Book Review: 'Wise Gals' by Nathalia Holt

✰✰✰✰ After World War II, America sought to form a new organization tasked with helping to keep the country safe. This new organization would gather foreign intelligence and analyze it. Today we know this organization as the Central Intelligence Agency, but how did it get started? And who were the people who were instrumental in developing the tools and skills of the world of espionage? It turns out that among the many men recruited to form this organization, there was also a small group of women who played a pivotal role as well. This is a story of five women whose wit, wisdom, and bravery paved the way for future female agents to come. Known as the ‘wise gals’ for their sense of humor and intelligence, these women will go down in history as smart, brave, and inspirational.

The Bottom Line: This is a fascinating looking into a little-known part of American history. The stories of these amazing women are fascinating and engaging. However, be prepared to time jump as the writing is a bit disorganized. Additionally, there are so many names mentioned that a “cast of characters” may have been helpful. Recommended for history buffs and those interested in espionage and women’s history. 

Book Club Notes: This was our first meeting of 2025. We were excited to read about a part of history that we knew very little about. Thoughts about this book were mixed. At times the timeline seemed to have gaps, and members commented that there were so many characters that it was difficult at times to keep all the names straight. This issue became even more pronounced as the evening progressed. Overall, we found the book to be interesting and filled with information we did not know. The content was good, and the writing style was readable. This book helped us understand history better, and we appreciated the stories of the “gals” and their bravery. 

Some members loved the book; others…not so much, citing that the author jumped around and the text lacked organization. Due to the structural issues with the book, ratings ranged from a low of 3 to a high of 5 for an average of 3.9 stars (on a scale of 1 - 5). 

Book Clubs can find a reading guide at Penguin Random House or a book club kit at Issuu. 

Details: Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage by Nathalia Holt. Hardcover published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 2022. 400 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-32848-4

Book Review: 'Aloha Rodeo' by David Wolman & Julian Smith

✰✰✰✰ While most of us are familiar with the romanticized version of the Wild West, what do we actually know about the real challenges of life back then? This book brings to light that special era between when the West was won and when people were transitioning into creating a “civilized” environment. As the country grew, there were challenges of settling the land and dealing with other cultures.

Ideally situated, Hawaii was important to ships and trade. Hawaii was already a diverse population rich in culture and history. Yet the young United States eyed these islands as the perfect addition. Most of the mainland still thought of Hawaiians as foreigners at the time three islanders came to compete in Cheyenne’s Frontier Days. Likened to the original Paris Olympics, Frontier Days attracted cowboys worldwide and the winners became undisputed world champions. Would the three Hawaiians be treated fairly? Would they be able to compete at the world championship level? Would they be able to prevail after a long trip? Part history lesson, part adventure, part biography, this book packs a punch and will keep you turning the pages.

The Bottom Line: Basically, this is a history book about Hawaii in the early years. It’s a fast read considering it’s packed with interesting facts. However, it’s like three little books in one (Hawaii, U.S., Paniolo), and you only get to scratch the surface of each. While each part is interesting, I would have liked to see more information about how the paniolo lived their lives on a daily basis and how their families coped. Recommended for history buffs and the general reader who is interested in the Wild West and American History.

Book Club Notes: While we enjoyed reading this slim book, it somehow left us searching for more…more information about the lives of the paniolo and more recent information about Hawaii. On a scale from 1 - 5, with five being the highest, we averaged a 4. Ratings ranged between 3.75 and 5. Some of the comments about this book included wishing it were longer and appreciating that it was factual and very informative. We also liked the inclusion of the photos. This book was packed with history; yet it kept the reader's interest. Only one person mentioned that the details could be overwhelming at times. And we tossed around the idea of a better title as Aloha Rodeo is a bit misleading (the book was more about the early history of Hawaii than Hawaiian rodeos.) History buffs will appreciate the attention to detail, while others might want to read this in small bites. Enthusiastically recommended for book clubs interested in American History and the Old West. Every member learned at least one thing, so for me that’s “mission accomplished.”

While this was a lively discussion, the book did not come with discussion questions. Since it was chock full of facts about the history of Hawaii, the Paniolo, the Wild West, and America, it was difficult to come up with themed questions. I have included below, the list of questions that I did come up with. However, these were more like test questions than my usual style of thoughtful questions about theory, intentions, etc. It’s simply due to the nature of the book itself and the style in which it is written. Pick and choose the questions that suit your group, and please remember to credit this site.

Discussion Questions:

Hawaii & the Monarchy:

How did Hawaii’s isolation protect the islands? How did it hinder the islands? Later, how did Hawaii benefit from its location? 

