Miss Morgan's Book Brigade was based on a true story of a group of female librarians in France during the war. It was eye opening how these women helped so many people during the war in so many ways. The story was told from WW1 and 1987 and the author weaved the stories together well. The love of books and how literature brings us together is a theme of the book which I enjoyed very much.
I recommend this book for book lovers who enjoy historical fiction and compelling stories about women and their contributions to all aspects of life.

Thank you Net Galley, Janet Skeslien Charles and Atria Books for the opportunity to preview this novel. The ideas shared are my own.

1918 during the Great War, Anne Morgan, daughter of JP Morgan, started a group called the CARDS from French it stands for: Committee American Regions Devastated, or to make sense - American Committee for Devastated France). She recruited Jesse "Kit" Carson to take a leave of absence from her position at the NY Public Library to go to France. From there Kit helped to establish children's libraries which were new to the French, as well as help care for children who were in need of food and medical care.

1987 NYPublic Librarian Wendy Peterson comes across Kit Carson and begins to research and learn more about Kit's work.

The history is interesting and I find these women incredibly brave to do this during a war, and are trailblazers for their work. Overall, the story didn't really grip me, but I will still want to read more books from Janet Skeslien Charles. I really enjoyed The Paris Library!

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade brings to life the oft-forgotten work of the CARDs—a group of American women braving the ongoing devastation of war-torn France to help its people rebuild, even as the Great War wages around them.
Told in split time, the 1918 narrative follows the life of librarian Jessie Carson as she leaves behind everything she knows to bring the joy of books to a people desperately needing both knowledge and hope. Decades later, in 1987, fellow librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles upon the CARDs story and is determined to tell it to the world.
Written with vivid imagery and characters who practically step off the page, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is fascinating in its portrayal of this little-known piece of history, as well as inspiring—offering beautiful proof that one person really can make a difference in the world.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If you think you’re not into reading another book about books or historical fiction, THINK AGAIN! Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a perfect mix of an ode to the power of books and how they and reading them brings us together and provides a salve to the soul, and the fascination of WWI history. The story highlights the American Committee for Devastated France’s role in rebuilding French communities and the impact that these ladies of “CARDS” had on the lives of people they touched. The organization which was founded by heiress Anne Morgan and had me traveling down the Google rabbit hole. This book is a true gem for book and history lovers!

For the book lovers, librarians and historical fiction readers out there! This book tells the story of one librarians mission to get books and stories into the hands and imaginations of as many people as possible all while there’s a war raging 40 miles away!

3.5/5 ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I almost took a break from this book but picked it up again and am so glad I did. I had never heard of the incredible women of CARD who risked it all to help those most harshly affected by WWl, the families living in the front lines of war. Thank you to the author for her tireless research and for sharing Jessie Carson’s story. Jessie’s work bringing books and public libraries to the people of France is still so relevant today! She taught against classism and sexism and didn’t let anything stop her!

Based on real-life events, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is set on the frontlines of WW1. We follow the children's librarian Jessie "Kit" Carson as she serves in CARDs, the American Committee for Devastated France, where she goes to help rebuild destroyed libraries. This bookish tale does well in highlighting the importance of pioneering women, friendship, and hope, but, most importantly, the vital role books and stories play in the most testing and trying of times.

For me, this book was a case of liking but not loving. I felt the timeline switch to the 1987 timeline took me out of what I wanted to read about, namely Kit, which I wanted more insight into. I often ended up just skimming through the more recent timeline. Neither do I think the romances added anything to the story. I do, however, appreciate the detail and am thankful for bringing more awareness to this group of women who helped to rebuild France.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this Arc. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
•
I love a historical fiction about brave, selfless, woman who had such an impact on our history. So many of their stories are untold or undocumented. Their names completely erased from history. If it’s based on a true story, like Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade or a true work of fiction it’s so important to have these stories out there. During this book we’re following along two different women, Kit (1918) and Wendy (1987). I kind of wish we just stuck with Kit’s POV. I found when we switched over it killed the momentum of the story and didn’t offer much. Everything in this book just left a little too safe for me. I felt a connection to this beautiful, important story, I liked and admired the characters, but I felt more of a connection to their story than themselves if that makes sense? No lines were crossed and I needed that. I do love reading about other people who share the joy of picking up a book. It’s an inspiring story especially with all the book bans that are happening in our schools, getting books into children’s hands is more crucial now than ever. I do already have The Paris Library on my shelf so I’m interested to see how it compares to this one. Overall it’s a good book, it just needed a little more oomph! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
•
Thank you NetGalley, Janet Skeslien Charles, and Atria Books for this E-ARC. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade hits shelves April 30th!
•
#arc #arcbooks #bookreview #historicalfiction #netgalley #missmorgansbookbrigade #booksbooksbooks

