“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars; It is in us”- William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

What determines destiny? Are we predetermined by fate and circumstances, or do we stand a fighting chance? These are the questions that drive this year’s Rutherford County One Book choice, The Fault in Our Stars.

Each year, Read To Succeed’s One Book of Rutherford County program challenges residents to join together and read a chosen book. Centered on the relationship of Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, two teenagers diagnosed with terminal cancer, The Fault in Our Stars is a true page-turner, and its appeal to multiple age groups is part of the reason the One Book committee chose it for One Book.

“It is a warmly written and thought-provoking work,” says One Book co-chair, Laura Beth Payne. “Our committee was intrigued by its poignant look at philosophy, faith, and relationships from the perspective of both adults and teenagers. We loved the characters.”

This month, Rutherford County residents will have the opportunity to pick up a copy of The Fault in Our Stars in eight designated locations as part of this year’s One Book Crossing. The copies of Fault have stickers inside telling readers where they can drop off their book when finished, and also a Qr code which smart phone users can scan to give reviews and feedback on the One Book [web page]. All readers can log their book in at readtosucceed.org/onebook.htm.  This will enter them to win one of two $20 gift cards to Barnes & Noble.

The books for the crossing were generously donated by Ingram Content Group.

“The One Book Committee is delighted to be able to offer free copies of this year’s selection to the community,” says One Book co-chair Michelle Palmer, coordinator of the crossing. “By providing books throughout Rutherford County, people will have an opportunity to read the book and pass it on – which is our goal in choosing a community read.”

This year’s Book Crossing locations are Linebaugh Main Library, JoZoara’s Coffee Shop, Starbucks on South Rutherford, Starbucks on Church Street, Pa Bunk’s, MTMC Main Lobby, YMCA in Smyrna and the Smyrna Library.

Inside the books, readers will also have the chance to learn more about Clinton’s Club, One Book’s non-profit partner this year. Clinton’s Club is an umbrella organization that unites efforts to raise awareness of childhood cancer and provides tangible support for families with affected members. One Book chose Clinton’s Club as this year’s partner as a means of making practical connections between literature and community action.

One Book is a collaboration between Read To Succeed, MTSU, Linebaugh Library, CADCOR, United Way, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram Content Group.