feature story / 17 biographies, classics, science fiction, memoirs and everything in between. Discussions are varied and vigor- ous, and wholly personal to each club, but at the end of each meeting, chapters com- plete a questionnaire that is eventually sent to the book’s publisher and author in the form of a letter. The feed- back includes comments about the cover and the title as well as opinions about fa- vorite main characters and memorable themes. “Our goal is to show that black women read, and enjoy reading stories that reflect our experience,” says Bostic. For local members, Go on Girl! has been more than just an agent of social change; it’s also an important part of their social lives. Elvila Andre of East Orange joined NJ 4, as the local group is known, in 2014 and immediately felt comfortable with the other mem- bers who welcomed her. Later, when her mother fell ill and was battling cancer, the group was both motherly and sisterly to her, she says: “They re- ally helped me understand that this is part of life.” Bostic has also found friendship and community in the club. “It’s an outlet for different reasons as I’ve got- ten older,” she confesses. “When I first joined, I was pregnant with my first son and this was something that I had for just me. Now my kids are 19 and 16 and it’s even become a part of them. They know when I’m reading a book or hosting a meeting, and occa- sionally they read the books too.” Karla Wagner of Maplewood joined Go on Girl! just a little over a year ago after hearing about the club from a friend in the Syracuse chapter. The results have been just what she was hoping for. “In the past I was a big reader and Go on Girl! has reinvigorat- Members of the regional Go on Girl! chapters gather for an annual award weekend. This year was their 25th gathering. Go On Girl! member Brenda Aiken with author Walter Mosley The logo for Chapter 4’s Go On Girl! 25th anniversary. Each strand of hair has the name of a member. MAGGIE AXELROD-CALISTER TURN THE WORLD AROUND Group Tours 9:30-11:00 am October 5th November 2nd December 7th See Montclair’s progressive education in action. Learn more at WWW.MONTCLAIRCOOP.ORG 65 Chestnut Street, Montclair