“Here in France, I’d become independent, a dauntless explorer, and outspoken librarian, a Card.” Jessie Carson, a librarian at the New York Public Library is recruited by American philanthropist Ann Morgan to help provide relief efforts to war torn France in WWI. Jessie went to France to work for the American Committee for Devastated also known as CARD (Comité Américain pour les Régions Dévastées de France). She learns that she is stronger than she thinks and that even though she wasn’t born in to the upper class, her ideas shouldn’t be discarded. She revolutionized French libraries by establishing children’s sections and allowing them to check out their own books. After WWI, she takes ambulances and turns them in to book mobiles to take books in to distant towns.
I did not know a lot about WWI or about Ann Morgan’s philanthropy and found it I really enjoyed this book and it prompted me to do more research of these characters. I think that Dolly Parton should acquire the rights to this book and turn it into a movie. Afterall, she is known as the book lady!

Here’s an unlikely beach read recommendation – a story that takes place during the Great War. We don’t normally recommend historical fiction set during a war for the beach, but Charles crafted a story that was as hopeful as it was interesting. It touched on the darkness while highlighting the helpers of one of the darkest periods of world history.

Unlike The Women (which we do NOT recommend for a summer beach read) this story never got so bogged down in wartime sadness. Instead, we are treated to a front-row seat of the grit and determination of the women working near the front lines of France to bring normalcy and hope to innocent civilians.

Specifically in the form of books – children’s books.

Based on the true story of pioneering children’s librarian, Jessie Carson, it’s a testament to women being innovators and hope-makers. Jessie works tirelessly to train the first French female librarians, turns ambulances into bookmobiles, and uses all the resources she can muster to bring joy to the victims of war.

It’s a dual timeline narrative that also focuses on Wendy, a librarian in 1980s New York working for the same library where Jessie got her start. She uses her research on Jessie and the American Committee for Devasted France as inspiration in her writing class and is surprised at how similar she is to her muse.

Why I Loved It: While there were sad moments within the story, this book ultimately left me with warmth in my heart. The narrators do an excellent job bringing this story to life. #Gifted by Simon & Schuster Books

As a huge fan of The Paris Library. I was so happy to receive an advanced copy of Charles' Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. It did not disappoint. Books about books are a bibliophile's dream. I have read several of this nature set during WWII but this was the first that highlights the atrocities of WWI. Female friendships and the love of the written word are exalted in this book. I learned so much about this time in history, mostly about the CARDS. I love that real people are memorialized. I felt a kinship with the characters, immediately and didn't want to put the book down. I loved the dualing timelines and both stories and their collision of worlds was breathtaking. Something as simple as a library and reading stories aloud to children, even during wartime, sound superfluous but Charles reminds us that books connect us and offer an escape to the world around us when we need it most. I'm now obsessed with learning more about the CARDS. Don't miss the note at the end that highlights these real women.

I have turned into such a historical fiction fan, especially when the books tell a story around one of the World Wars and if they center around books, and even better if they center around women who band together to support each other. This book hit it all for me.

The story about a librarian. Jessie (Kit) Carson who joined the American Committee for Devastated France in order to set us libraries (especially children's) in a French community near the front. She gets way more than she was prepared for. The devastation from the war is worse than she could have imagined and everything is an uphill battle in the area. She is determined to bring stories and books to the children of the area and is immediately rewarded by seeing what a difference it makes to them.

