The Book Club continues to read excellent books suggested and chosen by our members. We are looking for new members to help us continue our excellent selections and discussions. We now meet at The Fairfield Seniors Center, at 80 Lothian Ave. in Etobicoke, every second Thursday at 2:00 p.m.
Contact Kathryn Raymond at kathryn.raymond@rogers.com more information or to come to any monthly meeting.
Book Club members will meet on December 11th for what has become a Christmas Tradition of meeting on the regular club day, to enjoy a luncheon and share stories of the Christmas season. This year, they will be meeting at ViBo on Bloor Street, just East of Royal York Road.
If you are a Kingsway-Islington Member and interested in attending our book Club (The Pageturners) meeting as a guest to “check us out”, contact Kathryn Raymond at kathryn.raymond@rogers.com. There are 2 spots available for new members.
Book Club Meeting of October 9th, 2025
The meeting of the Book Club on November 13th reviewed the Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. The discussion was led by Kathryn Raymond, the Book Club Coordinator.
This novel explores the transformative power of companionship, coping with grief, and finding happiness at any age. It is a story about how a group of people, united by loneliness and loss, can become a loving and supportive family.
Click Here to read more.
Book Club Meeting of October 9th, 2025
At this meeting, The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon, released in 2023 was discussed. This book is one that many, many people have read or want to read as TPL has 111 copies but 178 holds! It truly is a page turner in my estimation as it is a historical mystery based on the real-life diary entries of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history. Set in Maine in 1789, when the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice. Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen–one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own. Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Book Club Meeting of September 11th, 2025
The book selected for September was Chrystia: From Peace River to Parliament Hill, which is a biography of Chrystia Freeland written by Catherine Tsalikis, published in 2025.
Catherine Tsalikis follows Chrystia Freeland from her upbringing in Peace River, Alberta, through a two-decade journalism career in Moscow, London, and New York. The narrative then shifts to her political journey beginning in 2013—her election to Parliament and rapid ascent to deputy prime minister and finance minister in Justin Trudeau’s government. Along the way, Freeland spearheads trade negotiations, manages relations with an unpredictable U.S. president, advocates for human rights in Saudi Arabia, and stands firm against Russian aggression in Ukraine. It is “A portrait of one of the most powerful women in modern Canadian politics…” — The Hill Times.
This book has been lauded for accessible prose, rigorous research, and nuanced insight into Canadian politics.
Book Club Meeting of June 12th, 2025
On Thursday June 12th, there was a lunch and planning meeting to determine the books that will be reviewed in 2025-2026 by the Pageturners. The lunch was at the Canadiana Restaurant at the Six Points Plaza. Scroll down the page to the section called Book Club Final Selection List to see the books selected for 2025-2026.
Book Club Meeting of May 8th, 2025
Last month, on May 8th, 2025, Diane Gillis of the Pageturners led the discussion on the book “Secret History of Audrey James” by Heather Marshall (2024).
Inspired by true stories of courageous women and the German resistance during World War II, this is a captivating novel about the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the healing that comes from human connection.
Please join the Book Club in their discussions on Thursday Setember 11th at 2:00 p.m. at The Fairfield Seniors Center (80 Lothian Ave.) by contacting Kathryn Raymond at kathryn.raymond@rogers.com, or you can just show up.
Book Club Meeting of April 10th, 2025
On Thursday April 10th, Elva Edgar led the Pageturners in a discussion of the book “The Mystery of Right and Wrong” by Wayne Johnston. This book is a deeply compelling novel that explores themes of family secrets, trauma, and resilience. The story follows Wade Jackson, a young man from Newfoundland, who falls in love with Rachel van Hout, the youngest of four sisters. Rachel’s family history is marked by haunting secrets, including her father’s troubling past during World War II and the family’s subsequent move from South Africa to Newfoundland.
The novel delves into the struggles of each sister, revealing their unique challenges and wounds. Rachel, for instance, is obsessed with Anne Frank’s diary and writes in a secret language, reflecting her inner turmoil. Johnston’s work is both heartbreaking and illuminating, shedding light on difficult truths while offering a narrative of hope and understanding.
