Columbia Book Club

Our November book is The Names by Florence Knapp (336 pages)

2026 Schedule
November 19: The Names by Florence Knapp (336 pages)
December: NO MEETING

2027 Schedule
January 21: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Synopsis
In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son's birth. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates...

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing.

Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love’s endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.

The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

Meeting Details
This is an online video meeting. Google Meet code will be visible closer to the event for those who have rsvp'd.

Past 2026 Schedule
DONE January: The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
DONE February: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
DONE March: The Women by Kristin Hannah
DONE April: Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
DONE May: Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
DONE: June: Vigil by George Saunders
DONE: July: The Girl Who Wrote In Silk by Kelli Estes
DONE: August: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
DONE: September: The Wager by David Grann
DONE: October: The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn