I always say I am not going to read any more World War II books, so when I started reading this book I was surprised that it is a World War I (The Great War) book. I wasn't excited about that, but this book has the style that helps me read this type of historical fiction--it balances the war with a more modern story that is connected in some way to the historical story. THEN the story!! It is about American women (many who are from high society families) who go to war torn France and do everything they can for the mostly women and children who are trying to survive after their towns have been destroyed and their men mostly killed. THEN the woman in charge of this mission, Anne Morgan (JP Morgan's youngest daughter), decides to pay a librarian to come to France with the mission of restoring libraries to help restore the people! My heart! Of course I love these women and, of course, I am just passionate about the intrinsic value of reading fiction!
Anyone who loves historical fiction or is passionate about reading will value this story and love learning more about this actual mission fictionalized in this book.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #AtriaBooks for my ARC
#MissMorgansBookBrigade

I couldn’t put this one down! Seriously, I was hooked right away.

The dual timeline of this book was so fantastic, as was the modern day plot. This book was split between France during WWI and NYC in 1987. Wendy’s 1987 aspirations, and interests, made a natural bridge for us to learn about the Cards and it felt natural, seamless and interesting.

This book had all the things that make a book a great one for me. It was captivating, the ending felt realistic and not too neat & tidy and I felt something. Not only those points, but I learned something too, and that made this book even more incredible.

This is a historical fiction book that is a must read. I love this one!

An advance reader copy was provided to me by NetGalley + Atria Books but all opinions are my own.

I heard about this book from the owner of Fabled Bookshop in Waco, Texas from Instagram and I immediately grabbed an ARC. I could not put this book down but because of Easter and family stuff I had to sometimes. This is a novel based on the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson. She worked at the NYPL and was recruited by Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan, to help rebuild a library in France during WWI. Unfortunately the library was so damaged that when she went to France they did not quite need her yet so she started a mobile library to take the books to the kids. Back then, libraries were mostly for rich adults and certainly not for children. Also, librarians were men. She changed all of this for France. She was only required to stay for 2 years but she stayed for more and one of the libraries she created celebrated its centennial in 2022. While having the 1917 timeline, we also have a 1987 timeline for a woman who works at the NYPL researching Jessie Carson and wanting to write a book about her. It was a very fascinating read and I loved all of the quotes from characters from books. It made it such a fun read. I mean the main character is a librarian so...

-"Well, if you can transform deadly weapons into floral arrangements, I feel I'm in good hands."

-I set My Antonia, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Anne of Avonlea on the nightstand. I kept my favorite people close-impossible to sleep without them.

-Books are bridges. They show how we're connected.

-There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.

-"When to go it alone or when to ask for help is one of the most important lessons that children can learn."

-Research: there is no better high.

-"A town needs a library in the same way that a home needs a hearth."

-"Tending to others-whether man or beast- allows us to concentrate on something other than our own grief."

-What to do when home is no longer home?

Based upon a true story. This book is a dual timeline which I found very insightful and engaging. The story moved along at a nice pace and was easy to follow. I enjoyed getting to know Jessie and seeing the difference she made in the lives of the villagers by where she was stationed. I love how she used books to connect with everyone. I also liked Wendy's story and being along for the ride as she tried to find out more information about Jessie. I never knew about Jessie Carson, so it was interesting to learn about her and try to solve the mystery of where she disappeared too. I also learned about some other historical figures I hadn't heard of before. I loved the entire book and am so thankful to have read it.

3.5 stars, rounded down.

I didn't hate anything about this book, but there were enough minor dislikes to keep me from loving it. A couple of my specific/personal issues:

-The chapters that take place in the 1980s didn't NEED the extra stuff about that character's personal life, particularly the romance element.
-The emphasis on how *magical* books are, and the profound impact they can/do have was a bit over-the-top. The references to Jessie's "library of her mind" got annoying after awhile, and the reverence EVERY reader seemed to have for EVERY book they ever read was more than a bit unrealistic.

Despite my gripes above, I still enjoyed the historical/educational aspects and learning about several amazing women I hadn't previously known anything about.

1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild destroyed French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen—children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears.

1987: When NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives, she becomes consumed with learning her fate. In her obsessive research, she discovers that she and the elusive librarian have more in common than their work at New York’s famed library, but she has no idea their paths will converge in surprising ways across time.

Incredible writing. Amazing story. I'll pick up any book about books, and I generally love historical fiction, so this was a no-brainer to read. I was absolutely blown away by all the new things I learned a lot about history, but was also deeply moved by the well-written characters and their stories. I'm a sucker for good writing and a good story. I'm a sucker for strong women. This is a must-read for anyone who loves books, WWI history, or strong women characters. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

this is a true story of a group of women who traveled to France in World War II to help people affected by the war. It was organized by J. P. Morgans daughter. really good read.

The writing is incredible in my opinion. The way Janet paints the picture of the situations Jessie is in during WWI is so detailed without being boring. I as a reader was fully invested and drawn into the book. But also the description of NYCs 5th Ave does the same thing, detailed and realistic really sets the scene for the following plot. Jessie and Wendy as characters were interesting and I wanted to know more about them and how their story ends.

