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Birmingham-Southern’s summer book clubs start July 26—sign up now
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Ready to dive into a summer read? Birmingham-Southern College is ready to help you amp up your reading with three virtual book club options featuring facilitators with ties to The Hilltop. Keep reading for all the details, including how to sign up for your favorite today.
A bit about the Birmingham-Southern book clubs + how to join
Nothing says summer quite like the prospect of hopping into a hammock or lounging poolside with a new-to-you novel. The great thing about these book clubs is that once you’ve had a chance to read the book, you can gather via Zoom for some juicy discussion led by really interesting BSC professors, staff or alums.
While the book clubs are hosted by Birmingham-Southern Alumni Engagement, they’re free and open to absolutely anyone.
All you have to do is register to reserve your spot in the book club (or clubs) of your choice, read the book and show up. Who knows, you may even make some new friends and find a new favorite read.
1. Good Company
- Author: Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
- Facilitators: Lucas Pepke, BSC ’05 + Dana Porter, BSC ’03, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
- Sign up
If you’re in the mood for a warm and compelling look into the lasting bonds of marriage and friendship, and how lifelong relationships can both wound and heal us, this one’s for you.
Since the story involves actors and theatre, it’s only fitting that the two BSC alums who are facilitating the group have impressive acting and vocal resumes themselves.
2. The Kitchen Front
- Author: Jennifer Ryan
- Facilitators: Dr. Amy Cottrill, Denson N. Franklin Associate Professor of Religion
- Sign up
Set in Great Britain during the Second World War, a BBC radio program called The Kitchen Front holds a cooking contest. Its goal: help housewives get creative with food rations. The grand prize: a job as the program’s first-ever female co-host.
The story follows four women as they strive to win and change their lives.
3. The Wreckage of My Presence is the third of the Birmingham-Southern book clubs
- Author: Casey Rose Wilson
- Facilitator: Mary Catherine Scott, BSC ’11
- Sign up
“The instant New York Times bestseller: Laugh-out-loud, deeply insightful, and emotion-filled essays from multitalented actress, comedian, podcaster, and writer Casey Wilson.
Reading The Wreckage of My Presence is like spending time with a close friend—a deeply passionate, full-tilt, joyous, excessive, compulsive, shameless, hungry-for-it-all, loyal, cheerleading friend. A friend who is ready for any big feelings that come her way—and isn’t afraid to embrace them.”
Which one do you want to start with? The Kitchen Front looks like the right blend of history and escapism to draw me in. But then again, Good Company looks like a page-turner, and The Wreckage of My Presence just sounds hilarious.
Ah, decisions, decisions.
Whatever you decide, signups are open now, and the book clubs take place the week of July 26-20.
Learn more about Birmingham-Southern College by visiting their website or following them on Facebook or Instagram today.
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