Books
We are excited to announce our book selections for the 26/27 year!
Thanks to everyone who suggested a book and the discussants who have graciously volunteered their time.
Questions? Please reach out to anyone on the Committee.
Chair: Elizabeth Pierce
Co-Chair: Fran Nelson
Members: Julie Carlson, Carol Cotton, Linda Daniels, Leah Grace Ingram, Donna Kolkey, Cheryl Popp, Ellen Rosenstein, Ciji Ware, Arliss Willis
Our vision as a book group is to inspire a vibrant community of lifelong learners who connect through the joy of books, ideas and inclusive dialogue. Our gatherings are an open forum where anyone can participate in thoughtful conversation about the selected book. With the exception of one event that is virtual, all discussions are open to all, without RSVP or cost. No time to read the book but want to join?
We’ve listed some quick tips to get up to speed below.
Books
We are excited to announce our book selections for the 26/27 year!
Thanks to everyone who suggested a book and the discussants who have graciously volunteered their time.
Our vision as a book group is to inspire a vibrant community of lifelong learners who connect through the joy of books, ideas and inclusive dialogue. Our gatherings are an open forum where anyone can participate in thoughtful conversation about the selected book. With the exception of one event that is virtual, all discussions are open to all, without RSVP or cost. No time to read the book but want to join?
We’ve listed some quick tips to get up to speed below.
Questions? Please reach out to anyone on the Committee.
Chair: Elizabeth Pierce
Co-Chair: Fran Nelson
Members: Julie Carlson, Carol Cotton, Linda Daniels, Leah Grace Ingram, Donna Kolkey, Cheryl Popp, Ellen Rosenstein, Ciji Ware, Arliss Willis
October 8, 2026, at 4pm
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Read Book Description…
November 12, 2026, at 4pm
Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue by Sonia Purnell
Read Book Description…
January 21, 2027, at 4pm
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
Read Book Description…
April 15, 2027, at 4pm
The Last Tea Bowl Thief by Jonelle Patrick
Read Book Description…
Quick Tips for Non-Readers
No time to read the book but want to join us? Here are some quick ways to prepare prior to the discussion:
Start with a Summary: Wikipedia summaries offer a quick overview of the book’s storyline, characters, and themes. You’ll also find helpful links to learn more about the author and related topics.
Explore Thoughtful Reviews: Search “[book title] + book review” to find critiques from respected sources. Reviews help you understand the book’s strengths, weaknesses, and context—and may introduce you to related works.
Hear Directly from the Author: Authors often appear on podcasts and interviews to discuss their books. Listening can give you insight into their motivations, background, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Follow the Author Online: Check the author’s social platforms for interviews, book updates, and personal perspectives. These pages often link to additional resources worth exploring.
During the Session, Listen First: Let those who read the book guide the discussion and share their takeaways first. This gives you richer context and helps you respond thoughtfully.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 4pm
BOOK DISCUSSION: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is an epistolary novel about Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer whose letters reveal a life shaped by grief, wit, literature, family, and unexpected connection. We’ll discuss how letters can reveal character, preserve memory, and create intimacy, as well as how a life story can unfold through correspondence. Discussant Donna Kolkey.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 4pm
BOOK DISCUSSION: Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue by Sonia Purnell (2024), explores the extraordinary life of Pamela Harriman, a woman who moved through the highest circles of politics, diplomacy, society, and power, shaping relationships, campaigns, and history with intelligence, ambition, charm, and remarkable influence. Discussant Ciji Ware.
Thursday, January 21, 2027, at 4pm
BOOK DISCUSSION: Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton (2025), A memoir about caring for an injured baby hare and discovering a deeper connection to the natural world. Winner of the 2025 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, a finalist for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Nonfiction, and shortlisted for the 2026 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Discussant Julie Carlson.
Thursday, April 15, 2027, at 4pm
BOOK DISCUSSION: The Last Tea Bowl Thief by Jonelle Patrick is a historical mystery set across modern and earlier Japan, following two women whose futures become tied to a missing tea bowl and the secrets it carries. We’ll discuss the book’s blend of mystery, history, and cultural inheritance, as well as how objects can carry memory, identity, and hidden truths across generations. Discussant Arliss Willis.