For years, I have been grateful to book clubs, teachers, and students of all grade levels for their enormous support. Visits to schools and book clubs have accounted for well over 100 of my more than 650 total appearances – and are among my favorites.
The fact is, students inspire me! I always enjoy my visits to middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Students have always treated me with the utmost respect, and I find their questions to be among the most insightful I receive. An added bonus — perhaps the “double bonus” — is that I have been invited to schools to discuss my books/historical topics AND to talk about writing or to conduct writing workshops.
Schools
I’ve also worked with many teachers, either in preparation for appearances in their class, or in workshops on how best to convey historical topics to their students. For teachers who are interested in bringing me to their school for an appearance to discuss my books, or on virtually any historical topic, please contact me at spuleo@aol.com.
I’ve also had the opportunity to develop classroom-based curricula such as the summary article and student lesson plan I prepared for the Virginia-based Bill of Rights Institute (Charles Sumner and Preston Brooks) based on my book, The Caning: The Assault that Drove America to Civil War. Teachers can also reach out for assistance in this area.
Hooray for eighth-grader Gurnoor Multani!
Gurnoor Multani of Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington, MA, took first place in the 2025 MA History Day competition for her project on the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. Gurnoor advanced to the national competition, held earlier this month at the University of Maryland. She did not place in the Top Ten (which are the only rankings that are displayed), but by advancing to the nationals, she was among the top 100 competitors in the country (two students from each state advance). Her teacher, Barbara Sturtevant, said the school was thrilled!
I so appreciated Gurnoor’s kind note thanking me for my help, which read in part: “Your book, Dark Tide, was the best source out there for me…Thank you also for replying back to my email with a lot more information that I didn’t know.” Quick aside here and an extra source of pride: Burlington MA is my hometown, and I attended the same school as Gurnoor — except it was Burlington High School then!
Congratulations to West Virginia Sixth-Grader Emma Goodrich
for Her Outstanding Boston Molasses Flood Project!
Say hello to – and hooray for – Emma Goodrich, a sixth-grader at Central Preston Middle School in Kingwood, West Virginia, who had a very interesting and exciting winter competing in the West Virginia State Social Studies Fair with her project on The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919!
Emma took home FIRST PLACE at the school level for her project entitled “Stress Fracture!” which entitled her to move on to the Preston County competition. She came within a whisker of winning at the County level too – finishing second, just ONE POINT behind the winner. Of course, she was a little disappointed about not winning, but very happy about her strong showing! I was thrilled to play a small part in Emma’s project by agreeing to an interview – her questions were smart, thorough, and well-researched. On top of that, she read my book, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 in its entirety, has a great curiosity for learning, and is an aspiring writer — a very impressive student!
In fact, she is on a roll writing fiction – she won first place at the Preston County Young Writers Contest, and, as a result, attended the Young Writer’s Workshop in Charleston, West Virginia in May 2025 (she’s shown below with another student winner). Emma’s winning story was about a knight on his journey to slay a dragon. What an eventful spring for Emma (and her proud mom, Megan Goodrich)
Through the years, I’ve worked with numerous students from across the country on “molasses projects” (and have done so this winter with students from Maryland, Nebraska, and Massachusetts, as well as Emma), and it’s always so gratifying to see how much pride the kids take in their work. My thanks to Emma’s mom, Megan Goodrich, for coordinating my communications with Emma, providing the great photos, and for giving her gracious permission to share Emma’s good news.
Second Place for Maxon Wiese!
Eighth-grader Maxon Wiese of Ord Junior-Senior High School in Ord, Nebraska, captured second place in his region’s History Day district competition with his project on the Boston Molasses Flood, and advanced to the Nebraska statewide competition. Maxon did not quite make it to the nationals, but his teacher, Karley Zoucha, said Maxon gained some important new skills through completing his project. I was honored to work with Maxon on his project!
I Really Enjoyed Working with Honors-Level Students at
Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, New York
For several weeks this winter, I was thrilled to work with an honors-level “co-taught” English/US History course called “American Stories” at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, New York.
Students are required to complete a research project on a U.S. History topic of their choice, using primary and secondary sources, and must interview a historian as part of the assignment. The end products are a 10-minute documentary and an accompanying research paper, complete with footnotes and sources.
