Building Bridges Book Group, Ossining
Amy Hall, front, left - owner of the HVBH, with Joyce Cole
WHAT & WHY BUILDING BRIDGES BOOK GROUP
Building Bridges is a monthly gathering to explore race, faith, identity, and community through books and readings selected by the group. Together we create a welcoming space for thoughtful conversation, listening, and connection—one month at a time. Our goal is to build understanding, relationships, and community over time.
Joyce Sharrock-Cole
Facilitated by Joyce Sharrock-Cole (Ossining Historian), each gathering begins with light refreshments and informal conversation, followed by an hour of focused discussion.
Location: Hudson Valley Books for Humanity (Ossining)
Schedule: Monthly
BOOKS WE'VE READ:
Selections are chosen collaboratively and may include nonfiction, memoir, history, fiction, essays, and shorter readings.
Some titles we’ve discussed include:
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The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabelle Wilkerson
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The Tragedy of True Crime by John J Lennon
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Push by Sapphire
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Say Anarcha by J.C. Hallman
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The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story by Martha Goddard
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The Poet and Silk Girl by Satsuki Ina
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The Silence of the Choir by Mohamaed Mbougar Saar
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There There by Tommy Orange
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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A friendly, respectful space—come as you are
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Shared agreements for discussion (listen actively, speak from your experience, assume good intentions, honor impact)
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Curiosity over debate; connection over “winning”
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You’re welcome whether you’ve finished the reading or not
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No fee to participate.
VOICES FROM THE GROUP
"Having the opportunities to learn from personal accounts like Joyce, Richard, Jan and others has been so meaningful."
"This experience reinforced the sense that open and honest dialogue in a safe and comfortable space can help mend societal issues."
"The book club helped open eyes further to the difficulties some people live with, made one respondent more aware of many issues, and reinforced the importance of staying conscious of personal biases."
"The club encouraged reading more non-fiction books, such as historical accounts like those by Isabele Wilkerson on migration and racism, and provided opportunities to learn from meaningful personal accounts."
Professor Robert Goldstein
To learn more or to join Building Bridges (Ossining), contact us at: abbe@jtcexperiences.org,
845-494-9288. Or use our contact form
Start a Building Bridges group in your community
Interested in hosting a Building Bridges Book Group where you live? We can help you get started with guidance on format, discussion agreements, and selecting readings.
Contact us for support: abbe@jtcexperiences.org or use our contact form!