November Book :  The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
(recommended by Karin Pecaut)

Description: Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.  Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.  Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.

*In person event registration* if you are interested in joining virtually - no registration is required. Join our TEAMs site - UNC Employee Forum Book Club - to gain access to virtual link and details.


UNC Employee Forum Book Club
Join fellow Carolina colleagues for a lively and welcoming discussion at the UNC Employee Forum Book Club! Whether you’re a devoted reader or just looking for a way to connect with others, our club offers a friendly space to explore thought-provoking books together. Each session features a selected title chosen by members, covering a variety of genres and topics to spark engaging conversation.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Share your perspectives and hear diverse viewpoints
• Meet new people from across campus
• Take a break from your routine and enjoy good conversation

No prior reading group experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and love for a good story.
The UNC Employee Forum Book Club is a subcommittee of the Communications and Public Relations Committee.