Novel scheme to get city reading

The whole of the city is being encouraged to read the book

A city-wide book club has been launched in Liverpool to get more people interested in reading.

Book shops and libraries have stocked up on Holes, by Louis Sachar, the book chosen for Liverpool Reads 2004.

The city's residents are being encouraged to read the book and talk about it with family, friends and even strangers.

There will be a city-wide read every year until 2008, when Liverpool becomes European Capital of Culture.

Half-price

Project manager Jane Davis, from Liverpool University, said the idea is to make reading a shared experience.

She told BBC News: "Reading a book is a great way to share someone else's experience.

"There is nothing better when you have just finished a book than talking to someone else about what you really enjoyed about it.

"[This project] is going to be a great success. The people of Liverpool are going to love it."

The book, about a misunderstood teenager, is on sale for half-price at book shops throughout Liverpool.

The scheme, launched on Tuesday, will run for a month.