I enjoyed being interviewed by students (shown in this photo) on a number of topics, including: the Sacco & Vanzetti case; the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case; the “Ghost Army” of WWII and its efforts to deceive the Germans as to the location of the D-Day invasion; John Brown and Bleeding Kansas in 1856; and the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII.
Shown here are (standing from left): Alex Raley, Caden Leska, Kendall Williams, Cooper Swanson, Finn Conway, and Nick Diamond; and (kneeling from left): Zeyad Rabie and Evan Ralston. They were kind enough to thank me, but I also want to thank them for their thoughtful and thorough questions.
I’m also grateful to US History teacher Rob Rider, and English teacher Heather Porter for involving me in this outstanding project!
Thanks to Walpole (MA) High School Juniors in 3 AP History Classes
for a Special Day Discussing Dark Tide!
I was thrilled to visit Walpole (MA) High School and speak to students in three separate AP U.S. History classes about my book, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, which was their required summer reading. Many thanks to teachers Tim Giblin and Jamie O’Leary for turning their classes over to me for some great discussions (Jamie’s afternoon class is shown in this photo)
I was so impressed with these WHS juniors, whose questions were outstanding and whose observations were shrewd and thoughtful — the classes went by so fast, which is the best indicator of a lively discussion! Thanks to WHS students and to Tim and Jamie for a great day!
Thank you to 18-year-old Ezra Weintroub,
Brookline High School ‘24
I get no greater joy than hearing from readers, especially from young readers who take the time to read and enjoy my books — and then let me know about it. As you know, I often visit schools as part of my speaking schedule, and I’ve helped numerous students with a variety of projects and papers. That’s why I was so gratified to receive this message about my book, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, from Ezra Weintroub, and pleased still that Ezra granted permission to share the comments with you. Ezra is a graduate of Brookline (MA) High School, is attending Haverford College this fall, and enjoys fencing, reading, hiking, and baking (including molasses cookies!) To read more readers’ responses to my books and appearances, check out this page, What Readers Are Saying. Here’s the message (and check out the aftermath scene of the great molasses flood on the t-shirt Ezra is wearing!):
“Dear Mr. Puleo – My name is Ezra and I am an 18-year-old Boston native. The first time I heard about the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 (or, GBMF1919 as I often shorten it to) was about 10 years ago. As a third-grader, I read your book, Dark Tide, which had been left on the coffee table in our living room. I was immediately struck by not only the intrigue of the unusual disaster, but your storytelling ability. As I’ve grown older, subsequent re-reads of the book have offered me different levels of understanding and appreciation for your craft.
Indeed, I’ve become so interested in GBMF1919 that it’s surprising it took me this long to think of writing to you. I talk about it to anyone who lets me, with a spiel prepared to go at any moment. I own a shirt about it. My phone autofills “Boston Molasses Flood of 1919” if I type the word “Great.” I even bake molasses cookies every January 15 to commemorate it. I say all this so it doesn’t sound like empty platitudes when I say that, from afar, you may have affected my life more than anyone. In short, thank you so much for writing Dark Tide. I greatly appreciate it, though I’m sure all of my friends and family whom I’ve dragged to the plaque in the North End wish I’d never heard of the event.”
Impressed by a Dark Tide Inspired History Day Project
I was really impressed with the History Day Project developed by Tony Cicerone, a Hingham (MA) High School senior, who created a narrated video on the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. I think Tony did a wonderful job explaining the disaster, the court case that followed, the issues (immigration, anarchists, etc.) that surrounded the flood story, and the long-term impact of the flood. He also effectively meshed photos, images, and other sources that accompany his narration, and divides the video into easily digestible parts (with titles) that make it a pleasure to follow along. You can watch the video here (you should be able to access it with or without the Dropbox app/program). It’s around nine minutes long, and also includes interview clips with me. I have worked with many high school students on these types of projects and I think Tony’s is among the finest I’ve seen. Congratulations, Tony!
“Zooming” with Middle Schoolers
I also enjoyed an interesting Zoom with the sixth-grade journalism class at the Kennedy Middle School in Eugene, Oregon to discuss the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 and my book, Dark Tide. These students really did their homework and asked great questions during our session! Thanks to Language Arts & Social Studies teacher Sarah Case for setting up the event, and to her students for an energetic discussion!
I Thoroughly Enjoyed My Visit to Bow, NH High School to discuss
the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution!
I was thrilled to visit Bow, New Hampshire High School to engage in a spirited discussion about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the country’s founding principles – and what these mean to us today.
