In 1918, Jessie Carson was recruited by Anne Morgan, VP of the American Committee for Devastated France, Le Comité américain pour les régions dévastées (CARD), to go to France to help rebuild French communities and particularly to use her expertise as a children's librarian. Jessie took a leave of absence from her position as Assistant Director, Children's Services at the NYPL. Joining an international group of women, Jessie became one of the CARDs, wearing a horizon blue uniform and a griffin brooch.

In 1987, by day, Wendy Peterson worked in the Remembrance Department (basement microfiche center) of the NYPL, and by night, an aspiring author taking a weekly writing class in grad school. Wendy was at work preparing to photograph a bulletin titled "Under Two Flags," but reading an article about a place called Blérancourt changed the course of her life.

As a booklover, children's librarian (retired), and visitor through the years to the NYPL, I found this beautifully written novel in dual timelines to be exceptional reading with pleasure beyond words. It was a journey that took me from the comfort of my own world to the heart of the extraordinary women who worked tirelessly together, innovating, contributing, and selflessly giving time, knowledge, and talents to help others. The story of Jessie "Kit" Carson, holding story hours, delivering books to frightened children in the Red Zone, her inspiration that led to bookmobiles and ultimately changed the landscape of children's libraries in France, left me in awe of all the accomplishments of the CARDs during the war and beyond.

Thank you, Janet Skeslien Charles, for your unwavering commitment, your meticulous research, your devotion, and exemplary writing that blends history with your creativity in developing a page-turning story shining a light on the contributions of women. A past residing in archives. History not acknowledged in textbooks. Your dedication to bringing these stories to life is felt in every word. Thank you from the depths of my heart and soul. Much of this novel was read through tears, sometimes heart-wrenching, but in others with transparent joy, particularly for the characters of Kit, Marcelle, and Sidonie, their wisdom through grief and moving forward.

The novel is a love letter to the joy of books, reading books, sharing books, discussing books, and remembering quotes from books to lift spirits, inspire, comfort, and express thoughts in the moments when it is hard to find your own words. It is a love letter to women of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ages from different countries, working together with courage, bravery, and resilience. So many times, we have read of men running toward the "flames of destruction." This is not to say that we are not grateful for those sacrifices but to ask for acknowledgment so that the coming generations may read and understand that women have, too. I share my review with you with my highest recommendation for your reading pleasure and say that I'd give it more than 5 stars if possible.

The "Author's Note" shares biographical information for Jessie "Kit" Carson, Mary Breckinridge, Anne Morgan, Anne Murray Dike, Marian Bartol, Kate Lewis, Marcelle Monod, Victorine Verine, Phyllis Puckle, and Lucile Atcherson Curtis, and the inspiration of discovery and timing of research that led to this meaningful novel. Also included is a bibliography of "A Few Films and Websites About CARD Members."

Thank you to Janet Skeslien Charles, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

Having read and enjoyed The Paris Library by this author, I was excited to read this book, also about librarians/libraries. This historical fiction book opened my eyes to the CARDS, a group of American female volunteers who came together in France during WWI to help those devastated by the war. It’s a dual timeline story. One is from the point of view of Jessie “Kit” Carson, a librarian from NYC who volunteered as a CARD. We follow her from her arrival in France and watch her grow personally and professionally along her journey so close to the front lines as she starts offering story times and books to children. She works to help others through the joy of books and in turn becomes a more confident woman personally. We also learn about several other important CARDS as they become part of her story. These woman under the guidance of two “Annes”, including J.P. Morgan’s daughter Anne, do so much to help the people in France whose lives have been ripped apart by war in many ways. They help them rebuild their lives both emotionally as well as physically. They help them get out of areas when Germans are approaching with weapons and help them return when it is safe. The women became well respected and loved by many. It was wonderful to read about their achievements and heroism, knowing what they did to make things better in the world. Many of these women went on to do more great things in the world after the war ended. They also helped others to realize the importance of women in a time that society didn’t see their full worth. The author includes more information on them at the end of the book which was interesting to read. (One thing I didn’t see -my apologies if I missed it somewhere!-was how Kit died. )
This is a huge part of why I enjoy historical fiction- to learn about those who I normally would know nothing about as well as times in history that I may not know about either. The second timeline is in the late 1980’s. A young writer, Wendy Peterson works in the NYPL. Discouraged by her writing workshop professor, who is a curmudgeon, disliking everyone’s work, Wendy becomes more motivated when coming across some old papers with information about the CARDS and what they did. She is intrigued by Jessie Carson and wishes to find as much information on her as possible. She begins her research, which was difficult at times with some dead ends, but she persevered. Although this was not my favorite part of the story (I felt the romance part was not needed and distracted from the story), it did give some insight into what it must be like for historical fiction writers to do so much research in order to properly tell a story!
The author really did do a great deal of research (10 years worth!) to bring the story of the CARDS to us and I appreciate her hard work.
Overall I enjoyed learning about these women and felt the author did them justice!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade tells a wonderful story about the importance of books and stories, even during the darkest times. The novel takes place during The Great War in France, where we follow Jessie Kit Carson's story as she helps CARDS with the children's library in Blérancourt. Additionally, we get to see Wendy's story in New York during the 1980s and how the two stories intertwine. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful passages that expressed the love of books and the significance of stories. The characters were also quite interesting. However, the pace was slower than what I had expected, and some parts felt unnecessary.
Nevertheless, it was still an interesting read. Prior to reading this book, I knew very little about World War I and even less about the consequences in the countries that were at war, such as the Red Zone in France. Therefore, I learned a lot by reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

