"Without uppity women, nothing would get done." Lewis

My paternal grandmother was born in 1900. It is amazing to me to learn that during WWI women her age bravely traveled across the ocean to help people in the devastated land of France. They tried to repair damage, plant crops, transport endangered citizens and make things better. This book by Janet Skeslien Charles is based on the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson, a librarian who joined these brave women.
I received this book from Atria Books through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion.
I learned about the amazing group known as "CARD" American Committee for Devastated France, which was funded by Anne Morgan, millionaire. This is so much more than 'just a story' about Miss Carson. This is about the dedicated and mostly wealthy international women who served as a team to feed and give many kinds of aid to citizens and soldiers who served or lived in France.
The story is done in two timelines, 1918, the telling of Kit Carson's mission to refurbish a war damaged library and bring books to the communities she could reach. She is a character that is heroic to me. She was so much more than a hired librarian during her time in France.
1987 another New York public librarian, Wendy Peterson happens upon boxed up information about CARD. As she reads, she learns of Jessie Carson and discovers that she seemed to disappear many years ago. She starts an intense search to learn more.
I've always been interested in WWII heroics and history. This book was new and interesting for me describing the terrible time the people of France endured. The stories of the strength of women and dedication of 'spoiled and delicate' rich girls are parts of history that need to be valued and shared.
Note: language, adult relationships, devastation, infant death, grief and casualties of war

Libraries give us strength to carry on at times when we need it the most and this book is an excellent portrayal during WWI.

JP Morgan, a successful investment banker, had four children and his youngest, Anne Tracy Morgan, was remembered as a noted philanthropist in the early 1950s. She was raised with wealth and took it to another level making Americans aware of the brutal war in France. She had the means to encourage change. She hired a photographer and filmmaker to show Americans what the Germans had done to the farms, animals, land and people. What they saw was alarming.

Miss Morgan created a group called “CARDs” which was an American Committee for Devastated France. This story focuses on one of her workers, Jessie “Kit” Carson, who was hired to set up a children’s library in the war zones of Northern France. As anyone can imagine, it was not only dangerous to work where she could hear bombs but also emotionally difficult.

The author then went to 1987 with another character, Wendy Peterson, an aspiring author. While in college, she was gathering details to write a book to make reader’s aware of Kit Carson’s enormous contribution towards the war. This was someone she could relate to – a girl who didn’t have a lot of money but loved books and worked at the NYPL. Wendy was eagerly learning about the CARDs with her research and getting help from someone charming and handsome. Anyone can guess that a romance would follow.

This book is filled with words and phrases that make you pause as it reminds us of what’s important in life and the brutal side of the war. It was a time when death surrounded the people while books in many ways saved them by lifting their spirits. It’s a true story with an impressive amount of research. There was much to digest and slow in parts but the book is worth reading. At the end, the author leaves readers with a short profile of people that were instrumental with the CARDs in the book.

My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book with an expected release date of April 30, 2024.

From the author of The Paris Library comes yet another story about the power and importance libraries have in the lives of everyday people. It is a dual timeline story following Jessie ‘Kit’ Carson a children’s librarian part of the CARDs (American Committee for Devastated France) and Wendy a NYPL archivist/aspiring writer in the 1980s. The story follows Kit and her fellow CARDs as they work to help the devestated areas of northern France rebuild. Simultaneously, Wendy discovers an archived CARD newsletter and begins her deep dive into trying to understand who these women were and what happened to them after the war. It’s a story of true dedication to the serving of others and the importance of literature as a doorway to healing, growth and connection.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC. I’m always drawn to a book about libraries since I’m a huge believer of their unparalleled value. I loved The Paris Library and found this story similar in voice and the deep level of research done to inform the narrative. I didn’t love Wendy’s point of view and didn’t find it entirely necessary but I understand that her story was meant to symbolize the author’s own discovery of the CARD women and subsequent fascination. I’m continually in awe of the many women who chose to enter war zones during WWI and WWII. They showed extreme courage in a time when many still believed women should be seen and not heard.

In the epilogue the author writes “Libraries are the foundation of democracy. They are among the few places where people may enter for free and enjoy culture…” This is ever more important to remember as library funding continues to be cut and censorship is at an all time high. The book releases April 30th and I definitely recommend adding it to your lists.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this novel.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a historical fiction novel set in WWI. I will admit it’s not something I would usually read but as a book lover myself I was intrigued. If you are a book lover or historical fiction lover this book is for you. It had so many quotes and references to classic novels and it really taught me about a a piece of history I knew nothing about.

I did find the book moving a little show for my liking but the characters were great and you really fell in love with all the different members of CARD.