As occurs each time I visit a high school, the Bow students asked great questions, and students and faculty made me feel welcome at both the morning and afternoon presentations (I spoke to more than 110 students in all!).
I’m shown here with junior Liam Miller (holding my book, American Treasures), and enjoying a conversation with senior Sam Pingree.
Members of the history faculty shown here with me are (from left): Derek DeAngelis, Lily Woo, Brenda Barth, and Anne Barnea. My deep thanks to Lily Woo, who invited me to Bow and organized the event, after reading American Treasures and attending one of my Voyage of Mercy presentations. I am always grateful when teachers and administrators invite me to their school.
Thanks so much to Bow High School!
Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, MA
I was honored to spend two days at Notre Dame Academy (NDA) in Hingham, MA conducting a primary sources workshop for sophomores, juniors, and seniors at this prestigious girls school.
More than 250 students in history, language arts, religion, and other subjects participated in the workshop over seven “blocks” (class sessions), where we reviewed and analyzed primary sources as a means to learn about the people we study in history, and to draw lessons on leadership.
I appreciated the warm welcome I received at NDA, and the great participation by the students, whose involvement helped me thoroughly enjoy my visit.
My thanks to social studies teacher George Rose (shown here in his classroom), who organized and managed the two-day event; to several faculty members who offered overall support and assisted us in assembling packets for students; and to NDA Principal, Dr. Mary Merrigan, and her team, who offered their enthusiastic support!
Special thanks also to my friend, Maddie Hannan, NDA 2024 (shown with me here), who made the initial connection with George Rose and NDA that paved the way for this outstanding workshop! Maddie is holding one of the 250-plus folders of primary sources that we used for the event.
Thanks to NDA for a great two days!
Dark Tide Discussion with Middleborough High
One of my most enjoyable appearances in the fall of 2022 was a visit to Middleborough High School to discuss my book, Dark Tide! (See original article below) So, it was a real treat for me when, while attending a friend’s track meet, several Middleborough track team members who had attended my lecture spotted me, and asked to converse and take a few pix. And TJ Smith is also the Middleborough track coach! It was great to see T.J. and the students in this different, relaxed context.
The school welcomed me with open arms when I visited, and I also enjoyed my chance meeting with several of these great kids at the track meet. I’m shown in these photos with Tyler Heidke and Kevin Macdonald; Coach (and history teacher) TJ Smith; Olivia Austin and Hailey Travers; and Julia Giovanoni, Jamie Baldwin, and Dante D’Alessandro. Keep reading to learn more about my visit to Middleborough High.
Among the many things I gave thanks for during Thanksgiving week, 2022 was a memorable appearance at Middleborough High School to discuss my book, Dark Tide!
History teacher T.J. Smith and English teacher Megan Connor (Megan is at the far left of the group photo and T.J. is third from left) developed an entire interdisciplinary unit on the book for grades 10, 11, and 12, and their students did a fantastic job with the subject matter — from creating special “Boston-based magazines” on the flood story to asking insightful questions during the presentation.
Again, I was also heartened to receive many questions on the writing process, which I always enjoy answering. I’m shown here with seniors Gabrielle Freitas (left) and Sarah Morrison during the book signing that followed.
It was an honor to take part in this event with these very special teachers and students. Thanks, Middleborough High!
A visit to Everett High School!
I enjoyed my appearance at Everett High School, where I met with two U.S. History classes (and teachers) to discuss my book, Dark Tide! Some 70 Everett High U.S. history students participated in a lively discussion, asked great questions, and took part in an enjoyable book signing afterward.
My Everett High event was part of a “two-appearance day” in Everett — on the same evening, I was at the Parlin Library to discuss Dark Tide, an event that was open to the community!
Founders Day at Roxbury Latin
I was honored to deliver the Commemoration Address for The Roxbury Latin School’s 378th Founders Day celebration. It was a privilege to speak on this important occasion for this prestigious all-boys school in Boston’s West Roxbury section. More than 300 students, plus faculty members and friends, attended this inspirational event that took place at the school’s magnificent Rousmaniere Hall.
The theme of my address was immigration to Boston, with a focus on the North End neighborhood, which the students were visiting later that day. I’m shown here with Headmaster Kerry Brennan and Director of External Relations Erin Berg; following the ceremony, students assembled outside (on an absolutely beautiful morning), for the traditional all-school photo.
