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Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

This post contains spoilers

7. In what other way could Eliza have dealt with her father besides joining the military? Would another option have been as effective in getting him to respect her as an adult? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 Seemed like going out and doing anything on her own may have proven her point. Her joining the military seemed to be a right place right time sort of scenario. 3d

MallenNC I think at that time, joining the military was one of the only options for her to prove herself. Maybe she could have gone to work at another paper, if someone else would give her that chance. 2d

Jerdencon I don‘t think there were a lot of options- couldn‘t really move out without a husband and school was done so think it was an available option. 2d

julieclair I think WWII opened up a lot of opportunities for women like Eliza to be respected and taken seriously. My grandmother was one of them. She worked at a plant that assembled aircraft engines. 2d

10 likes4 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

This post contains spoilers

6. Did the surprise that was waiting for Grace upon her return from Europe add to or take away from her journey and the decision she had made for herself prior to coming home? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I‘m sure that kind of stuff happened all the time, especially with minorities. I don‘t think it takes away from her journey and probably makes their bond a little closer. But honestly by that time I was kinda over the stories. 3d

MallenNC I thought the brother part of the story was probably not very likely (though it did happen) but when I‘m reading historical fiction I don‘t mind a little unrealistic happiness! 2d

Karisa That was a bit of a stretch, but I agree with @MallenNC 😊 11h

9 likes3 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

This post contains spoilers

5. Do you think Grace and Eliza are on their way to becoming lifelong friends by the end of the book? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 Seems like it. Off to gallivant in Europe together, fulfilling their dreams… 3d

MallenNC I hope so. I imagine experiences like theirs would create a strong bond. 2d

Jerdencon Yes - think they will find a way to continue the friendship on some level 2d

julieclair I fear they may drift apart once they return to the USA. 2d

Karisa I think so too. With so much history that so few would understand unless they‘d been there. It reminded me a little of Wicked lol 11h

9 likes5 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

This post contains spoilers

4. We read this book at a great time, as Netflix is also debuting a movie about the 6888th Battalion. Do you have plans to watch it?

To get more immersion into the Battalion, here are some links:

https://www.womenofthe6888th.org/

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/6888th.htm

Any surprises on what you learned from the book and from these? Personally, I had not heard of this Battalion, so it was all new to me! #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I had never heard of it so was happy to hear. I definitely want to and plan on watching the 6888. I heard it‘s very good. 3d

MallenNC I haven‘t watched the movie yet but I think it would be a good treat for after I finished the book. Reading this makes me want to read some nonfiction about this group of women. I always like reading about women who haven‘t gotten the attention they deserve. 2d

Jerdencon Yes - heard the movie is great too! 2d

julieclair Great links! I had never heard of these women, either. I can only imagine how proud their descendants must be of them. I can‘t wait to watch the movie! 2d

Karisa I hadn‘t heard of this Battalion either. Thanks for the heads up on the Netflix about them too. Such trailblazers! 12h

11 likes5 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

This post contains spoilers

3. Given what you now know about the African American WAC soldiers' World War II experiences, how would you have responded to the German POW's excuse that he had been “just following orders?“ ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 The ultimate nazi excuse - still doesn‘t hold up when you‘re being asked to do immoral things 3d

MallenNC I imagined a lot of people using that justification for themselves. It was interesting how the author made him seem so nice and normal— I think that was a purposeful choice. 2d

Jerdencon Easy to put the blame on someone else and not take responsibility- but think that was a big part of this war (or any war) 2d

julieclair Interesting point, @MallenNC . I imagine that during wartime, there must be many “nice and normal” people who use “just following orders” to justify behaving in ways they would never consider during peacetime. 2d

7 likes4 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

This post contains spoilers

2. Was Eliza's anger toward Grace over the Kentucky incident justified? Was Grace's anger toward Eliza over the Rouen incident justified? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I didn‘t fully understand why that was Grace‘s fault to be honest. Probably why Eliza seemed to forgive her so easily. 3d

MallenNC Their feelings were justified if somewhat misplaced. In both cases they were pointing their anger in a safer direction— toward each other. I thought the Kentucky assault made Eliza seem more naive than I think was realistic. She should not have needed to be protective of herself but I think a Black woman of her time would have been. 2d