3.5/5 stars

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is a fantastic historical novel by Janet Skeslien Charlles. Charles brings her reader into 1918 France. Millionaire Anne Morgan and her international group of women are fighting their own war by helping people who live just miles from the front. Jessie Carson is a librarian in New York and she is selected to come to France with the responsibility to establish a library. Carson has never traveled and her life is forever altered by this experience. Charles's characters are fascinating and they're many interesting sub-plots. There is also a separate story line that is set in 1987 New York. Wendy Peterson is an aspiring writer and works at t he New York Public Library. She is fascinated when she discovers some information about Jessie Carson. Peterson's research leads her on an amazing search that ends in an unexpected way. This book is a definite must read and I also enjoyed Charles's previous novel, The Paris Library.

In 1918 during World War I, Anne Morgan, daughter of J. P. Morgan, and a group of wealthy American women put themselves in danger to bring books to war torn towns in France. Librarian Jesse “Kit” Carson, an employee of the New York Public Library, takes a paid assignment during that time to join these women known as CARDS (American Committee for Devastated France) on their mission. The book is told in a way that follows Kit as she recreates local libraries and alters vehicles into roving libraries bringing books to outlying communities. In alternate chapters, present day research librarian Wendy becomes fascinated with the history of the long forgotten group of women and is determined to know what happened to Kit. The author has deeply researched this topic. At the end of the book she provides details about the real life characters of this story. Fascinating read! This ARC was provided by Atria Books | Simon & Schuster via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent short description of American volunteers in France at the end of WW I. It describes the work of librarian Jessie "Kit" Carson to reestablish libraries, American libraries, in the ruins of France at the end of WW I. She volunteered with a group of women from the United States that included medical personnel and other women who spent the last few months in the edge of an active war zone. The book would be excellent for teens and up. It describes the ruined buildings, the widowed women and wounded soldiers, orphaned children and the misery of war, but is not graphic and gory.

I love a book about books! In this book you are transported through time from 1918 to 1987 as two stories lines are inevitably interconnected through history and fate. Jessie Carson worked to bring books into the lives of children during the war efforts. Years later Wendy Peterson discovers the work of Carson and begins to investigate it further. I nearly finished in one sitting. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I always say I am not going to read any more World War II books, so when I started reading this book I was surprised that it is a World War I (The Great War) book. I wasn't excited about that, but this book has the style that helps me read this type of historical fiction--it balances the war with a more modern story that is connected in some way to the historical story. THEN the story!! It is about American women (many who are from high society families) who go to war torn France and do everything they can for the mostly women and children who are trying to survive after their towns have been destroyed and their men mostly killed. THEN the woman in charge of this mission, Anne Morgan (JP Morgan's youngest daughter), decides to pay a librarian to come to France with the mission of restoring libraries to help restore the people! My heart! Of course I love these women and, of course, I am just passionate about the intrinsic value of reading fiction!
Anyone who loves historical fiction or is passionate about reading will value this story and love learning more about this actual mission fictionalized in this book.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #AtriaBooks for my ARC
#MissMorgansBookBrigade

I couldn’t put this one down! Seriously, I was hooked right away.

The dual timeline of this book was so fantastic, as was the modern day plot. This book was split between France during WWI and NYC in 1987. Wendy’s 1987 aspirations, and interests, made a natural bridge for us to learn about the Cards and it felt natural, seamless and interesting.

This book had all the things that make a book a great one for me. It was captivating, the ending felt realistic and not too neat & tidy and I felt something. Not only those points, but I learned something too, and that made this book even more incredible.

This is a historical fiction book that is a must read. I love this one!

An advance reader copy was provided to me by NetGalley + Atria Books but all opinions are my own.

I heard about this book from the owner of Fabled Bookshop in Waco, Texas from Instagram and I immediately grabbed an ARC. I could not put this book down but because of Easter and family stuff I had to sometimes. This is a novel based on the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson. She worked at the NYPL and was recruited by Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan, to help rebuild a library in France during WWI. Unfortunately the library was so damaged that when she went to France they did not quite need her yet so she started a mobile library to take the books to the kids. Back then, libraries were mostly for rich adults and certainly not for children. Also, librarians were men. She changed all of this for France. She was only required to stay for 2 years but she stayed for more and one of the libraries she created celebrated its centennial in 2022. While having the 1917 timeline, we also have a 1987 timeline for a woman who works at the NYPL researching Jessie Carson and wanting to write a book about her. It was a very fascinating read and I loved all of the quotes from characters from books. It made it such a fun read. I mean the main character is a librarian so...

-"Well, if you can transform deadly weapons into floral arrangements, I feel I'm in good hands."

-I set My Antonia, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Anne of Avonlea on the nightstand. I kept my favorite people close-impossible to sleep without them.

-Books are bridges. They show how we're connected.

-There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.

-"When to go it alone or when to ask for help is one of the most important lessons that children can learn."

-Research: there is no better high.

-"A town needs a library in the same way that a home needs a hearth."

