Guest Post by Helena Brooks
Tocqueville Society Member & Book Club Leader

CINCINNATI (September 7, 2022) — Approximately seven or eight years ago, a small group of Tocqueville members met for the first Tocqueville Book Club. I attended that meeting, and I am pleased to say the book club continues to be a highlight of the month for me. My name is Helena Brooks. I’m recently retired after 25-plus years with a company in downtown Cincinnati and the last two-plus years in a remote (COVID!) position working for a Denver-based company. 

The book club is a highlight of my month for many reasons, primarily the companionship of fellow club members. Discussions are always engaging, no matter what the book. And the books are varied; over the years we have read nonfiction books such as “Educated” and fiction ranging from the historical novel “The Personal Librarian” to a fun read like “Crazy Rich Asians” and everything in between. I love the variety. Through the book club I have read and enjoyed many books I may not have selected on my own. 

How does book club work?

• The club meets monthly except in December to avoid conflict with holiday events.
• Meetings are at 6 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.
• COVID-19 required Zoom meetings, but starting in October the book club will return to in-person meetings. These are generally in the home of a participant; hosting is voluntary.
• Books are suggested by any member and agreed to by the group. The next selections are as follows:
  • October: “This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub (fiction)
  • November: “The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan (fiction)
  • January: “The Code Breaker” by Walter Isaacson (nonfiction)
• This is a very forgiving book club. If you didn’t have time to read the book, no worries, everyone is welcome. Those who completed the book provide a “spoiler alert” during the discussions.
• A sign-up is included in the monthly Tocqueville newsletters. It is understood that members may not be able to attend all the meetings.
   

I want to encourage all Tocqueville members to consider joining the book club. I am confident you will find it very engaging and fulfilling. 

If you're not already a member of the Tocqueville Society, learn more at uwgc.org/tocqueville.