Every month, when we announce the new FFL Book Club pick, we know that we’re going to reach a ton of readers, some of whom have heard of the month’s pick, and some of whom will be hearing about it for the first time. Because this summer was rough for so many, I think this month’s pick is going to be a first-time read for many of our readers, but I also think you all are going to devour it just like I did. 

This October, we are reading A SISTERHOOD OF SECRET AMBITIONS by Sheena Boekweg. This glorious YA novel is set in the 1920s and follows 4 girls who are a part of a secret society of women who play a huge hidden role in the world. These girls are being trained to marry powerful men, and their next target is a young man who is earmarked to be president. Whichever of them can woo him–and they will need to woo him–will be First Lady one day. Which of them will it be—and what are they willing to do to secure this betrothal? Our main character Elsie is whip-smart, strong willed, and generous, and I think you’re going to love seeing where this story takes her.

Here at FFL, we have a special place in our heart for first ladies, and reading about the First Ladies Society and imagining all that must go into the road to being a First Lady was such a treat–even if it did require our imagination at times. We all know that those women played a bigger role than anyone is willing to accept, don’t we? 

If you like alternative history, YA historical fiction that isn’t about a war or a looming catastrophe, and strong female characters and friendships, you’re going to want to pick this book up ASAP.  It is a standalone novel, but we would love to read more in this world, and by the end, I think you’ll agree. 

Jamie Pacton, author of another of my favorite YA books, said of this title, “Full of adventure, sisterhood, secret societies, gorgeous poems, and revisionist history, it shows how genuinely inclusive feminism can (and should) be. It also has tremendous things to say about women in politics and finding your own path, even when it’s different from the one laid out for you. A delightful, thought-provoking read that I finished in one sitting”

Grab your favorite cup of tea, curl up with this book, and let us know what you think.

Join our Facebook group to join in on the official discussions of A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions starting on October 15th, but we’d love to talk books with you all month long! We’ll be back later this month with an interview with the author, Sheena Boekweg, and read-alikes for when you finish this title and are clamoring for more.

You can buy A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions by Sheena Boekweg wherever books are sold.

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Aryssa D
FFL Cabinet Member