NMMC Presents: USMC 250th Birthday Book Club

Welcome to the USMC 250th Birthday Book Club presented by the National Museum of the Marine Corps! This Book Club is an asynchronous program meaning that you complete it at your own pace. It encourages adult learners to read books related to the United States Marine Corps and military history. Book Club selections are curated by the Museum's Education team and feature books that are either currently on, or have previously been on, the Commandant's Professional Reading List. Monthly books will range from memoirs and science fiction to historical fiction and, of course, histories. Each book will also be accompanied by guided reading questions to work on while you read the book as well as discussion questions to consider when you finish.

​The USMC 250th Birthday Book Club is just part of the Museum's celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Further monthly programs will feature Museum gallery highlights, Marine Corps military occupational specialty highlights, and more! 

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USMC 250th Birthday Book Club Resources
Monthly books, and their corresponding resources, will be published on the first Monday of each month.
Click the cover of each book to download the corresponding resources.

Book #1:
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card

Set in an unspecified future where humankind has survived two conflicts with the "Bugger" alien species, Ender's Game follows Andrew "Ender" Wiggins, a child recruit in Earth's international Military. In preparation for a third conflict, Ender and his classmates learn military strategy and leadership through a series of increasingly difficult war games. Will Ender's tactical genius allow him to be the leader Earth needs as intergalactic war looms?  

Book #2:
The Marines of Montford Point
Melton A. McLaurin   

At the outset of World War II, the United States Marine Corps remained the only all-white branch of the military. However, in 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt ordered all military branches to enlist African Americans opening the door for the first black Marine recruits. Drawing from interviews with 60 black Marines trained at the segregated Camp Montford Point, author Melton A. McLaurin tells gripping tales of achievement in the face of adversity. 

Resources Available on 2/3/25