How important did the cattle become to Hawaii’s economy? Or how were the cattle a turning point in Hawaiian history? 

How did Hawaiians view land? Why wasn’t it theirs to buy or sell?

Why was the land grab in 1840 one of the most important events in Hawaiian history? How did it redefine the concept of property? Who grabbed up the land? 

Discuss the multi-ethnicity of the people of Hawaii. 

Discuss Hawaii’s monarchy.

Who was Kamehameha?

How did cattle get to the islands? Why were the cattle brought there?

In the eyes of Europeans, what were the cattle useful for?

How did overthrowing the monarchy affect the cultural identity of the Hawaiian people? 

The Paniolo:

Who were the vaqueros? Why did they come to Hawaii? What did they teach the Hawaiians? 

What are paniolo? What does the word mean?

Describe paniolo culture.

What is involved in ranching? 

Who was John Palmer Parker? How was he important to Hawaii’s future at the time? How was he different from missionaries who visited the islands at the time? 

What were the characteristics of a good bullock hunter? What was their life like? 

Discuss the importance of horses. 

The Paniolo had additionally challenges like always being aware of where to find water. Discuss the challenges of herding into the surf. 

Who was Eben Low? Why was he so famous? What happened to him? How did he reinvent himself? 

Who was Ikua Purdy? How were Ikua and Eben different? 

Wyoming/U.S.:

What was the Manifest Destiny? Was it opportunistic? Why were some people opposed to taking over foreign lands? 

Why was it difficult for some to accept the takeover of Hawaii? Why would some “backward” places not welcome this new form of governance and prosperity? Were these cultures really “backward.” 

How did Cheyenne Frontier Days become a cultural showcase & rodeo competition?

What was the Transcontinental Railroad? Why did it change the country? Discuss the Chinese Exclusion Act. 

Discuss the rise and fall of Cheyenne. 

When Eben Low visited the mainland twice, he was disturbed by the racism he saw. Yet, one in four cowboys at the time were African American. Discuss racism in the Wild West. Discuss racism now. 

Wyoming’s motto is “Equal Rights.” Discuss women’s suffrage.  

How did Cheyenne Frontier Days become a cultural showcase & rodeo competition?

Has anyone ever been to a rodeo? 

Has anyone ever been to a ranch?

Describe the Old West. Discuss the differences between the Old West and the romanticized version. 

What happened to the bison?

Wild West Show:

Who was William Frederick Cody? How did he get the name “Buffalo Bill?”

How did Buffalo Bill Cody turn cowboy culture into mainstream entertainment? 

What was “Wild West Theater”? And why were people so interested in it? 

Discuss Cody’s influence on romanticizing the Wild West, and by extension America itself. 

Discuss Cody’s inconsistent relationship with Native Americans. 

How do you think the Native Americans in Cody’s Wild West show felt about performing? 

Who was William Picket? [African American cowboy famous for bulldogging.] 

Discuss the cowgirls. What challenges did they face?

Annie Oakley advocated for women to participate in sports and exercise. How has this been beneficial to women?

Why were the paniolo mislabeled as foreigners in many accounts of Frontier Days? 

Wrap-up: 

Discuss the long-term environmental consequences of the cattle on the islands. What impact did ranching have? What did Eben believe was the bigger problem? 

Why did it take so long for Ikua to be inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Rodeo Hall of Fame?

The author talks about the Fourth of July being one of the most important public holidays of the year back in 1898. Does it have the same meaning now? Has the celebration changed? 

Did you learn something new? Please share.

Do you have any questions?

Ratings 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest & why?

Details: Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, The World’s Greatest Rodeo, and A Hidden History of The American West by David Wolman and Julian Smith. Hardcover published by William Morrow in 2019. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-283600-7 

Book Review: 'Founding Mothers' by Cokie Roberts

✰✰✰ Back in the day, a brief mention of the Founding Fathers in a high school history class was common. We learned about the accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and more, but what about the women of the American Revolution? Often the women, be it wives, mothers, or sisters, would only be mentioned in passing, if at all. 

Well, journalist Cokie Roberts wondered about them as well and dove into telling their stories. Using letters and research, Roberts gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life during Colonial times. While not in the spotlight, women like Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Mercy Otis Warren were a force to be reckoned with. 

The Bottom Line: With many characters and long chapters, I had to read this book in small portions. I found the lives of these women to be fascinating, and I enjoyed learning about life during the American Revolution. These women made many contributions to American History; however, their efforts are seldom acknowledged. Recommended for American History classes for high school and college and for those interested in reading about the American Revolution. 

