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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thought the premise of this book sounded interesting, and it intrigued me further as the story unfolded. The characters were flawed and messy and relatable. I liked the way the author structured the story and the shifting perspectives for the most part. Unfortunately, the author’s execution of the story and plot felt off and at times rushed to me. The subplot was distracting at times and didn’t feel fleshed out as well as the other parts of the story. I guessed at one of the big reveals and felt upset by the other big reveal as it left so many questions that didn’t get answered by the end of the story. The ending was too neat and too unfinished for my liking. It left me wanting answers to the questions it left me with. I was also angry at how the subplot characters’ behavior and treachery weren’t addressed or even discussed.
Maybe I’m not as tender hearted as most people but the ending didn’t tear at my heartstrings like most. I did not enjoy the writing style as much. Some of the dialogue felt drab. I enjoyed Maggie’s journey. The themes that come through From Clare to Here seemed good and I wish they felt more intertwined in the book.
Although I enjoyed most of this book and liked the author's style of writing, the ending was so contrived that it spoiled it all for me. Too many coincidences made the story unbelievable and annoying.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
So good! A beautiful and heartbreaking story of a family torn apart by a tragic loss and what happens to everyone after.
I LOVE the idea of this book.
I loved the monthly book focus and the review of the books, and I loved being a part of the book club’s discussion of some of my favorite books.
However, I didn’t love the execution of this brilliant book idea. It was pretty predictable, and I felt like a lot of plot pieces were left unfinished, but not in a suspenseful way. The characters felt flat to me, but even with the predictability and the lack of love to the characters, I read this quickly, and I wanted to keep reading! I would still highly recommend! What a fun walk through a literary memory lane!
I loved the monthly book focus and the review of the books, and I loved being a part of the book club’s discussion of some of my favorite books.
However, I didn’t love the execution of this brilliant book idea. It was pretty predictable, and I felt like a lot of plot pieces were left unfinished, but not in a suspenseful way. The characters felt flat to me, but even with the predictability and the lack of love to the characters, I read this quickly, and I wanted to keep reading! I would still highly recommend! What a fun walk through a literary memory lane!
The characters really drew me in. I enjoyed this book, even though I figured out the ending about halfway through.
Found the premise (picking the one book that has meant the most to you) more interesting than the execution.
At first, I wasn't sure about this book because there was so much going on. The main character, Ava, is facing the end of her 20+ year marriage and one of her children continues her struggle with addiction. Ava decides to join her friend's book club and the current theme is for each member to pick the book that matters most to them. I enjoyed the discussions about the books, mostly classics, and the characters' explanations on why they mattered most to them. Ava's story, and her daughter's, take up the rest of the book, as it examines how people deal with different types of grief and loss, and how they find their way back. Although several difficult topics are addressed, the characters and their stories really drew me in.
The concept of choosing the book that matters the most to you for a book club read was a thought provoking one. As I read which book each character chose and why, I was left contemplating what book would I choose for a book club as read as one that matters the most to me. Also, have I read enough books that leave a lasting impression like the ones the characters selected? It was a sobering moment when I realized that I probably haven't devoted enough time to reading literature that is crafted to impact the reader in addition to entertain. It is now a goal of mine to change that.
A brief synopsis: Ava, a part time French professor, is blindsided by her divorce from a marriage of twenty five years. Yet, infidelity is always jarring to the psyche regardless of the time spent with the person. She is picking up the pieces of her life and starting fresh, which includes membership in a book club. This year's challenge is for each member to select a book that mattered most to them and lead the discussion each month. The book chronicles each selection and the chapter centers around the theme. Several character points of view tell the story of this book. The entire year span is chronicled.
Quick Thoughts:
-a super chick lit kind of book. And that's ok because sometimes this genre suits a mood you are in.
-the classics covered involved and I need to update my reading repertoire
-addiction is tough. I realize that is an understatement. But the concept of heroin addiction is touched on and it is tough to see the spiral and feel the helplessness of not being able to help the person or see them change.
-I was left with the thought "No man is an island". Many of the characters have had a loss, traumatic event, or a tough situation to work through. Though it is not explicitly spelled out, by putting themselves in social situations healing slowly begins to occur. The temptation to hibernate and avoid to nurse one's heart is always strong, but by allowing others to help, listen, or just be in a room full of people can be very therapeutic.
-though people are so different, we really aren't separated by many degrees of difference.
Thank you Netgalley and W.W. Norton and Company for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
A brief synopsis: Ava, a part time French professor, is blindsided by her divorce from a marriage of twenty five years. Yet, infidelity is always jarring to the psyche regardless of the time spent with the person. She is picking up the pieces of her life and starting fresh, which includes membership in a book club. This year's challenge is for each member to select a book that mattered most to them and lead the discussion each month. The book chronicles each selection and the chapter centers around the theme. Several character points of view tell the story of this book. The entire year span is chronicled.
Quick Thoughts:
-a super chick lit kind of book. And that's ok because sometimes this genre suits a mood you are in.
-the classics covered involved and I need to update my reading repertoire
-addiction is tough. I realize that is an understatement. But the concept of heroin addiction is touched on and it is tough to see the spiral and feel the helplessness of not being able to help the person or see them change.
-I was left with the thought "No man is an island". Many of the characters have had a loss, traumatic event, or a tough situation to work through. Though it is not explicitly spelled out, by putting themselves in social situations healing slowly begins to occur. The temptation to hibernate and avoid to nurse one's heart is always strong, but by allowing others to help, listen, or just be in a room full of people can be very therapeutic.
-though people are so different, we really aren't separated by many degrees of difference.
Thank you Netgalley and W.W. Norton and Company for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.