Book Club

Our inspired book choice was based on NSCDA-IL’s October program with author Melinda Ponder who presented her book on Katharine Lee Bates — a woman who, through her work as a writer, teacher, and social activist, set an example of female independence in late-19th-century America and redefined American literature.

In an utterly remarkable and unique first for NSCDA-IL, author Melinda Ponder also joined us for both book club meetings via Facetime.  Illinois Dames enjoyed fascinating discussions.  The author then answered questions about people and events in the biography, told us more about her motivations and writing style, and listened to our thoughts on compelling aspects of the book.  She is in the process of writing a young person’s version of the book and asked us what we thought she should include.  What a wonderfully appropriate choice for this group of women with hearts and minds for history, AND it was such a privilege and luxury to hear from the author in such a responsive and personal way!

Thank you to Chair Judith Urban and the Historical Activities Committee for organizing the book club.  The Illinois Society has such irrepressibly enthusiastic readers with a shared appreciation of books galore!  Every Dame who participates helps make our Dames’ experience all the more extraordinary.

The city book club came together to discuss the most recent book selection at The Fortnightly on February 15.  In attendance were Laurie Ashcraft, Carla Carstens,  candidate Carla Funk, Marilyn Helmholz, Jane Hotchkiss, Claudia Lane, Peggy Snorf and Jane Velde.  The highly anticipated web-side chat with author Melinda Ponder did anything but disappoint!  An elegant lunch followed the congenial book discussion.