Jerdencon I understood Eliza‘s initial anger at Grace - sort of like if you did what you were supposed to this wouldn‘t have happened - but wasn‘t really graces fault. 2d

Karisa I was surprised that the military put Eliza in that situation in the first place with the Kentucky assault. Maybe since their unit was so new they didn‘t realize but someone had to have assigned her? But to drop her off in the night alone already seemed frightening then add to that in the South… horrible 12h

8 likes4 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

This post contains spoilers

1. Were Grace and Eliza running away from their problems when they joined the military, or were they taking control of their lives? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I didn‘t really think of it that was but yeah it does seem like both were running away from their problems. I also think they were both trying to find themselves. Each had domineering family members that tried to determine how they lived their lives so this was a way to escape that. 3d

MallenNC Eliza was trying to prove herself, so I‘m not sure I‘d call it running away. Grace definitely was running away her her mother, her perceived failure at Juilliard, and her sadness about her brother. 2d

Jerdencon I agree @MallenNC - I think Grace was running away from everything sad in her life - Eliza was just trying to be independent but both were completely unaware. 2d

julieclair I think they both were doing both. Sometimes running away IS a way to take control of one‘s life. 2d

Karisa @Sargar114 I agree. They both seemed ready for a new start more on their own terms. I was surprised because I‘ve never associated military enlistment with freedom, but it seems like at the time women‘s options were more limited. 12h

9 likes5 comments

Sargar114

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

so-so

We follow two black women in New York who joined the WAC during WWII. It was a fascinating premise but their stories didn‘t really hold my interest. I did audiobook so maybe that‘s why. I am interested to know what aspects of these women‘s lives were truthfully and which were embellished. Read for #literarycrew

Librarybelle I‘ve not started this yet, but I felt her latest was also a so-so read. 2w

Deblovestoread I read it 3 years ago and called it a pick, although I remember nothing about the book now. I am looking forward to the new movie with Kerry Washington and this group of WAC's. 2w

Sargar114 @Deblovestoread it just felt a little generic and not much to the story. I‘m sure Kerry Washington will be great! 2w

14 likes3 comments

LitsyEvents

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

repost for @Librarybelle:

Our final #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead for 2024 is the tagged historical fiction novel. Discussion on the 31st!

If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, let me know!

And don‘t forget to check out the 2025 list!

original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2810718

#BuddyRead

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 1mo

35 likes1 comment

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

Our final #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead for 2024 is the tagged historical fiction novel. Discussion on the 31st!

If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, let me know!

And don‘t forget to check out the 2025 list!

LaraReads, mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, Crazeedi, tpixie, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Deblovestoread, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, Sace, Bluebird, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Sargar114, sblbooks, Karisa, Singout, KristiAhlers, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

CatLass007 I have the book and I‘m ready to go! I didn‘t know the 2025 list had been posted. Did you tag people? What‘s the easiest way to look at it? 1mo

CatLass007 Never mind. I found it! 1mo

Sargar114 Found it on audio! Should be able to join this month! 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @Sargar114 !! 1mo

33 likes5 comments

LitsyEvents

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

Repost for @Librarybelle

The final #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is this historical fiction title. Read at your own pace throughout the month of December. Discussion on December 31st.

All are welcome to join. If you would like to be added to the tag list let @Librarybelle know.

Votes for 2025 are being tallied and results will be posted soon.

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 1mo

33 likes1 comment

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

The final #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is this historical fiction title! Read at your own pace to throughout the month of December. Discussion on December 31st!

All are welcome to join! If you would like to be added to the tag list, let me know!

I am also tallying the votes for 2025; I‘ll post the results soon!

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

MallenNC This one is on my TBR. I‘d love to join for the discussion. 1mo

Librarybelle Great, @MallenNC ! 1mo

See All 7 Comments

julieclair I read this awhile back and totally loved it! I doubt I‘ll have time for a re-read, but I look forward to the discussion. 1mo

Jerdencon Just put a hold on the book so hopefully it comes soon 1mo

Librarybelle Sounds good, @julieclair ! 1mo

Librarybelle Hope so, @Jerdencon ! 1mo

48 likes7 comments

CollapsingLibrary

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

so-so

The story was fine, writing was decent, I really liked the idea behind it… but it was missing something. I didn‘t really care for the characters, not that I disliked them but I wasn‘t invested in them and I kept waiting for the story to start. Easy read, so I finished rather than bailing.

