April 24, 2026
Another One in the Books!
Another Happy Booker meeting in the books!
We had a great time last night yet missed those of you who couldn't join us.
Save the Date
May Meeting at Siam Garden
Our book for May is Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo. This is a true story and a Goodreads Choice Award Winner.
We'll meet at Siam Garden in Winter Park next month, Thursday, May 28 at 6:30pm.
- Date
- Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Time
- 6:30pm
- Location
- Siam Garden, Winter Park
- Book
- Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom
- Author
- Ilyon Woo
Coming in June
June Pick: My Friends
Our book for June is My Friends by Fredrik Backman.
Nancy is over the moon excited about discussing this with everyone.
Louisa and Crystal have never read a Backman book so we're all looking forward to their first experience with this delightful author.
Book Talk
What We Discussed
We finally got to have a good discussion about last month's book, The Forgotten Garden.
Liz thought The Personal Librarian was boring. Most of us did like the book, though.
The Personal Librarian
All About Belle
Belle's intelligence and initiative was very impressive. Who knew you could recognize carving tools used on a sculpture much less know when those tools were invented? Her dedication to learning different languages and such was equally impressive.
Nancy did some digging and gave us little gems of extra information on Belle da Costa Greene.
A Term Explained
Why Is It Called a "Boston Marriage"?
Why is it called a "Boston Marriage"? I did some digging and found the term was popularized by Henry James's 1886 novel, The Bostonians, a satire on the women's rights movement.
It was essentially a long term cohabitation of two women who were generally well educated and self-sufficient while eschewing the idea of becoming a wife or mother. Not all Boston Marriages were romantic in nature.
A Little History
On Boston Marriages
"Boston marriages" were one of the few ways for women to live independently from men in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The term was coined to describe a long-term, committed relationship between two unmarried women, involving anything from friendship to professional partnerships to lesbian romances.
From Sonya's digging
Nostalgia
A First Nancy Drew!
Nancy just finished her first Nancy Drew novel! What fun memories we shared of Nancy Drew as well as The Hardy Boys.
On Our Radar
More Books on Our Radar
Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon
Liz managed to get her hands on it and she enjoyed it. Hopefully, the libraries will stock enough copies for us to revisit this choice.
Mona's Eyes
Liz also recommends it.
Playground
A fascinating read that Louisa highly recommends. We may have to discuss this as a book club pick coming up. It does look like a really good story. Laura and Liz, this is the book you both wanted to make sure was noted.
Screen Time
On the Big Screen
- Project Hail Mary Those of us who have seen Project Hail Mary absolutely LOVED it! If you haven't seen it yet, know it's well worth your time even if you haven't read the book (obvs the book is better).
- Remarkably Bright Creatures We're anxiously awaiting the film Remarkably Bright Creatures starring Sally Field. Remember Margo suggested this book for our September 2022 read and it was one of our favorite books of the year.
A Quick Note
From Sonya's Notebook
I didn't take a lot of notes but these are the highlights and things we definitely wanted to remember about our meeting. As usual, if there's anything I missed or left out, please feel free to reply all with your contribution.
Club Business
Books for Mary Fran's Charity
Oh, I forgot to mention that Mary Fran is collecting books for the charity she volunteers with.
Laura brought a box of books to share and I have the books not taken to give to Mary Fran. (I'll text you, Mary Fran, to arrange delivery.)
Bookmarks
Useful Links
Until Next Time
Happy Reading
I hope to see you all next month!
Happy reading!
— Sonya