What My Book Clubs Are Reading This Fall

Now that I have settled in San Antonio, and the DAR year hasn’t quite gotten into full swing, I am in only two book clubs! What a treat to indulge but not feel so frantic trying to finish the books and keep up. Let’s go over the reading lists for the two book clubs I’m apart of virtually right now, and sneak a peek at what the in-person book club I had to leave behind in DC is reading too.

My DAR Chapter’s Book Club

My DAR chapter has a virtual book club that meets on the third Tuesday of the month via Zoom almost every month, except June (national conference) and December (when we do a movie night). In August, we read and discussed FROZEN RIVER which was a five star read for me–I cannot wait to recommend it to others. In September, we’re reading ONLY PLANE IN THE SKY in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. I’m hoping to listen to this one on audio if possible. In October, we’re reading the Frederik Backman novella AND EVERY MORNING THE WAY HOME GETS LONGER AND LONGER, which I listened to on audio at the end of July but may re-read before October. It’s themed around the new regent’s project. In November, we’re reading SAMANTHA: THE NEXT CHAPTER by Fiona Davis, which is the first American Girl doll book for adults and follows Samantha in the 1920s. We’re big fans of American Girl in my chapter and so cannot wait to read this one.

You can see our fall and spring list online here.

The Princeton Club of DC Book Club

Did I go to Princeton? No. Do I still live in DC? Also no. But this book club is fun, intellectual, and picks interesting books, and so here I am. I think I joined largely because it was advertised to Yale Club members as a sort of Ivy Plus thing, and here we are. In August, we read and discussed SLAUGHGTERHOUSE-FIVE, which I had never read before. It was a good read, pretty quick, but I definitely enjoyed it less than I might have if I hadn’t just read ANGEL DOWN, which I really disliked. In September, we’re reading THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD, which is another classic I’ve never read. I went ahead and ordered a thrifed copy. in October, they’re reading AUSTERLITZ which I had never heard of, but looks interesting. I love reading about Kindertransport stories–so fascinating. In November, the group is reading THE SOUND AND THE FURY, and yup, you guessed it, I haven’t read it yet!

This book club meets on the third Monday of the month, and having two book clubs back to back is hard on my reading schedule. Sometimes, meetings get added and I have to miss this one, but I enjoy the books regardless.

East City Books Chilly P’s Book Club

Finally, the book club I had to leave behind, but that always chose interesting book: Chilly P’s at East City Books in Eastern Market. In August, they are discussing FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi. Susan was a professor in my department in college, and I once LOVED a book of her’s I found at the Dollar Tree, but I haven’t gotten to this one yet. In September, they’re reading THE CORRESPONDENT, which everyone has told me is amazing and that I need to read. I just…haven’t made the time yet. In October, they’re reading DISCONTENT by Beatriz Serrano, which I have never heard of, but reading the description..holy crap. Reminds me of MY YEAR OF REST AND RELAXATION meets YELLOWFACE and maybe…the wreck of a train? lol. Honestly, might add this to my TBR list just in case. It is short! in November, they’re reading LAND by Maggie O’Farrell which I’ve heard mixed reviews of. And in December, they’re reading Lily King’s HEART THE LOVER, which sounds interesting, but if it’s more Sally Rooney than Donna Tartt I will be disappointed.

You can read more about Chilly P’s here.

What are your book clubs reading this fall?