Jessie is inspired by the real Jessie Carson who revolutionised the libraries in France. She is courageous and interesting, stubborn in the best way and kind. I liked reading about her a lot. Wendy is a fictional character in the book and I found it amazing how Janet has woven her into the characters who were inspired by real people. She is sometimes insecure about her writing and her interests until she finds out about CARD.

I enjoyed learning about the events of WWI and the work of the CARDs in this fictional setting while getting the feeling that I am reading a bit of non-fiction as well. Very informative while being a great book! If you like historical fiction and WWI in combination with books, this book is for you!

Considering how much I loved The Paris Library, I was thrilled to read Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. Like one of the main characters, Wendy, I had never heard of the CARDS even though I read a lot of history titles. In fact, a quick Google search required me to be incredibly specific on the search terms in order to find anything about them. Skeslien Charles sheds light on amazing, brave, and dedicated American women putting themselves near the front lines for the women and children of devastated France.
I enjoyed the mix of narrative as well as historical documentation. I am a genealogy and history librarian and, therefore, loved the research aspect of the story! There's a twist near the end that I wasn't expecting, and that always raises the enjoyment level. Overall, this was a well-researched story with a fantastic narrative to tell it.

What an interesting book. It is based on a true story and it was fascinating to read. It is both engaging and meticulously researched, The characters were interesting and entertaining. I usually don't enjoy war books, but this book sucked me in and kept me there. It has a dual timeline, because of this it draws interesting parallels between the challenges faced by characters in both eras. A must-read!

True story about a group of women who traveled to France during WWI to help civilians who had been devastated by the war. The group was organized by the daughter of millionaire J.P. Morgan. I really enjoyed the book, only it reminded me a lot of Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig, which is also based on a true story. But I never get tired of reading books like this.

This book is an interesting account of a little known World War I story about the CARDS, a group of women who worked to bring hope and light to some dark areas during the war. The author did a good amount of research to present these women to us. I did especially enjoy Jessie Carson, who went to France to help to build libraries and spread a love of books.
The story goes back and forth between the early 1900's in France and New York City in the 1980's with a woman who discovered this info and worked on writing the story. I found this second thread not really necessary. I am not sure that it really brought much to the story. It does seem like all the modern novels of historical fiction have to trace 2 or 3 different people. It is an approach which is fine, but doesn't seem like all the novels need to have the same approach. I think this book would have been just as strong if the focus had been only on the women of CARD in the war years.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC. Opinion shared on this book are completely my own.

This was a brilliant story-well written with a lot of memorable characters. It is told in two timelines. The first one begins in 1918 and involves New York librarian Jessie Carson. She joins the American Commitee for Devasted France. This is an organization started by Anne Morgan to help rebuild French communities devasted by war. Jessie's primary reason for going is to bring books to the communities and give the people affected by war some hope.



The second timeline is in 1987 and involves a young woman named Wendy. She also works at a library and comes across references to the Commitee. She becomes hooked on learning about them, and what they accomplished. Both storylines are very good. I like stories where books and their stories become somewhat the characters in the story. I also liked that the author let us know what happened to the characters at the end. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a compelling story of Jessie Kit Carson. She is a librarian at the New York Public Library in 1918. Jessie is recruited by Ann Morgan, daughter of JP Morgan, to join The American Committee For devastated France known as Card. She is to travel to France to establish a library.
70 years later, Wendy Peterson, and inspiring writer, stumbles upon documents, referring to Jessie and Card. She is intrigued as she also works for New York Public Library. She wants to write a story about Jessie and Card.
This book is written in two time lines 1918 and 1987.
The women of the Card are stationed 40 miles from the front and endure the daily devastation of the war. Jessie does her best with what she has. She even builds a library from a burned out ambulance. She establishes a children’s library and has readings with the children.
The brave women of the Card did more than bring books to this ravaged country. They also helped evacuate people and tend to their wounds.
I really enjoyed reading this captivating novel. It was enlightening to read a book about a subject I knew little about.
An outstanding historical fiction novel not to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for this advanced

What a wonderful story based on real people! Kit who is a librarian at NYPL gets offered a position with CARD to join others in helping those devastated by the Frech war front during WW1. The story was compelling and eye opening. This was a new insight into WW1 that I had little knowledge. It was refreshing to read something new. Of additional interest was the fact that JP Morgan's daughter headed up the CARD organization. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed all the books mentioned throughout and certainly added to my list of classics to read.

I found the mix of characters likeable and relateable. The things these women accomplished were extraordinary and much needed during the time. While the focus is on building up libraries and story times for those affected by the war, the women did much more. The area that the women worked was a devastated part of France and I had no knowledge of this devastation prior to reading the book. The story is broken into two timelines which were well blended. It shed light on how authors research in preparation of writing historical novels.

