Join us for book club!
As we embark on this adventure and determine interest, there would be options to open it up to everyone.
Our book will be the Personal Librarian
The Instant New York Times Bestseller! A Good Morning America* Book Club Pick!
Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR! Named a Notable Book of the Year by the Washington Post!
“Historical fiction at its best!”*
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.
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
**Attendees should read the entire book and come prepared to discuss on December 10th. If you are unable to finish the book but would like to attend the discussion, you can do that as well.**
Susan Gannon, NSWC member and board member, will lead the discussions.
6:00pm – 7:00pm: We gather as a group and book discussion starts
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Daniella's Ristorante
41 Cross Street
Peabody, MA 01960
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The deadline to participate will be 12/3 in order to book the restaurant reservation.
