It is finally summer, time for fun at the pool, outdoor activities, and, of course, summer reading. Just in time for travel or lounging at home, the AU Alumni Association is excited to announce our first-ever online book club for alumni. This exciting new initiative will expand American University’s suite of lifelong learning programs by providing an opportunity for alumni to engage with one another and to learn and discuss ideas with a diverse group of people from around the world. 

Belinda Peter, SIS/MA ’18, signed up to join the book club, saying “The AU Alumni Book Club has the best timing! I am moving from DC to Kashmir to pursue a dream career and what better way to stay connected to my AU family than deep diving into Tara Westover’s deeply moving work!” Belinda is one of more than 300 people already signed up to participate. 

The book club is open to the entire AU community, and there is no cost to participate. All you need is a copy of the book! Participants will have the opportunity to read and engage in discussions around six books over the course of a year. Members will spend about two months with each book. 

The first book, Educated by Tara Westover, has received several national awards and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for the past year. Tara shares her story growing up as a young girl in rural Idaho, overcoming many obstacles to educate herself, ultimately receiving degrees from Brigham Young University, Harvard, and Cambridge. “Tara Westover is living proof that some people are flat-out, boots-always-laced-up indomitable. Her new book, Educated, is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, best-in-years memoir about striding beyond the limitations of birth and environment into a better life – ★★★★ out of four” said USA Today. 

Sign up to join the discussion. Please note: Registration for the first book will close on Sunday, June 23. Invitations to participate will be sent out throughout the year.