The Antidote: A Novel Proclaimed the 2026 One Book One Nebraska
On Jan. 13, 2026 Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation honoring the 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection The Antidote: A Novel (Knopf, 2025) by Karen Russell. Rebecca Faber, Nebraska Center for the Book (NCB) Board member spoke about the program and selection. The Antidote is a historical fiction novel set in the fictional Nebraska town of Uz during the trials of the dust bowl. Full of magical realism, Nebraska landmarks, and superb storytelling, The Antidote showcases the challenges of the time period while urging the reader to face the future. The full proclamation can be viewed on the One Book One Nebraska webpages at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Rebecca Faber from the Nebraska Center for the Book board spoke at the proclamation ceremony, saying:
“Ms Russell made several trips to Nebraska to do extensive research as she developed her novel. During these visits she gained historical, cultural, meteorological, and geological information about Nebraska during the 1930’s. She refers to her writing process as a “deeply collaborative experience” due to the cooperation she received from Nebraskans who provided her with essential information. The One Book One Nebraska program provides a great opportunity to promote reading, personal learning and reflection, and our connection with Nebraska writers, publishers, libraries, schools, and communities.”
The One Book One Nebraska reading program, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, and Humanities Nebraska is entering its twenty-second year. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. Libraries across Nebraska will join other literary and cultural organizations in planning book discussions, activities, and events to encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book. Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities are available at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Supporting programming is available through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau at https://humanitiesnebraska.org/speaker/.
The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.
As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”
The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.