Terrazas Non-Fiction BYO Book Club

History buffs, non-fiction fans, and curious minds are all invited to the Terrazas Non-Fiction BYO Book Club, where the usual “everyone read the same title” rule is tossed out the window. Instead, you pick the book, bring your insights, and help build a big-picture look at a single fascinating topic.

This month’s theme is the American Civil War, and the timing couldn’t be more meaningful. The final day of the war is often cited as May 26, 1865, and just a few years later, on May 30, 1868, Memorial Day was first nationally observed to honor Union soldiers who died in the conflict. This gathering invites you to explore that era from any angle that interests you—then share what you discovered with fellow readers.

• Choose any non-fiction book related to the American Civil War: military history, political strategy, biographies, social history, first-person memoirs, or studies of how we remember the war today.

• Read at your own pace before the meeting, then come ready to talk about key ideas, surprising stories, and memorable quotes from your pick.

• Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming discussion where everyone brings a different book to the table, creating a patchwork view of the war and its lasting impact.

• Discover new titles and authors as other participants share their sources—perfect for expanding your reading list far beyond a single assignment.

The Terrazas Non-Fiction BYO Book Club is designed for all levels of history knowledge. Whether you are a seasoned Civil War enthusiast or just dipping your toe into the subject, you will find a friendly space to ask questions, share thoughts, and connect past to present. The diversity of sources makes every meeting feel like a mini-conference of perspectives rather than a traditional book club.

If you have ever wanted to understand how the Civil War shaped the nation, changed everyday lives, and led to traditions like Memorial Day, this is a thoughtful, conversation-rich way to dive in. Bring your book, your curiosity, and your opinions—this is one homework assignment you actually get to design yourself.