Book Club Meeting of March 13th, 2025
Terry led the Pageturners in an excellent discussion of her recommended book, “Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons” by Charlotte Gray at the March 13th meeting of the Book Club. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the book and Terry’s presentation. This book offers a dual biography of Sara Delano Roosevelt and Jennie Jerome Churchill, the mothers of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, respectively. It shifts the historical lens to emphasize the significant roles that these women played in shaping their famous sons.
To read more:
Book Club Meeting of February 13th, 2025
On Thursday February 13th, 2025, The Pageturners gathered to review the book The Fortunate Brother.
“The Fortunate Brother” by Donna Morrissey is the third book in the Sylvanus Now series. This novel is a gripping family drama and murder mystery set in a small coastal community in Newfoundland, Canada. The story revolves around the Now family, who are reeling from the tragic loss of their eldest son, Chris, who died working on an Alberta oil rig.
As the family struggles to cope with their grief, a local bully is murdered, and suspicion falls on the Now family when the victim’s blood is found on their pier. The family’s internal conflicts and secrets come to the surface as they deal with the murder investigation and their own personal battles.
Donna Morrissey’s evocative writing and vivid characters make this a compelling read that delves into themes of loss, grief, guilt, and resilience.
Book Club Meeting of January 9th, 2025
On January 9, 2025, the Pageturners met at the Fairfield Center, at 2:00 p.m., in Room 3, when Loretta Fines led the discussion on the book ‘Brother’, written by David Chariandy.
Brother is a powerful and poignant novel that explores themes of family, identity, and the immigrant experience in Canada. Set in the 1990s in a Scarborough housing complex, the story follows the lives of two brothers, Michael and Francis, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a community marked by systemic racism, violence, and limited opportunities.
The novel delves into the complexities of brotherhood, love, and loss, and offers a deeply emotional and thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the often overlooked struggles of marginalized communities. Chariandy’s writing is both lyrical and evocative, making “Brother” a compelling and important read.
Annual Christmas Luncheon of the Book Club
On Thursday December 12th, 2024, the Pageturners met for their Annual Christmas Luncheon. They met at Earls Sherway at 1:30 p.m. to try and avoid some of the Christmas luncheon noise! Earls is located at 199 North Queen Street, Etobicoke.
Book Club Meeting of November 14th, 2024
The last meeting of the Book Club was on November 14th. The book that was discussed was “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides. This novel is a murder mystery of 333 pages set in London, England, Cambridge and Greece. Alex writes this fiction novel with a mystery woven in that will keep you turning pages. Darlene Leaver led a very interesting discussion which she started with one multi-facetted question that kept us thinking and discussing many aspects of this book.
To learn more about The Maidens, read the blog about it by clicking on the following link: Click Here
Book Club Meeting of October 10th
The meeting of the Book Club on October 10th was at The Fairfield Seniors Center. The book discussed was “Looking for Jane“, written by Heather Marshall. Kathryn Raymond led a very interesting discussion including some very personal experiences related to this Historical Fiction book.
On its surface, Looking for Jane is an emotionally charged, meticulously researched and deftly plotted book about an underground abortion service operating in the years before abortion was legalized in Canada. But it is so much more than that …
To learn more about this book, read the blog about it by clicking on the following link: The Page Turners #28
Book Club Meeting of September 12th
The September meeting was led by Tracy Horsman at the Fairfield Centre on Thursday, September 12th and discussed the book, “Lady Tans Circle of Women” by Lisa See.
This fascinating novel was inspired by the true-life story of Yunxian Tan. She is guided by her grandmother to practice Chinese medicine and heal women for their ailments – an education frowned upon by many, including Confucius! This remarkable female physician who was a trail-blazer in the practice of women’s medicine during 15th Century China. It is a compelling read that offers intriguing insight into societal norms and cultural practices during the Ming Dynasty era, while being surrounded by women who support each other in all phases of their lives. It is a Good Reads nominee for best historical fiction for 2023.
