Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles-315 pages

Based on the true story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian who changed the literary landscape of WWI Paris.

Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild devastated French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen—children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears.

1987: When NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives, she becomes consumed with learning her fate. In her obsessive research, she discovers that she and the elusive librarian have more in common than their work at New York’s famed library, but she has no idea their paths will converge in surprising ways across time.

LOVED it...an exceptional read.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

 

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles-351 pages

Based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris.  Another wonderful story about the power of books to unite us and bring us together in times of chaos and upheaval.  On the brink of WWII, Paris 1939.  Young Odile can't believe that she landed a job at the American Library.  As the war unfolds and days turn into years, it can change everything you hold dear; your family, friends, lovers.  Suddenly you find yourself not knowing who to trust and one misstep can change your whole trajectory in life.  Fast forward to Montana 1983.  We catch up with the much older Odile and her very inquisitive teen neighbor Lily.  Their love for each other grows as Odile helps  Lily navigate her teen years, loss of a loved one and a upheaval in her family life.  A slow start in the beginning, but once I got into it I enjoyed it very much.