ASWSUG: Cougs Get Lit-erary – The Lies They Told

About the event

When Lena Conti, a young unwed mother, sees immigrant families being forcibly separated on Ellis Island, she vows not to let officers take her two-year-old daughter. But the inspection process is more rigorous than she imagined, and she is separated from her mother and teenage brother, who are labeled burdens to society, denied entry, and deported back to Germany.

Now, alone but determined to give her daughter a better life after years of living in poverty and near starvation, Lena finds herself in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with her distant cousin Silas and his two children. But even in the remote mountains, the eugenics movement’s reach is long and deadly, threatening everything she holds dear. This tragic and uplifting novel explores social injustice, survival, and hope, shedding light on lesser-known systemic injustices faced by women and children in 1930s America.

Ready to get lit-erary with your fellow Cougs? Join us for our March book discussion as we explore themes of truth and deception during Women’s History Month. This month’s theme is Trailblazing Tales, so come prepared to highlight women in your life or women who broke barriers. Let’s celebrate the women who’ve paved the way while diving into this compelling story.

Five FREE digital copies via Kindle for eligible students who register first (*restrictions apply). Missed the deadline this month? No worries—you’re still welcome to join with your own copy!

Deadline for FREE eBook via Kindle: February 8, 2026

*Restrictions

The free book offer is only available to students who pay Global S&A fees and are enrolled at WSU Global Campus. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’re still invited to participate, but you’ll need to obtain your own copy.

Attendance Policy: Students who have registered and received 2 free books but fail to attend either of those meetings may lose eligibility to receive free books in the future. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Registration: If you don’t secure a free book, registration remains open until the event date.

Financial Aid Disclaimer: Students receiving any prizes, gifts, cash, gift cards, etc., because of their student standing may see a placeholder put on their financial aid offer to reflect the value of materials received or reimbursement amounts. If you have concerns, you may contact Global Campus Student Financial Services at global.financialaid@wsu.edu.

Open to all WSU students, staff, and alumni.