Past Books/ Resource Sheets

What Have We Read So Far?

On this page, you can check out the books we have read so far as a book club, as well as what we learned about them and what we thought about them. Attached to each is a facilitator-created resource sheet that contains links to more information about the books, interviews with authors, etc., curated specifically for curious readers who like to learn as much as possible about the books we choose.

March 2025: Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot

In this memoir, native author Terese Marie Mailhot discusses her coming of age in all the spheres in which she is situated: native, daughter, woman, wife, mother, sufferer of mental illness.

Though the book covers a variety of heavy topics, participants appreciated that it also resulted in thought-provoking self-reflection on what our stories are and with whom we choose to share them. We had deep, bonding discussions in which we reflect on what it is like to be a human in our world and with the obstacles we face.

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about Heart Berries and Terese Mailhot.

February 2025: Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton

Meet Margaret Cavendish: 17th century British writer who stood out by publishing under her own name as a woman. Although fiction, participants discovered that the story stays close to the historical record of what we know about Margaret, allowing readers to learn about a lesser-known historical figure.

Participants enjoyed discussing the novel within the historical context of its characters. We also had an extensive discussion about Margaret's thoughts and ideas and how they are relatable despite the distance of time. Finally, the book afforded the opportunity for a discussion of point of view and perspective in novels.

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about Margaret Cavendish, Margaret the First, and Danielle Dutton.

January 2025: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

This fantastical story tells of Nancy, a girl who discovered a door to an underworld as a child and is not happy to be back in the "real" world. Sent to a school by her parents to "recover", she discovers more children and infinitely more worlds than the ones she knows about. When those around her start dying, she must work with her peers to discover why anyone would target children who just want to get to the places they feel are their real homes.

Participants of our book club enjoyed discussing the different worlds as a unique setting for the book. We particularly liked imagining what kind of worlds we might discover if we found a hidden door. We also appreciated and discussed the few illustrations found throughout the book.

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about Every Heart a Doorway and Seanan McGuire.

November 2024: To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

This science fiction story tells of a group of astronauts sent to explore life on other planets when they learn of the likely destruction of their home planet Earth. They must then make an impossible decision. Do they attempt return, or continue on to destinations unknown?

This novella sparked discussion within our club regarding living things and ethics surrounding how we treat living creatures we both have and have yet to discover. Participants overall shared being pleasantly surprised by the story and the genre.

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about To Be Taught, if Fortunate and Becky Chambers.

October 2024: The End We Start From by Megan Hunter

In this book, which was later made into a major motion picture, the unnamed narrator gives birth just before a major flood submerges London. The book tells her story as she navigates both the physical and societal barriers facing a new mother in a flooded environment.

Participants of our book club had deep and extensive discussion about the story and its characters. The responses of characters to the events was a major talking point. Although the book received mixed reviews from participants, it remains the most deeply discussed book to date.

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about The End We Start From and Megan Hunter.

September 2024: The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

In this novella, renowned playwright Alan Bennett imagines a world in which Queen Elizabeth II finds reading for pleasure later in life. The book follows the queen as she explores reading and the world of books and literary fiction.

Participants of our book club were curious and intrigued by the formal tone of the narrative and the variety of real-life authors mentioned in this fictional story. We also enjoyed discussing the surprise ending!

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about The Uncommon Reader and Alan Bennett.

May 2024: Picture Miss Seeton by Heron Carvic

The first in a series of books with this delightful art-teacher-turned-detective, Miss Seeton realizes that she knows more than she thinks after witnessing one murder. As she tries to aid the police, however, she can't seem to stay out of trouble...

Participants of our book club appreciated Carvic's character development; we really felt like we got to know the characters on a deep level. Although the mystery was gripping, the best part was the characters and community Carvic created.

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about Picture Miss Seeton.

March 2024: Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

A cozy mystery in which all the characters are woodland creatures and no one can be trusted...

Shady Hollow follows roving reporter fox Vera Vixen in her endeavors to solve the muder of the town's curmudgeonly toad. With unexpected twists and turns, the novel is sure to keep readers guessing until the end.

Participants of our book club liked its accessibility and the fact that it is an easy and quick read. Participants also appreciated the casting of characters as animals; this was cute and oftentimes witty.

Click here for the resource sheet to learn more about Shady Hollow and Juneau Black.

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