Between the Covers: Professionally Led Book Discussions

Alice Moody and Ann Walters met years ago at the Book Stall in Winnetka, Illinois when Ann registered for one of Alice’s writing workshops. Soon thereafter, they discovered a shared avocation — leading book discussions.

Alice is a seasoned book group facilitator, writing coach, and workshop leader whose stints in publishing and secondary education laid the foundation for her true passion: inspiring aspiring writers and avid readers. Her belief in the transformative power of story serves as the underlying principle guiding her book discussions and workshops. A lover of the beauty and power of words, Alice thrives on a good dose of excellent novels, strong morning coffee, lively conversation, and — most of all — her two beautiful children.

Favorite quote: Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. — Vera Nazarian

Favorite books: Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner, The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Favorite fictional characters: Atticus Finch and Miss Havisham

Favorite movies: Dead Poets Society, Mahogany, and The Shawshank Redemption

Ann is a longtime bookseller at Lake Forest Book Store in Lake Forest, Illinois and book group facilitator who writes a popular book review blog, Books on the Table, belongs to too many book clubs, and gets a huge kick out of recommending the right book to to the right person. She starts her day with a poem, ends her day with a novel, and never leaves the house without a book. The mother of three grown children, Ann is enjoying introducing her grandchildren to the magic of books.

Favorite quote: Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving. — Madeleine L’Engle

Favorite books: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Favorite fictional characters: Francie Nolan and Meg Murry

Favorite movies: You’ve Got Mail, Defending Your Life, and Dr. Zhivago