Book Club Notes: Members of our book club were eager to read about these clever and courageous women. On a scale from 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, ratings ranged from 2.5 - 4, with an average of 3.2. This turned out to be an engaging discussion about what we thought we knew about the Founders of our country and what our new perspective brings to our understanding of the American Revolution. 

Highly recommended for American History buffs and those interested in Women's History. This was a great pick for book clubs due to the many stories of all the characters being woven together. We agreed that this book was useful and factual. However, the stories jumped around throughout the book, and the many nicknames made for confusing reading at times. It would have been nice if the "Cast of Characters" was in the beginning of the book instead of page 279. 

While there are questions available online, I mostly relied on my own for this discussion. I am happy to share these questions with you; however, if you use them for your discussion, please credit this site: 

Discussion Questions by Mini Book Bytes: 

What was life like for the average woman during the Revolutionary War?

What kind of education could a girl expect to receive during Colonial times?

What was a woman’s role in regards to men? P. 29

 

How did being married affect women legally & financially as compared to being single or widowed?

 

Discuss the frequent pregnancies. Discuss the frequent death of babies/children. 

 

Why were the contributions of women during the American Revolution largely overlooked?

 

What made the relationship between Abigail & John Adams different?

 

How did women balance having/raising children and being involved in politics?

 

Discuss “having it all.” P. 49

What was life like for the Founding Mothers as compared to other women at the time? 

How did they influence their husbands and other powerful men?

 

While John Adams was helping create a new country, Abigail reminded him to "remember the ladies." What did she mean by this?  P. 60

 

Though John Adams respected his wife's opinions, why didn't he accept the notion that women should participate in political conversations? P. 70

 

Discuss the quote: Behind every great man, there’s a great woman. P. 76

 

What kind of sacrifices did these women make? 

Only two of the women mentioned in the book were women of color. Why?  

Discuss the institution of slavery at the time. Did any of the Founding Mothers disagree with this or question it?

The American Patriots fought to earn freedom from the British, but who else sought freedom?

Discuss Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved African American poet, who wrote poems supporting the Revolution.

Discuss the importance of letter writing at the time.

When the Founding Fathers were away, how did their wives fare running the businesses & farms. And when their husbands were off fighting battles & forming laws for the new nation, what crucial roles did women play?

Besides fighting the British, the young country was almost at civil war. Discuss the Loyalists and rebels.

Who was Catharine Macaulay? Why would an Englishwoman be so interested in the American cause?

Women often accompanied their husbands to army camps, including Martha Washington, Kitty Green, & Lucy Knox. Did this surprise you? What roles did they play at the camp?

How did the wives' wealth and connections help some of their husbands? Ex. Alexander Hamilton.

How did Martha Washington set the tone for First Ladies to follow? P. 230 How did she feel about being First Lady? P. 235

Nevertheless, Martha Washington was determined to be happy. What philosophy served her? P. 238

How was education for women affected by the Revolution? What changes came about?

Who or what inspired George Washington to run for a second term? P. 262

What qualities did the Founding Mothers have in common? 

 

By reading about the Founding Mothers, did you learn anything new about the Founding Fathers?

 

Who was your favorite Founding Mother? Why?

 

Who was your favorite Founding Father? Why?

 

Discuss the writing style. Roberts often intersperses her thoughts & commentary throughout the book. Did this add to the book?

Did you find the use of nicknames confusing? 

Ratings 1 - 5. Why did you like this book or not? Would you recommend it to someone? 

This list of questions was created by Nana Herron for MiniBookBytes Book Reviews and is available for personal use only. As a courtesy, please credit this site. Thank you!  

Details: Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts. Paperback published by Perennial in 2005. 384 p. ISBN: 978-0060090265 

Book Review: 'Young Men and Fire' by Norman Maclean

✰✰✰½ Today the Smokejumpers are an elite group of men and women who face the forest fires that are otherwise unreachable. The Smokejumper program was founded in 1939, and this true story takes place only ten years later when the group was just coming into its own. The Mann Gulch fire initially seemed like an ordinary mission. The fire had started by lightning, and the crew thought they would mop it up in no time. However, a perfect storm of circumstances led to them reversing course, even abandoning their tools, and running for their lives.

Of the survivors, one lived due to inventing the “escape fire” on the spot. But what saved his life would end up igniting a controversy that would span decades until the author took it upon himself to flesh out the truth. Part study of fire science, part survival story, and part quest for discovery, this book also looks at the philosophical points of life and insures that the men will never be forgotten.

