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BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 2025-2026 

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann - presented by NBPL Foundation

September 10, 2025

On January 28, 1742, a tattered vessel arrived in Brazil carrying thirty emaciated men—survivors of His Majesty’s Ship the Wager, which had wrecked while pursuing a Spanish galleon. After months on a desolate island, the crew built a makeshift craft and sailed over 3,000 miles, initially hailed as heroes. However, six months later, three castaways in a decrepit boat reached Chile, revealing that the men in Brazil were mutineers. Conflicts among the crew had led to anarchy and accusations of murder. The Admiralty convened a court martial to uncover the truth, with life-and-death stakes for the accused. The Wager by Grann explores extreme human behavior, weaving a gripping narrative filled with twists reminiscent of survival classics and thrillers.

 Meeting Details:

• Friends Room, Central Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA
• 2nd Wednesday of the month / September to May
• 9:30am - 11:00am / doors open at 9:15am
• FREE (a suggested donation of $10.00 is always appreciated)
• No Reservations required
• Come whether you’ve read the book or not as The Group is kind, curious, and engaging!  

The Book Discussion Group members select, read, and discuss 9-10 books per year. This active and dynamic Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Friends Room at the Central Library. All are welcome whether you’ve read the book or not and the program is FREE. Refreshments are provided and the books are available through the Newport Beach Public Library.

For detailed 2024-2025 Book Discussion Group reading list: https://nbplf.foundation/programs/book-discussion-group/