Book Meeting | Monday, June 29, 2026
The True True Story of Raja the Gullible
ISBN: 9780802166487
Facilitator: Cindy Grossman
Book Description
WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD “Alameddine is a writer with a boundless imagination.”—NPR From the winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction comes a tragicomic love story set in Lebanon, a modern saga of family, memory, and the unbreakable attachment of a son and his mother In a tiny Beirut apartment, sixty-three-year-old Raja and his mother live side by side. A beloved high school philosophy teacher and “the neighborhood homosexual,” Raja relishes books, meditative walks, order, and solitude. Zalfa, his octogenarian mother, views her son’s desire for privacy as a personal affront. She demands to know every detail of Raja’s work life and love life, boundaries be damned. When Raja receives an invite to an all-expenses-paid writing residency in America, the timing couldn’t be better. It arrives on the heels of a series of personal and national disasters that have left Raja longing for peace and quiet away from his mother and the heartache of Lebanon. But what at first seems a stroke of good fortune soon leads Raja to recount and relive the very disasters and past betrayals he wishes to forget. Told in Raja’s irresistible and wickedly funny voice, the novel dances across six decades to tell the unforgettable story of a singular life and its absurdities—a tale of mistakes, self-discovery, trauma, and maybe even forgiveness. Above all, The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) is a wildly unique and sparkling celebration of love.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, May 25, 2026
Eleanor Oliphant
ISBN: 9780735220706
Facilitator: Betsy Dokken
Book Description
Funny, touching and unpredictable' Jojo Moyes Eleanor Oliphant has learned how to survive - but not how to live Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple life. She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal deal for lunch every day and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink every weekend. Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, sometimes, everything. One simple act of kindness is about to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself. Now she must learn how to navigate the world that everyone else seems to take for granted - while searching for the courage to face the dark corners she's avoided all her life. Change can be good. Change can be bad. But surely any change is better than... fine? 'Heartwrenching and wonderful' Nina Stibbe 'Deft, compassionate and moving' Paula McLain 'I adored it. Skilled, perceptive, Eleanor's world will feel familiar to you from the very first page. An outstanding debut!' Joanna Cannon
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, April 27, 2026
The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between
ISBN: 9780399589430
Facilitator: Cindy G.
Book Description
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, The Return is Hisham Matar's powerful memoir of his search for his father, who was kidnapped and imprisoned in Libya under Gaddafi's regime. Matar weaves personal history with political upheaval as he returns to Libya after decades in exile, seeking answers about his father's fate. A profound meditation on loss, home, and the bonds between fathers and sons.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, March 30, 2026
Marriage at Sea
ISBN: 9780593854280
Facilitator: Gail Holmstrom
Book Description
In Marriage at Sea, journalist Sophie Elmhirst tells the story of a couple who set out to get married at sea and the eccentric, fascinating history of maritime marriage. Part love story, part cultural history, part adventure tale, Elmhirst explores the allure of the ocean and the enduring human desire to mark life's milestones in extraordinary ways.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, February 23, 2026
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
ISBN: 9780525562030
Book Description
In "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous," Ocean Vuong crafts a poignant and lyrical exploration of identity, love, and the immigrant experience through the intimate letters of a son to his illiterate mother. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous family history and the complexities of queer love, Vuong's prose is both haunting and beautiful, inviting readers to reflect on the fragility of life and the power of language. This debut novel is a moving meditation on memory and belonging, making it a rich choice for book clubs seeking deep emotional resonance and thought-provoking themes.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, January 26, 2026
Lovely One
ISBN: 9798217014224
Facilitator: Jan Droegkamp
Book Description
In "Lovely One," Ketanji Brown Jackson offers a poignant and deeply personal exploration of her journey as a Black woman navigating the complexities of the American legal system and her ascent to the Supreme Court. Through rich storytelling and insightful reflection, she addresses themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice, inviting readers to consider the broader implications of her experiences on society. This compelling memoir not only illuminates her path but also sparks vital conversations about representation, equity, and the power of perseverance, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of law and personal narrative.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, December 29, 2025
Tyranny of Merit
ISBN: 9780374720995
Facilitator: Karen Fletcher
Book Description
In "The Tyranny of Merit," Michael Sandel explores the moral implications of a meritocratic society, questioning the fairness of a system that equates success with individual talent while neglecting the role of luck and privilege. Through thought-provoking arguments and real-world examples, Sandel critiques the notion that hard work alone leads to success, inviting readers to reflect on the values that underpin our social and economic structures. This insightful examination of meritocracy will spark lively discussions about justice, equality, and the true meaning of success, making it a compelling read for any book club.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, October 27, 2025
James
ISBN: 9780593862735
Facilitator: Tim McCusker
Book Description
In "James," Percival Everett crafts a poignant exploration of identity, race, and the complexities of human relationships through the lens of a Black man's journey to understand his place in a world shaped by historical narratives. As James grapples with personal loss and societal expectations, Everett's sharp, witty prose invites readers to reflect on the intersection of personal and collective histories. This thought-provoking novel challenges assumptions while delivering both humor and heart, making it a compelling choice for book clubs eager to engage in rich discussions about culture and belonging.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, September 29, 2025
Entitlement
ISBN: 9780593718483
Facilitator: Cindy Grossman
Book Description
In "Entitlement," Rumaan Alam weaves a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of privilege, race, and social responsibility through the lens of a summer getaway gone awry. As a group of friends grapples with their contrasting backgrounds and hidden grievances, the story unveils the fragility of their relationships against a backdrop of escalating tensions. This thought-provoking novel invites readers to reflect on the dynamics of entitlement and the moral dilemmas that arise when personal beliefs clash with the realities of others. Perfect for book clubs seeking rich themes and lively discussions!
