Café Con Libros Book Club: Olga Dies Dreaming

This gathering is exclusively for current and prospective members of the Latina Network and will feature coffee, hearty appetizers, and desserts catered by a local Latinx caterer, raffle prizes, book reflections and discussion, and a fun group photo. Please bring your copy of the book to reference during the discussion. If you don't finish reading the entire book by the day of the book club, that's okay. Show up anyway...however, there might be spoilers in the conversation!

The preferred vendor for obtaining a copy of the book is We are Lit GR, however if a free copy of the book would be helpful for your participation, we have 30 free copies for those attending the book club session. Requesting a copy of the book can be found when reserving a ticket for this event. You will be emailed separate instructions regarding book pick-up.

Olga Dies Dreaming is also available as an audiobook on [Spotify Premium: Fee], [Hoopla, Libby: FREE with library card].

Space is limited. Since this is a book club, we cannot find a replacement for your spot if you cancel or do not show up. We know life happens, however, please prioritize your attendance if you register to maximize the richness of the book conversation and to help us be good stewards of our limited resources. Thank you!

Optional ways to prepare for the book discussion:

• We often ask readers to share a quote or passage from the book that resonated with them. As you read, consider highlighting or flagging quotes/passages that you might want to share with the group.
• A book discussion guide will be emailed to all registered persons at least 2 weeks prior to the event. This is a tool to help readers reflect prior to the group conversation.
• Know that this is a conversation among Latinas in a warm welcoming environment. This is not a book report presentation nor pop quiz! You’ll be surrounded by supportive Latinas.

Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, all registered persons will be notified via email of the cancellation by noon (12 p.m.) on the date of the event.

Childcare: We do not have childcare, however you are welcome to bring your child(ren) so long as you also bring quiet activities and snacks for them. They are welcome to also eat with the group, however to ensure accurate food counts for the caterer, please try to email admin@lnwm.org at least 3 days prior to the event. Life happens and sometimes you don’t know you need to bring them until the day of…no worries. We’ll see you at book club. Please note, the conversation may not be suitable for little ears, as this space is designed for adult women.

Book Description: "Olga Dies Dreaming" is a novel by Xochitl Gonzalez that takes place in 2017 New York. The story follows Olga and her brother, Prieto, who are both successful in their public lives but struggle with personal challenges. Olga, a wedding planner for Manhattan's elite, can't find love until she meets Matteo. Meanwhile, their mother, Blanca, a former Young Lord turned radical activist, abandoned them to further her political cause. As the hurricane season begins, Blanca re-enters their lives. The novel explores themes of political corruption, family conflict, and the true meaning of the American dream, all while asking how to endure a storm.

Co-Sponsors: We express our sincere gratitude to the Grand Rapids Public Library for their support and contribution to making the Café Con Libros Book Club accessible to local Latinas by providing free copies of the book. We would also like to thank ICCF Community Center for providing the space for the event.