Book Club Meeting of June 13th
On June 13th 2024, the Book Club had a members-only meeting at a local restaurant to discuss and choose books that will be on its calendar for the next year. Members submitted suggestions in May for others to review in advance of the luncheon, giving members time to review the books. This ensures the final list is of excellent quality for all members. The schedule of dates and book selections for the 2024-2025 year are below in the Book Club Final Selection List.
If anyone is interested in the Book Club (and who is a Kingsway-Islington Probus Club member) and would like to hear more about one of the books on the list, please connect Kathryn Raymond at kathryn.raymond@rogers.com or just attend the next session as an interested book reader. This way you can see what this club is about and participate if you have read the book.
Book Club Meeting of May 9th
For the May 9th, 2024 meeting, the Book Club had nine very participatory members who discussed The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. It truly is an epic love letter to a country this author loves deeply. It was written with so much detail, sooo many characters and over multiple generations that it begs the reader to read it more than one time! Our member Gina Steele walked us through the author’s history and awards that he has won for medicine and writing. The author had woven so, so many details that are linked in different chapters that until you read it close to the end, you may not make the connection. Gina is to be commended for not only recommending this 725-page book but taking on the research and presentation to our club.
“The Covenant of Water” is a novel by Abraham Verghese, first published in 2023. It’s a historical fiction set in Kerala, South India, and spans from 1900 to 1977. It is about a family in India haunted for over 75 years by a medical mystery. The story follows three generations of a family that experiences a peculiar affliction where at least one person in each generation dies by drowning—a significant detail considering Kerala’s abundant water bodies.
If you’re interested in a deep, multi-generational tale that intertwines family drama with historical and cultural shifts in India, “The Covenant of Water” should be a compelling read for you. To learn more, Click Here.
Book Club Meeting of April 11th
The April meeting lead by Donna Firman at the Fairfield Centre on April 11th, 2024 discussed The Blue Collar CEO written by Mandy Rennehan.The Blue Collar CEO describes the Gutsy Journey from Rookie Contractor to Multi-Millionaire Construction Boss and is a captivating memoir by Mandy Rennehan. In this respectfully uncensored account, Rennehan shares her remarkable journey from a rookie contractor to a successful construction industry leader, all before the age of thirty.
The book delves into Rennehan’s savvy business skills, innovative thinking, and her unwavering commitment to authenticity. Through her journey, readers gain insights into the male-dominated construction industry and the power of staying true to one’s values.
Click Here to read more about this true Canadian success story.
Book Club Meeting of March 14th
The Book Club met at the Fairfield Centre on March 14th, 2024 to discuss Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. “Lessons in Chemistry” is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to the early 1960s. The story revolves around Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who faces both professional and personal challenges. Click Here to read more about this book on our blog Page Turners #25 .
Book Club Meeting of February 11th
The Book Club had its book discussion meeting in Room 3 of the Fairfield Centre on February 8th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. At that meeting, Terry Lingys reviewed the 2019 Historical Biography, A Woman of No Importance, written by Sonia Purnell. This is a story of Virginia Hall and how her heroism changed the course of the Second World War. Click Here to read more about this book on our blog Page Turners #24 .
Book Club Meeting of January 11th
At the January 11th, 2024 meeting, Wendy Edgett reviewed the 2007 book Infidel, which is a New York Times best seller. Infidel is a 2006 autobiography of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-Dutch activist and politician. Hirsi Ali has attracted controversy and death threats that were made against Ali in the early 2000s over the publication of the book. Eight “Pageturners”, including two new members, Tracy Horsman and Diane Gillis, joined in the discussion. You can read the review of this book, Page Turners #23 by Clicking Here.
Book Club Meeting of November 9th
In November our member, Elva Edgar, had selected and lead the discussion on “Daughters of the Deer”. It was written by Danielle Daniel who, in her debut novel, was able to link her family’s ancestral link to this amazing story. Our five attending members had a very interesting and spirited discussion about this book, which we all loved very much. Click here to read more about this book.
Below is the list of books we are discussing for the 2023-2024 year. Please take a look at the book titles and see if you, too, may wish to read it. All our books are available through the Toronto Public Library system.
Regular meetings are not held during the months of December, July and August.
