This month the Hidden in the Stacks Book Group will read and discuss: Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

"According to Confucius, "an educated woman is a worthless woman," but Tan Yunxian -- born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness -- is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations -- looking, listening, touching, and asking -- something a man can never do with a female patient. From a young age, Yunxian learns about women's illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose -- despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it -- and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other's joys and struggles." -- from the publisher

Free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required. To register click the button below or contact the library for assistance. Copies of the book will be available to pick up at the Circulation Desk of the Central Library.

Visit cranstonlibrary.org/book-groups to learn about other CPL book groups.