The Bottom Line: Published posthumously, this true story about the Mann Gulch fire tragedy takes the reader on a quest to discover the mystery behind why so many lost their lives. This mystery almost became an obsession for the author in the last chapter of his life. Having been a firefighter, the author brought personal experience to his telling of the tragedy. Recommended for individuals interested in survival, science, and philosophy. [Note: This was the author’s second book. His first, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories was made into a movie.]

Book Club Notes: This was only the second meeting of this book club, so I give them a lot of credit for reading this challenging book. Parts are difficult to read, but the sacrifice these men made led to developments in firefighting techniques and safety as well as made people think about how to escape a forest fire. After this tragedy, the focus of saving people became the priority over extinguishing the fire if the choice presented itself. On a scale of 1 - 5, ratings averaged 3.3. The writing style with long run-on sentences was difficult for many to read. Also, a good portion of this book was philosophical, which led us to a completely different discussion than planned. Overall, recommended for groups interested in fire science, survival, and philosophy.

Details: Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean. Paperback (25th Anniversary edition)  published by The University of Chicago Press in 2017. 369 P. ISBN: 978-0-226-45035-3

Book Review: 'Dust Bowl Girls' by Lydia Reeder

✰✰✰✰ Sam Babb traveled far and wide to find only the most talented and dedicated young women basketball players. Despite being physically disabled, Babb was a talented coach. The girls he recruited simply loved playing basketball, and they were no strangers to hard work. For most of the team, this was their first time being away from home, but it was a dream come true. Not only did they get to play the sport they loved, but they also had the opportunity to receive a college education. Along the way, they became national champions during the Great Depression. This story of grit, tenacity, friendship, and compassion will keep you on the edge of your seat as the lady Cardinals battle one of the best athletes of the era.

The Bottom Line: This inspiring read is a look back in time when things were tough during the Great Depression. Not only did their coach provide them with the chance to play basketball, but each girl had the opportunity to better themselves and their families. These women went on to become coaches, teachers, and mothers and influenced generations of women after them. Enthusiastically recommended reading for high school and college classes, sports fans, and readers of women's history.

Book Club Notes: After a three year hiatus, this was our nonfiction book club’s first in-person meeting…with all new members! We began with introductions and also talked about book club etiquette before diving into our discussion. We talked about how dedicated the young women were to both their sport and to getting a college education during a time when both were a challenge. On a scale from 1 - 5, our ratings ranged from 3.5 - 5, with an average of 4. Highly recommended inspirational reading for books clubs and for those who enjoyed the movie, A League of Their Own.

Discussion questions to get you started can be found at Reading Group Choices. 

Details: Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team That Barnstormed Its Way to Basketball Glory by Lydia Reeder. Paperback (Reprint edition) published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill in 2017. 304 p. with detailed notes. ISBN: 978-1-61620-740-3

Book Review: 'Seabiscuit: An American Legend' by Laura Hillenbrand

✰✰✰✰½ The story of the little horse that could rode into the hearts of Americans during the Great Depression era and never really left. Overcoming numerous physical challenges and racing setbacks, Seabiscuit triumphed over much larger horses to become a cultural icon. But had it not been for the combined efforts of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith, and jockey Red Pollard, Seabiscuit may never have found his way out of the claiming races. Together the three men and Howard's wife, Marcela Zabala, did everything they could to bring out the best in Seabiscuit. The horse went from an angry, overlooked animal to an admired treasure that was the envy of the horse racing world. The book itself is an epic tale of determination, luck, and inspiration that will keep you turning the pages. 

The Bottom Line: Bestselling author, Laura Hillenbrand, tackled the story behind the most famous racehorse in American history and what made him so special. There's something for everyone in this inspiring tale. Highly recommended for fans of sports, horses, biographies, and underdog stories.

Book Club Notes: While the book was difficult for some to get into, it was riveting for others. Ironically, while several members expressed that the book was too long, the movie, on the other hand, did not go into enough depth. Our group shared an inspirational and spirited hour on Zoom discussing this one. We rated the book an average of 4.5, and the movie received 4 on a scale of 1 - 5. Discussion questions are plentiful online for groups looking to delve into this book. Highly recommended for book clubs, colleges, and other groups interested in both the horse and the personalities behind the making of Seabiscuit. 

Details: Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand. Paperback published by Ballantine Books in 2001. 399 p. ISBN: 978-0449005613 

Book Review: 'Twenty-One Steps' by Jeff Gottesfeld

✰✰✰✰½ Back in 1921, an unknown, fallen soldier returned in a casket to lay in state in the U.S. Capitol. He represented the many who died nameless and faceless during World War I. After being laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, time went by and people began to forget. To stop the desecration, changes were made and sentinel guards installed. Never again would the Unknowns be alone. 

