For our April title, we will be reading an historical fiction book, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. While the time frame dates back to the 1930’s, there are many topics that touch upon subject matter that is relevant to our current era.
“Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So, when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically. The leader, and soon Alice’s greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who’s never asked a man’s permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky. What happens to them–and to the men they love–becomes a classic drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion. Though they face all kinds of dangers, they’re committed to their job–bringing books to people who have never had any, sharing the gift of learning that will change their lives. Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Stars is unparalleled in its scope. At times funny, at others heartbreaking, this is a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond”.
If you are unable to find a copy at the library, consider purchasing a used copy on alibris: https://www.alibris.com/The-Giver-of-Stars-Jojo-Moyes/book/43668711?matches=855, Amazon or other internet source. I, personally, love listening to books while walking or driving.
We will meet to discuss this book on Monday, April 24th at 10:30 in the Historical Room. Call or email Pat Cronin with questions or to have your name added to the Book Group Email List.
Book Group’s March Title Selection: The Ministry for the Future – Set in the near future, this climate fiction novel follows a subsidiary body, established under the Paris Agreement, whose mission is to act as an advocate for the world’s future generations of citizens as if their rights are as valid as the present generation’s. While they pursue various ambitious projects, the effects of climate change are determined to be the most consequential. The plot primarily follows Mary Murphy, the head of the titular Ministry for the Future, and Frank May, an American aid worker traumatized by experiencing a deadly heat wave in India.
This book weighs in at a hefty 576 pages, so get your hands on a copy and start reading! I checked the NOBLE library network (accessed via Sawyer Free Library) and there are at least seven copies currently available through inter-library loan. Amazon also has used copies available for as little as $9.22.
Let’s plan to meet on Wednesday, March 22nd at 10:30 to discuss the book. Contact Pat Cronin or the church office with questions or to be added to the book group mailing list.
Book Discussion and Title for December
With attendees participating in person and online, we had our largest turnout yet for our book discussion. The jury was mixed on whether or not we liked The Madness of Crowds. Most were drawn into the whoddunit aspect and were engaged until the final reveal. But many of us felt that this was the least enjoyable of all of Louise Penny’s many novels in the Three Pines Series.
For our next read we selected The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Amazon synopsis below:
A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
We are planning to meet on December 8 at 10:30 in the Historical Room. That gives everyone who would like to participate seven weeks to find a copy and finish reading.
Everyone is welcome to participate. Please email Pat Cronin directly or via info@Gloucesteruu.org if you would like to receive additional emails about GUU’s Book Discussion Group.