57 likes

marleed

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

so-so

There are interesting elements here - two college educated black women in the 40s from differing Harlem backgrounds and both answering calls to join the military for their own unique reasons. I was frustrated by the romance element for both women distracting from a story of two capable, intelligent, determined women. I also wanted more about a black woman in the 40s yearning to compose in the jazz world.

71 likes3 stack adds

julieclair

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

🎶🎵On the second day of ##12BooksOf2022 my book log gave to me… my favorite book of February 2022!

One of several great reads I discovered this year thanks to #OverBookedClub! I recommended it to my IRL book club, so I‘m looking forward to re-reading it in a couple of months. 😀

megnews, Andrew65, sblbooks

Andrew65 I‘ve got this on my TBR and need to get to it. 2y

sblbooks I'm glad you enjoyed it! 2y

29 likes2 comments

HillsAndHamletsBookshop

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

Women were allowed a limited role in the US military until WWII when the Women‘s Army Auxillary Corps was formed. Sisters In Arms tells the story of the only black battalion of the WAAC, through the characters of Grace & Eliza. They navigate a segregated army, hostile military leaders, & entrenched racism, not to mention enemy attacks. This compelling, warm-hearted book shines light on the overlooked contributions of these courageous black women.

13 likes

underground_bks

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

Inspired by the sole all-Black battalion of the Women‘s Army Corp, the Six Triple Eight, this enjoyable and educational novel tells the story of two very different young Black women in WWII. Working-class pianist Grace and socialite turned aspiring journalist Eliza defy racism, misogyny, and the wishes of their families to enlist, and this novel recounts the alternately harrowing and heartwarming experiences they have as reluctant sisters in arms.

25 likes1 stack add

Crinoline_Laphroaig

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

Tomorrow I'm starting my Summer Stack. Tonight I'm finishing the last few chapters of final Spring Read. I've really enjoyed this Historical Fiction. It tells the story of 2 very sheltered young women who defy their families to join the only all-Black battalion of the Women‘s Army Corps during World War II. 🌻📖🍷

37 likes

Hooked_on_books

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

Sisters in Arms follows Grace and Eliza as they sign up for the WAC officer‘s corp in WWII. I liked the story and appreciate the attention brought to these women, though the book reads a bit YA. Ultimately, I give it a pick for the terrific characters.

57 likes1 stack add

MaggieCarr

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

Expand Your Horizons Task 2022: Historical Fiction.

I was unaware of an all black female unit (six triple eight) dispatched during WW2 so while the story is fictionalized I still learned something new. Oftentimes I struggle through war-themed books due to the descriptive violence and while there are some incidents in the book they are race/gender crimes and vehicle accidents and not direct hand-to-hand combat...

MaggieCarr ...Loved loathing the cattiness of some of the women but those distinct characteristics demonstrate how versatile the author is. 3y

35 likes1 comment

Butterfinger

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

I was typing a so-so, but I had to delete everything when I realized that it may not have shown the pathos I expected, but it had a triumphant spirit I appreciated. Those women fought barriers, but fought to rise above expectations even above their parents'. #OverlookedClub @sblbooks @megnews

Chelleo This looks so interesting! Stacked! 3y

TiredLibrarian I just put this one in a Women's History Month display! 3y

58 likes2 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

#Overbookedclub

TheBookHippie, Liatrek, Deblovestoread, SamanthaMarie, Butterfinger, sblbooks, katy4peas

sblbooks Thanks for hosting! 3y

katy4peas Great pick! 😊 3y

28 likes2 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

#Overbookedclub

TheBookHippie, Liatrek, Deblovestoread, SamanthaMarie, Butterfinger, sblbooks, katy4peas

julieclair I would definitely read another book by Kaia Anderson, especially if it was historical fiction. I thought she did a great job of immersing the reader in the specific time and place of this book. I enjoyed her writing style - good character development, and communication of the characters‘ thoughts and feelings, without being overly wordy. (edited) 3y

megnews @julieclair I would give her another read of historical fiction as well. I think the bickering and misunderstandings could have ended earlier than they did but for a debut novel I thought this was good. And I enjoyed seeing it through more than one character‘s eyes. 3y

sblbooks The writing style was fine. My main problem was the characters were just frustrating. I might give her another chance if it's a topic I would enjoy. 3y

