<![CDATA[GFWC-IL MORRIS WOMAN'S CLUB - Our Virtual Book Club]]>

<![CDATA[GFWC-IL MORRIS WOMAN'S CLUB - Our Virtual Book Club]]>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:09:06 -0500Weebly<![CDATA["Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens]]>Fri, 08 May 2020 20:18:30 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/where-the-crawdads-sing-by-delia-owens

“There are some who can live without wild things,
and some who cannot.”
― Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing

Everyone needs a good book, especially in times like these. Where the Crawdads Sing will let you escape to the North Carolina marshlands-- a free and wild place. The story centers around a young girl named Kya who grows up alone, but not without the judgement of locals who simply call her "Marsh Girl". When handsome Chase Andrews is found dead in the marsh, the locals immediately suspect Kya and she is forced to confront a society who has never accepted her.

Owens delivers a narrative that's both a coming-of-age story for a young girl and an investigation into a mysterious death that shakes up a whole town. It's a story about resilience, survival, loneliness, and love that will be sure to touch a part of your wild soul.

]]><![CDATA["The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho]]>Mon, 03 Jun 2019 18:21:06 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/the-alchemist-by-paulo-coelho

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a book that touches your heart and forever changes it. Originally published in 1988, Coelho's masterpiece has sold more than 65 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 different languages.

The premise of The Alchemist is simple: A poor sheep herder, Santiago, decides to sell his flock to go questing across the Arabic dessert for a treasure supposedly located near the pyramids of Egypt. Of course, what he learns about himself, about life and happiness and love and truth on the journey are more valuable than any extravagant treasure he could find.

What is most captivating about Santiago's journey is that it is really the story of humankind. It is about following your dreams and living a life that gives your heart and soul meaning and purpose. It is about understanding your true self.

]]><![CDATA["All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr]]>Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:34:59 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/all-the-light-we-cannot-see-by-anthony-doerr

"So how, children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light?"
― Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

I have a soft spot for World War II historical fiction novels. When I originally read All the Light We Cannot See I immediately fell in love with the characters and their journeys. Even years later when people ask for a book recommendation this lovely novel still makes the list. And I'm not the only one that feels this way! Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer-winning novel spent 130 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and it's now about to become a Netflix limited series. There's no better time to pick this book up!

All the Light We Cannot See is set in WWII-era France and tells the parallel stories of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths cross in occupied France as both attempt to navigate the destructive repercussions of the war. Doerr offers beautiful prose full of rich details to create a story that is both heart-breaking and heart-warming.

]]><![CDATA["An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones]]>Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:15:13 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/an-american-marriage-by-tayari-jones

“Is it love, or is it convenience?... She explained that connivence, habit, comfort, obligation- these are all things that wear the same clothing as love sometimes.”
― Tayari Jones, An American Marriage

Newlyweds Roy and Celestial are successful, young professionals living the American Dream--until Roy is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. When Roy is sentenced to twelve years in prison the course of their lives and their relationship with one another inevitably changes.

This book made me think deeply about human nature, love, and partnership. There were times throughout that I did not like any of the three main characters, but their actions and decisions were realistic and authentic. Jones delivers a thought-provoking story exploring justice, race and loyalty that ends in a satisfying way that I did not think possible.

]]><![CDATA["The Woman in the Window" by A.J. Finn]]>Mon, 04 Feb 2019 22:10:08 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/the-woman-in-the-window-by-aj-finn

“My dear girl, you cannot keep bumping your head against reality and saying it is not there.”
― A.J. Finn, The Woman in the Window

Unable to leave her New York City home, Anna Fox experiences the outside world by peering out her window. Her days consist of watching black-and-white films, drinking wine, and spying on her neighbors. One night during her usual espionage of the neighborhood she witnesses something terrible and her world begins to crumble as she seeks to discover the truth.

Perfect for lovers of contemporary fiction and thrillers, The Woman in the Window is a suspenseful and psychological page-turner that will have you grabbing for your popcorn!

]]><![CDATA["Circe" by Madeline Miller]]>Mon, 07 Jan 2019 22:48:14 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/circe-by-madeline-miller

“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment's carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.”
― Madeline Miller, Circe

When Circe was born nobody knew who she would become. Neither as powerful as her father Helios nor as alluring as her nymph mother, Circe grew up unhappily in the shadow of her family. In a moment of will, Circe discovers witchcraft and finds herself banished to a deserted island by a threatened Zeus. This is when her story truly begins.

