Each month we choose a book that aligns with the MWC monthly topic and the pillar of healthy widowhood we are focusing on that month. We also read about legendary widow role models and invite the author of the book we’re reading to join us whenever possible.

We grow and learn in so many ways in our widowhood. Reading the stories of other widows and their journeys can bring hope and healing. Connecting with other widows and sharing our journey and perspective is so valuable. As we read and discuss these books, we are reminded that we are not alone in our widowhood. The stories of strength and resilience give us hope and the community provides a safe place to heal and grow.

Each month our MWC Book Club gathers on the 3rd Monday of each month to discuss our most recent read and grow with each other’s experiences and perspectives of the book. This club is for all our Wister’s that love to read and are looking to grow – no matter how long you have been widowed months or years we hope you join us!

How Will This Work?

MWC Book Club is facilitated by top-tier trained widow-advocates from Modern Widows Club, consisting of compassionate, experienced, non-judgmental, encouraging and understanding individuals. They are here for you every step of the way.

We look forward to having you join us monthly as we grow and learn in our widowhood together!

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Book Club Facilitators

Katie H.

I’m Katie, a registered nurse, and I have always lived in the NW suburbs of Chicago. I met Larry, the love of my life, in college. We married in 1982 and raised three active children. I assisted Larry in running our church’s Youth Ministry for 15 years as well as our Marriage Prep program. We journeyed well together with many blessings despite a few major potholes.

Speed ahead to May of 2012 when we were crushed with devastating news: Larry was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, a fatal, degenerative neuromuscular disease. I was overwhelmed with anxiety and anticipatory grief. I could not eat or sleep. My nursing career was an amazing asset as I asked questions, advocated for, and cared for Larry. After a short 15 months, my courageous and wonderful Larry passed peacefully on August 14, 2013. Despite knowing his death was approaching, I still struggled even saying the word “widow.” I preferred the status “on solo journey” after my 31 years of marriage. However, I was quite lost in how to navigate alone. This prayer gave me tremendous direction: “…May your love for him fill your heart with a thankfulness that crowds out grief and despair.” I received tremendous support on my recovery path and felt I had faced grief well. Yet, there was a void in my healing. In the fall of 2017, I began attending Modern Widows Club meetings in the Chicago area and discovered the missing piece. Here I found fellowship as we shared our journeys and no-apology-tears. One meeting, I asked if anyone else had a messy bedroom and almost rejoiced when at least 12 others said yes. These wisters got it! Today, I am eager to continue growing, sharing, and connecting with other wisters since this is not a solo journey.

Angie C.

Our family moved to Austin from Southern California in 2006. For the next decade my husband, Pat, and I ran a business from our home office and I homeschooled our two wonderful kids. In October of 2016, Pat passed away after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Pat was so funny and always told great stories. He was 13 years older than me and had traveled the world before we met. He had some great adventure stories! Talking with Pat made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He would stop everything and be fully present if we needed or wanted to talk. I am so thankful to have found Modern Widows Club. From the very first meeting I attended, it felt like a safe place to share the ups and downs of my journey. For the first time since Pat died, I found myself surrounded by women who got it. I am inspired by the strong women who never imagined begin a widow and the ways they are honoring the lives and loves they lost.