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AFT Book Club: A New Monthly Series with Authors
Mark your 2024 calendars with an opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking new book club series brought to you by the AFT, Share My Lesson and the Albert Shanker Institute. Tune in each month for an evening of inspiration, intellect and innovation—where the power of words takes center stage! Plus, when you’re one of the first to sign up each month, watch for discounts and incentives to get the upcoming author’s books.
In January, inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman will join AFT President Randi Weingarten for the first session of the AFT Book Club Series. This is your chance to delve into the literary universe with the dynamic Amanda Gorman.
Join us to hear a fusion of words and wisdom as influential figures engage in a riveting dialogue that promises to ignite your passion for literature and social change. Each month you will hear from other influential authors, scholars and activists, including Fred Guttenberg, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Edwidge Danticat and Charles M. Blow.
Did you miss an AFT Book Club conversation? You can watch them on-demand now.
Enter now for a chance to win 1 of 50 copies of Edwidge Danticat’s book, Brother, I'm Dying. This AFT Book Club sweepstakes is open until April 23, 2024. Good luck!
Schedule of Upcoming AFT Book Club Authors
Join us for our May AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and renowned author Charles M. Blow, discussing Blow's memoir Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Engage with Weingarten and Blow as they explore the multifaceted themes reflecting on the complexities of identity, trauma and resilience within the backdrop of a segregated Louisiana town. Blow's ability to weave his personal narrative with broader social critiques makes the memoir a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of personal experience and public advocacy.
Previous Book Club Presentations
Our February AFT Book Club session featured a discussion with AFT President Randi Weingarten and author Fred Guttenberg on his book American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence. At this event, these two prominent figures conversed about America's gun violence epidemic. Explore the depths of Guttenberg's powerful and eye-opening narrative, as Weingarten leads an insightful conversation that promises to challenge and expand your understanding of this critical issue. Watch the dialogue that developed as the speakers and attendees sought to unravel the complexities and confront the myths surrounding gun violence in America to shape a safer future.
Watch the recording of our March AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and renowned author Ruth Ben-Ghiat who will discuss her book Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. Weingarten and Ben-Ghiat explored the themes of power, personality and politics that define the era of strongmen and authoritarian leaders throughout history. Gain insights into the past and present, to better understand how history can inform our future. This is a must-see event for anyone interested in history, politics and the lessons we can learn from the past.
Watch the recording of our April AFT Book Club session featuring AFT President Randi Weingarten and renowned author Edwidge Danticat, discussing Danticat's memoir Brother, I'm Dying. Weingarten and Danticat engaged with viewers as they explored themes that delved into the complexities of family, identity, immigration and political turmoil, framed within a deeply personal narrative. Brother, I'm Dying is not only a tribute to Danticat's family and heritage but also a profound exploration of the themes that touch on universal human experiences. Through her intimate and evocative storytelling, Danticat offers insights into the intricacies of life, loss and the enduring power of familial bonds.