Who We Are
Who We Are
Embedded Files
Rare Gems Literary Society is a bookclub founded in 2006 in Greenville, SC by a group of friends who shared a love of reading and who wanted a way to socialize and discuss the books they read. We are blessed to have five founding members, Robin Gundana, Stephanie Hill, Alexa Horne, Phyllis Mingo, and Linda Mingo-Wood, who are still just as passionate as ever about reading and enjoying high-spirited book discussions. Other members include Valerie Arnold, Cassandra Cheatham, Minnie Mattison, and Karen Talley. Together we have read over 100+ books that have taken us to many places all around the world.
Rare Gems Literary Society is a bookclub founded in 2006 in Greenville, SC by a group of friends who shared a love of reading and who wanted a way to socialize and discuss the books they read. We are blessed to have five founding members, Robin Gundana, Stephanie Hill, Alexa Horne, Phyllis Mingo, and Linda Mingo-Wood, who are still just as passionate as ever about reading and enjoying high-spirited book discussions. Other members include Valerie Arnold, Cassandra Cheatham, Minnie Mattison, and Karen Talley. Together we have read over 100+ books that have taken us to many places all around the world.
What We're Reading in 2026
What We're Reading in 2026
Please click the links below to review the Goodreads synopsis of each book.
All the Colors of the Dark by Whitaker Chris
Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Skin & Bones by Renee Watson
That Bird Has My Wings by Jay Jarvis Masters
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
The Street by Ann Petry
The Wife Before by Shanora Williams
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We're Excited to Celebrate 20 Years!
We're Excited to Celebrate 20 Years!
For two decades, we have gathered, discussed, and grown, united by a shared passion for the richness of Black literature and the power of community. Since 2006, our book club has been a cherished space for African American women to explore diverse voices, share insights, and build lasting friendships.
We are thrilled to mark this incredible 20-year milestone. More details to come!
Meetings of the Minds
Meetings of the Minds
Every six weeks the ladies of Rare Gems Literary Society get together to discuss the book we read. Sometimes in-person and other times virtually online. Periodically, we have joint-discussions and network with other book clubs. We also gather to socialize during holidays and other special events.
Every six weeks the ladies of Rare Gems Literary Society get together to discuss the book we read. Sometimes in-person and other times virtually online. Periodically, we have joint-discussions and network with other book clubs. We also gather to socialize during holidays and other special events.
Karen's Korner
Karen's Korner
Check out one of our Rare Gems Literary Society member's - Karen Talley's book reviews. Below are the links to her Instagram and Youtube channel! Be sure to follow and subscribe for up to date news from publishing houses, newly released books, and new authors, etc!
Karen's Corner:
L-R: Alicia D. Williams, Jesmyn Ward, Glenis Redmond, Remica Bingham-Risher, Crystal Wilkinson, TIa Williams, Sadeqa Johnson, DeLana R. A. Dameron, and Vanessa Miller.
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