See All 6 Comments

katy4peas I also enjoyed the writing style and the way the characters stories and the historical stories were told throughout the book. I thought there was a lot of bickering also, but to me that made the ending more meaningful when they did fully make up with each other. I also appreciated the character‘s feelings and growth throughout the book. 3y

julieclair @sblbooks I agree… the characters were frustrating. Not sure I would ever be friends with either Grace or Eliza, lol. 3y

julieclair I thought that Kaia Alderson left the door wide open for a sequel. If she writes one, it will be interesting to see if the bickering continues. 3y

20 likes1 stack add6 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

#Overbookedclub

TheBookHippie, Liatrek, Deblovestoread, SamanthaMarie, Butterfinger, sblbooks, katy4peas

julieclair I learned so much! I was aware of the WAC, but never really thought about how Black women serving in it would be segregated. Even though I knew about the Tuskegee Airmen, and knew they were segregated. Reading the descriptions of how segregation and prejudice were such an ever-present issue - even in such mundane tasks as hailing a cab in New York City - was eye-opening. 90 years after the Civil War! So disappointing and sad and hard to believe. 3y

megnews @julieclair I‘m sorry I missed tagging you! I only learned about the WAAC this month through this book and one other. But I wasn‘t surprised by the segregation because I had read a lot about that regarding male troops in WWII. I agree though it is difficult to read about the impact on people. I was surprised to learn about all the mail that was backed up for so long. Troops had to be so discouraged. 3y

sblbooks I didn't know anything about the six-triple-eight before reading this book. It made me want to read more, possibly a nonfiction book. 3y

See All 6 Comments

katy4peas I learned a lot. I didn‘t know really anything about the WACC or the segregation. I guess the segregation doesn‘t surprise me but is very sad and disappointing that it was still around and is still around. I learned a lot and want to explore more of the loca history about the WACC in Des Moines where I live. I had no clue so much happened here. 3y

Butterfinger I never thought about women becoming officers. I was surprised. I assumed that men were always their commanding officers. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger you know, now that you mentioned it, I remember thinking the same. That was surprising to me too. I was majorly annoyed by all the leaders that made them drop their work to be reviewed. What a power trip! 🙄 3y

18 likes6 comments

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

#OverBookedClub discussion starts now. Join in when you can.

TheBookHippie, Liatrek, Deblovestoread, SamanthaMarie, Butterfinger, sblbooks, katy4peas

sblbooks Grace and Eliza were both black women trying to prove something to their families and themselves. Eliza came from much more privileged background. I didn't have a favorite character because both MC's unlikable. 3y

katy4peas I didn‘t love either character either, but I understood where they both came from with the challenges they faced. I also saw some growth in them both and grew to like them more than I did in the beginning. I appreciated that they became friends. Grace was my favorite over the two of the them, but there were times when Eliza really shone and really did like her at times. 3y

Butterfinger I didn't like Grace or Eliza either. I thought Grace should have shown more guilt and Eliza was just there. I liked Charity. They had so much to prove and I think she motivated her women because people wanted them to fail. @sblbooks @katy4peas 3y

17 likes3 comments

To Serve My Country, to Serve My Race: The Story of the Only African-American WACS Stationed Overseas During World War II

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

I enjoyed this historical fiction about the 6888th Women‘s Auxiliary Air Corps. Looking forward to discussion with #OverBookedClub Saturday.

sblbooks We have the exact same star rating. 3y

38 likes1 comment

Deblovestoread

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

I didn‘t plan to read it in a day but the stars aligned allowing me to spend my afternoon and evening learning a new piece of black history during WWII.

The story focuses on two black women who are looking to find their path after their initial dreams for their futures are denied. They meet as they apply to get 1 of the few slots allotted for black women in the WAC.