Circe is most well known for turning Odysseus's men into pigs when they come to her island in The Odyssey. Miller revisits this story but from Circe's point of view and does a wonderful job of weaving the old myths with the perspective of the woman behind it. This book is feminist and powerful and is ultimately a story of love and self-discovery. And I promise, previous knowledge of Greek mythology is not required. Circe is so well loved that it was recently voted 2018 Book of the Year by my favorite book club--Book of the Month. Check it out and prepare to be spellbound.

]]><![CDATA["The Paris Architect" by Charles Belfoure]]>Thu, 01 Nov 2018 18:41:01 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/the-paris-architect-by-charles-belfoure

“...think how the world would’ve turned out if Hitler had gotten into art school”
― Charles Belfoure, The Paris Architect

During World War II, France was one of many countries invaded and occupied by the Germans. French civilians were subjected to political persecution and food shortages, and Jews were rounded up in the tens of thousands and deported to extermination camps. Meanwhile, French gentiles were faced with a moral dilemma. Support the Germans and the collaborationist Vichy State? Join the Resistance? Flee the country? Out of survival, many civilians kept their heads down and even went on to work for the Germans in order to provide for their families.

When talented architect Lucien Bernard is offered a job from a wealthy French industrialist to build a factory he is elated at the possibility of creating something great, even if it is for the Germans. However, there is a dangerous catch to accepting the commission that could get him killed: Lucien is asked to create a secret hiding place for a Jew. Lucien accepts both of these tasks, taking risks he never suspected he was capable of and ultimately finding himself unable to ignore the suffering of the Jews.

]]><![CDATA["The Last Time I Lied" by Riley Sager]]>Thu, 06 Sep 2018 20:54:14 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/the-last-time-i-lied-by-riley-sager

Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it's the only way to win.”
― Riley Sager, The Last Time I Lied

It's been a while since I read a book and then promptly told all of my closest friends they had to read it. Riley Sager's The Last Time I Lied was one of those books. This is a brilliant thriller for anyone who loves mysteries, summer camp, or playing two truths and a lie...

Emma Davis is thirteen years old when she attends Camp Nightingale--a summer sleep-away camp for upper-class girls. But shortly after arriving her three cabin mates disappear, never to be seen again. Fifteen years later, Emma is approached by the owner of the since-closed camp with an offer: return to Camp Nightingale as an instructor for the grand re-opening. Emma is still haunted by her memories of that summer, does she dare return?

]]><![CDATA["Educated: A Memoir" by Tara Westover]]>Fri, 06 Jul 2018 17:58:22 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/educated-a-memoir-by-tara-westover

“First find out what you are capable of,
then decide who you are.”
― Tara Westover, Educated: A Memoir

As a child you view the world from the perspective that your parents create for you. It is not until you leave the nest, that you discover truths that may clash with your carefully curated worldview. When that time comes, you must make a choice: change your way of thinking or stand firm in these beliefs.

Tara Westover, the youngest of seven, was born in Idaho to fundamentalist Mormon parents. Her father fervently prepared for the end of the world and sought to live completely independent from the government by homeschooling his children, boycotting the medical establishment, and living off the grid.

When her older brother Tyler encourages her to take the ACT to attend college, Tara studies and passes even without receiving a high school education. Tara's education journey eventually leads to her receiving a PhD from Cambridge. However, the more she learns about the world, the more she is forced to reevaluate her family's religious and political beliefs. It is through this reflection that Tara finds her voice and speaks her truth, even if it means losing the ones she loves.

]]><![CDATA["As Bright as Heaven" by Susan Meissner]]>Wed, 06 Jun 2018 17:50:39 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/as-bright-as-heaven-by-susan-meissner1647478

“You think you have a view of what's waiting for you just up the road, but then something happens, and you find out pretty quick you were looking at the wrong road.”
― Susan Meissner, As Bright as Heaven

1918 is often remembered as the year World War I finally ended. While the international powers fought on the front lines, the Spanish flu swept the globe killing more people than the Great War with an estimated death toll between 20 and 50 million people. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 has been cited as the most devastating epidemic in recorded world history.

As Bright as Heaven is set in Philadelphia as the Spanish flu sweeps the city and tells the story of the Bright family as they struggle through the challenges and tragedy the flu carries with it. Told from the perspectives of Pauline Bright and her three daughters, Meissner gives voice to four women in different stages of their life as they grapple to cope with loss and learn to heal.