Benefits of Belonging to the Book Club
The Book Club is interested in encouraging its members to read and discuss books that are worthwhile: interesting, topical and substantial. All of the books are available for free through the Toronto Public Library. Some of the books are from the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Many of the members of the Club have become friends because of their common interest of enjoying books. Belonging to the Club provides motivation to read books that you might not have chosen yourself and provides intellectual stimulation both by reading the book and by discussing it.
The meetings also provide an opportunity to express your thoughts and opinions, and to practice your presentation skills in a welcoming environment. Submitting a blog of the book that you have presented helps to improve your writing skills.
The Book Club chooses books in June of each year for the following eight meetings starting with September to November then January to May. In December, we meet for a Christmas luncheon – just for fun! In May, we begin sharing book titles that we wish the group to consider for the following year. This allows members to review the titles and authors making the decision process at the June luncheon more streamlined.
Upcoming Meetings
We now meet at The Fairfield Seniors Center, at 80 Lothian Ave. in Etobicoke in Room 3, on the second Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Regular meetings are not held during the months of December, July and August.
Our Members
Attending the Book Club is open to everyone in Probus. We are looking for new members to help us continue our excellent selections and discussions. All of the members of the club are avid readers that love good books. The Book Club is led by Kathryn Raymond but decisions are made by gaining consensus within the group. Members of the Book Club refer to themselves as Pageturners, the name of their blog.
If you are interested in learning more about this club, please contact Kathryn Raymond at kathryn.raymond@rogers.com. She would be happy to set you up as a guest to attend a meeting, meet the members, and see how the club runs.
Book Club Final Selection List
Club Posts
The Page Turners #1
The Woman Who Smashed the Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies by Jason Fagone BOOK CLUB CHOICE, September 2020 Reviewed by: Gina Steele Joining the ranks of Hidden Figures and In the Garden of Beasts, this is the incredible true story of the greatest codebreaking duo…
The Page Turners #2
THE BRIDGE LADIES: A Memoir, by Betsy Lerner Harper Wave: Harper Collins Publishers, 2016. BOOK CLUB CHOICE, October 2020 Reviewed by: Sally Goodwillie When her mother needs help following surgery, Betsy Lerner steps up, although with some trepidation as a result of their historically difficult relationship. As she settles into her mother’s routine, she is…
The Page Turners #3
RAGGED COMPANY by Richard Wagamese BOOK CLUB CHOICE, November 2020 Reviewed by: Mhairi Godley How do four very different people end up homeless, and become friends not only with each other, but also with a ‘Straight John’ disillusioned journalist (whom they nickname “Granite”) who is struggling to come to terms with his own issues? Wagamese…
The Page Turners #4
THE SILENT PATIENT by Alex Michaelides BOOK CLUB CHOICE, January 2021 Reviewed by: Kathryn Raymond That rarest of beasts: the perfect thriller. This extraordinary novel set my blood fizzing—I quite literally couldn’t put it down. I told myself I’d just dip in; eleven hours later—it’s now 5:47 a.m.—I’ve finished it, absolutely dazzled. A.J. Finn, #1…
The Page Turners #5
TUCO: THE PARROT, THE OTHERS AND A SCATTERSHOT WORLD by Brian Brett BOOK CLUB CHOICE, February 2021 Reviewed by: Wendy Edgett Brian Brett, born in April 1950 in BC, is a poet, journalist, editor and novelist. He has published sixteen books. His best-selling “Trauma Farm” won numerous prizes including the Writer’s Trust Award for Canadian…
The Page Turners #6
THE GOWN by Jennifer Robson BOOK CLUB CHOICE, March 2021 Reviewed by: Darlene Leaver Jennifer Robson, Toronto author has written six historical, fiction novels set during and after the two world wars. The Gown has been set in 1947 London, England and 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This captivating story revolves around two women who…
The Page Turners #7
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Colson Whitehead BOOK CLUB CHOICE, April 2021 Reviewed by: Loretta Fines Cora is a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia. An outcast even among her fellow Africans, she is on the cusp of womanhood—where greater pain awaits. And so, when Caesar, a slave who has recently arrived from Virginia, urges…
The Page Turners #8