Looking forward to #OverBookedClub discussion on Saturday.
Last for #FabFeb

megnews, Andrew65, sblbooks

Andrew65 Looks great, stacked. 3y

64 likes2 stack adds1 comment

sblbooks

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

🌟🌟🌟💫
I would have DNFed this if I was not reading it for #overbookedclub the constant bickering between Grace and Eliza got on my nerves. However, I'm glad I stuck it out. The historical aspect was interesting, and by the end the characters had grown on me a little. Reading this book caused me to do a deep dive on the six-triple-eight battalion of the WAC. I found a non fiction on this topic I want to read. I will tag it in the comments.👇

sblbooks The story of the first African American women serving overseas during World War II

megnews It‘s a fascinating topic I knew nothing about before this one and

Mare's War

37 likes2 comments

katy4peas

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

pick

I very much enjoyed this book about the first Black Women‘s Army Corps. They were very brave women to have faced all of the racism, sexism and the war as army members. I liked the characters and couldn‘t put the book down. Hence, the review for February‘s #overbookedclub read on the 4th of Feb! 😮😊 I learned a lot and have some local exploring to do. Ft Des Moines is close to my house, and I can hear the guns go off during their trainings.

megnews I‘m glad you liked it. I‘m a few chapters in a enjoying it so far but I always have lots of books going on so I haven‘t gotten farther yet. 3y

katy4peas @megnews I‘m surprised I actually finished this one as fast as I did. I have tons of buddy reads going on, but this one grabbed my interest so it got special treatment. 😊 3y

66 likes4 stack adds2 comments

#FirstLineFridays #OverBookedClub

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

TheBookHippie, Liatrek, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, SamanthaMarie, sblbooks, ShyBookOwl, katy4peas

katy4peas I only have a few hours left on the audiobook. It‘s a great read!!! I‘m excited for discussion! 3y

46 likes1 comment

katy4peas

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

Missed the January book for #overbookclub so started early on February‘s read. It‘s really good! And it talks about Des Moines as one of the first places for WAC officers. It is really weird to hear Iowa mentioned as I‘m not used to my hometown area being a prominent place in a book. And since this is historical fiction, now I‘m going to have to go on a hunt for more info and sight seeing. 🤔🙂

Lindy That‘s cool. I love finding my home city in the books I‘m reading. 3y

JaclynW So cool! I love when my hometown/home state get mentioned. Funny how exciting it is. 😄 This book looks great! 3y

megnews I love when my area is mentioned. Learning new things and going on searches for more info is one of my favorite things about historical fiction. 3y

60 likes3 stack adds3 comments

LitsyEvents

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

Reposting for #OverbookedClub @megnews @sblbooks #buddyread

megnews Thanks for sharing! 3y

44 likes1 comment

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

Reminder to place those holds or grab a copy of February‘s #OverBookedClub discussion. All welcome! Please let me know if you plan to read along.

rubyslippersreads, Aims42, Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, SamanthaMarie, CoffeeNBooks, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, katy4peas

sblbooks I'll be there!😁 3y

TheBookHippie I put it on hold! 🤞🏻 3y

Chrissyreadit I‘m planning to. But I take my licensure exam in Feb so all my reading is off these days just trying and will see how it works out. 3y

See All 12 Comments

megnews @Chrissyreadit I understand! Good luck on your exam! 3y

Chrissyreadit ☺️ thank you. 3y

Deblovestoread I‘m in. 😊 3y

Aims42 This was such a great read!! I won‘t be able to participate but thank you! 3y

SamanthaMarie I got it on a kindle deal so I'm looking forward to it!! 3y

Crazeedi I'll try to find, not sure if I can but I'll let you know 3y

katy4peas I‘ll try to join in! 3y

Liatrek Hi, I would love to join this buddy read🙂 3y

megnews @Liatrek great! I‘ll add you to the list. 3y

34 likes12 comments

TiminCalifornia

Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson

I got to open this amazing package of goodies today for #LittleChristmasSwap #LCS. Thank you, @BookBosomed1 - everything is delightful and I can‘t wait to delve into the books and the treats!

bookish_wookish

BookBosomed1 Yea! I look forward to hearing what you think of Sisters in Arms. It‘s on my TBR. 3y

50 likes1 comment