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Virtual Santa Clarita Book Club
Saturday, May 14, 2022, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
Category: Clubs

Last September the LACPA Book Club leaders finalized the four selections for 2022, including this historical fiction novel about saving hundreds of children fleeing the Nazis. Six months later we’re witnessing the horrors of war in Ukraine with striking comparisons to WWII, including millions of children fleeing. 

 

As I wrote this announcement I realized that this book will be a poignant opportunity for us to process the current war, particularly in light of the thoughts from Dr. Sandy Brim, our newest Book Club leader and the LACPA member who recommended this book which “Challenges the reader who wants to make a difference in the world to find our inner courage, especially when it seems so futile and hopeless.”

  

LACPA’s Spring Book Club Selection:

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

Book Summary:

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is “an easy read” which draws the reader into a suspenseful story, as well as into the characters who are flawed and yet surprisingly courage when navigating moral issues and choices. This book is the author’s fifth novel about the Nazi occupation in World War II France.  It’s based on little known true events and people who used their artistic abilities and skills to create forged documents to save innocent individuals from certain death or imprisonment.

 

The LACPA member who recommended this novel, Dr. Brim recommended the book because it challenges the reader who wants to make a difference in the world to find our inner courage, especially when it seems so futile and hopeless. Each choice involves a struggle to find “the good, the true and the beautiful” (Plato’s timeless quote) in horror and betrayal and tragedy. The book is also written for “lovers of books” to help us see the hidden potential of strength in the written word and in ourselves and then to come to love.

 

The Book of Lost Names is very highly rated on Amazon: 94% of people who submitted reviews gave it either 4 or 5 stars, and an average of 4.7 stars.

 

A Sample of Amazon Reviews:

“Harmel brilliantly imagines the life of a young Polish-French Jewish woman during the depths of WWII...Harmel movingly illustrates Eva’s courage to risk her own life for others, and all of the characters are portrayed with realistic compassion. This thoughtful work will touch readers with its testament to the endurance of hope." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A celebration of the power of books to give hope and healing, this lovely tale offers hope in troubled times.” –The Toronto Star

“With meticulous research and an assured hand, Kristin Harmel once again spotlights French Resistance figures of the Second World War, unique heroes whose bravery and immeasurable sacrifices are too often lost to history. THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES is a fascinating, heartrending page-turner that, like the real-life forgers who inspired the novel, should never be forgotten. A riveting historical tale that I devoured in a single sitting.” Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday

All Spring Book Club Meetings will be held via Zoom.

 Please contact the Book Club facilitator to RSVP so a Zoom Invitation can be sent to you

Santa Clarita

Saturday, May 14th at 10:00 AM

Hosted by Dr. Lynne Steinman 

[email protected]  

(661) 259-0144

 West Los Angeles

 Join us for great discussions with fellow LACPA members!

  

Amy Rosett, Ph.D.
PSY 13380
Book Club Leader, LACPA

16055 Ventura Blvd., Suite 720
Encino, CA 91436
818.705.1870
www.dramyrosett.com


Contact: Dr. Lynne Steinman [email protected] 661-259-0144