The “Our Darien” book club says its second virtual book group title: For All She Knows, a novel involving a teen party, drinking, parents and a community that “explodes.” It’s by New Canaan author Jamie Beck.
— an announcement from the Our Darien campaign of the Community Fund of Darien
With the book club, which has online discussions on Facebook, the “Our Darien” campaign continues its conversation about youth mental health, the dangers of substance use and how parents can best support their teens.
A former Darien police youth officer and a knowledgeable social worker will participate in an online book club discussion.
Participants are invited to read at their own pace, and thought-provoking questions will be posted each week on the Our Darien Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OurDarien, click “Groups”) to enhance the reader’s experience.
A live book discussion at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 20 via Zoom will feature Tracey Masella, licensed clinical social worker in affiliation with Silver Hill Hospital, who will offer her perspective on teen substance use, peer pressure and parental boundary setting.
Sgt. James Palmieri of the Darien Police Department will also share his knowledge of social hosting laws and the repercussions of underage drinking. The Darien Library’s Elisabeth Marrocolla will moderate the discussion.
This program is made possible with the support of The Community Fund of Darien, Barrett Bookstore, the Darien Depot, the Darien Library, Silver Hill Hospital and YWCA Parent Awareness.
Description of the Novel
Two mothers face the consequences of their choices in a gripping novel about friendship, family, and forgiveness. Grace first met Mimi when she blew into their sons’ toddler playgroup like a warm bay breeze that loosened Grace’s tight spaces.
Despite differing approaches to life and parenting, the fast friends raised their kids together while cementing a sisterlike bond that neither believed could be broken. But when a string of ill-fated decisions results in a teen party with a tragic outcome for Grace’s son, the friendship is ripped apart and an already-splintered community explodes.
The book, which came out on March 30, is available at the Darien Library and can also be purchased at Barrett Bookstore (mention the Our Darien Book Group for a 10% discount) and other booksellers.
Our Darien
For the past four years, The Community Fund of Darien in collaboration with the Thriving Youth Task Force (TYTF) has educated Darien teens and adults about the dangers of teen binge drinking through the “Our Darien” social marketing campaign.
This public health initiative aims to shine a spotlight on the impact of alcohol on the teen brain and to offer proven tactics towards healthier attitudes and behaviors. A growing body of research shows an ongoing parent-child dialogue about risky behaviors, combined with clear rules and consequences, equips students to make healthy choices in the short and long term.
The “Our Darien” campaign is funded by a grant from the state of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).