MN Smith Club Reads: Code Girls

Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II
By Liza Mundy

Saturday, April 6 – 1:30pm
Location: Golden Valley*

The award-winning New York Times bestseller about the American women who secretly served as codebreakers during World War II–a “prodigiously researched and engrossing” (New York Times) book that “shines a light on a hidden chapter of American history” (Denver Post).

Recruited by the U.S. Army and Navy from small towns and elite colleges, more than ten thousand women served as codebreakers during World War II. While their brothers and boyfriends took up arms, these women moved to Washington and learned the meticulous work of code-breaking. Their efforts shortened the war, saved countless lives, and gave them access to careers previously denied to them. A strict vow of secrecy nearly erased their efforts from history; now, through dazzling research and interviews with surviving code girls, bestselling author Liza Mundy brings to life this riveting and vital story of American courage, service, and scientific accomplishment.

For more, check out this YouTube video of Liza Mundy at the National Archives:

*Please contact Barbara Klaas for location address and any questions: baklaas@gmail.com.


From the event…

Helen Anderson on the left, Barbara Klaas on the right.  Helen Anderson shared her experiences working on WWII-related projects, especially related to Japanese intelligence.  Helen passed away May 27, 2024 at age 101.

“I view Helen coming to our discussion of Code Girls as a gift.  I think we all found her stories and memories  enriching to our enjoyment and appreciation of the book and the women who did such vital work during WWII.” – Barbara Klaas