In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez is a gripping story of courage in the face of unjust actions and repression. We had a great discussion in our mother-daughter book club about this book when we read it. Book clubs can talk about whether moms or daughters feel they believe strongly enough in a cause to risk their lives, what may hold people back from rebelling against dictatorship, and the historical events surrounding Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. The story is even more poignant as it’s based on true events. Here’s a review from the girl who chose it.

In The Time of Butterflies follows the lives of four sisters and the decisions they make to join, or keep away from, the revolution in their country. The story tells about the hardships and difficulties they had to face in everyday life as well as revolutionaries. This book was well written and interesting.  – Liz M., Portland, Oregon