GBMM Book of the Month: The Names by Florence Knapp

Hey GBMM Village (and friends)!
This month’s Book of the Month is The Names by Florence Knapp—and whew—this one is a deep read in the best way. It’s tender, intense, and the kind of story that has you stopping mid-chapter like: “Wait—what would I do?”
The quick overview
The story starts in 1987, right after a catastrophic storm. Cora heads out with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her newborn son’s name.
Here’s the catch: Cora’s husband, Gordon, expects the baby to be named after him. But Cora hesitates—and in that one moment, three different names (and three different futures) open up:

• Gordon (the name her husband demands)
• Julian (Cora’s choice—meaning “sky father”)
• Bear (Maia’s suggestion—sweet, bold, and a little wild)

From there, the book follows three parallel storylines over 35 years, showing how that single decision ripples through the boy’s life—and the whole family.

What this book is really about
Yes, it’s about a name—but it’s really about choice, identity, and what happens inside families when power is uneven.

The Names explores:

• Domestic abuse and control behind closed doors
• Family trauma—and how it echoes across years
• The ripple effect of “small” decisions
• Personal autonomy—and what it costs to claim it
• Knapp’s writing is sharp and emotional without being over-the-top. She captures the inner thoughts of her characters in a way that feels real—messy, complicated, and human.

The three “versions” of him
Depending on the name, we meet three different versions of the same child:

• Bear grows up adventurous and big-hearted, eventually becoming an archaeologist and resisting the idea of settling down.
• Julian is gentle and quiet, carrying a fear of becoming like his father.
• Gordon moves through the world with sadness and anger, feeling shaped by expectations he didn’t choose.
• And in every timeline, Cora is the center—trying to protect her kids, survive what’s happening in her home, and live with the consequences of the choices she had (and didn’t have).

Why it’s a great GBMM pick
This book opens the door for real conversation—about motherhood, safety, identity, and what it means to make the best decision you can in a moment that’s loaded.
One question it kept putting in my mind: When your choices are limited, what does freedom look like—and how do you build it anyway?
Quick note if you’re doing audio
If you’re listening on audiobook, the timelines can take a minute to settle in. But once you’re locked in, it’s so worth it.
Bring it to Book Club
Reading along with us? Bring your thoughts—and if you have one, your favorite quote.
And remember all reading counts—physical book, eBook, audiobook, or even if you didn’t finish. We’re here for the conversation and the community.
Book Club note for our friends:
This month’s Book Club meeting is Mochas only. We’re sorry we can’t open this one up, but we’ll catch you at the next Book Club!