The book is told in dual timeline. The one involving Kit begins in 1918. The other timeline involves a NYPL librarian from 1987. She aspires to be a writer and eventually settles on the topic of Jessie Carson and the other women of the group who called themselves "The Cards". Her research brings them and their mission back to life.

I absolutely loved this book! I really can't believe that it ended. I could have read about their lives for so much longer. I really am sad that the story didn't continue for another three hundred pages.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a wonderful story told about 2 librarians in 2 different timelines. The first is Jessie Carson, nicknamed "Kit," and her work with the American Committee for Devastated France (called "CARD," based on the French name of the committee) during and after WW1. The second is Wendy, an aspiring writer who works in the NY Public Library's Remembrance Department in 1987 where she stumbles upon boxes of CARD records and information. As she learns more about the Cards, she realizes what an amazing novel she can write about them.

This is a heart warming story based on historical events and the life changing impact books and hope can have on our lives.

Highly recommend!

The Paris Libary by Janet Skeslian Charles, the author of The Paris Library, returns to France in a novel filled with history and insight into a little-known group of American women who volunteered in France during WWI. The American Committee for Devastated France was founded and funded by Anne Morgan, the activist daughter of financier J. P. Morgan. Jessie Carson, a children’s librarian at the New York Public Library, was chosen for a two-year stint with the group to set up a library for those living in and near the war in northeast France. She began story hours for children and traveled to villages with books for children and their mothers and gained the trust of families there.

The novel tells the parallel 1987 tale of aspiring writer Wendy, who has a tedious job scanning library files while taking evening writing classes. When she finds information about Jessie, she further investigates her story. Some of what she finds makes for the best parts of the novel and its conclusion.

This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy the contributions of women during WWI. The American women and the women and children they meet in France are colorful, well-developed characters. Among the enjoyable aspects of the novel are books like My Antonia, Tom Sawyer, and Anne of Green Gables that Jessie shares with her French families. I had a slight quibble with Jessie calling some childhood favorites as a few weren't published until she would have been in her twenties. That minor detail doesn't interfere with the well-told story.

Another HUGE bookish historical fiction hit from one of my favs, Janet Skeslien Charles!! I absolutely adored The Paris library and Miss Morgan's book brigade was equally unputdownable.

Told in a dual timeline structure we learn about the "CARDs" - women who served voluntarily in WWI to help the women and children of war torn French villages and the "present" of 1987 as NYPL librarian, Wendy stumbles upon some old newsletters that leads her to learn all about the life of these women and in particular, Jessie "Kit" Carson.

This was a beautiful story of female courage, friendship and the power of books to help during difficult times. This was such a feel-good book and I loved both storylines. HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like The book woman of Troublesome creek by Kim Michele Richardson or The wartime book club by Kate Thompson.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon Schuster Canada for an early digital and physical arc copy in exchange for my honest review!!

CW: Sexual assault/rape

Once again, Charles masterfully unveils the overlooked yet vital contributions of women on the front lines through her meticulously researched novel. Jessie, inspired by the real-life Carson, embodies the enduring power of literature, resonating deeply with readers who cherish the sanctity of books and libraries.

Amidst Jessie's compelling narrative, Wendy emerges as a quietly formidable presence, adding depth to the story with her relatable struggles in a modern world. Alternating between their perspectives, each chapter flows seamlessly, guiding readers through shifting timelines while deepening their connection to both characters.

Charles's narrative not only celebrates the significance of libraries but also highlights the unsung heroes of literary history. While other stories of wartime librarians exist, Charles's unique voice infuses each tale with fresh vitality and resonance, ensuring readers eagerly anticipate each new offering. Supporting those who champion the love of literature is not just a privilege but a profound joy, enriched by captivating narratives like "Book Brigade."