From the author of The Paris Library, this is a book told in two timelines (1918 & 1987) based on the American librarian, Jessie"Kit" Carson, who changed the library scene in France forever.

QUOTES
"At library school, I saw myself as giving the gift of literacy, but I was the one who received from children - their sense of wonder, their imagination, their optimism."

"In the devastated zone, I vowed to make sure every child had the much-needed pleasure, spark of imagination and escape that books brought. I would lead story hour and create a library. The only question was how."

"Children have had no respite from the daily hardships. They're parched for books, for the spark of imagination that stories bring. The way a novel transforms into a flying chariot that takes us far from sorrow, for the time of a chapter. They deserve the thrill of turning the pages to learn what happens next. Reading must be a priority."

THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the first half of this book and all the wonderfully, thoughtful quotes but then it just seemed to drag on and fell a little flat in the end. I think it was the inclusion of the modern day timeline that made it drag on for me.

There are numerous classic literature references especially to Anne of Green Gables, which I enjoyed as well as following the CARDS who were a group of women making a difference in the war in France. Reading about how books were creating community, relationships and providing much needed escape for children from the horrors of war was lovely!

The audiobook may be the way to go if the reader is unfamiliar with French words and their pronunciation!

It took 10 years for the author to do the research and it shows in the very thorough author's note! It is always interesting to read about the importance of libraries and the many librarians we have to thank for keeping them going even in the most dire circumstances!

CONTENT PG-13

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for sharing my thoughts!

I absolutely loved The Paris Library, so I immediately jumped on the chance to read this one early.
We get 2 timelines in this book. First, we have Jessie "Kit" Carlson an American librarian during the first World War, 1918. She is chosen as a recruit of the American Committee for Devastated France (CARD). Then we have Wendy Peterson, an aspiring writer who works in the NYPL (NY Public Library) in 1987. Wendy finds mention of the CARDs and decides that's what she wants to write about. So we get the dual timeline of the action of the war happening in real time with Kit and then Wendy finding bits and pieces of the CARDs in the archives. Kit is tasked with the library in Blerancourt, forty miles from the front lines. She ends up creating a travelling book mobile and bringing stories and hope to children in 160 towns. Wendy finds this fascinating.
I definitely found there was a lot more connection to the characters in 1918. I think more of the book was about them and their journey. A lot of the book is dedicated to creating these fierce women who worked kind of behind the scenes as the men were fighting and did not get much, if any, credit. The friendship they created was fantastic. I felt it through the page. Even being 40 miles from the front lines was scary. The depended on one another no matter what was happening. I think my favorite character was Marcelle. She was a young girl living in Blerancourt. Her father died in the war and she was living with her mom and little brothers. She was an absolute sass the first time Kit talked to her and I knew immediately she would be my favorite. She turned out to have the biggest heart and stubbornness (in a good way). Wendy's timeline was less often (it seemed) and I didn't feel like I connected with her until closer to the end. Looking back, I think that was the point, and if so, it was very well done. Wendy was a loner. She worked at NYPL and went to her writing class and went home. Her only friend at NYPL is Roberto, who was very sweet.
I don't read much historical fiction, but I feel like the plots don't move fast. The same was with this one. I felt it was extremely character based, not plot based, though obviously the plot was very important too. A lot of the 1918 plot was how the CARDs helped the people of Blerancourt and the surrounding areas of France. How the war had effected the people there. It was very descriptive and I really felt like I was there with them. Everyone had a devastating story. Wendy's plotline was mostly her trying to find information on the CARDs, specifically Kit, and really trying to find herself as well. The two timelines worked well together especially towards the end. The only thing that confused me a little bit was that it felt like Wendy wasn't able to find hardly any information on Kit who she was focusing on, but then all of the sudden she had a 400 page book written about the CARDs. Unless I missed something, it felt like she was having a hard time finding her information. It stated there was plenty of information about the CARDs and Miss Morgan and some of the others, but it just felt to me very sudden that Wendy had so much information that she could write a whole book.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, or books focusing on war. It was very well done and extremely interesting to someone who does not know much about WWI. It felt very real and authentic.

