Fourth Church Book Groups
“Books by Women” Book Group
Jump down to CLL Monthly Book Club
Second Tuesday of the month
September through June
5:30 - 6:45pm
Bumpus Room
Books by Women has met faithfully for more than thirty years to discuss classic and contemporary works by women authors.
All women are invited to join in the conversations whenever their schedules allow.
2026–2027 Book Discussion Schedule
September 8 The Book Club for Troublesome Women
by Marie Bostwick
published 2025
Thought-provoking and humorous, set during a pivotal and tumultuous time in America. Themes of persistence, self-discovery, and sisterhood.
Historical Fiction — 384 pages
October 13 The Paris Novel
by Ruth Reichl
published 2024
An adventure through art, fashion, and food while soaking in French culture, with a side plot on art history. The author is a former food critic.
Fiction — 304 pages
November 10 The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
published 2023
Maine, 1789. A man entombed in ice is discovered. Martha, a midwife and healer, has a diary of births, deaths, and misdeeds. She pursues the truth regardless and leaves an unparalleled legacy.
Historical Mystery — 448 pages
December 8 The Art Spy
by Michelle Young
published 2025
The true account of the fight against art theft and tyranny in WWII Paris — the brave resistance across the cities of Europe, and the risks people took on the eve of war.
Non-fiction — 400 pages
January 12 The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück
by Lynne Olson
published 2025
French women defy the Nazis in a concentration camp. After the war, they continue to heal and crusade for freedom and justice. An inspiring story.
Non-fiction — 384 pages
February 9 Flashlight
by Susan Choi
published 2025
A heart-gripping story of family, loss, memory, and what shapes our lives. A young girl loses her father one night, then lives with her estranged mother as she navigates life’s challenges.
Fiction — 464 pages
March 9 Founding Mother: The Story of Abigail Adams
by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
published 2026
Wife of one president and mother to another. Marking America’s 250th anniversary, she spoke her mind — even as her husband, John Adams, was counseled to “remember the ladies.”
Historical Novel — 464 pages
April 13 Horse
by Geraldine Brooks
published 2022
Martha Jackson, a gallery owner, takes interest in a horse painting with a Smithsonian connection: Lexington, a record-breaking thoroughbred. An unfinished reckoning.
Historical Novel — 401 pages
May 11 The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans
published 2025
An intimate novel on the transformational power of the written word and the beauty of slowing down to reconnect with the people we love. A memorable character you won’t forget.
Fiction — 304 pages
June 8 The Henna Artist
by Alka Joshi
published 2020
The 1950s in Jaipur, India. A henna artist seeks her dream of an independent life. Book 1 of the Jaipur Trilogy, followed by The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris.
Fiction — 400 pages
View the past 35 years of monthly book choices
CLL Monthly Book Club
One Tuesday a month
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Open to all 60 and older, whether CLL members or not
The Center for Life and Learning Monthly Book Club is an invitation for those who are sixty and older to join in conversation with one another about books. This member-run group enjoys books selected by members who wish to lead the discussion. Grab a great read, and bring a friend!
The current schedule and book list is available here.
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