Book Club Information
MARCH 30 - Select a book
TOPIC: Anti-Racism
Diversity Enriches Experience
For this event, select a book written by a Black, Indigenous, or POC author and prepare for our discussion using the PDF reading guide linked in the resources.
This session is an opportunity to reflect on the ways systemic racism shapes our world and how we can actively work toward change. In my personal anti-racism journey, I’ve learned that I am, and will be, a part of the problem, that no one is free from bias, and no organization is perfectly anti-racist. This work requires humility, ongoing self-reflection, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As Mayte Lisbeth wisely said, "Anti-racism work is lifelong work; you do not graduate from it." Since I have started learning from Black educators, I am consistently discovering my individual racism (and other ISM's!). Understanding and acknowledging that I am part of this problem has helped me with my goals of curiosity and dedication to seeking alternatives perspectives.
My hope is that we can come together in a spirit of openness and collaboration—learning from one another as we explore how to dismantle systems of oppression and build a more equitable world. Let’s engage thoughtfully and courageously as we take this step together. In preparation, I have read The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and What if I Say the Wrong Thing by Vernä A. Myers and will be reading The Other Slavery by Andrés Reséndez.
Mar 24, 2025 Note—
I will likely not complete The Other Slavery by the in-person discussion, it is a compelling read that was added later on to my list . While the in-person event exists, the spirit I intend with this topic is to invite discussion as I grow along my own path with anti-racism and decolonization.
Discussion Preparation
JUNE 29 - Specific Book
Julia
Sandra Newman
Power and Gender, Resistance vs Survival, and Reimagining the Hero
If you have not read 1984, I recommend reading that before starting your read of Julia.
A summary from the robot overloads(ai): Julia by Sandra Newman is a daring reimagining of George Orwell’s 1984. Rather than following Winston Smith’s story, Newman tells the tale of Julia, Winston’s lover, offering a fresh perspective on the events within Orwell’s dystopian world. Julia is no longer just a secondary character; instead, she emerges as a complex, resourceful, and strategic figure navigating a society under totalitarian rule.
While Orwell's narrative focuses on rebellion, surveillance, and control through Winston’s experience, Newman’s Julia challenges readers to reconsider these themes by examining how women like Julia survive and resist in such an oppressive world. It delves into gender, agency, and the unseen ways women navigate power structures in societies that seek to silence them.
Discussion Preparation
Discussion Guide for Julia and 1984 is a notebook--Contact Mel and she will deliver it to you (:
Additional Resources for the Enthusiastic
AUGUST 31 - Select a book
TOPIC: Science-Based Mental Health & Wellness
Exploring Mental Health and Wellness
Select a science-based, peer-reviewed book focused on mental health or wellness. You can guide your own adventure or choose a title from the resource section below!
Knowledge is power! As a queer, neurodivergent femme who grew up in a high-demand religion, I’ve spent a fair chunk of time considering what it means to truly be a person. You’ve likely heard me say, “It’s hard to be a person” and it is! Understanding the science of how we function and the factors that shape our experiences has helped me build scaffolding for personal growth. From learning discrete strategies to developing empathy for my past selves, reading on mental health and wellness has been transformative for me.
My hope for this event is to ground our understanding in science and evidence-based practices. Together, we’ll explore the complexities of mental health—both individually and collectively—through the lens of research. This conversation is an opportunity to share insights, reflect on challenges, and discover how what we’ve learned can support our personal growth and our care for others. Let’s approach this journey with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to science-based understanding.
Discussion Preparation
Printable Discussion Guide - link will be available 05/03/25
Resources
Other list/criteria I find - link will be active by 05/03/25
Mel's Favorites from the genre - link will be active by 05/03/25
NOVEMBER 30 - Specific book
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel García Márquez​
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the most celebrated works of magical realism and is a great classic that I have never read! This is what ChatGPT had to say about it:
The novel spans seven generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo, blending history, myth, and the surreal in a way that captivates readers worldwide. Márquez’s rich prose and intricate storytelling invite us into a world where reality and magic coexist, revealing universal truths about love, loss, and the human condition.
Curious to dive into Macondo? Come back around April to the event for more details, resources, and thought-provoking questions to guide your reading journey. This promises to be an unforgettable exploration of one of literature’s most iconic works!
Discussion Preparation
Printable Discussion Guide - link will be active by 04/15/25