DNF. I liked the author’s prior book, but I didn’t find this one compelling. The historical topic sounds great, but it’s ruined by a clumsily incorporated dual timeline.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is a story that almost every reader will resonate with. Spreading our love of reading is what we all love, and this story is based on real-life characters who risked their life to go to war zones during the First World War to spread joy of reading in children. They evacuated them, provided resources, and gave hope.

Set in two different timelines, this book tells us the story of Jessie Carson and Wendy. Alternating the chapters, this story takes a reader into the world of these two women. One trying to spread the joy of reading as a librarian and the other researching the life of the former.

I loved and enjoyed this book a lot. As a lifelong reader and personally experiencing how a story can give you the strength to tackle life's struggles, I can imagine how Jessie Carson might have made a difference. This book gives hope, and we all need it more than anything!

CW: References to SA, loss, child loss, war

Historical fiction at it's best. This book is so well researched and it shows. It is the story of Jessie "Kit" Carson and her work with CARD (The American Committee for Devastated France). Her story takes place in 1918 during WWI. It is also the story of Wendy Peterson a hopeful writer who accidentally finds documents about CARD and decides to write about it to impress her Professor. Her story takes place in 1987. The book is written in the two timelines. Both Jessie and Wendy worked at the NYPL. Wendy used that resource and several others to try to find information on Carson. She flew under the radar but I honestly don't understand how. Kit Carson and they called her in France loves books and the power of books to enlighten the spirit and hearts of individuals. She is about 40 miles from the front line during WWI and still she finds a way to get books to the children, many of who are missing a father that was killed in the war. She rebuilds the local library and makes it a comfortable place to come and find some peace. Kit's card people become her family and life lone friends. There is heartbreak (it is during a war) and Kit helps out with nursing some casualties of war when needed. It amazed me how strong and resilient the women of CARD were. The book is very well written and the two timelines complimented the story. The characters from 1918 are real with maybe names changed. The author goes over that at the end of the book. Wendy Peterson is fictional or maybe she is based on Jane Skeslien Charles!!
Thanks to #netgalley, #atriabooks and @jskesliencharles for an ARC of this great read.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is based on a true story of Jessie “Kit” Carson, an American librarian who worked in a war zone to bring books to the people. In January 1918, as the Great War rages on, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library and works for the American Committee for Devastated France (CARD). Founded by Anne Morgan, the daughter of JP Morgan, this group helped rebuild the war torn French communities along the battlefront. When Jessie arrives, she creates children’s libraries. Turning ambulances into bookmobiles and trains French women as librarians. Then she disappears. Sixty-nine years later, in 1987, Wendy Peterson, a NYPL librarian and aspiring writer, stumbled across Jessie Carson’s name in the archives. With only a passing reference, Wendy becomes obsessed with discovering more about the elusive librarian. Is she prepared for what her search will reveal?
I loved Jane Skeslien Charles’s The Paris Library and could not wait to read another adventure of the importance of books and community, even in war time. It is a story about the resilience of the human spirit to survive and rebuild. It is a story of inspiration and courage. I loved that Jessie felt the call to join CARD and leave her safe home for a war zone. I also loved that she did not let disappointment discourage her from doing what she set out to do. She was a librarian and was going to bring books back to the community. I also loved Wendy’s dedication to find out Jessie’s story and tell the world about her. This story is well researched and I enjoyed the author’s notes at the end about the real life individuals. If you enjoy stories about WWI and books, I recommend Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade will be available
in hardcover, eBook and audiobook April 30, 2024