Later, on their North End visit, the students enjoyed the historical sites and, of course, cannolis!
My sincere thanks to the students, faculty, and administration of Roxbury Latin for a memorable day!
Middle School Engineering Curriculum
Developed Using “Dark Tide”
My book, “Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919” is “20 years old” (hard to believe!), and those of you who are kind enough to follow me here and elsewhere know that I really enjoy when my books are used by students and school systems. I’m really proud to announce that TEEMS (Transforming Engineering Education for Middle Schoolers), a non-profit National Science Foundation-funded collaboration between Smith College and Springfield Tech Community College, has developed a curriculum on the molasses flood, and used Dark Tide as one of its key sources. TEEMS is an engineering curriculum for 6th-grade science classrooms that uses the power of story to engage students. My thanks to Isabel Huff, Curriculum Designer & Training Specialist, and to the entire team at TEEMS!
Now, on to college!
American Treasures selected for Concordia University Irvine’s Center
for Civics Education reading list!
Last year, I mentioned that this was going to happen, and now it has: I am honored that Concordia University Irvine (CA) has featured my book, American Treasures, on its Center for Civics Education (CCE) reading list! My book (along with several others) is included for emphasizing the country’s founding documents and the “foundational principles of American history and government.”
The CCE focuses on developing “wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens… for active participation in the public arena based on principles of civility, individual liberty and responsibility, the common good, and representative government.”
I’m proud to be in some very impressive company on this
reading list, along with Catherine Drinker Bowen’s classic Miracle at Philadelphia, Pauline Maier’s excellent Ratification, and David Blight’s compelling Frederick Douglass.
The Center described American Treasures as reading like “a historical detective story,” a description I love!
CCE Director Jo Ellen Chatham offered these further remarks:
“I enjoyed reading American Treasures twice and have recommended it to many friends. I believe stories are the most effective way of teaching American history and… capturing people’s attention. Hopefully, they drive readers to want to learn more. Your book is filled with nuggets of history that do stimulate further interest…so thank you for how you bring history to life!”
My thanks to Concordia University for this honor.
A City So Grand Used in a History of Boston Class at Boston College
One of the great honors I’ve had as an author is when my books are woven into high school and college curricula – many schools, in the Boston area especially, now use my books, and I love hearing from students and teachers on what they think. I’m particularly thrilled that, this Fall, Dr. Chris Hannan (shown here) is using my A City So Grand in his Boston College course entitled “Brahmins to Bosses to Busing: City of Boston 1822-2023.”
The course description reads:
“This course explores the history of Boston from its height as ‘The Hub of the Universe’ in the 1820s, through the tumultuous Civil War and post-war periods. [It] will then examine 20th century Boston and the great events and figures which have shaped its destiny as one of America’s most important cities. It will include the era of forced busing in Boston and assess the lasting impact of this period for Boston.”
A City So Grand covers Boston’s growth and development from 1850-1900, and its emergence as a world-class city – glad BC students will enjoy it as part of this interesting course! My thanks to Chris for including it on his reading list.
Mass Maritime Academy (MMA) developed hands-on program
on Molasses Flood for high school students
Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) developed an innovative and exciting hands-on program related to the Great Boston Molasses and used my book, Dark Tide, for high school students participating in the program. (Keep reading below to see an article about my preparation for the program and an exciting discovery.)
MMA cadets aboard the USS Nantucket, which was docked in Boston Harbor in 1919, were first on the rescue scene when the molasses tank collapsed.
I was honored to visit MMA and meet with 46 high school students who participated in the pilot program — and what a great time! Students from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Maryland, California, Florida, Germany, and Puerto Rico filled me in on how they examined the flood through the lens of various MMA programs of study: Emergency Management; Marine Safety, Science, and Environmental Protection; Marine Engineering; Marine Transportation; Facilities Engineering; and International Maritime Business.
The students were highly engaged and asked great questions. Photos here show some of the work they performed, as well as the group picture with me and the “graduation ceremonies” following successful completion of the program. I can’t say enough about MMA’s efforts to make this a success.
You can read an excellent newspaper story on the program here and continue reading below for a link to my related blog.
MMA examined the disaster through the lens of six of the seven Academy majors, including: the Marine Safety, Science, and Environmental Protection Department; the Emergency Management Department; the Marine Engineering Department and Facilities Engineering Department; the Marine Transportation Department; and the International Maritime Business Department.
