Book Club: May/June 2026

This Book Made Me Think of You – By Libby Page

If you’re looking for a story that gently tugs at your heart while still leaving you feeling hopeful, This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page is a truly special read.

At its core, the novel explores grief in a way that feels deeply authentic and refreshingly honest. Page doesn’t shy away from the heaviness of loss. Instead, she leans into it with compassion and nuance, showing how the absence of a loved one can reshape your world.

What makes this story stand out is how beautifully it balances that heaviness with warmth, humor, and moments of unexpected lightness. It mirrors real life in the way that even in grief, there can still be laughter, connection, and small joys that sneak in when you least expect them.

One of the most moving aspects of the book is its exploration of how we carry forward the memory of those we’ve lost. Rather than suggesting we “move on” in a way that leaves the past behind, Page offers a more comforting perspective: that we move forward with our loved ones, holding onto their influence in the way we live, love, and grow. It’s about honoring a person not just through remembrance, but through continuing to live a full life which is something that can feel both difficult and necessary after loss.

The story also thoughtfully navigates the complicated emotions that come with opening your heart again.

It acknowledges the guilt, the hesitation, and the quiet fear that loving someone new might somehow diminish the love that came before. Yet, it ultimately reassures us that love is not finite, it expands. In that sense, the book offers a gentle permission: to grieve deeply, to remember fully, while still allowing yourself the possibility of joy and connection again.

This novel is a beautiful blend of moments that feel light-hearted and comforting, almost like sitting with a close friend over coffee, and others that hit with poignant clarity, making you pause and really feel. It’s that emotional rhythm that makes the story so impactful.

More than anything, This Book Made Me Think of You is the kind of book you reach for when you want something meaningful yet comforting, reflective yet uplifting. Whether you’re reading it on vacation or curled up at home, it stays with you, quietly reminding you of the people who have shaped your life and the resilience of the human heart.

The Sea Captain’s Wife – By Tilar J. Mazzeo

Few stories capture both the danger of the open sea and the quiet determination of an overlooked historical figure quite like The Sea Captain’s Wife by Tilar J. Mazzeo.

This nonfiction account tells the remarkable story of Mary Ann Patton, a 19-year-old woman in the 1850s who found herself in an almost unimaginable position of taking command of her husband’s merchant ship in the middle of a perilous voyage. It’s the kind of story that feels almost unbelievable, made even more compelling by the fact that it’s true. And yet, like many stories of women in history, it’s one that has largely gone untold.

Mazzeo approaches Patton’s story with both careful research and thoughtful transparency. Because historical records about women are so limited, especially those in unconventional roles, the author openly acknowledges where details must be inferred. Rather than weakening the narrative, this honesty adds depth and credibility, inviting readers into the process of piecing together a life that history nearly forgot. It’s a reminder of how many voices have been left out of the record and how meaningful it is to recover them.

The book does take its time at the beginning, offering rich descriptions and historical context that ground the reader in the world of 19th-century seafaring life. But once the journey is underway, the pace and tension build dramatically. A violent storm, the threat of mutiny, and the spread of illness among the crew create a series of escalating challenges. Through it all, Mary Ann Patton emerges as a figure of quiet strength and resilience, stepping into leadership with determination and courage when it matters most.

What makes this story so engaging is the way it blends high-stakes adventure with a deeply human core. Mary’s perseverance in the face of isolation, danger, and uncertainty is both inspiring and compelling. It’s easy to find yourself rooting for her as she navigates both the ocean and the expectations placed upon her.

This is a wonderful pick for history lovers of all kinds-not just maritime enthusiasts. It offers adventure, insight, and a powerful reminder that extraordinary stories are often hidden just beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered.//