4 dual storyline WWI story

Here is a dual storyline that works! I sometimes find this writing technique leaves me wanting more from a book, but this time I loved it. It was also nice to have a book set during WWI rather than WWII.

The more prominent storyline places us in war-torn France and teaches me some things I never knew. Anne Morgan (of that Morgan family) founded a group called the American Committee for Devastated France (or CARD) that did some amazing work. They helped rebuild France and worked close to the front lines.

The main character in this timeline is Jessie Carson. She was a New York Public Library librarian who ultimately made positive changes to libraries in France. Jessie restarted the local library, especially for children's books. The CARD volunteers were resilient, inspirational, and very committed to helping France. When ambulances were no longer needed, Jessie converted them to bookmobiles and took books to neighboring towns.

The more contemporary storyline also features a librarian at the New York Public Library. Wendy works on digitizing archives and stumbles across CARD. She becomes enthralled with the group and digs to find more information on it and its members, including, eventually, what happened to Jessie.

4.5 stars

Another fascinating historical fiction read by the author of The Paris Library. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is one of the May 2024 Indie Next Reads!

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade tells the story of the real-life Jessie Carson, an American librarian who was part of the little-known American Committee for Devastated France (CARD) during WWI. Jessie went to a small town in France in 1918, just forty miles from the war front, to help devastated families rebuild their lives after the German army retreated and left destruction in its wake.

As her fellow CARD members worked with the French citizens to rebuild the town, Jessie tirelessly worked to create a library to spread hope and build a sense of community through the power of reading. It was so interesting to read how she led the setting up of children’s libraries and used ambulances as bookmobiles, all this while war raged on not far away, and as she faced her own challenges and self-doubt. I enjoyed the many references to well-known and beloved novels and it was heartwarming to see the joy that reading brought to the kids and adults alike and how books helped to connect people, provide solace, and form friendships.

The story was told in two timelines and two points of view: Jessie’s in 1918 and Wendy’s, a young librarian and aspiring writer from the New York Public Library, who in 1987, unearthed the unknown story of Jessie and the CARDs. The two storylines showed many similarities between these women and the plot elements eventually came together in a poignant ending. The only thing I would have liked to have seen was’ more of Jessie’s backstory before she went to France.

I enjoyed this book for so many reasons: its good pacing, interesting characters, the vivid setting, and the author’s easy writing style. Moreover, stories like these which inform and bring formerly unknown women to life are why I love to read historical fiction. Add to that a story about a courageous librarian and the enduring power of books and reading, and this one was definitely a winner for me. Highly recommend!

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

You just know the book is going to be good when it has books in the title. It was an interesting story.
Books are always important especially during difficult times. I liked Kit and her desire to bring books to
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I absolutely love books where I learn something new. In this historical fiction novel we learn about the history of the Cards, (American Committee for Devastated France), a group of strong women who brought relief to the French civilians during World War I. Told in a dual timeline format, we learn about Jessie “Kit” Carson and how she used her love of books and reading to nourish the devastated civilians and soldiers in France. We flip back and forth between Jessie’s story during the war and 1987 when Wendy, an employees of NYC Public Library seeks to research more about Jessie in hopes of writing a book. You can clearly tell the author did detailed research in preparation for the novel based on true events. I was drawn into the characters lives and am sad the story is over. This book is for all the book lovers whose lives have been changed by opening a book. It reminded me that during difficult times we always have the books in our minds to help us through.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade was based on a true story of a group of female librarians in France during the war. It was eye opening how these women helped so many people during the war in so many ways. The story was told from WW1 and 1987 and the author weaved the stories together well. The love of books and how literature brings us together is a theme of the book which I enjoyed very much.
I recommend this book for book lovers who enjoy historical fiction and compelling stories about women and their contributions to all aspects of life.