I appreciated the follow up given by the author. I do wish we were given a bit more information about their personal lives after the CARD organization was no longer needed. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Nearly 70 years and two world wars separate Jessie Caron and Wendy Peterson, but books are the ties that bind the women together across time and carry readers on a wonderful literary journey through WWI and into NYC in the late 1980s. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a charming, well researched novel that follows Jessie, a NYPL librarian, as she leaves her job to join the American Committee for Devastated France. As one of the CARDS, she is tasked with helping to rebuild a community in France decimated by the German occupation in WWI. As Jessie works to rebuild a library and bring the town together through the magic of books and stories, we follow along as years later, Wendy, a young librarian and aspiring writer in NYC is attempting to trace Jessie’s history and at the same time, write her own story.

Jessie and Wendy are both driven by their love of literature and its ability to both transport and transform readers. In the present day, Wendy is trying to make a name for herself, all while seeking to discover what happened to Jessie and the other “cards” following the end of the war. It’s a plot device that works well in this novel and kept me invested in the story from start to finish. The characters are well developed, and the author manages to weave an appropriate lightness to the story at times, despite the surrounding devastation of war. There are a few moments where the repetitive emphasis on the “power of books and literature” felt a little heavy handed, but overall, the message is inspiring and highlights the importance of books and reading.

Like all good historical fiction, the novel is inspired by a true story. This time we learn about Anne Morgan, daughter to financier JP Morgan, and Jessie Carson, library pioneer, and their work in France during the first World War. The author’s extensive research is evident throughout the book, and I loved learning about this group of women whose work was not only impactful to the community they served, but also groundbreaking for its time in history. So many historical fiction novels focus heavily on the second World War, so I appreciated the opportunity to learn about another equally important time.

If you enjoy historical fiction and books about books, this is a great addition to your TBR!

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. A captivating historical novel that skillfully weaves together two timelines, exploring the profound impact of literature and courage across generations. Against the backdrop of World War I and its aftermath, the narrative introduces us to Jessie Carson, an American librarian with a mission: to establish children’s libraries in the devastated French communities. Decades later, Wendy Peterson, a librarian at the New York Public Library (NYPL), becomes consumed by the quest to uncover Jessie’s fate.

This novel celebrates the unwavering courage of librarians, emphasizing the enduring power of books and the connections that transcend time. Readers will find themselves reflecting on their own relationship with literature long after turning the last page. For historical fiction enthusiasts, book lovers, and those seeking a poignant exploration of human resilience, I wholeheartedly recommend "Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade."

This book starts slow and introduces a lot of characters Jessie meets along the way. It is a bit complicated to keep them all straight. I just about gave up on the story but I kept with it and it does get better. It was heartwarming to hear how she instilled her love for reading and books to so many children and others.

I have read multiple stories about librarians, whether they be on horseback or hidden in the underground, this was the first one using this true life experience. I found it most interesting.

Atria Books along with NetGalley provided this Galley edition for no requirement other than my offer to provide an unbiased review. This one comes in with 4 stars.

I am so glad I got to read an advanced copy of Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. It was delightful overall, celebrating a love for books and the importance of children's literature.

The story moved along at a nice pace and was easy to follow. I enjoyed getting to know Jessie and seeing the difference she made in the lives of the villagers by where she was stationed. I love how she used books to connect with everyone. I also liked Wendy's story and being along for the ride as she tried to find out more information about Jessie. I never knew about Jessie Carson, so it was interesting to learn about her and try to solve the mystery of where she disappeared to. I also learned about some other historical figures I hadn't heard of before.

There were harrowing moments, as those can't be avoided during a war, but there was a nice balance of hope during the sad parts.

I wish the title had been different, since the focus was mostly on Jessie and how she brought books into people's lives. Miss Morgan took on a leadership role, but Jessie really ran the library. I also felt like the ending was a bit anticlimactic after everything that happened, but this did not take away from my overall love for this novel.

I definitely recommend picking this one up in late April and then sharing your favorite children's books with someone, whether it's giving a book to a child you know or posting about the books on social media.

(Trigger warnings below)

Movie casting suggestions:
Jessie a.k.a. Kit: Brit Marling
Lewis: Maya Hawke
Marcelle: Jade Springer
Tom: Benjamin Walker
Wendy: Kaitlyn Dever
Roberto: David Castro

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TW: infant death (mentioned from past experiences), death and injury due to war

“Miss Morgan's Book Brigade” by Janet Skeslien Charles is based on the true story of Jessie Carson—the American librarian who changed the literary landscape of France. As readers journey through the pages, they are immersed in a narrative that celebrates the profound impact of books on shaping lives and fostering connections despite the horrific circumstances of WWI.

Charles has crafted a masterpiece rich in historical detail that not only pays homage to a forgotten hero but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature. What makes this novel truly shine is Charles's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from heartache to hope. It is a must-read for anyone who believes in the transformative magic of books and the remarkable individuals who champion them.

Thank you to Net Galley and the author for an advance copy. I throughly enjoyed Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles. #MissMorgansBookBrigade #NetGalley