Lake Oswego's 21st annual community reading program will center on "Good People," a debut novel about an Afghan refugee family navigating identity and tragedy in America.

The Lake Oswego Public Library announced the selection on Wednesday, Oct. 7, as first reported by the Lake Oswego Review. Author Patmeena Sabit was born in Kabul and fled to Pakistan as an infant before her family moved to the United States. Her novel follows the Sharaf family in Northern Virginia after the suspicious death of their eldest daughter, told through the voices of neighbors, friends, journalists and investigators.

The book was longlisted for the 2026 Giller Prize. The New York Times called it a "gorgeous and powerful debut."

A 16-member steering committee of librarians, community leaders, retired professors, high school English teachers and students reviewed more than 20 titles before making the pick, according to the city's Lake Oswego Reads page.

"I love the freshness of this choice … I can't remember the last time an LO Reads book was a page-turning mystery," Lake Oswego High School teacher Marcy Huss said in the library's announcement. "It is incredibly accessible for both adults and teens, while prompting us to question how we consume media stories."

Lake Oswego High School student Jessie Pan said the novel illustrates the struggle between first-generation immigrants and their children. Library Advisory Board member Seth Pauley said the book's multiple narrators each reveal only what they know or want their audience to believe, creating tension around cultural and generational conflict.

All events are free.

Eight hundred free copies will go to library cardholders at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027, at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St. The program's April events include a reception and presentation at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 5, at Lakewood Center for the Arts. Sabit will appear in person on Monday, April 26, with an author reception from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lakewood Center and a lecture at 7 p.m. at Lake Oswego High School.

The Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library, Lake Oswego Rotary Club and The Review are funding the program. Residents can suggest titles for future years by emailing the library's Nancy Niland at [email protected].