book group expo Founder Receives PageTurner Award - Ann Kent Recognized by James Patterson for Keeping Reading FUNdamental

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 9, 2008 -- James Patterson announced today the 34 U.S. winners and 3 Canadian winners of the 3rd annual James Patterson PageTurner Awards. Among them are libraries, schools, bookstores, and innovative individuals and organizations that go to extraordinary lengths to spread the FUN of books and reading across the country. Ann Kent, founder of book group expo, was acknowledged for her good work in connecting the community of book clubs and reading groups across the country.

With recent reports showing a decline in reading among adults and teens, and federal budget cuts reducing book distribution, the promotion of books and reading is more important than ever. James Patterson's true passion has always been to get people of all ages excited about books and reading, and for years he has proudly supported people and organizations who dedicate themselves to keeping the fun and excitement of books and reading alive. This year's PageTurner Award winners are the cream of the crop, from Literacy Partners Inc., an organization that provides adult and family literacy programs that teach reading, writing and employment preparation skills so that all New Yorkers can succeed in day-to-day living; to an individual, John Freeman of the National Book Critics Circle, who has dedicated his time and energy to fighting the trend toward reduction of book coverage in the media nationwide; to Ann Kent, founder of book group expo - an experience that she launched in 2006 that is committed to the celebration of books.

Kent was surprised to get the telephone call informing her of the award - and has saved the message to this day. "What a delight it was to receive the telephone call from the PageTurner team," says Kent. "The recognition that book group expo is contributor in keeping reading -- and the conversations that can follow -- alive and well means a lot. This is an absolute passion-project in progress! And to be included with so many amazing individuals and organizations! book group expo is in very good company."

Patterson says: "This year's winners are doing great work and at a time when getting people excited about reading and books is especially important. I'm thrilled to help them do what they do so well." The winners truly embody the spirit and energy of the PageTurner Awards -- to spread the excitement of books and reading as far and wide as is humanly possible. And for that, we salute them all.

About book group expo:

book group expo was founded in 2006 by Ann Kent as a result of her passion for books ... and her book group. The book group expo experience brings together readers and writers in the modern day equivalent of the century-old Literary Salon. Ann with her small team of professional staff and dozens of volunteers are dedicated to making a mark on the literary map and continuing to create events specifically for book lovers. Serious readers having serious fun. The next large event will be in San Jose, CA in October of 2008.

###