“I had tears in my eyes.”

I open this week’s update with a quote from a previous author and narrator of The Walking Book Club selection, Becoming, Michelle Obama.

“Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can’t just be on people of color to deal with it. It’s up to all of us—Black, white, everyone—no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own.” — Michelle Obama

In a world that is rather chaotic, The Walking Book Club hosted Jeanine Cummins, New York Times #1 bestselling author, and Yareli Azrimendi, narrator of American Dirt, for a thought-provoking discussion to raise funds for the International Rescue Committee. The conversation was a source of regrounding for inspired action.

“I had tears in my eyes throughout the call.”

“We’re here because you were there. That’s going to stick with me for a long, long time…”

“Move at the speed of intuition, brilliant.”

“Thank you for this great dialogue. I have found it to be very thought-provoking.”

“Amazing, enlightening, and inspiring dialogue! Thank you!”

“What a wonderful hour! Fascinating and inspiring, thank you.”

Together, The Walking Book Club and discussion participants raised $3,000. Thank you to everyone who supported the event.

Miles and Minutes

In other news, The Walking Book Club began our latest Just-for-Fun Group Challenge, #milesandminutes, inspired by Libby Delana.

Keep checking the Discussion Threads on our Facebook page for book extras on group selections. We start open discussion on June 7, meaning you can let the “cat-out-of-the-bag” and speak freely about books. Until then, try to limit anything that would be a spoiler.

For those of you who use library loan platforms like Libby, Overdrive, and Borrow Box, put a hold on The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wells and What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey for July. One of the authors will be joining us for a virtual book chat! The third group selection will be announced later this month.

Please spread the word about The Walking Book Club and invite your friends to join you! #bookloversinsneakers and June’s new hashtag, #milesandminutes.

Stay tuned for a Zoom book discussion later this month.