Book Clubs

You know about Ben.  He was a printer, scientist, and served the American revolution in many ways.  Book of Ages: the Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin is about his younger sister.  She married at 15 and was mother of 12 children.  She also loved to read, wrote numerous letters to Ben, and offered her own political opinions in her later years.  Despite the loss of many of Jane’s letters, author Jill Lepore brings her story to life.  Library Journal review: “This book is an important, inspiring portrait of a determined and faith-filled woman who just happened to be the sister of a big shot.” Join us on March 27 at 2:30 to talk about her life.

Please join us to discuss Someone, by Alice McDermott.  Wednesday April 2, at 11 a.m.

“Who is going to love me?” Marie asks her older brother, Gabe, after her heart is broken. “Someone,” he replies. How humble this pronoun is, and what a provocative title it makes. Readers who love refined, unhurried, emotionally fluent fiction will rejoice at National Book Award–winner McDermott’s return. McDermott (After This, 2006) is a master of hidden intensities, intricate textures, spiked dialogue, and sparkling wit. -Donna Seaman, Booklist

Please join us to discuss My Beloved World, by Sonia Sotomayor. Wednesday March 5, at 11 a.m.

Already knowing the arc of Sonia Sotomayor’s biography doesn’t adequately prepare you for the sound of her voice in this winning memoir that ends, interestingly, before the Yale Law School grad was sworn in as the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice. Hers is a voice that lands squarely between self-deprecating and proud, grateful and defiant; a voice lilted with bits of Puerto Rican poetry; a voice full of anger, sadness, ambition, and love. My Beloved World is one resonant, glorious tale of struggle and triumph. –Sara Nelson

Title to be discussed:  The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce.  Date of meeting:  Tuesday,  Feb. 11, 6:30pm.  Summary: "Harold Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and ac...