In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register the birth of her son. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates…. Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities for autonomy and healing. Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the “one … precious life” we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love’s endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.
CLS Book Club // ‘The Names’ by Florence Knapp
January 21, 2026 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Free
CLS Book Club is FREE, in-person, and open to the public—and also member-researched and led through thoughtfully curated discussion. Whether you’ve finished the book, are thinking about starting it, or couldn’t make it past the halfway point, please join us.
RSVP is required via the form below so that we can plan for seating.
About Book Club
Offered a few times a year, the CLS Book Club seeks to explore various topics, authors, and diversity within its book selections. To start the year, the committee has selected The Names – a layered novel that invites us to consider the “one … precious life” we are given. With a goal of offering space for conversation, perspectives, and discourse, this month’s Book Club discussion will be led by Mary Gus Smith & Kate Little.
About the Book ~ The Names by Florence Knapp
For a copy of the book, check out our catalog here, or shop local at Buxton Books.
Please note that the authors of our selections ARE NOT in attendance.