THE DINNER by Herman Koch BOOK CLUB CHOICE, May 2021 Reviewed by: Norma Bandler May’s chosen book was The Dinner by Herman Koch, a Dutch author whose book was translated into 21 languages. We reviewed it in English! His book was likened to the writings of Philip Roth, Mark Twain and Joseph Conrad. Making use of…
The Page Turners #9
THE FINISHING SCHOOL by Joanna Goodman BOOK CLUB CHOICE, September 2021 Reviewed by: Kathryn Raymond One September 9, 2021, the book we discussed was The Finishing School by Joanna Goodman. The novel was very interesting as it included many social themes relevant to current issues. Although we were missing some members, those in attendance we all…
The Page Turners #10
THE DUTCH HOUSE written by Ann Patchett BOOK CLUB CHOICE, October 2021 Reviewed by: Elva Edgar At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy built a large real estate empire, became wealthy and purchased “The Dutch House” which was the start of the family demise. Over 5 generations and 5 decades, we followed the…
The Page Turners #11
Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill written by Sonia Purnell BOOK CLUB CHOICE, November 2021 Reviewed by: Gina Steele A Washington Post Review stated “Purnell’s extensive and insightful biography offers a much welcome portrait of Clementine Churchill whose remarkable life has long been overshadowed by her famous husband.” Purnell wrote that “ Clementine was so much…
The Page Turners #12
The Island of Sea Women written by Lisa See BOOK CLUB CHOICE, February 2022 Reviewed by: Kathyrn Raymond Set on the Korean island of Jeju, The Island of Sea Women follows Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls from very different backgrounds, as they begin working in the sea with their village’s all-female diving collective. Over many decades—through the Japanese…
The Page Turners #13
The Personal Librarian written by Marie Benedict BOOK CLUB CHOICE, March 2022 Reviewed by: Terry Lingys On March 10th, the Pageturners met to discuss “The Personal Librarian” by the New York Times best selling author Marie Benedict. The Personal Librarian is an historical novel, a New York Times bestseller, published in 2021 and written by Marie Benedict…
The Page Turners #14
Five Little Indians written by Michelle Good Reviewed by: Sally Goodwillie When the Pageturners group decided last year to choose “Five Little Indians” for our April read, little did we know that by the time we came to discuss the book, the subject matter would be on-going news. In the last year, we heard of the…
The Page Turners #15
The Pull of the Stars written by Emma Donoghue Prepared by Kathryn Raymond Talk about timing! Emma Donoghue became interested in the Great Influenza in 2018 because of its 100 year anniversary. But as she put the final touches on her draft, the COVID-19 virus reared its ugly head in 2020 and started another world pandemic.…
The Page Turners #16
The Book Club was very happy to be finally meeting ‘live’ to discuss a book once again. We are now meeting at the Fairfield Seniors’ Centre, 80 Lothian Ave (Etobicoke), Room 2. With some quick rearranging of the classroom tables, we had a grouping where we could face each other and enjoy each other’s company.…
The Page Turners #17
The Book Club continues to host members interested in reading. We read excellent books suggested and then chosen by our members and we are looking for one or two new members to help us continue our excellent selections and discussions. We are happy to be meeting at The Fairfield Center for Senior’s at 80 Lothian…
The Page Turners #18
November 10th, 2022, saw the Book Club gather at the Fairfield Seniors’ Centre (at 2:00 p.m. in Room 3) to discuss Crow Lake by Mary Lawson. Our animated discussion was led by our new President, Debra Owens. Everyone enjoyed reading her suggestion. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson (293 pages) Who doesn’t love Mary Lawson? Even though…
The Page Turners #19
For May, The Pageturners met again at Fairfield Centre and saw all 10 members in attendance. The group had a very lively and thoughtful discussion on The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. The Lincoln Highway written by Amor Towles Reviewed by Norma Bandler The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles is a New York Times Best…
The Page Turner #20
The Kingsway-Islington Probus Book Club, The Pageturners, met on September 14, 2023 to discuss The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot, written by Marianne Cronin. See the review below. The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot written by by Marianne Cronin Reviewed by Kathryn Raymond This novel was the inaugural, fictional novel by Marianne Cronin, who studied…
The Page Turner #21
Six Probus Book Club members discussed a novel by Chanel Cleeton entitled “When We Left Cuba” on October 12, 2023. This is the Pageturner’s Summary of this book. When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton This 341 page, historical fiction novel is the story of the Perez family who fled from Cuba to south Florida in…
