Public Library will present book discussions, science talks, films, creative workshops and cultural experiences tied to this year’s book selection. The program for the first time will include dedicated programming for children and teens, according to a news release.
“Orbital” captures one day in the lives of six astronauts from around the world embarking on one of the last space station missions of its kind. The novel is described as a profound meditation on belonging, responsibility and the ties that hold us together, according to a news release.
The book won the Booker Prize in 2024 and was included among former President Barack Obama’s favorite books of that year.
Programming highlights this season include:
- A “silent reading soiree” on Sept. 23 at Harold Washington Library, where the first 100 attendees will receive a free copy of “Orbital.”
- A community conversation on Oct. 8 at Harold Washington Library, with a screening of “Operation Space Station” and a group discussion on space exploration, science and the future.
- A book club gathering on Oct. 20 at Harold Washington Library, bringing readers together for activities, discussions and in celebration of Chicago’s book club community.
- A virtual keynote with the author on Nov. 19. Participants are encouraged to attend one of 15 watch parties at libraries across the city. The event will also be livestreamed on CPL’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
New to this year, children and families can participate in story time events featuring “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” by Oliver Jeffers; a young readers book club featuring “The Lion of Mars” by Jennifer L. Holm; and STEAM-related activities. Teen programming includes space-inspired creative workshops and a teen lit night.
Programming also includes partnered events with Adler Planetarium, the Chicago Society for Space Studies, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University and more.
View the full programming guide here or visit CPL’s website for more details.
“What an incredible honor it is to have my novel chosen for One Book, One Chicago,” Harvey said in a statement. “I am just so pleased and touched to know that people all over this amazing city will be spending time with my six astronauts in orbit.”
Harvey has authored the novels “Orbital,” “The Western Wind,” “Dear Thief,” “All Is Song” and “The Wilderness,” as well as the nonfiction work “The Shapeless Unease.” She lives in Bath, U.K., and teaches creative writing at Bath Spa University, according to a news release.
This year, the citywide reading program is celebrating 25 years.
“For 25 years, One Book, One Chicago has brought people across this city together through a shared story,” Library Commissioner Chris Brown said in a statement. “This year, ‘Orbital’ asks us to reflect on the humanity that connects us, while the first One Storytime, One Chicago brings a new generation of Chicago readers into that tradition.”
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
