Virtual Book Club Begins with Alumna Author

To help create a sense of Bulldog community in an era of social distancing, the Alumni Office has created a virtual book club.

Access is available to anyone through the Alumni and Friends Book Club Facebook page. Discussion questions will be posted on the page, and live discussions will be scheduled via Zoom around the mid-read mark and at the conclusion of each book.

The first offering features alumna Laura McHugh’s book, “The Weight of Blood.” When the body of her childhood friend is found in the Ozark woods, Lucy Dane can’t help but remember the disappearance of her own mother and feel that the two might be connected. There is little doubt Lucy’s hometown holds many secrets, and it slowly reveals a dark, dangerous side she will soon have to confront.

McHugh (’96) lives in Columbia, Mo., with her husband and children. Her debut novel, “The Weight of Blood,” won both the 2015 International Thriller Writers award and a Silver Falchion award for best first novel. It was also nominated for a Barry award, an Alex award and a Good Reads Choice award. “The Weight of Blood” was named one of the best books of the year by Book Page, the Kansas City Star and the Sunday Times. McHugh also wrote “Arrowood” and “The Wolf Wants In.”

Copies of the book are available here. In order for everyone to participate, the Alumni Office is providing a limited amount of e-reader copies of the novel. As many individuals are currently experiencing financial hardship, and supply is limited, the Alumni Office asks participants take that into consideration prior to requesting a personal copy. To request an electronic copy of the novel, fill out this online request form.

The timeline for this book is listed below. Future book selections will be announced on the club Facebook page.

May 8
Discussion questions posted for first 1/3 of the novel

May 18
Discussion questions posted & live Zoom discussion for 2/3 of the novel

May 28
Discussion questions posted and live Zoom discussion with author Laura McHugh for the conclusion and completion of the novel