June 19

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Marion and Shiva Stone, twin brothers born from a secret love affair between an Indian nun and a British surgeon, come of age in an Ethiopia on the brink of revolution, where their love for the same woman drives them apart.

July 17

Defending Jacob by William Landay

An assistant district attorney for more than twenty years, Andy Barber is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided when his 14-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.

August 21

Corduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall Smith

Corduroy Mansions is an apartment block in London’s vibrant Pimlico neighborhood, home to a collection of quirky characters, including perhaps the world’s most clever terrier. McCall Smith traces their amusing foibles and interactions through the ins and outs of neighborliness.

September 18

Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

In an epic true story, Li Cunxin, a peasant boy from rural China, beats impossible odds to become a world-renowned ballet dancer. Through breathtaking talent and sheer determination, Li makes his way to the United States, but when he falls in love with an American woman, he must risk everything to remain in the land of the free.

October 16

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Retired Major Ernest Pettigrew leads a quiet life in the village of St. Mary, England, until his brother’s death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village.

November 20

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Tired of living on a failing farm and suffering oppressive poverty, bored housewife Dellarobia Turnbow, on the way to meet a potential lover, is detoured by a miraculous event on the Appalachian mountainside that ignites a media and religious firestorm that changes her life forever.

December 18

No book discussed – Members’ Meeting