High-achieving high school students participating in MMA’s Sea, Science, and Leadership Program (SSLP) July 31-August 3 were the first to experience this amazing program.
I’m shown here with MMA President Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald (United States Maritime Service); at the MMA sign with Nancy Franks, program coordinator extraordinaire; “piloting” a molasses steamer through choppy waters in the MMA Ship’s Bridge Simulator; and working with white gloves to examine the scrapbook that contains original reports from 1919 compiled by the commanding officer of the Nantucket. There’s also a view of the school’s Emergency Operations Training Center, where students will learn to develop tactical and strategic decision-making skills utilizing simulated emergency scenarios.
Incidentally, the scrapbook is a rich primary source that I didn’t know existed until my visit! It goes to show that even when you’ve done exhaustive research on a topic, there is always more to be found. I think you’ll enjoy my blog entry that talks a little more about the scrapbook “find,” the constant revelations that history unveils, and the rescue efforts by the cadets on the day of the disaster.
Thanks again to Mass. Maritime Academy – a great institution of higher learning with a long tradition of service and excellence since its founding in 1891! MMA’s decision to focus on the molasses flood and to use Dark Tide as a resource allows me to continue my focus on bringing history and good writing to students across the board.
Book Clubs
Book club members have honored me by selecting virtually every one of my books at one time or another, and I can’t say enough about how much this means to me. I’ve found that book clubs are among the most engaged, diligent, and curious readers, and it’s always a pleasure to meet with them. When I visit book clubs, it’s customary to see members with many notes about the book, and with post-it notes throughout the pages of their copies. It’s always rewarding to answer questions and enjoy conversations with book club members. Word-of-mouth is critically important in the book business, so thanks to those of you — including my many book club members! — who have recommended my books to friends and associates. I really appreciate it. Please make good use of the discussion questions you’ll see below for each of my books.
Get discussion questions for Steve’s books
Are Steve’s books on your club’s reading list? Get discussion questions here:
Download a PDF of The Great Abolitionist discussion questions
Download a PDF of Voyage of Mercy discussion questions
Download a PDF of American Treasures discussion questions
Download a PDF of The Caning discussion questions
Download a PDF of A City So Grand discussion questions
Download a PDF of The Boston Italians discussion questions
Download a PDF of Due To Enemy Action discussion questions
Download a PDF of Dark Tide discussion questions
A Great Evening with the Spartina Men’s Book Club!
My thanks to the Spartina Men’s Book Club for a great discussion about The Great Abolitionist! This club is made up of book-loving members who live on Boston’s South Shore – hailing from the communities of Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Scituate, and Weymouth. Spartina, which has been together for more than 30 years, has honored me by selecting three of my books for discussion. My thanks to all club members for their generous donation to juvenile diabetes research – I very much appreciate it! – and to Jim Kirk (seated to my right) for hosting this fun event.
The Boston Baked Book Club selects The Great Abolitionist as its read,
and hosts appearance No. 700
It was appropriate and thrilling to celebrate my 700th speaking appearance as an author with the fantastic Boston Baked Books book club at the Fenway Community Center in Boston. At this milestone event, we discussed The Great Abolitionist, and this outstanding club did not disappoint! Great questions and great energy! It’s the third Puleo book BBB has read (Dark Tide and Voyage of Mercy are the others), and I’m grateful to this club and so many other organizations who have sponsored my speaking events over the last 21 years – book clubs, libraries, historical societies and organizations, community groups, archives, corporations, small businesses, trade organizations, schools and universities, museums, courts, and on and on.
I was honored to celebrate appearance “Number 700” (I’m now at 709 and counting!) and know that I could never have reached such a milestone without the support of so many wonderful people who plan these great events. Thanks to Boston Baked Books and all of YOU for your support!
Naples, FL Book Clu
I’m offering a big thank you to this enthusiastic Naples, Florida club that was kind enough to read my book, Voyage of Mercy. Member Peg Mongiello said the group focused its discussions on the roles of the book’s lead characters — USS Jamestown Captain Robert Bennet Forbes and Irish priest Father Theobald Mathew — as well as Sir Charles Trevelyan, who managed the (poor) British response to the Irish famine. “Loved the writing and the history lesson,” Peg reported. Many thanks to the Naples, FL Book Club — and all clubs — for their support!