Without fail, a sentinel guard has been present at the tomb since July 2, 1937 to keep vigil. It's the most difficult post to earn in the United States Army, and the guards strive for perfection. Every single thing the sentinel guards do honors the unknown fallen. This book is an excellent reminder of the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made in the past and continue to make today.

The Bottom Line: This picture book tells the little known history of the sentinel guards and what they do. Respectfully written without politics, author Jeff Gottesfeld broaches a difficult topic with dignity and grace. Beautiful illustrations cover full page and two-page spreads and help convey this difficult topic with reverence. Highly recommended reading for children in grades 2 - 3. Also, a highly recommended addition to school and public libraries.

Details: Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier written by Jeff Gottesfeld & illustrated by Matt Tavares. Picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0148-2 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'Balloons Over Broadway' by Melissa Sweet

✰✰✰✰½ Have you ever wondered how the gigantic balloons in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade came to be? They are the highlight of the parade for many, but most of us have no idea how it all started. Over a hundred years ago, a talented immigrant named Anthony "Tony" Frederick Sarg came to America. He specialized in making marionette's with lifelike movements. After coming to New York City, Macy's department store asked Tony to design a "puppet parade" for the store's "Wondertown" windows. The display was so popular, Macy's tasked Tony with creating a holiday parade for all the immigrants employed by Macy's. 

The first Thanksgiving Day parade in 1924 was a huge hit and included live zoo animals. Over the years the parade grew, but some of the children were afraid of the animals. Tony hoped to replace the lions and tigers with puppets, but how? And how did the puppets turn into the iconic, gigantic balloons? Check out this book for an informative, but entertaining read about Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who transformed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade into the event we look forward to each year.

The Bottom Line: Written and illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner, Melissa Sweet, this biography of Tony Sarg is filled with fascinating, colorful illustrations in gouache, collage, and mixed media. The book includes an Author's Note with some interesting tidbits about Tony and his life's work, information about the art in the book, a bibliography, and sources for quotes. Both Sarg's story and the author remind us "...that "play" may be the most important element in making art!" Highly recommended for kids ages 7 - 10 or anyone who is interested in art and American History.

Details: Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade written & illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Picture book published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children in 2011.  40 p. ISBN: 9780-547-19945-0 

Book Review: 'Argo: How the CIA & Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History' by Antonio Mendez & Matt Baglio

✰✰✰✰½ What happens when a gifted artist joins the CIA? Magic. On November 4, 1979, Iranian student protesters stormed the American Embassy in Tehran. The diplomats had experienced something similar earlier in the year, so initially they weren't too worried. Unfortunately, this was different. It was just the beginning of a 444-day ordeal in which Americans were held hostage in horrible conditions.

As if the situation weren't intense enough, six Americans had managed to evade capture and were hiding somewhere in the city. It would only be a matter of time before they were discovered. With the clock ticking, the United States began to create scenarios for rescue, and Antonio Mendez, a top CIA officer, was brought on board.

The result was a plan so fantastical, it just had to work. Or would it? With the help of Hollywood special-effects artists, a script for a sci-fi flick, and courageous Canadians, Mendez was about to undertake a rescue so daring, it would be one for the history books.

The Bottom Line: Told by a true hero, Argo is a real page-turner. This quick read will keep you on the edge of your seat and provide the reader with a fascinating look at some of the "tricks of the trade" used in the past to exfiltrate people. Perfect for the armchair adventurer, fans of spy novels, and students of American History, this book is highly recommended.

Book Club Notes: As a group, we rated this book very highly with a median of 4.5 stars. For those of us who watched both the movie and read the book, we gave the movie 3 stars. We found the movie a bit disappointing because of the many fictional parts created just for the sake of adding suspense. It's already suspenseful without jazzing it up. Nevertheless, for those members who only watched the film, the movie was very entertaining. Both (but especially the book) are enthusiastically recommended for book clubs.

The book takes the reader back to a time many of us still remember, albeit vaguely. Many scenes in the book were filled with memories. It was a a fast and easy to read book with lots of suspense. We appreciated the backstory into what it was like working for the CIA at the time. This book also highlighted the coordination between the Americans and the Canadians. (Thank you, CANADA!) The only thing missing from this book were maps and photos, but I was able to make up for this with information I found online.

Since the book did not come with a reading guide, I put together discussion questions from the following resources: Teach With Movies, the Carnegie Council, Pilgrim Uniting Church, and a teacher resource guide from News in Review. My list of discussion questions is at the bottom of this post and includes some of my own as well as those from the previously listed sites. [NOTE: If you use the list of questions for your book club, please give credit where credit is due.]

