WNBA Nashville ChapterWe gather, celebrate, and serve book lovers in the
Greater Nashville area and beyond |
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Join us in July!
WNBA July Book Club Gathering Join your fellow members of the WNBA on Tuesday, July 21st at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of conversation, friendship, and community as we discuss Commonwealth by renowned local author, Ann Patchett. Synopsis: A beloved novel about family, relationships, and the ways our lives become intertwined, Commonwealth offers plenty to discuss—from love and loyalty to memory, forgiveness, and what it truly means to belong. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ann Patchett or reading her work for the first time, this promises to be a lively and engaging conversation. This month's gathering will be hosted by Abigail Wells at the home of Linda Harris. Please email Abigail at [email protected] to RSVP and receive the address. As always, our monthly WNBA Book Club is about more than the books themselves. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow readers, share perspectives, and strengthen the vibrant literary community we are building together. We hope you'll join us for an evening of great conversation and camaraderie! New Board 2026-2028
At the end of June, our 2026-2028 board members gathered for our annual Nashville chapter board retreat. The current board includes:
President: Carly Anderson Past President: Ami McConnell VP and Programming Chair: Amylane Reeve Secretary: Abigail Wells Treasurer: Tatjana Stoljarova Social Media Chair: Lauren Ellis Snider Coffee with Authors and SFOB Chair: Cici Christman Membership Chair: Catherine Hooper Hospitality Chair: Linda Harris Communications Chair: Mad Smith Book Club Chair: Kimberly Dana We look forward to serving our members in the year ahead! Poetry and Friends“Life in Verse: The Power of Storytelling Through Poetry” Camaraderie and poetry were on the menu at Carrabba's on April 7 when WNBA Nashville met to celebrate National Poetry Month. Our program featured published poets Carly Marlys, Heather Cadenhead, and Kate Gaston. Carly, Heather, and Kate each read from their collected works and answered our questions about writing poetry. Carly, Heather, and Kate can all be found on Substack. Check them out! The evening also included some friendly conversations as we enjoyed our delicious meals from Carrabba's. It's always great to get together and see old friends and make new ones! We especially welcomed our newest members and our guests. Lines from Lauren
Hi everyone! My name is Lauren Scott. I’m 12 years old, and I’m the youngest member of the WNBA Nashville chapter. Each month, I write a little challenge for our members to help keep the month fun and full of books!
This month, I would like to talk about something that is critical to a good novel: a challenge. Although there are many different varieties of books out there, and no two stories are exactly alike, there is one thing that unites many of them: the plot line. Most stories follow a familiar pattern. First, the characters and setting are introduced, helping the readers understand the tone of the story. Next, the protagonist faces a challenge: he or she must conquer an antagonist (or another major obstacle) to save a disaster from happening. Many more things happen along the way. There are setbacks, moments of doubt, and times the hero almost gives up. But with the help of their friends and a mentor, they rise to the challenge and defeat the enemy once and for all. This month, I challenge you to map out the plot of one of your favorite books. You’d be surprised by how many stories follow a similar pattern. Then, think about how the characters overcome their challenges. Usually, it's not always by themselves. They often have friends (sometimes in person or sometimes only in spirit, appearing to them in especially difficult moments). They have guides or mentors that lead them along the way and give them small hints of encouragement. Often, they are helped by complete strangers that are willing to help out a fellow neighbor in need. Finally, think about your own life. Where are you in your story? Are you facing a challenge? Are you the hero working to overcome it? Or are you the friend, mentor, or the helpful hand who makes someone else’s journey a little easier? Every great story needs all of those characters. Love, Lauren Scott |
The WNBA membership year begins now! Join us for another fun-filled year of networking, programs, service, and friendship. To join, click here for the membership form and for dues payment. Membership year runs from June-May.
See you in 2026-2027! WNBA Book Club Goes Monthly
There is a quiet magic in reading alone—but an even greater one in reading together. As the new Book Club Chairperson for WNBA, I’m delighted to introduce a new monthly format for our book club gatherings. This shift opens the door for more frequent connection, richer conversation, and a stronger sense of community—one book at a time.
Book clubs do something special. They take a solitary act and turn it into a shared experience. They invite us to see through new lenses, to listen closely, and to linger a little longer in the world of a story. Around a table—whether in a cozy home or a favorite restaurant—books become bridges, conversations deepen, and connections grow into friendship. As our WNBA chapter continues to grow, we are inviting members to host a gathering. Choose a month, select a book, and decide on a setting that feels welcoming and warm. If you’re interested, please sign up with Kimberly Dana at [email protected] and include your preferred month, location, and book selection. Because the stories we read matter—but the connections we make around them matter even more! Warmly, Kimberly Dana WNBA Book Club Chairperson
Catherine B. Hooper, WNBA-Nashville Membership Chair, is an author who writes under the pen name, Cat B. Hooper. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she’s a retired communications director and event planner for Vanderbilt University, where she earned a degree in Creative Writing.
Cat had always wanted to write a novel, and years ago, while living on a horse farm, she began writing a story: “What if you unexpectedly inherited a horse farm—and a jealous relative schemed against you?” She also included original songs in the storyline. Years later, she resurrected the pages and using a five-thirty a.m. daily writing schedule outside of her full-time job, she finished her debut novel which is now being pitched to publishers. While awaiting a publishing deal, Cat is working on her second novel, full of fun magical realism about a California legend. While Cat regrets the twelve-year gap in completing the project, she reminds all aspiring authors to honor the creative spirit within, stressing it’s never too late to start, resume or complete a project. Outside of her Membership Chair role, Cat enjoys attending writing conferences and seminars and judging writing contests such as the Silver Falchion and the Rising Star literary awards. Cat is also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and has appeared as a panelist at the Writerfest Nashville conference. An avid traveler, she enjoys frequent trips to scenic places around the U.S. and Europe, especially national parks, coastlines and the mountains. Follow her author’s journey at: www.catbhooper.com, Facebook, and Instagram @catbhooper. 
Vanderbilt University Presents
the 38th annual Southern Festival of Books, a program of Humanities Tennessee 2026 OCTOBER 17 (9am to 6pm) OCTOBER 18 (10am to 5pm) Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Tennessee State Museum, and Tennessee State Library and Archives We're excited to celebrate the written word with you downtown this fall! Initial lineup to come midsummer. In the meantime, happy reading! Great Group Reads
Upcoming Events Monthly Programming for Members. Guests welcome! . June 2 Summer Happy Hour. 6:00 pm at Martha My Dear June 23 Book Club Discussion Intermezzo by Sally Rooney Details TBA July 7 Summer Happy Hour 6:00 pm at Pinewood Social July Book Club Discussion Details TBA August 4 Summer Happy Hour 6:00 pm at Greenhouse Bar August Book Club Discussion Details TBA WNBA Loves Books!We write them, we publish them, we sell them, we teach children and adults to read and appreciate them, we loan them, we borrow them, we give them, we read them, we listen to them, and we share them with friends. --Lee Fairbend Did you realize there are more pages on our website than this one? Click above the website header on the three lines or the plus sign to find the links to our other pages. You'll find lots more content and information! To join click here. And don't forget to check out our Member News page. Let us know when you have some news to share! |
About the Nashville Chapter
Since 1955, the Nashville chapter of the Women’s National Book Association has been promoting reading, supporting literacy, and advancing the role of women in the community of the book. We offer informative programs and networking opportunities from September through May, a book discussion group that meets six times a year, and various charitable and outreach activities
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Questions?
All events, with the exception of the annual Christmas dinner and the Garden Party, are free and open to the public. For more information, contact [email protected]