Evocative and heartfelt, As Bright as Heaven reminds us that through resiliency and love we can rise up and move forward.

]]><![CDATA["A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2018 20:05:19 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/a-wrinkle-in-time-by-madeleine-lengle

"We look not at the things which are what you would call seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal. But the things which are not seen are eternal."
-Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

In anticipation of the March 2018 movie premiere readers picked up A Wrinkle in Time again, or for the first time, to experience the adventure that has been captivating millions of people for over half a century. While many read the science fantasy novel in middle school, I found myself reading this book for the first time and becoming entranced with the worlds created by L'Engle and the snippets of wisdom she incorporates throughout the book.

Meg Murry's physicist father mysteriously disappears while traveling for work, leaving her family heartbroken. After being introduced to her brother Charles Wallace's odd friends Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which she suddenly finds herself on another planet in search of her missing father. While traveling through time and space, Meg must look deep within herself to discover her inner strengths and take responsibility for her circumstances.

Meg's insecurities and quirks create a relatable and lovable heroine inspiring girls to embrace their gifts and their flaws to become strong women capable of anything.

]]><![CDATA[The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2018 17:40:07 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo-by-taylor-jenkins-reid

“It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.”
― Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Aging Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo is ready to share the details of her glamorous and scandalous life. Evelyn reigned for over thirty years in the spotlight and was infamously married seven times, but the intimate details of her private life were kept secret... until now.

Not only does this book read like a juicy gossip magazine, but it is also fiercely socio-political. I don't want to give too much away, but trust me on this one and pick this book up. Wildly addictive, heart-wrenching, and full of unexpected drama The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will keep you awake reading long past your bedtime.

]]><![CDATA["Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcolm Gladwell]]>Tue, 06 Feb 2018 22:09:20 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/blink-the-power-of-thinking-without-thinking-by-malcolm-gladwell

“There can be as much value in the blink of an eye as in months of rational analysis.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

We all make split-second judgments every day. Do I like this salad dressing? No. Is the guy on the subway creepy? Yes. Often we arrive to these conclusions without rational thought. Blink explores the way we make decisions and compares our gut instincts to judgments attained rationally. Gladwell explores this theme through anecdotal stories about art, politics, marriage, consumer testing, athletes, war, police shootings, music, and more to demonstrate how the data we process can either give us incredible insight or lead us horribly wrong.

This book will make you think about the way you think.

]]><![CDATA["The Rules of Magic" by Alice Hoffman]]>Fri, 05 Jan 2018 17:53:09 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/the-rules-of-magic-by-alice-hoffman

“Know that the only remedy for love is to love more.”
― Alice Hoffman, The Rules of Magic

The Owens children are different and their mother knows it. She has strict rules for them: no wearing black, no walking in moonlight, and no books about magic. Despite her best efforts, the Owens gift—and curse—inevitably unveils itself and affects all of their lives in unimaginable ways. After a trip to their family home in Massachusetts, the Owens siblings learn the most important rule of all: do not fall in love. This rule becomes the heart of the story as the siblings embark on their individual adventures to face their fate.

In The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman offers a prequel to her best-selling novel Practical Magic that follows the early years of Frances, Jet, and Vincent Owens. Even if you have not read Practical Magic or seen the movie, Hoffman does a fantastic job of creating a stand-alone story that can be enjoyed by all.

I challenge readers to pick up this book even if the Magical Realism genre is not your cup of tea, because this story is so much more than spells or potions; it is a story of love, family, and being true to yourself.

]]><![CDATA["Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters" by Ben H. Winters and Jane Austen]]>Mon, 04 Dec 2017 22:23:02 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/sense-and-sensibility-and-sea-monsters-by-ben-h-winters-and-jane-austen

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters is a thoroughly entertaining parody of Jane Austen's original. For someone who struggled to dive into Sense and Sensibility a few years ago, I found the rampaging octopi and giant lobsters added a thrilling theme to the beloved classic.

The story centers around the Dashwood sisters who are evicted from their home when Mr. Dashwood is eaten by a hammerhead shark and sent to live on a mysterious island full of secrets. Sensible Elinor forms an attachment to the wealthy Edward Ferrars, and romantic Marianne is courted by both the dashing Willoughby and hideous man-monster Colonel Brandon.

