Select Region
Let's Get Social!


New Yorkers Invited to Join Chirlane McCray’s Book Club

New Yorkers Invited to Join Chirlane McCray’s Book Club


New York’s First Lady Chirlane McCray is launching a book club and welcoming New Yorkers to not only join, but also come to Gracie Mansion to discuss the selected books this spring, according to DNAinfo.

McCray and notable New York City authors James Hannaham, Jacqueline Woodson and A.M. Homes will select six books—some for adult audiences and others for younger readers. This year’s theme, “Envisioning Distant Neighbors,” aims to “open dialogue on New York’s diversity and rich immigrant community,” according to a press release.

“The first lady is a writer and a poet, and so she feels very passionate about how sharing stories and shared reading can create shared experiences and community,” said Elizabeth DeBold, a spokesperson for the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, a nonprofit chaired by McCray.

The club’s first selection is Tanwi Nandini Islam's “Bright Lines,” which is about three young women and a Bangladeshi immigrant family struggling to reconcile the competing identities of Brooklyn and Dhaka. The Denver Post described it as a “Brooklyn-by-way-of-Bangladesh ‘Royal Tenenbaums.’”



“The many immigrant groups that have sought refuge here, and the beautiful languages and traditions they brought with them, help define New York City,” McCray said in a statement.

A discussion on the book will be held at Gracie Mansion on May 17 at 6pm. Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Library systems will have extra copies of “Bright Lines” available at its branches, and plan to host their own discussions on the book.

To sign up for the book club, visit nyc.gov/graciebookclub.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on fun events and other family activities in your area.

More News Articles:

What Is Open in NYC on Christmas Day?

Christmas day is a wonderful time to explore the attractions of the New York City area. Here's what is open in NYC on Christmas day this year.


Latest News:

LuminoCity Festival of Holiday Lights Returns for 2022

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival has returned for the 2022 season and will be on display through Jan. 9, 2023.


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.

Author: Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons. See More

Featured Listings:

Camps 'R' Us

Camps 'R' Us

The most affordable private summer day camp on Long Island.

Future Stars Summer Camps -- Nassau

Future Stars Summer Camps -- Nassau

The Ultimate Summer Camp Experience! For 40+ years, Future Stars has helped campers build skills, character, friendships, and lasting memories. 8 Loca...

Achieve Martial Arts

Achieve Martial Arts

Scarsdale, Achieve Martial Arts provides challenging programs for children ages 3 and up, and for teens and adults. The school's martial arts instructors have ov...

Eglevsky Ballet

Eglevsky Ballet

Bethpage, NY Eglevsky Ballet has been part of Long Island for over 50 years. As the official ballet company of The Tilles Center, Eglevsky Ballet is the premier b...