A bumper crop of Smithies—thirteen—Zoomed together on Wednesday, March17th to discuss “The Dry” by Jane Harper. We all enjoyed this Australian murder mystery with its evocative scene-setting and well imagined central characters, although we weren’t entirely happy with the author’s choice of interpolated back-flashes to illuminate the mysteries of the past. We talked about the pros and cons of small towns and the desperation of this little community suffering under extended drought and heat. Most of us plan to read more of Harper.

Eight of us gathered on Wednesday, Feb. 17, to discuss “Childhood” by Nathalie Sarraute. We all enjoyed this unusual memoir, which combines impressionistic memories with an innovative structure in which a second voice interrogates the author. We appreciated the evocative details that illuminate moments in her childhood; descriptions of the individuals and relationships that shaped her; a glimpse of a circle of Russian ex-pat intellectuals and revolutionaries; and Sarraute’s exploration of the power, and limitations, of language. And we admired the perceptive, resilient young Nathalie.

At our meeting on Wednesday, January 20th, eleven of us discussed a pair of American classics, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Both present wrenching pictures of the life of enslaved people, with Douglass’ having the sting of reality. Stowe’s writing is saccharine and emotional, intended to move the reader and to move the national discussion; in crisp, unadorned prose, Douglass contributed to the abolitionist cause and also moves us to admiration for him. Stowe writes passionately about the hypocrisy of northerners and the Christian church; both emphasize how the institution of slavery dehumanizes owners and undermines otherwise decent people. The two books complement one another and worked well as a pair.

Nine of us, meeting on Wednesday the 18th, found plenty to talk about in Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward. We found this suspenseful book difficult to read at times but appreciated what it shows us: four motherless siblings who are hurt but coping, resourceful, and tightly bound to one another; a different view of Hurricane Katrina, in rural Mississippi; a community in poverty that has not become degraded or defeated.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, ten of us discussed “The Moment of Lift” by Melinda Gates. As usual, there were mixed opinions. All admired Gates and her evident commitment and passion for beneficial change, particularly for women, and we came away with respect for the Gates Foundation…

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, ten of us enthusiastically discussed “Washington Black” by Esi Edugyan. We agreed that the author is a gifted storyteller with great descriptive powers who has created memorable characters and interesting relationships.

A group of seven met [virtually] on Wednesday, August 19, to discuss Bryan Stevenson’s book “Just Mercy” and the movie based on it. We found the book upsetting, sad, engaging but not eloquent, impressive. Its structure, with the central story stretched out and interrupted, was frustrating but also created suspense…

Seven of us gathered [virtually] on Wednesday, July 15, to discuss Dava Sobel’s “Galileo’s Daughter,” which we agreed is mistitled. Although some of us found it dry and/or hard to get into, we all were glad we’d read it, learning more about Galileo, science and his contributions to it…

On March 18th, the Book Club met to discuss “Bad Blood” by John Carreyrou.

On Wednesday the 19th, eight of us (supplemented by emailed comments from a regular who couldn't attend) met to discuss "The Marriage of Opposites" by Alice Hoffman.

On January 15th, the Book club convened to discuss the Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo.