We’re not your typical book club.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
January 2025
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GOODREADS: 4.44 ⭐
Alaska, 1974.
Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.
Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.
Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if it means following him into the unknown.
At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.
But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.
In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska―a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.
JANUARY 2025
Bonus Book
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GOODREADS: 3.72 ⭐
Diana Wood has a job she likes and a husband, Oliver, she loves. Together, they have a daughter they adore. She and Oliver spend so much time together, they even carpool to work in the same office. They’re in married love, which isn’t exactly the same as love love, but it’s fine.
Or is it? Is fine good enough?
Diana and Oliver haven’t had sex in months and their intimacy seems more like a memory than a reality. The cozy trappings of Diana’s life in Dallas, Texas have become ever-more confining. She is restless, growing more distant from Oliver by the day.
A trip to see an old friend in Santa Fe prompts Diana to remember the woman she used to an aspiring artist; someone devoted to creativity, spontaneity, sensuality. In her past—especially with Jasper, the dashing photographer with whom she once had an unforgettable love affair—Diana let herself fantasize, she let her body lead the way. She was wholly…alive.
Returning to Dallas, Diana decides to rediscover the deeply feeling woman she once was. She begins interviewing other women, painting their portraits as they speak. She encourages them to give voice to their secret desires as she captures their deepest, innermost fantasies. But is it possible for Diana to reclaim her more sensual self and maintain the marriage she committed to? What if connecting to her own desires means dissolving the safe life she’s so carefully cultivated?
WHAT WE’RE UP TO
Virtual Events
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Kicking off the year with some extra fun for the community! 🎉 I’m excited to announce that I'll be hosting monthly giveaways exclusively for members. Each month in 2025 (starting in February), I’ll be giving away a free copy of our Monthly Book Pick to one lucky member.
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Join us every month for a relaxing online yoga class led by Sukha with Markie - it's the perfect way to unwind and find your inner peace!
Looking to unwind and relax from the comfort of your home? Look no further! Markie will guide you through a rejuvenating yoga session that will leave you feeling refreshed and centered. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this class is suitable for all levels. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Grab your mat, find a quiet space, and get ready to flow with us!
MEET MARKIE
Markie is an astrologer, yoga instructor, retreat leader and host of Led by the Cosmos podcast. She is passionate about helping others find compassion for themselves and their life experiences through learning about their birth charts, intentional conversations with their communities, and mindfulness practices.
She is a proud Sun Devil alumna and has a background working for multiple e-commerce start-ups in NYC. Although her childhood had constant divine influence, it wasn't until she graduated college that she came back to her connection to spirituality through a series of serendipitous events.
What started as frequent angel number sightings and practicing yoga in her windowless 90 sq. ft. room in NYC, turned into a path of healing, growth, freedom, grief, and love.
Outside of her work, you can catch her reading a new book, finding the best mint chocolate chip ice cream around town, or planning her next trip abroad.
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HOW TO TURN YOUR 2025 VISION INTO REALITY
In this 90 min workshop you will…
Get clear on the exact changes and goals you want to commit to in 2025
Design a vision that feels authentic with what you want & who you want to be in 2025
Pull it all together in a vision board that inspires you to take action throughout the year
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Join us for a chat with bestselling author, Kate Quinn.
MEET THE AUTHORS | Lifelong best friends Jen Besser and Shana Feste met as eleven-year-olds in California and have been collaborating ever since, beginning with writing, directing, producing and starring in many regrettable middle-school talent shows. Dirty Diana first launched as a podcast starring Demi Moore, debuted at #1 on Apple, was nominated for Podcast of the Year and won the Ambie for Best Fiction, Screenwriting. Shana is the award-winning screenwriter and director of several feature films, including Country Strong and Run Sweetheart Run. Jen is a fiction editor and publisher. They now live thousands of miles apart and talk every day. Dirty Diana is their debut novel.
FIND YOUR CHAPTER
Meet-Ups
BECOME A MEMBER
Join the Club
We believe that book clubs should be about more than just the book. BB&B creates a space for building new friendships and celebrating old ones over binge-worthy books, good food, cold brews, and lots of laughs. Join us on our mission to hit every delicious brunch spot, beer garden, and cozy corner we can find!
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Members Are Saying
“I love that this book club brings so many bibliophiles together. People who are from different backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and occupations all have a common denominator with one book each month.”
— Sarah | Columbia, SC
“I love the atmosphere of BB&B—laid back and fun! There are no strict guidelines for members to follow—some months, I am able to read the book of the month, some months I’m too busy to find the time. All of the BB&B book picks that I’ve read, I’ve loved—from the historical fiction tear jerkers to the nail-biting psycho-thrillers. When I am able to make the social meet-ups, I always enjoy meeting new members and everyone has the same M.O.—we just want to have fun!”
— Kellie | Philadelphia, PA
“It is hard to make friends as an adult. BB&B has been a great way to meet more girls who have shared interests in books, who I may not have crossed paths with otherwise. I have met so many new friends and can’t wait to keep building those friendships and making more!”
— Reaganne | Alexandria, VA
Become a Host
Interested in bringing BB&B to your city? As we continue to grow, we are always looking for new hosts in new cities to bring more women together!
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@BOOKSBRUNCHESANDBOOZE
