Newcomb Alumnae Book Clubs

Our current book club selection is An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, the 2025 Zale Kimmerling writer-in-residence.

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy embody the American Dream and the New South—he’s a young executive, and she’s an artist on the rise. But their lives are shattered when Roy is wrongly convicted and sentenced to twelve years in prison. Though Celestial knows he’s innocent, she turns to her childhood friend, Andre, for comfort as Roy’s absence strains their bond. After five years, Roy’s conviction is overturned, and he returns home, hoping to pick up where they left off. An American Marriage is a powerful exploration of love, loyalty, and resilience amid forces beyond their control.

Are you interested in hosting a book club in your area? You can sign up online here.

Hosting Agreements:

• Our wonderful book club hosts create a warm and welcoming environment for meaningful conversations by offering a comfortable space and refreshments.
• If hosting at home isn’t possible, selecting a cozy coffee shop or restaurant makes for a great alternative.
• Hosts also facilitate the book discussion, helping everyone feel engaged.
• Hosts keep in touch with those who RSVP to ensure a seamless experience, including information about the location, date, and time.
• After the event, hosts provide an attendance list to the Newcomb Alumnae Office within 2 weeks of the event.

Support from Newcomb Institute:

• The Newcomb Alumnae Office will publish dates on website and in the monthly alumnae newsletter, collect online RSVPs, and suggested book club discussion questions.
• When available, Newcomb Institue will provide digital access to author events, such as the Zale Kimmerling event.
• Questions about hosting? Contact Elyse Harrison at eharrison@tulane.edu for more information.

Please check back for more dates and locations!

Have a recommendation for a book club book? Click here to suggest our next read.