The Personal Librarian

 The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray 341 pages

Summary: 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 on the New York society scene 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 build 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.

My Thoughts: So this was a really interesting book. I enjoyed learning about this Librarian and all the work she did for J.P. Morgan. How she had to lie about her race and the fear of the truth coming out. If you like fictionalized books about real people (with a ton of real facts) I would recommend reading this book. Honestly any book by Marie Benedict is amazing!