Thank you Net Galley, Janet Skeslien Charles and Atria Books for the opportunity to preview this novel. The ideas shared are my own.

1918 during the Great War, Anne Morgan, daughter of JP Morgan, started a group called the CARDS from French it stands for: Committee American Regions Devastated, or to make sense - American Committee for Devastated France). She recruited Jesse "Kit" Carson to take a leave of absence from her position at the NY Public Library to go to France. From there Kit helped to establish children's libraries which were new to the French, as well as help care for children who were in need of food and medical care.

1987 NYPublic Librarian Wendy Peterson comes across Kit Carson and begins to research and learn more about Kit's work.

The history is interesting and I find these women incredibly brave to do this during a war, and are trailblazers for their work. Overall, the story didn't really grip me, but I will still want to read more books from Janet Skeslien Charles. I really enjoyed The Paris Library!

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade brings to life the oft-forgotten work of the CARDs—a group of American women braving the ongoing devastation of war-torn France to help its people rebuild, even as the Great War wages around them.
Told in split time, the 1918 narrative follows the life of librarian Jessie Carson as she leaves behind everything she knows to bring the joy of books to a people desperately needing both knowledge and hope. Decades later, in 1987, fellow librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles upon the CARDs story and is determined to tell it to the world.
Written with vivid imagery and characters who practically step off the page, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is fascinating in its portrayal of this little-known piece of history, as well as inspiring—offering beautiful proof that one person really can make a difference in the world.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If you think you’re not into reading another book about books or historical fiction, THINK AGAIN! Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a perfect mix of an ode to the power of books and how they and reading them brings us together and provides a salve to the soul, and the fascination of WWI history. The story highlights the American Committee for Devastated France’s role in rebuilding French communities and the impact that these ladies of “CARDS” had on the lives of people they touched. The organization which was founded by heiress Anne Morgan and had me traveling down the Google rabbit hole. This book is a true gem for book and history lovers!

For the book lovers, librarians and historical fiction readers out there! This book tells the story of one librarians mission to get books and stories into the hands and imaginations of as many people as possible all while there’s a war raging 40 miles away!

3.5/5 ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I almost took a break from this book but picked it up again and am so glad I did. I had never heard of the incredible women of CARD who risked it all to help those most harshly affected by WWl, the families living in the front lines of war. Thank you to the author for her tireless research and for sharing Jessie Carson’s story. Jessie’s work bringing books and public libraries to the people of France is still so relevant today! She taught against classism and sexism and didn’t let anything stop her!

Based on real-life events, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is set on the frontlines of WW1. We follow the children's librarian Jessie "Kit" Carson as she serves in CARDs, the American Committee for Devastated France, where she goes to help rebuild destroyed libraries. This bookish tale does well in highlighting the importance of pioneering women, friendship, and hope, but, most importantly, the vital role books and stories play in the most testing and trying of times.

For me, this book was a case of liking but not loving. I felt the timeline switch to the 1987 timeline took me out of what I wanted to read about, namely Kit, which I wanted more insight into. I often ended up just skimming through the more recent timeline. Neither do I think the romances added anything to the story. I do, however, appreciate the detail and am thankful for bringing more awareness to this group of women who helped to rebuild France.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this Arc. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
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I love a historical fiction about brave, selfless, woman who had such an impact on our history. So many of their stories are untold or undocumented. Their names completely erased from history. If it’s based on a true story, like Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade or a true work of fiction it’s so important to have these stories out there. During this book we’re following along two different women, Kit (1918) and Wendy (1987). I kind of wish we just stuck with Kit’s POV. I found when we switched over it killed the momentum of the story and didn’t offer much. Everything in this book just left a little too safe for me. I felt a connection to this beautiful, important story, I liked and admired the characters, but I felt more of a connection to their story than themselves if that makes sense? No lines were crossed and I needed that. I do love reading about other people who share the joy of picking up a book. It’s an inspiring story especially with all the book bans that are happening in our schools, getting books into children’s hands is more crucial now than ever. I do already have The Paris Library on my shelf so I’m interested to see how it compares to this one. Overall it’s a good book, it just needed a little more oomph! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Thank you NetGalley, Janet Skeslien Charles, and Atria Books for this E-ARC. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade hits shelves April 30th!
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