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Susan, Linda, Nina and Cokie

02/02/2022 3:26 PM | Maryann Gosnell (Administrator)

By Caroline Purdy, Book Group Chair

Our AAWGT Book Group reads non-fiction books related to national social issues, such as devastating effects of lack of mental health programs or higher imprisonment rates of Black vs. white men, and local social issues such as homelessness and opioid addiction. Books are recommended annually and picked by Book Group members via ranked voting, and then are posted and scheduled at the beginning of the year. Several of our meetings have included the authors via Zoom or in person. During the summer, we also meet up to watch a documentary film or two for relaxation and engaging conversation.

This month the book “Susan, Linda, Nina, and Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR” by Lisa Napoli was discussed via Zoom by Book Group members who decided to choose a book this month that was “uplifting” and provided a success story about the barriers women encounter in gaining recognition for their professional work.

Most of our members noted that their professional lives intersected with the same time period as the “NPR Mothers” and experienced similar barriers in their own personal professions. As Susan Christensen stated “During my corporate professional career, my opinions were often  undervalued, until a male colleague suggested the same idea!

Some of our members experienced direct association with Cokie Roberts’ family, descendants of Hale Boggs who was a Congressional Representative from Louisiana from 1946 to 1972 and very influential in national politics. Melanie Teems was invited by Cokie’s brother, Tommy Boggs, to an event at their Eastern Shore home. As Melanie says “They were always warm and welcoming, and showed genuine concern for each of their guests — a real hallmark of the Boggs family.” But much of the discussion revolved around Nina Tottenberg’s forthright style as a very outspoken and successful journalist even today.

Our next book, “Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City” by Wes Moore, describes Baltimore’s turmoil after the death of Freddy Gray, and its more global societal implications. The book will be discussed on March 1 via Zoom at 7 PM.  All AAWGT members are welcome and encouraged to register here. A list of some of our past favorite reads is also posted online here.


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