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Get Involved With "Great Michigan Read" Events

By: Troy Frisby
CBS 62/CW 50 Intern

Every family has secrets. But when Steve Luxenberg's mother confessed that she'd been hiding the existence of her sister for decades, he went on a journey into the past.

Reaching back into the 1930s and '40s, Luxenberg uncovered the truth about his aunt. In her early twenties, Annie was locked away in a mental hospital, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Annie's Ghosts is Luxenberg's multigenerational story of dismantling the lies on which his family history had been built. The book is a combination of what he discovered in his genealogical research, what he felt and how he came to terms with his mother's actions.

This year, the Michigan Humanities Council is honoring Detroit native Luxenberg, now an associate editor for The Washington Post, by naming Annie's Ghosts their 2013-2014 Great Michigan Read.

Every two years, a statewide committee picks a new book to spotlight. After a winner has been chosen, the Council works with libraries, schools and other state organizations to connect Michigan residents through this book.

In order to spread the word about this year's title, the Michigan Humanities Council is looking to partner with local non-profit, for-profit and governmental groups to incorporate the newest Great Michigan Read winner into a number of fun events throughout the state.

To find out more about this year's winner or to pre-register your organization for the program, visit www.michiganhumanities.org!

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