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, August 25, 2025
Revenge to the Tipping Point
ISBN: 9780316581479
Facilitator: Joyce Mills
Book Description
In "Revenge to the Tipping Point," Malcolm Gladwell explores the intricate dynamics of societal change, delving into how small actions can lead to monumental shifts. Through captivating anecdotes and thought-provoking analysis, he examines the psychology behind revenge and its ripple effects on communities, ultimately challenging readers to rethink the thresholds that drive collective behavior. This compelling narrative is sure to spark lively discussions about human motivation and the power of seemingly minor events in shaping our world.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, July 28, 2025
Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church
ISBN: 9780374601690
Book Description
In "Circle of Hope," Eliza Griswold delves into the complex interplay of love, power, and justice within the American church, weaving personal narratives with poignant social commentary. Through her exploration of faith communities grappling with issues of abuse, equity, and resilience, Griswold invites readers to reflect on the transformative potential of compassion and accountability. This thought-provoking work is a must-read for book clubs seeking to engage in deep discussions about morality, spirituality, and the quest for justice in contemporary society.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, June 30, 2025
I Heard Her Call My Name
ISBN: 9780593493786
Facilitator: Maria Kelly
Book Description
In "I Heard Her Call My Name," Lucy Sante weaves a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the complexities of identity through the lens of her own upbringing in a post-war Belgian immigrant family. With lyrical prose and vivid imagery, Sante delves into the nuances of family bonds, the echoes of the past, and the ways in which our histories shape us. This deeply personal narrative invites readers to reflect on their own connections to place and belonging, making it an evocative choice for book clubs seeking to discuss themes of nostalgia and the immigrant experience.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, May 26, 2025
Astrid and Veronika
ISBN: 9780143038078
Facilitator: Andrea Coburn
Book Description
In Linda Olsson's poignant novel "Astrid and Veronika," two women from different generations forge an unexpected bond in a remote Swedish village, each grappling with their own pasts and losses. As they share their stories, themes of friendship, healing, and the search for belonging emerge, revealing how connection can illuminate even the darkest corners of life. Olsson's lyrical prose invites readers to reflect on the power of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a compelling choice for book clubs seeking deep conversations.
About the Author
Book Meeting | Monday, April 28, 2025
The Women
ISBN: 9781250178657
Facilitator: Joan Sheppard
Book Description
In "The Women," Kristin Hannah weaves a poignant tale exploring the resilience and strength of women during the tumultuous 1940s, set against the backdrop of World War II. The novel delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, the sacrifices made for love, and the indomitable spirit of those left behind. With rich character development and emotional depth, this compelling narrative invites readers to reflect on the enduring bonds of family and the power of hope in the face of adversity, making it a perfect choice for book clubs seeking meaningful discussions.
Book Meeting | Monday, March 31, 2025
How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future
ISBN: 9780063257535
Facilitator: Cindy Grossman
Book Description
In "How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future," journalist Maria Ressa shares her gripping journey of resistance against authoritarianism, drawing on her experiences in the Philippines under President Duterte. With powerful insights into the role of truth and media in democracies, Ressa emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of oppression, making this a timely and inspiring read for anyone concerned about the future of freedom and justice. Perfect for book clubs, this compelling narrative invites rich discussions on the fragility of democracy and the power of individual action.
About the Author
