A review by mhinnen
Earth's the Right Place for Love: A Novel by Elizabeth Berg

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Elizabeth Berg knows how to write a sweet story. If you already read The Story of Arthur Trulov, you already have a sense of who Arthur Moses is and who was the love of his life. In "Earth’s the Right Place for Love" we meet Arthur at a pivotal time in his life. Through a series of whimsical interactions with adults in the neighborhood and his older brother Frank, as well as his love for Nola who seemingly has assigned him to the "friend zone," Arthur learns life lessons that resonated with me. Throughout the book there are "morals" dropped into different chapters.

A big issue for me was that Arthur's father is abusive at the beginning of the book but then gets his act together when he finds a job. We learn a bit about his backstory and why he is the way he is. We hear a "lesson" from Arthur's mom about marriage and why she stays with him. This storyline is so damaging . . . abusers do not just stop hurting people. Past trauma does not just heal itself by willpower.

I was also very disturbed by the teacher's sexual relationship which was framed as a "love affair." WTH?

Overall a sweet and tender read that has tragedy and other challenges woven into it. Short and light enough for a beach read or a plane ride (or just a chapter or two before bed). But oh my word abuse is still abuse even in a small town of "nice" people. 

#EarthstheRightPlaceforLove #NetGalley.