crafalsk264 's review for:

The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood

3.75

challenging emotional 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

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The Book That Mattered Most  by Ann Hood: Ava is still mourning the failure of her 25-yr marriage. Already lonely after the divorce she realizes that she has also lost most of her human connections, becoming more and more isolated. She joins a Book Club led by her friend, Cate. This club is 10 people from widely different backgrounds and lifestyles. The club selects a theme for each year and each member chooses a book that is related in some way to the theme. At the first meeting Ava attends, the theme for the next year is announced as “The Book That Has Mattered to Me Most”. Each member leads a discussion on their book of choice including what makes the book most important to them. As each member presents circumstances, feelings, and what impact the book has had on their life. The relationships between the club members deepen and true friendships and liaisons between members flourish as book after book is explored. 

Ava’s choice is titled “From Clare to Here”. It turns out to be out of print and no copies can be found. Ava does not want to change her selection since the book was so important to her when she is 11 and mourning the death of first her sister  in an accident and then the suicide of her mother a year later. Ava goes into a frenzied search for information on the book and trying to track down the elusive author who Ava has promised will visit the meeting when the book is discussed. 

There are several sub-plots that are good stories on their own. It started off very slowly and for the first quarter of the book I wasn’t sure that I cared much about what happened to these characters. I almost abandoned it but I stayed and it became a touching, compelling story. The book actually becomes a book about books as each character’s chosen book brings insights into personality, losses, and troubles. Each book seems to come up just in time to provide what each club member needs. The last few chapters bring resolution to issues and a satisfying ending. All in all the book is an excellent read, keeping the reader moving through the complex interwoven plot lines. I would rate it 3.75 and recommend it to readers who enjoy books on books and reading.