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is a historical World War One novel with a dual timeline. It was interesting learning about CARDS (American Committee for Devastated France). The fact that the book is based on an actual person is a plus for the book. On the negative side, the book has a slow start and the story pace never picks up much. Thanks to author Janet Skeslien Charles, Atria Books, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I enjoyed Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles. I appreciate NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The story is shared through two points of view. One is set during World War 1 when New York Public Librarian Jessie Carson leaves a less than satisfying job at the library and agrees to work for Anne Morgan (daughter of JP) and her American Committee for Devastated France as a librarian in war-torn France. The other takes place in the 1980s when the NYPL hires an aspiring writer to work in the department that digitizes their paper collection and discovers the story of Jessie and her coworkers in France. I had no idea such an endeavor existed during World War I. These fine, hard-working ladies were working on the front lines to help the civilians caught up in the invasion of the German Army.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is a fascinating look at aspects of World War I that I wasn't aware of prior to reading this book. The CARDS, women who put their lives on the line to help the citizens of France, are definitely deserving of books of their own. Charles does a great job of bringing the terror they faced to life and I instantly found myself wanting to read and find the end to their story.

In spring 1918, Jessie Carson, a children’s librarian working at the New York Public Library, goes to Northern France to join the American Committee for Devastated France and help the citizens left behind when the enemy retreated. She makes friends both among her colleagues and among locals, and works on what she knows: children’s libraries to offer solace and an escape to young French people.

In parallel, we get the story of Wendy Peterson in 1987, also working in the NYPL, in the archives, who stumbles upon the story of the CARDs and of Jessie Carson and becomes determined to uncover the whole story and write about it.

This was based on a true story and real people, and it was definitely interesting to learn about. I love books about books, about characters talking about their love of books, so this was lovely.

However, I feel like everything was too shallow, I never felt deeply involved with the characters. There are two big romances in the novel and they both left me completely cold. The Spanish flu lasted barely a chapter, and I absolutely did not care about who died. The summary says Jessie Carson disappeared, which leads us to believe we’ll get a mystery of a kind, but that’s not at all what happens. Wendy’s mean writing professor tells her that her book lacks conflict, and that was kind of what I felt throughout the whole thing. For a book set in a war you’d think there would be no lack of conflict, but here we are.

I mean I liked the book fine, it passed the time and I was never inclined to quit it, but I couldn’t help thinking of other historical fiction writers who I feel could have written it in a way I would have cared more.

This novel took me to a time and place I had not visited – mainly Picardie in France during World War I. I was not aware of this brave group of women who dedicated so much time and energy to helping and restoring this devastated village and area. Each character was very well described, and I found myself unable to put the book down. It was not the best written novel I have ever read, nor did it have a lot of surprises, but I did want to know, page page, what happened. It opened my eyes to the beginning of what we experienced later in life as bookmobiles, which traveled from area to area, bringing the romance through reading to everyone and anyone who wass interested. I grew up with books and I must have taken them for granted, especially when I was able to delve into the history of people of all ages in France, so thirsty for a story which would take them away just temporarily from the horror they had witnessed. These people lost everything, including the lives of their nearest and dearest, their homes, their friends, their towns, and a few moments between the pages of a book seemed to restore their souls. I had never heard of Ann Morgan before, although her father JP Morgan was not a stranger. The people she attracted to work with her ranged from the simplest, such as Jesse Kit Carson, all the way to debutantes and young women from some of the most wealthy, influential families of the time. It was not customary for these well bred, young women to go to work, driving ambulances and tending to people of lower classes at that time, and yet she managed to amass over 300 of them to dedicate at least two years of their lives to doing these chores as volunteers. Jesse Carson was different, an employee of the New York Public library specializing in children's programs, she left her job and family, and came as a low paid employee originally to restore a library which she eventually did, winning the hearts of everyone she met. Most of the characters in the book were based in part on real people of that time. When Carson left the position, she moved to Paris and established the Belleville library which still exists today, a library, which didn't just cater to the upper classes with books, sequestered untouchable behind a formidable librarian at her desk, but offered open class programs for children and adults and allowed people to browse and touch and sign out, the books they wished to read. In other words, she established the basis for women to become librarians and work in an open concept library situation. I have always loved books and libraries, and just assumed everyone had the same access I did, but apparently it was a hard won profession and situation. One of Carson's protégé's in the book is Marcelle, one of the last survivors of the CARDs who makes it to New York and in time celebrates the lives of the people she knew and loved, through a book that is finally written by a current NYPL employee to acknowledge the work of Ann Morgan and her CARDs, as they became known. An easily readable and highly enjoyable book.