All In A Day Book Club with Alan Neal

The next All In A Day Book Club features not one, but two books.

The two books are Agent of Change by Huda Mukbil and Clara at the Door with a Revolver by Carolyn Whitzman.

They are both real-life stories of two very different Black women challenging the systems around them. They take us into two different periods in Canadian history where both women react to being accused of certain actions and being perceived as threats. 

Agent Of Change is Huda Mukbil's own story. Mukbil was the first Black Arab-Canadian Muslim woman to join CSIS and was at the forefront of the fight against terrorism after 9/11. Following the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the rise of homegrown extremism, Mukbil was framed as an inside threat. Ultimately, Mukbil and a group of colleagues went public about the pervasive institutional discrimination undermining CSIS and national security from within.

Clara at the Door with a Revolver is Carolyn Whitzman's meticulously researched look at the true crime case in 1894. Clara Ford was a Black tailor and single mother known for her impeccable work ethic and resolute personality — and for wearing men's attire.  She was also arrested for and confessed to the murder of the wealthy Frank Westwood. But as the details of her arrest and her complex connection to the Westwood family emerged, she recanted, testifying that she was coerced by police into a false confession ... but had she?

We hope you'll join us for the next edition of our Book Club taking place January 2025. 

Click here to become a member and stay up-to-date on the latest Book Club news. You can also send an email to [email protected]. 
 

What's the All In A Day Book Club?

The All In A Day Book Club meets bi-monthly at venues across the Ottawa area. We've hosted events in a cemetery, a medieval sword-training centre, a movie theatre, a former fire hall and a sugar shack. No matter where we are, the idea is still the same: gather community together for a lively evening with local authors to talk about their books and delve into the worlds of historical fiction, romance, fantasy, mystery and beyond. You never know quite what to expect as host Alan Neal keeps readers and listeners engaged with fun, exciting and sometimes emotional surprises. 

Book Club members can choose to attend the events in-person or register for the virtual broadcast. Every event is free and if you haven't had a chance to finish or read the book chosen, we encourage you to still join us for a fun evening of community and conversation. 

How do I join?

You can click here to fill out a quick form to join the Book Club. You'll receive email updates on the latest news and upcoming events. 

What books and authors have you featured?

Dandelion by Jamie Chai Yun Liew | The Drip House in Chinatown 
Honeybee Emeralds by Amy Tector | Happy Goat Laurel Cafe
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair | Mayfair Theatre 
We Spread by Iain Reid | Orange Art Gallery 
Laughing With The Trickster by Tomson Highway | First Unitarian Congregation
Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin | Beechwood Cemetery 
Snow Road Station by Elizabeth Hay | Vanier Sugar Shack (Listen) 
Tom's Story by Jo-Ann Oosterman | Ottawa Public Library (Listen) 
The Valkyrie by Kate Heartfield | Ottawa Swordplay (Listen) 
In The Upper Country by Kai Thomas | 1805 Gaspé (Listen) 
Exes And O's by Amy Lea | Station Eleven (Listen) 
Outsider: An Old Man, a Mountain and the Search for a Hidden Past by Brett Popplewell | Louis Riel Dome (Listen)

How do I get in touch?

If you have a suggestion for our next book, feedback or questions about the Book Club you can email us at [email protected].