Current Book
November 2022
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes
a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
About The Author
Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two
of the country's premier law firms, who found her calling unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex
and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of present-day where
we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions as well as the insights they bring
to modern day issues.
Book Talk
Our Book Talk for The Personal Librarian will take place on
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 9:15 a.m. at Fabiano's
located at W. Grand River Ave., Portland.
Our book club is very casual and welcoming.
Please plan to join us whether you read the book or not. The more the merrier!
Please feel free to contact us to confirm the date/time/location
for our Book Talk, as sometimes we do have to change it on short notice. Our contact
information can be found by clicking on the Contact tab at the top of the page.
Click on the Book List tab near the top of the page for a
complete list of the books that Book Talk has read.
Information about the book and the author from the author's websie: www.authormariebenedict.com
This web-page updated 11-6-2022
November 2022
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes
a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
About The Author
Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two
of the country's premier law firms, who found her calling unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex
and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of present-day where
we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions as well as the insights they bring
to modern day issues.
Book Talk
Our Book Talk for The Personal Librarian will take place on
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 9:15 a.m. at Fabiano's
located at W. Grand River Ave., Portland.
Our book club is very casual and welcoming.
Please plan to join us whether you read the book or not. The more the merrier!
Please feel free to contact us to confirm the date/time/location
for our Book Talk, as sometimes we do have to change it on short notice. Our contact
information can be found by clicking on the Contact tab at the top of the page.
Click on the Book List tab near the top of the page for a
complete list of the books that Book Talk has read.
Information about the book and the author from the author's websie: www.authormariebenedict.com
This web-page updated 11-6-2022
