The MPHS Book Club delves into historical works and meets on designated Thursdays at 7:00 pm in Central School (103 S. Maple St.). Free to attend, donations always welcome!
January 8, 2026
Founding Mothers – REGISTER HERE
by Cokie Roberts
Join us for a lively, welcoming book club conversation about Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts! We’ll explore the remarkable women who shaped the early United States—no prior history knowledge needed. To enrich the conversation, participants are invited to optionally watch some or all of Ken Burns’ documentary The American Revolution. Whether you’re a longtime reader of American history or simply curious to learn something new, this is a great chance to connect, share ideas, and enjoy a thoughtful discussion in a friendly setting. Registration is optional but encouraged so we can send reminders and plan for everyone.
March 12, 2026
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States – REGISTER HERE
by Sarah Vowell
Join our book club as we dive into the extraordinary life of Marquis de Lafayette with Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell and/or The Hero of Two Worlds by Mike Duncan. Explore how Lafayette’s unwavering commitment to liberty took him across two continents, witnessing firsthand how the United States and France each struggled to create a better life for their citizens. Through engaging stories and lively discussion, we’ll consider the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of a man who dedicated his life to freedom and the pursuit of a more just society.
May 8, 2026
Washington’s Spies – Registration available soon!
by Alexander Rose
Discover how neighbors made difficult choices—loyalists, rebels, and opportunistic merchants navigating the colonies divided. Explore life across New York Harbor, where rebel patriots, blockade runners, and spies operated side by side. Along the way, we’ll dive into the dramatic story of Benedict Arnold and the high-stakes intrigue that shaped the Revolutionary War. Join us for a discussion full of suspense, strategy, and human stories.
November 13, 2025
James
by Percival Everett
Step into the conversation as we discuss James by Percival Everett, a daring and inventive retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Told through the eyes of Jim, this acclaimed novel gives voice to a character too often silenced, reframing a familiar story with sharp wit, humanity, and depth.
Whether you’ve read the book in full or are still making your way through, you’re welcome to join us. Bring your thoughts, questions, and curiosity for an evening of lively discussion and community connection.
September 11, 2025
The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Celebrate the centennial of “The Great Gatsby” with us as we revisit one of America’s most enduring novels. Whether you first encountered Gatsby in high school or it’s been sitting on your to-read list for years, this is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover why the novel continues to captivate readers a century after its publication. How have your views on love, wealth, and ambition changed since your first reading? Or—if this is your first time—what will The Great Gatsby reveal to you about the American Dream?
Set against the glittering backdrop of the 1920s, Fitzgerald’s novel opens the door to rich discussion on topics such as:
- Prohibition and its cultural impact
- Class divisions and social mobility
- The illusions and realities of wealth
- Gender roles and power dynamics
Join us for a lively and thoughtful conversation about this literary classic, which still resonates today.
Money: The True Story of a Made-up Thing
by Jacob Goldstein
Let’s dive into this fast-paced, fascinating look at how money—something we all use but rarely question—is just a shared belief. From bartering to Bitcoin, Jacob Goldstein shows how money shapes our world and what happens when that belief shifts.