Additionally, here are some of the links I used to supplement the discussion: The Official Website of Tony & Jonna Mendez, Pleasant Valley Studios (featuring artwork by the authors), Anonio Mendez's obituary, Ken Taylor's obituary, a fascinating article about Jonna Mendez, artifacts from the ARGO caper, a survivor story, Tony Mendez's case study, and a short video of The Real "ARGO."

Details: Argo: How the CIA and Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History by Antonio Mendez & Matt Baglio. Paperback published in 2012. 320 p. ISBN: 978-0-14-750973-4 

ARGO  Discussion Questions created & compiled by Nana A. Herron:

The day of the takeover:

• Did you know anything about this event prior to reading this book? 
• Did you know anything about the houseguests before reading the book or watching this film?
• What issues does this film/book raise?
• What preconceived notions did you have about Iran before reading this book? Did these change after reading the book? 
• Why wasn’t the embassy simply closed?
• Were there any other options for freeing the hostages or houseguests? (Military interventions, negotiations, dialogue…)  Before Tony came up with the exfiltration plan featuring a Hollywood cover story, there was another plan. The original idea was to create a dead body double of the shah in exchange for the American hostages? What were the pros and cons of this option?
• Discuss the culture of Iran.
• In the film, were Iranians portrayed unfairly? Were they stereotyped? 

Questions about the houseguests:

• How do you think the Americans felt about leaving their diplomatic post and walking out into the street?
• What would have happened if they had been discovered?
• How would you have spent your time in hiding?
• Do you think this incident left any long term effects on the houseguests?
• If you were a houseguest, which exfiltration scenario would you have considered? (English teachers, nutritionists, or Hollywood) What made the Hollywood cover story stand out from the other options?
• Discuss the ARGO exfiltration plan. What did you like or not like about it? Who was the primary audience for the Argo cover?
• Discuss the lengths the CIA went to in order to create a face production company, man phones in Hollywood, and create fake Canadian identities for the houseguests.
• What were their chances for success? How did the houseguests feel about the rescue plan? At the end of the film, former President Jimmy Carter says their chances for success was 50%. The houseguests did not know that at the time. Do you think it would have made a difference at the time if they had known?
• Discuss the personal risks to the Canadians involved and the political risks to Canada as a country.

Controversial issues about the film:   (Note: The genres are historical fiction/historical drama thriller.)

• How faithful was the film to the book? What did the movie get right? What is inaccurate? Do the inaccuracies bother you?
• This film won the 2013 Oscar for Best Picture, but it’s been “widely criticized for not being historically accurate,...” Creating a story of film sometimes means leaving out some information while including other details. Discuss the necessity to include or cut some facts.
• Do you think filmmakers and writers have a responsibility to represent historical events with accuracy? How much creative license should a writer/artist have?
• In Canada, this incident was known as the Canadian Caper. What was Canada’s role? John Sheardon & his wife are not represented in the movie. Discuss this omission.
• Should the movie have given Canada more credit? If so, would an American audience have been interested?
• What do you think about the scenes that were fictional, but used to create suspense in the movie? Was Affleck justified in using them to create tension?
• Was there anything that you saw or heard in the film that was unconvincing or seemed out of place?
• For those who both read the book and saw the film, which did you prefer?

Wrap-up:

• Do you think the author was the right person to tell the story?
• Who do you think acted more heroically? The Canadian ambassador, Ken Taylor, or the author, Antonio Mendez?
• Did this book or film improve your understanding of the hostage crisis?
• How does this book help you understand what is going on in Iran today? Do the issues raised in this book affect the world now? In the future? How so? 
• What was your impression of the CIA before reading the book? Has it changed?
• Why did the CIA keep this rescue operation concealed for so long (for 17 years...until 1997)?
• Did you learn something new? If so, what was it? If not, how did the author fail? 
• Did this book broaden your perspective of the world? In what way?
• Please rate the book from 1 - 5 (with 5 being the highest) and share why you either liked or disliked the book/film.

Book Review: 'Hidden Figures' by Margot Lee Shetterly

✰✰✰✰ In the era of segregation, the numbers didn’t lie. Math was math, as the professionals at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia knew. Long before machines crunched the numbers for space flights, there were female mathematicians who were known as “human computers.” They answered Uncle Sam’s call for duty to serve their country as only they could do by performing thousands of calculations with paper, pencils, slide rules, and adding machines.

When the pool of qualified white, female applicants dwindled, gifted African American women were encouraged to apply. These women came to the job with as much education and experience as their white counterparts, perhaps even more. At a time when Virginia’s Jim Crow laws required the human computers to be segregated, the “West Computers” held their own in the face of discrimination. The West Computers proved themselves time and again by producing outstanding work.

This book takes a look at nearly three decades of forgotten history starting in World War II. The author takes the reader through the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the race into space, and Star Trek. This little known piece of history follows these amazing women as they served their country, changed their lives, and helped future generations follow in their footsteps.

The Bottom Line: With a focus on women in science and empowerment, this quick read is highly recommended for high school and college students and their parents. This is an excellent choice for Black History month as well. This inspirational read is filled with lots of informational gems. This forgotten piece of American history is well worth the read.

Book Club Notes: This book was well received by the group. Members enjoyed reading about a little known facet of American history that was interwoven with the stories of these fascinating and intelligent women. At times the book was a little technical, and a few of us got bogged down in names and name changes, but overall this book was a gem. It gave us an inside view of how complicated things were during the Civil Rights Movement. We appreciated the vast amount of research the author put into this book. On a scale of 1 – 5, with 5 being the highest, we gave it an average of 4.25 stars.

Additionally, many of us had watched the movie as well and thought it was well done. For insights into the topic of human computers, be sure to watch the scene extras that come with the DVD.

Books clubs looking for discussion questions can find them at HarperCollins and Techbridge Girls. For additional information to supplement your discussion, take a look at these documents on the Mesa Community College Book Club page. Finally, for those discussing the movie, here's the Hidden Figures Family Discussion Guide from Twentieth Century Fox.

Details: Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. Paperback published by William Morrow in 2016. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-236360-2 

Book Review: 'Triangle: The Fire That Changed America' by David von Drehle

✰✰✰✰½ Travel back in time to a fine spring day in 1911. It was a Saturday, the end of the work week, and payday. The workers of the Triangle Waist Company were eager to collect their pay and head out with their friends. As workers waited by the only open exit, a fire broke out on the eighth floor. Within minutes the top three stories of the building were consumed by flame. Employees had just minutes, sometimes seconds, to make a decision. Choices were limited and the wrong choice was fatal. 

When the blaze was finally extinguished, 146 workers were dead. The city of New York began to ask, "Who was to blame?" What followed was a courtroom spectacle. Eventually, from the ashes of death, new reforms rose. This is a riveting look at a forgotten piece of history.

The Bottom Line: This compelling read reconstructs the worst workplace disaster in New York City until the events of 9/11. Once you pick this up, you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommended for history buffs, college students, architects, and politicians. Note: Sensitive readers may want to skip over the graphic descriptions of the fire and the victims.

Book Club Notes: Our group met for a fast-paced and emotional discussion. At 4.75 stars on a scale from 1 - 5, this was one of the better reads for this year. We enjoyed the writing style. The author seamlessly wove together topics of immigration, history, suffrage, unions, workplace safety, and politics. One member noted that there was something for everyone in this book. Another liked the informative, engaging style; it reminded her a "Dickens-like" era. The book also gave the reader a sense of the culture of the era. Plus, it was interesting to note how history seems to repeat itself again and again.

This discussion was supplemented with information from Cornell University, short video from the History channel, and questions from Reading Group Guides and an AP U.S. History Class.

Details: Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David von Drehle. Paperback published by Grove Press in 2004, reprint edition. 352 p. ISBN: 978-0-8021-4151-4

Book Review: 'The Day the World Came to Town' by Jim DeFede

✰✰✰✰✰ When U.S. airspace was closed due to the events of September 11, 2001, pilots were diverted elsewhere. Thirty-eight jetliners were forced to land in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland Canada. Many of the passengers had no idea where they were.

Gander had seen better days, but the community rallied together, and the townspeople didn’t hesitate to help. Gander responded with everything they had: food, towels, clothes, rides, and hugs. Many even welcomed the displaced passengers into their own homes to take showers or just have some quiet time. This is the extraordinary true story of the generosity of complete strangers and the lasting friendships they forged during a trying time in American history.

The Bottom Line: This quick, inspirational read highlights a lesser known story of the events of 9/11. The lengths Gander and surrounding communities went to in order to make the displaced passengers feel welcome is both memorable and heartwarming. This tale of the kindness of strangers is proof that there is still good in the world. Highly recommended for readers of history and nonfiction.

Book Club Notes: This was by far our most highly rated book of the year. Book Club members gave it an average of 4.75 stars. We appreciated that the book was written in small sections. Through the book, we were allowed to see a different side of humanity. The actions of the people in Newfoundland were filled with compassion and caring. This book is enlightening and inspirational. All too often we hear about all the bad in the world; however, this book highlights what is good. Highly recommended for book clubs. Also, highly recommended for high schools and colleges. 