The Page Turner #22
In November our member, Elva Edgar, had selected and lead the discussion on “Daughters of the Deer”. It was written by Danielle Daniel who, in her debut novel, was able to link her family’s ancestral link to this amazing story. Our five attending members had a very interesting and spirited discussion about this book, which…
The Page Turner #23
On Thursday, Jan 11th, 2024, eight “Pageturners”, including two new members,Tracy Horsman and Diane Gillis, met at Fairfield Centre to discuss “ Infidel”a memoir by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Wendy Edgett led the review. Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali Infidel is a New York Times best seller. It is the 2006 autobiography of Ayaan Hirsi Ali,…
The Page Turner #24
On the February 8th, 2024 meeting of the Book Club, Terry Lingys reviewed the 2019 Historical Biography, A Woman of No Importance, written by Sonia Purnell. This is a story of Virginia Hall and how her heroism changed the course of the Second World War. A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell A Woman…
The Page Turner #25
The Book Club met at the Fairfield Centre on March 14th, 2024 to discuss Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. “Lessons in Chemistry” is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to the early 1960s. The story revolves around Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who faces both professional and personal challenges. Elizabeth worked at…
The Page Turner #26
The Book Club met at the Fairfield Centre on April 11th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with the discussion of The Blue Collar CEO by Mandy Rennehan lead by Donna. “The Blue Collar CEO: Describes the Gutsy Journey from Rookie Contractor to Multi-Millionaire Construction Boss” and is a captivating memoir by Mandy Rennehan. In this respectfully…
The Page Turners #27
On May 9th, 2024, the Book Club met again at the Fairfield Centre, with nine very participatory members who discussed The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Our member Gina Steele lead the discussion about the book and walked the group of 9 members through the author’s history and awards that he has won for…
The Page Turners #28
The meeting of the Book Club was on October 10th at The Fairfield Seniors Center. The book discussed was “Looking for Jane“, written by Heather Marshall. Kathryn Raymond led a very interesting discussion including some very personal experiences related to this Historical Fiction book. On its surface, Looking for Jane is an emotionally charged, meticulously researched and…
The Page Turners #29
Summary of ‘The Maidens’ written by Alex Michaelides, by Darlene Leaver: The novel The Maidens is written by Alex Michaelides born in Cyprus. This novel is a murder mystery of 333 pages set in London, England, Cambridge and Greece. There are eight college students known as The Maidens, a secret society of female students, who are…
The Page Turners #30
Summary of Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons by Charlotte Gray Terry led the Pageturners in an excellent discussion of her recommended book, “Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons” by Charlotte Gray at the March 13th meeting of the Book Club. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the book and Terry’s presentation. This book offers a dual biography of Sara Delano Roosevelt and Jennie…
The Page Turners #31
By Diane Gillis On Thursday May 8th, 2025, 12 members attended the last regular meeting of the Book Club until September 2025. Diane Gillis of the Pageturners led the discussion on the book “Secret History of Audrey James” by Heather Marshall (2024). Inspired by true stories of courageous women and the German resistance during World…
The Page Turners #32
Summary of The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg The discussion of The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg was led by Kathryn Raymond, Book Club Coordinator. This novel explores the transformative power of companionship, coping with grief, and finding happiness at any age. It is a story about how a group of people,…
Gallery
The Pageturners held their October meeting on Tuesday the 14th, 2020 when Sally Goodwillie introduced us to her selection, “The Bridge Ladies” written by Betsy Lerner. There is a short summary of the book from Sally located in Club Posts. As we were a tad late in starting The Pageturners this fall, Gina Steele has also submitted a summary of her book selection. “The Woman who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone” is included in Club Posts to ensure all books that we discussed this year are highlighted.
