August 16, 10-11 a.m., The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. 1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college despite having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising a daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright. Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC's elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don't let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William's family and grant her the life she's been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done. With their stories colliding in the most unexpected ways, Ruby and Eleanor will make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives. To join us for this book discussion, please email Michelle.Edgar@raritanval.edu.