-"Tending to others-whether man or beast- allows us to concentrate on something other than our own grief."

-What to do when home is no longer home?

Based upon a true story. This book is a dual timeline which I found very insightful and engaging. The story moved along at a nice pace and was easy to follow. I enjoyed getting to know Jessie and seeing the difference she made in the lives of the villagers by where she was stationed. I love how she used books to connect with everyone. I also liked Wendy's story and being along for the ride as she tried to find out more information about Jessie. I never knew about Jessie Carson, so it was interesting to learn about her and try to solve the mystery of where she disappeared too. I also learned about some other historical figures I hadn't heard of before. I loved the entire book and am so thankful to have read it.

3.5 stars, rounded down.

I didn't hate anything about this book, but there were enough minor dislikes to keep me from loving it. A couple of my specific/personal issues:

-The chapters that take place in the 1980s didn't NEED the extra stuff about that character's personal life, particularly the romance element.
-The emphasis on how *magical* books are, and the profound impact they can/do have was a bit over-the-top. The references to Jessie's "library of her mind" got annoying after awhile, and the reverence EVERY reader seemed to have for EVERY book they ever read was more than a bit unrealistic.

Despite my gripes above, I still enjoyed the historical/educational aspects and learning about several amazing women I hadn't previously known anything about.

1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild destroyed French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen—children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears.

1987: When NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives, she becomes consumed with learning her fate. In her obsessive research, she discovers that she and the elusive librarian have more in common than their work at New York’s famed library, but she has no idea their paths will converge in surprising ways across time.

Incredible writing. Amazing story. I'll pick up any book about books, and I generally love historical fiction, so this was a no-brainer to read. I was absolutely blown away by all the new things I learned a lot about history, but was also deeply moved by the well-written characters and their stories. I'm a sucker for good writing and a good story. I'm a sucker for strong women. This is a must-read for anyone who loves books, WWI history, or strong women characters. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

this is a true story of a group of women who traveled to France in World War II to help people affected by the war. It was organized by J. P. Morgans daughter. really good read.

The writing is incredible in my opinion. The way Janet paints the picture of the situations Jessie is in during WWI is so detailed without being boring. I as a reader was fully invested and drawn into the book. But also the description of NYCs 5th Ave does the same thing, detailed and realistic really sets the scene for the following plot. Jessie and Wendy as characters were interesting and I wanted to know more about them and how their story ends.

Jessie is inspired by the real Jessie Carson who revolutionised the libraries in France. She is courageous and interesting, stubborn in the best way and kind. I liked reading about her a lot. Wendy is a fictional character in the book and I found it amazing how Janet has woven her into the characters who were inspired by real people. She is sometimes insecure about her writing and her interests until she finds out about CARD.

I enjoyed learning about the events of WWI and the work of the CARDs in this fictional setting while getting the feeling that I am reading a bit of non-fiction as well. Very informative while being a great book! If you like historical fiction and WWI in combination with books, this book is for you!

Considering how much I loved The Paris Library, I was thrilled to read Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. Like one of the main characters, Wendy, I had never heard of the CARDS even though I read a lot of history titles. In fact, a quick Google search required me to be incredibly specific on the search terms in order to find anything about them. Skeslien Charles sheds light on amazing, brave, and dedicated American women putting themselves near the front lines for the women and children of devastated France.
I enjoyed the mix of narrative as well as historical documentation. I am a genealogy and history librarian and, therefore, loved the research aspect of the story! There's a twist near the end that I wasn't expecting, and that always raises the enjoyment level. Overall, this was a well-researched story with a fantastic narrative to tell it.

What an interesting book. It is based on a true story and it was fascinating to read. It is both engaging and meticulously researched, The characters were interesting and entertaining. I usually don't enjoy war books, but this book sucked me in and kept me there. It has a dual timeline, because of this it draws interesting parallels between the challenges faced by characters in both eras. A must-read!

True story about a group of women who traveled to France during WWI to help civilians who had been devastated by the war. The group was organized by the daughter of millionaire J.P. Morgan. I really enjoyed the book, only it reminded me a lot of Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig, which is also based on a true story. But I never get tired of reading books like this.

This book is an interesting account of a little known World War I story about the CARDS, a group of women who worked to bring hope and light to some dark areas during the war. The author did a good amount of research to present these women to us. I did especially enjoy Jessie Carson, who went to France to help to build libraries and spread a love of books.
The story goes back and forth between the early 1900's in France and New York City in the 1980's with a woman who discovered this info and worked on writing the story. I found this second thread not really necessary. I am not sure that it really brought much to the story. It does seem like all the modern novels of historical fiction have to trace 2 or 3 different people. It is an approach which is fine, but doesn't seem like all the novels need to have the same approach. I think this book would have been just as strong if the focus had been only on the women of CARD in the war years.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC. Opinion shared on this book are completely my own.