The Pageturners’ meeting on November 11th, 2020 was held at 9:30 a.m. to allow members to view Remembrance Day Celebrations at 11:00 a.m. The book discussed was Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese. There is a review of the book in the Club Posts section. Make sure to view the video of Richard Wagamese accepting the 2015 Matt Cohen Award to learn more about him as a writer.
The Pageturners continued their tradition of gathering for a Christmas luncheon via Zoom on December 8th. It was terrific to see that everyone was able to join in for a celebratory toast to ourselves and the holiday season. It was good to hear how others are celebrating the holidays over this COVID-19 Christmas and to reconnect with everyone once again.
The Pageturners met for our first Zoom meeting in 2021 on January 13th. During our December luncheon, we all agreed that offering our wait list folks the opportunity to participate in our book club was an excellent idea. Those people on the list the Club had gathered were contacted. We welcomed Terry Lingys as a new member to The Pageturners at this meeting. Over the holiday season, she obtained a copy of “The Silent Patient” to read in advance of January 13th to be able to participate. Welcome Terry!
The Pageturners met via Zoom on Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The author of our selection “The Gown”, Jennifer Robson, joined our book club discussion. This was a ‘first’ for the Probus Kingsway Islington Book Club. and we were thrilled. Our hour together allowed us to hear from the author and have a Q&A session.
The Pageturners met via Zoom on Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Wendy Edgett led the discussion on our February book, “Tuco: The Parrott, The Others and a Scattershot World”, written by Brian Brett. As usual, it was a spirited one with various points of view on not only the book but the author himself.
The Pageturners met via Zoom on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss “The Underground Railroad” by Coulson Whitehead. We had a lovely introduction about the author by Loretta Fines. She shared information about the “railroad” which was not an actual railroad. It used many rail terms such as conductor, station, stops etc. It was a book that many read with a different eye, thus many unique perspectives were shared.
The Pageturners met via Zoom on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 at 11:00 am to discuss “The Dinner” by Herman Koch. While is was published in 2012, our book lead for this book, Norma Bandler, felt it had a good amount of controversy. Virtually all of those who could make the call had much to contribute based on how we had each read it. It was certainly a very lively session and I believe, enjoyed by all.
The Pageturners met via Zoom on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 at 11:00 am for our annual meeting to choose the slate of books for the 2021-2022 season, that will start in September. The Pageturners are in the midst of deciding not only which day is best for everyone, as well as whether we want to continue meeting via Zoom or wish to again meet ‘live’.
On Thursday the 14th of October, the Pageturners discussed The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, lead by Elva Edgar. The book had mixed reviews. Elva stated “I believe it made you think and wonder of the role you play in peoples lives, especially your family.”
On Thursday the 11th of November, 2021, the Pageturners discussed Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill by Sonia Purnell, which was reviewed Gina Steele. The book was enjoyed by everyone and generated a lot of discussion about Clementine’s impact on her family, society, and history.
On Thursday, February 10, 2022, the Pageturners discussed “The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See. Kathryn Raymond lead the discussion. This story of women’s friendships and the larger forces that shape them, The Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce female divers of Jeju Island, and the dramatic history that shaped their lives.
On March 10th, the Pageturners talked about “The Personal Librarian” by the New York Times best selling author Marie Benedict in collaboration with Victoria Murray. It is the little-known true story of Belle da Costa Greene (1879-1950), the personal librarian of the famous financier J.P. Morgan. Belle was a librarian at Princeton University when she was hired in 1905 to oversee J.P. Morgan’s world-class collection of rare books and manuscripts.
On April 14, 2022, there was a Book Club Zoom meeting to discuss “Five Little Indians” written by Michelle Good.
When the Pageturners group decided last year to choose “Five Little Indians” for our April read, little did we know that by the time we came to discussing the book, the subject matter would be on-going news.
On May 12, 2022, there was a Book Club Zoom meeting to discuss “The Pull of the Stars written by Emma Donoghue”.
Talk about timing! Emma Donoghue became interested in the Great Influenza in 2018 because of its 100 year anniversary. But as she put the final touches on her draft, the COVID-19 virus reared its ugly head in 2020.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 