CHALLENGES

Set in 18th-century Venice, The Instrumentalist follows the life of Anna Maria della Pietà, a gifted young musician raised in a renowned orphanage and music school for girls. Under the guidance of celebrated composer Antonio Vivaldi, Anna Maria’s extraordinary talent flourishes.

The Dictionary of Lost Words was more than just a beautiful novel—it was a lens through which we re-examined our assumptions about language, gender, history, and power. Esme’s quiet rebellion—collecting words dismissed by the gatekeepers of culture—felt not only necessary, but profoundly courageous.

Dirt Music is a deeply atmospheric novel that demands patience and attentiveness. Tim Winton doesn’t offer easy resolutions—his characters are raw, flawed, and intensely human.

Here’s your SSR Book Club Challenge: Dictionary of Lost Words — a playful and meaningful collection of quirky, regional, and culturally rich expressions, created by us! Where possible, I’ve included definitions, origins, and anecdotal context. It's a celebration of how language reveals who we are — perfect for us book lovers exploring The Dictionary of Lost Words

This novel did more than entertain; it educated, challenged, and deeply moved us. It brought to life a forgotten piece of American history, introduced us to a fierce and unforgettable heroine, and opened the door to important conversations about race, resilience, identity, and the power of literacy.

The Dictionary of Lost Words offers more than a glimpse into the making of a dictionary—it opens a conversation about who gets to define meaning in our world. 

Hernan Diaz’s Trust is a novel that asks as many questions as it answers—if not more. What begins as a seemingly dry tale of a wealthy financier becomes an intricate literary puzzle that explores power, perception, and the elusive nature of truth.

The Echo of Old Books is more than a novel; it’s an experience. It asks readers to consider what it means to carry other people’s stories, and whether love, no matter how delayed, can still be salvaged. 

This novel sparks discussion on history, injustice, and the transformative power of reading. Whether you were drawn in by the setting, Cussy’s courage, or the quiet impact of books, this book gives us plenty to think about.

This lyrical and thought-provoking novel explores the power of language, the importance of whose stories get told, and how words shape our understanding of the world.

Structured in four distinct sections—a fictional novel, a memoir, a manuscript, and a diary—Trust becomes a literary puzzle, encouraging readers to question authorship, truth, and historical legacy. At its heart, it's a book about who gets to tell the story—and why that matters.

A Visit from the Goon Squad is a complex, multifaceted novel that challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of time, identity, and the connections between individuals.

In every fairy tale, the girl who is saved is the one who rescues herself. This sentiment is echoed throughout the novel as Mia must navigate the complexities of love, fate, and autonomy.

Mia’s journey, along with the other female characters, illustrates the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery. 

So, as you read A Visit from the Goon Squad, don’t worry about whether you’re getting it. None of that matters. The point is to have fun reading a tangle of stories in contrasting styles. 

This novel blends elements of historical fiction, romance, and mystery exploring themes of heartbreak, tragedy, and the possibility of starting afresh.

Barbara Davis is an accomplished author of mystery, history, and literary fiction, blending these genres effortlessly to create captivating, emotionally resonant stories. 

Egan has authored several novels and a collection of short stories. Her 2017 novel Manhattan Beach, a New York Times bestseller, won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and was selected as New York City’s One Book One New York pick.

A defining characteristic of Hoffman’s storytelling is her masterful use of mystical realism, weaving together elements of magic, irony, and unconventional relationships. The emotional depth and relatability of her characters make the experience feel grounded in reality.

Our readers were particularly struck by the emotional depth of the characters, especially Hester who we came to see as a strong, defiant woman.

An American novelist and short story writer best known for his works exploring themes of sin, guilt, and morality. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Hawthorne came from a family with deep Puritan roots, a legacy that profoundly influenced his writing.