Making the Connection

Readers Unite!

Nearly two years ago, I read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. I didn’t know at the time how much that book would influence my future reading. When I find an author I like, I immediately want to read everything they’ve written. This book began my journey of historic fiction. Since May 2024, I have read eight more books written by Marie Benedict. I’ve also read Fiona Davis, Stephanie Dray, and Sadeqa Johnson. They are all fantastic historic fiction authors.

Last month, on a spontaneous trip to the library, I saw an announcement that Marie Benedict was making an appearance in Lancaster on her latest book tour. WHAT?!? I must be there! Well, that was March 9, and April 16 seemed like so long to wait. Still, I had my ticket within the hour of learning about her appearance.

I was talking with a friend at the library book store, last week, about my plan for today. She messaged me over the weekend to tell me she had secured a ticket for the author event today. She asked if I needed a ride. I was going to get the bus. Still, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to catch up with her on the ride to and from the event. She said she was also picking up another friend to go along with us.

As it turns out, this friend is in Jackie’s book club. Jackie told Eileen that I was the one who recommended How to Read a Book, by Monica Wood, for their book club. Their book club loved that book! Whew! So, Eileen and I made a connection through a love of reading. She told me that I was Jackie’s secret weapon for recommendations when it came to Jackie’s turn to suggest a book for the book club. Now, she declared, I could be her secret weapon as well. The secret is out!

While we were waiting for the event to start, Eileen asked me for recommendations for her own reading. As I skimmed the list of books I’ve read this year, and from last year, I tried to curate it to books that weren’t part of a series, non-fiction books, and memoirs or biographies. I know that not everyone is going to like the books I read. She did make a list of titles I suggested.

Then, it was time to start the show. Anne Shannon, retired journalist and anchor with the local NBC affiliate, was the emcee. She introduced the woman of the hour: Marie Benedict. She asked questions about her background, her family, the writing process, and so many topics that made for a very interesting session.

There was time for some questions from the audience. Ooh! Ooh! Pick me! I wanted to know how she meets the challenges of research for someone such as Belle da Costa Greene (The Personal Librarian) who destroyed her papers and correspondence before she passed away. How do you research Elizabeth Morris (Agent 355) who was a spy during the American Revolution even though her identity was never really revealed? I also mentioned that Elizabeth Morris was the niece of Robert Morris. Robert Morris owned property in Manheim, my hometown, from 1777-1781. Because of that, I feel a special connection to Elizabeth Morris. Anne Shannon was surprised to learn of the Manheim connection.

When the question and answer period ended, and every group involved was properly thanked, we were standing to stretch our legs. An older woman behind me tapped me on my shoulder. She asked if I was the girl from Manheim. I said that I was, and asked if she was from Manheim. As it turns out, she graduated with one of my uncles. What a small world! Connection made with a Manheim native!

Later, when I was standing in line to get my book personalized by Marie Benedict, Anne Shannon said, “Great question!” to me. Ha! Another connection made.

As I stepped to the table for my book to be personalized, Marie Benedict recognized me and said that I asked a great question. Connection made to the author. Aww! Truth be told, my legs were shaking as I was standing in the line to ask questions. I was so honored to have the chance to ask a question.

I asked about the research because her research is always so thorough. I find myself wanting to know more about the subjects of her books. If not for reading Agent 355, I wouldn’t know about Elizabeth Morris. Even though I remembered vaguely that Robert Morris had a connection to Manheim, the book sent me down a rabbit hole connecting loose threads into one big Manheim-American Revolution connection.

The book she is currently touring for is Daughter of Egypt. She talked about her interest in Ancient Egyptian history and archeology. She talked about the King Tut exhibit that toured the world and North American in the 1970s-1980s. She melded two interests, two stories together with two strong female leads. This was my review for the book. “Two women, separated by millennia, hindered by patriarchal societies, and buoyed by their desire to assert their autonomy, highlight this tale of power, discovery, and forward thinking.” It is an incredible journey.

So, a special thanks to the Friends of the Lancaster Library for hosting the event, the Calvary church for the venue, Anne Shannon for being the emcee, and Marie Benedict, most of all. To her credit, she pronounced Lancaster correctly!

Special thanks to Jackie for offering me a ride, and to Eileen for the conversation.

Today, my love of reading and love of history made a connection in the most special way possible.