Book Group

The Book Group: The Collected Wisdom of Wonderful Writers

On the first Monday of each month (except December) participants gather at Barnes & Noble (Pittsford Plaza, 3349 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 585-586-6020) to discuss that month's selection. We meet in the Community Room on the second floor from 7:00 - 8:30 PM.

"Celebrating Five Years!!"

Special Moving Beyond Racism Book Group Session featuring Karen Morris, Brighton Town Judge

Each year, on Law Day (May 1st), Judge Morris has led a book discussion at Barnes & Noble. This year it falls on this coming Monday when we meet. Instead of meeting on the next Monday, we have arranged through Penelope Robinson to collaborate with Judge Morris and she has graciously chosen a book that would relate with our racism theme.

What are we reading?

Our selection is: Dear Senator: A memoir by the daughter of Strom Thurmond by Essie Mae Washington-Williams.

• "In Dear Senator, Essie Mae Washington-Williams - daughter of the late Senator Strom Thurmond - breaks her lifelong silence and tells the story of her life. Hers is a story seven decades in the making, yet one whose unique historical importance has only recently been revealed. She describes what it felt like to face overt racism, especially in the slow-to-change South, despite the fact that her father was the most powerful politician in Dixie. With elegance, candor, and spirit, Essie Mae Washington-Williams gives us a chapter of American history as it has never been written before - told in a voice that will be heard and cherished by generations." - From the Publisher
• "Dear Senator rings true. The author has a story to tell, one that sheds much light on the segregated South and its full-throated defender - the daddy she never got to call 'Daddy.'" - Charlotte Observer
• "This memoir has its own voice and its own perspective. It's the story of a woman whose sense of her heritage is poignant . . . and hard-won indeed . . . . Worth reading for more than its glimpses of the elusive senator." - New York Times

This book is worthwhile, not only for educators who care about history and school but for all of us who want the best for our world. As always, our gatherings are free and open to the public. 

Upcoming Selection:

• June 5th - "White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son" by Tim Wise
  

We invite you to join us and be a part of the discussions. 
Have you read a book that you feel would be good for one of our discussions? We are open to suggestions. E-mail the name of the author and the title to: mail@movingbeyondracism.org

Click here to view past selections.