Since I could not find a reading guide or list of book club discussion questions, I created the following sets of questions: 

The Day of the Attack: 

• Do you remember where you were when you first heard about the terrorist acts on 9/11? What were your initial reactions? How did these reactions change as the day want on? How was it different for us living in the Midwest compared to people living closer to the attacks?
•  Were you watching TV that day? What role did the media play in the way viewers reacted to the attacks? At the time, what were some of the images that made an impression on you?
•  When Mineta ordered the planes down, “…the US was effectively passing the potential threat posed by these planes onto” Canada…Despite the risk, Canada didn’t hesitate. 6 Discuss. Do you think this was fair?
• On P. 19, DeFede talks about Captain Knoth. As he waited for instruction, he wondered about the people on his plane. How would you have felt as a pilot or flight attendant? What would you have told your passengers? How would you have felt as a passenger?
• On p. 61, DeFede writes about one of the passengers studying her fellow passengers and wondering: What does a terrorist look like? She didn’t know. Think about the word “terrorist” for a moment. What images/stereotypes come to mind? Where do these stereotypes come from? How do we break down these stereotypes? 

Gander: 

• Has anyone visited Gander?
• Discuss the culture of Gander. How does it differ from yours? Is anyone from a small town?
• Discuss the importance of Gander in getting the planes down quickly & safely.
• Are there any stories that stood out? Please share specific quotes or passages.
• Some passengers craved news, others wanted to avoid it. Discuss.
• Would you invite strangers into your home? Why or why not?
• Discuss the Screeching-In ceremony in Chapter 17. Does your family or hometown have special celebrations? If so, tell us about them.
• After all the passengers left, the people of Gander turned down a party. Why? How do you think the people of Gander felt after everything was over? Discuss the Newfie way. (Chap. 19) 

Returning Home: 

• Everyone has a different way of coping with stress. When it came time to get back on the planes, “…there was genuine fear among the flight crews,…” 173 Consider the events of 9/11 & imagine having to get back on a plane. How would you have felt? How would you have handled it?
• In Chapter 15 when the Lopers discover that their flight is not going back to the U.S. as planned, but returning to Germany, they decide to drive. They had to figure out their own way home. What would you have done?
• The chairman of Hugo Boss, Baldessarini could have gone home on a private jet. Instead he returned with his fellow passengers. He said,”… flying home while the others were left behind would have been an act of betrayal of everything that had happened over the last 72 hours. He would go when the others went…He was in this until the end.” 194 Discuss his reasoning. What would you have done?
• Do you feel differently after these events when you fly? Do you still fly? Do you feel safe? 

The Legacy of 9/11: 

• Discuss some of the other stories from 9/11.
• How did life in America change after 9/11? Who was most affected by these changes?
• Did the story make you question any of your own beliefs?
• How did the events of September 11 bring out both the “worst” & the “best” in people?
• Have the events of 9/11 changed your daily lives in a positive way? In a negative way?
• What is the legacy of 9/11? What does it mean to live in a post-9/11 world?
• Would you change any of the policies or laws that have been put in place since 9/11? 

About the author & the book: 

• Why did the author open the book the way he did? (the adoption story) 
• Is the author’s background reflected in the book? Discuss the writing style. This was the author’s first book. Was the writing accessible to readers at large? 
• What is original about this book? How is it different from other books? 
• What was the author’s attitude towards his subject. How do you think the author was changed by the experience of writing the book. 
• What did you think about the title of the book? Why was it titled that way? Can you think of an alternative title? 
• What’s the overall message the author is trying to convey? 

Wrap-up: 

• For the person who chose the book, why did you select it? 
• Did you know anything about this event prior to reading this book? 
• What preconceived notions did you have about 9/11 before reading this book? Did these change after reading the book? 
• Did you learn something new? If so, what was it? If not, how did the author fail? 
• Did you learn anything new about yourself as you read the book? Please share. 
• Do the issues raised in this book affect your life now? In the future? How so? 
• Did this book broaden your perspective of the world? In what way? 
• Has reading this book changed your opinion of person or events? 
• FYI – There is a Broadway musical called “Come From Away.” Do you think it would make a good movie? Who would you pick to direct & star in it? 
• Rate the book from 1 – 5. What are the book’s strengths and weaknesses? Would you recommend this book to readers who don’t read nonfiction? Why? 

[NOTE: These questions are for personal use in book clubs. Please credit this site. Thank you!]

Details: The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundland by Jim DeFede. Paperback published by William Morrow in 2002. 244 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-055971-7