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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Interesting "mystery" or coming of middle age book. I had read many of the books that were chosen by the fictitious members of this book club but had forgotten their best quotes, so it was like reminiscing with old friends.
This is honestly one of the best books I have ever read. Please do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of this book.
Ava is a middle-aged woman whose content, suburban life has quietly come apart. Her husband has left her for another woman, she suspects her troubled daughter Maggie is making poor decisions while studying in Florence, and her son is far away in Africa. When Ava's best friend Cate convinces her to join the library's book club, Ava is dubious about how much it will help. Of course, the power of books is not to be underestimated, especially when the book club's yearly theme is revealed: each month, a member will choose the book that mattered most to him/her in their life.
I expected a comforting book about books, and while that was definitely an element here, this book surprised me with its depth. The characters are quite a bit more flawed and human than I expected, and there were quite a few layers to the plot. I especially liked the different perspectives of Ava and Maggie.
The loose ends were all tied up a bit too neatly and prettily (and improbably, in a few cases) but that's what makes a comforting read comforting. A totally enjoyable read, perfect for a snowy, relaxing day off!
I expected a comforting book about books, and while that was definitely an element here, this book surprised me with its depth. The characters are quite a bit more flawed and human than I expected, and there were quite a few layers to the plot. I especially liked the different perspectives of Ava and Maggie.
The loose ends were all tied up a bit too neatly and prettily (and improbably, in a few cases) but that's what makes a comforting read comforting. A totally enjoyable read, perfect for a snowy, relaxing day off!
This book is entertaining. It could be much more developed in both plot and characters, but I enjoyed it. Light read with some interesting themes pulled from better known works.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought the start was very promising and although the story kept me reading, I found the plot threads uneven. The tidy, romanticised ending was disappointing. This book tries to walk the line between genre fiction and something a bit less predictable but for me, it slid into romance for the last third of the story.
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I couldn’t put this book down. I literally stayed up way past my bedtime so I could finish it. I expected to enjoy it when I picked it up but it was so much more. I love the concept of the book that matters most and I throughly enjoyed the adventure this book took me on.
Also as a Rhode Islander I liked the local flavor.
Also as a Rhode Islander I liked the local flavor.