Winters skillfully crafts a graphic and gruesome world all while emphasizing Austen's interpretation and critique of 18th century British gentry. If you are looking for a book that has social commentary, shipwrecks, and men in wet suits then you are in luck.

]]><![CDATA["Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng]]>Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:42:39 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/little-fires-everywhere-by-celeste-ng5799962

“Sometimes you need to scorch everything to the ground, and start over. After the burning the soil is richer, and new things can grow. People are like that, too. They start over. They find a way.”
―Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere

Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere starts like any good story: with the house burning down. For the rest of the novel, readers delve into the complex family relationships and small town politics that influence the events leading up to the disastrous fire. Shaker Heights is an orderly Ohio community with an underlying philosophy that everything could – and should—be planned out. But despite the best laid plans, things do not always go as we expect.

One of the most compelling themes of this story is the relationship between mother and daughter. What makes a good mother? Is it providing your child with a stable life, or simply being supportive? Does it come down to biology alone, or is love enough? The right answer, like many of life's big questions, is not so simple.

Little Fires Everywhere raises complicated moral questions and leaves us questioning our own notions of right and wrong. It reminds us to be empathetic towards others because we all must make tough choices in our lives. Above all, it brings to light that the black and white worldview is unrealistic because the world, like the pile of ashes left behind after a fire, is gray.

]]><![CDATA["The Awakening" by Kate Chopin]]>Wed, 27 Sep 2017 16:51:37 GMThttps://www.morriswomansclub.org/our-virtual-book-club/the-awakening-by-kate-chopin

“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.”
- Kate Chopin, The Awakening

Imagine a time when a woman was considered the property of her husband. While modern women still deal with the effects of a patriarchal society, our predecessors paved the way for our right to vote, own property, and hold a political position. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) can trace its roots back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring Charles Dickens. Croly was denied based on her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club—Sorosis. In 1890 the General Federation of Women’s Clubs was founded, to support clubs throughout the nation and further their efforts at providing education, improved working conditions, health care, scholarships, and other reforms.

Kate Chopin’s The Awakening was published in 1899 in the midst of the Women's Rights Movement and follows the inner journey of Edna Pontellier, a respectable wife and mother in late 19th century New Orleans, as she uncovers her latent desires and sense of self. During a summer holiday on Grand Isle, Edna discovers her sense of freedom and self-expression, becomes aware of her sexuality and need for independence, and begins to paint and swim as a way to assert her new internal revelations. Returning home, Edna finds that she is not satisfied simply playing the role of doting mother and wife and struggles to reconcile her inner needs and the expectations placed on her by society.

At the time it was published, The Awakening was very controversial because of the uninhibited exploration of women’s sexual passion, marital infidelity, and escape from traditional gender roles. Even today, many find it difficult to sympathize with Edna’s often selfish and childish actions and expectations. However, the beauty in this novel is that Edna’s character is flawed which makes her human. While Edna Pontellier's awakening happened over a century ago, the question remains: is Edna's struggle true for all women?

For more information on GFWC visit:
http://www.gfwc.org/

]]>

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

"So how, children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light?"― Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

“Is it love, or is it convenience?... She explained that connivence, habit, comfort, obligation- these are all things that wear the same clothing as love sometimes.” ― Tayari Jones, An American Marriage

“My dear girl, you cannot keep bumping your head against reality and saying it is not there.” ― A.J. Finn, The Woman in the Window

“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment's carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.” ​― Madeline Miller, Circe

“...think how the world would’ve turned out if Hitler had gotten into art school” ​― Charles Belfoure, The Paris Architect

Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it's the only way to win.” ​― Riley Sager, The Last Time I Lied

“First find out what you are capable of,​then decide who you are.” ― Tara Westover, Educated: A Memoir

“You think you have a view of what's waiting for you just up the road, but then something happens, and you find out pretty quick you were looking at the wrong road.” ― Susan Meissner, As Bright as Heaven

"We look not at the things which are what you would call seen, but at the things which are not seen. ​For the things which are seen are temporal. But the things which are not seen are eternal." -Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

​“It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.” ― Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

​​“There can be as much value in the blink of an eye as in months of rational analysis.” ― Malcolm Gladwell, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

“Know that the only remedy for love is to love more.” ― Alice Hoffman, The Rules of Magic

“Sometimes you need to scorch everything to the ground, and start over. After the burning the soil is richer, and new things can grow. People are like that, too.​ They start over. ​They find a way.” ―Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere

“The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.”- Kate Chopin, The Awakening