Monthly Book Club Meeting
For the time being, all book discussions are via Zoom.
Those who will be joining the discussion should send an e-mail to Katherine by Tuesday morning. Please also cc jillcoogan@hotmail.com. At 7:30 pm that evening, right when the discussion is scheduled to begin, you will receive an e-mail from Katherine with a link to the meeting.
Remember that even if you don't have access to Zoom, you can phone in to the discussion -- RSVP by Tuesday morning to Katherine for phone link info.
The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Led by Luvon Roberson and Claire Cronmiller.
“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.