January Book Group The Personal Librarian

I am a huge fan of historical novels, so the book choice for January, "The Personal Librarian," was perfect for me.  I have read and enjoyed all of Marie Benedict's novels. Each of her books has spurred me to research more about her real-life characters.  Benedict co-authored the book with Victoria Christopher Murray, a best-selling black author. Murray's perspective added depth to the storyline.  The book is well written, and both authors expertly weave their voices as Bella da Costa Greene as she narrates her own story. The story highlights so many important issues as it explores the art world, women's rights, and racism all in an elegantly packaged novel that is difficult to put down.   

 J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, a Black American woman,  was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation 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 the 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.

We all have our assigned roles for book club and this month my contribution was food. Francine hosted and set a very "fancy" table. 

I found these cute charcuterie cups on Amazon. They came with skewers that were perfect for fruits, olives, cheeses, and meats.  

At the bottom of the cup, I put in Chex Mix and nuts. 

The next book is Irish Girl by Multi-Award-winning Ashley Sweeney. The book is a family saga, a coming-of-age story, and an exploration of the Irish immigrant experience. Narrated by the protagonist, 13-year-old Mary Agnes Coyne, the story's time frame is between the 1880s to 1890s. It spans from a rural village in Galway, Ireland, to New York, Chicago, and Colorado.