My Thanks to “Book Buddies” and All Book Clubs!
The photo here shows members of a club from Boston’s North Shore called “Book Buddies” at their holiday party after discussing my Voyage of Mercy. The club is made up of a wonderful group of current and former social workers who worked together at a local social services agency. The club has been together for 15 years, and meets every six weeks — and they read all genres of books.
“We value our time together,” said member Ellen Galligan, “and our meetings are filled with book discussions, other conversation, and beautiful supportive friendships.” Her description could be applied to virtually every other book club I’ve been associated with. I salute “Book Buddies” and all the clubs that have honored me by selecting my books as their reading choice. Thanks to each and every one of them!
A North End Walking Tour
The day was warm and muggy, but that didn’t stop the Andover MA Book Club (or me) from enjoying a tour of Boston’s historic North End. We covered a great deal of ground; from colonial history to the American Revolution, from Irish, Jewish, and Italian immigration to – of course – the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. My thanks to club members for reading my book, “Dark Tide,” and to my sister-in-law, Pat Doyle, for the great photos!
Happy to say that several library book clubs have recommended my books, including:
- The Nonfiction Book Club at the Ames Free Library in Easton, MA read Dark Tide. This club also read A City So Grand! Thanks to Easton!
- The Springvale Public Library in Springvale, Maine, is reading Dark Tide. I love Maine and thanks to Springvale!
- The East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library read A City So Grand. My thanks to Eastie, which has always been so kind to me!
- The Hingham MA Public Library Book Club did me the honor of reading Voyage of Mercy. My thanks to Hingham!
- Alden Book Group of Holliston, MA asked me to take them on a 90-minute tour of the North End on a chilly Saturday morning. The tour included a visit to the Great Boston Molasses Flood site, an event I chronicle in my book, Dark Tide.
And for the wonderful book clubs who have been so loyal and generous to me, remember that you can get discussion questions for all of my books just above this article.
I’m also appreciative when reporters and bloggers mention my books. This month, I’m thanking Sarah Wright of The Berkshire Edge, for citing Dark Tide in her Book Ideas for the Berkshires. Sarah discusses “community reads” and recalls when Dark Tide was selected as Boston’s community read in 2010.
I was thrilled to receive the “group selfie” from the Door2Door Book Club of Paducah, Kentucky, which selected Dark Tide as their nonfiction choice.
“We were all so impressed at how you were able to take this little-known (at least to us) moment in history and beautifully interconnect it with so many other events,” the club wrote to me. This group of readers not only reads together, but they sometimes travel together. For example, after reading Faulkner, members traveled to Oxford, Mississippi for a weekend adventure. Can a road trip to Boston be far behind?
Gathered on and around the couch are members of the Erudite Book Club of Provo, Utah, who selected Dark Tide as their choice. President Virginia Bryson offered these comments: “We all enjoyed Dark Tide and felt you did a wonderful job describing the real-life characters. We garnered a lot of information about the state of the United States during that time. The actual molasses flood was almost secondary to the insights we gained regarding terrorism, effects of war, and socioeconomic conditions. It was a very exciting and educational discussion.” Club members enjoyed a Boston-themed meal, including Boston baked beans, cooked with molasses, and a tea party with molasses cookies dunked in beautiful china teacups. Check out the molasses cookie recipe below:
A book club dinner and molasses cookie recipe
Steve met with the book club from Donovan, Sullivan & Ryan, a financial services firm based in Westwood, Massachusetts, to discuss Dark Tide. The group toured the molasses flood site in Boston’s North End, and then enjoyed a delicious dinner at L’Osteria restaurant. Members of the club presented Steve with a bottle of wine and a molasses cookie recipe, which he is happy to share here.
Molasses Cookies
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup melted butter
4 Tbsp. molasses
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
Combine sugar, butter, molasses, and egg. Mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add to mixture. Mix well and drop by tablespoon on ungreased cookie sheets. Press down on cookies with glass bottom dipped in flour. Bake at 350 degrees, 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!
Also shown here (with laptops and phones, as well as copies of their books) are members of the Boston Baked Beans book club, which meets at the Fenway Community Center in Boston and discusses Boston-based authors and historical events. I was honored that the club chose Dark Tide in 2019 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the molasses flood.
So, to all book clubs, I offer my profound thanks! Please continue to reach out to me at spuleo@aol.com to set up a visit for a discussion of any of my books.
