Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger ~ March 10, 2016

Host:  Michelle
Attendees:   Amy, Cheryl, Betty Rose,  Joan, Susan, Janna, Pam T, Pam M, Mary Margaret, Lisa (who arrived after photos)

This book was the first in awhile to which we unanimously gave a thumbs up.  Does that mean a 4.75 or a 5 star rating?   We liked the characters, plot and setting,  and just enjoyed it overall.  It gave us some thought provoking discussion about "grace" in our lives. 

Our selections often generate a wide range of emotions :)

Broken Harbor by Tana French

February 4, 2016

Host:  Amy
Attendees:  Cheryl, Mary Margaret, Michelle, Joan, Susan, Pam T, Pam M

We tried, very hard, to find some redeeming literary qualities in this book.  Some of us had not finished it,  and some finished it with some difficulty.  We all agreed that despite top reviews and being listed on the NYTimes bestseller list, we did not see it quite the same way.

Nevertheless, we always enjoy each other's company 

 Who picked this book?

Until next month!

The Headmaster's Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene

January 7, 2016

Hostess:  Cheryl
Attendees:  Amy, Susan, Janna, Mary Margaret, Joan, Betty Rose, Michelle, Pam T, Pam M  and Sandy dog

Any food for me?

Greene's book The Headmaster's Wife is a portrait of one couple at their best and worst. Inspired by a personal loss, Greene explores the way that tragedy and time assail one man's memories of his life and loves. The book is told from two very different narrative views: Arthur's and his wife, Elizabeth's. They tell a narrative of love, of marriage, of family and of a tragedy Arthur does not know how to address. Their son, Ethan, chose not to go to college but instead joined the army at age 18 then was blown up in an accident.

Good discussion by all who read the book, but we agreed that the ending was disappointing.

Character development was weak. Elizabeth was not developed as well as she could have been.

There was an interesting plot development twist halfway through the book when it was discovered that Arthur was really referring to the high school version of Elizabeth (when we thought he was having an affair with a young student).

The author's storytelling ability was good.





The Marrying of Chani Kaufman by Eve Harris

December 3, 2015

Hostess:  Michelle

Attendees:  Susan, Janna, Mary Margaret, Pat, Cheryl, Pam T and Pam M

Potato latkes, rugelach and a menorah add to the book's setting

Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas!

Next book January 2016:  The Headmaster's Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene

Hostess:  Cheryl

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Nov 5, 2015

Hostess:  Susan

Attendees:  Lori, Cheryl, Mary Margaret, Michelle, Amy, Emily, Lisa, Pam T, and Pam M

Next month:  The Marrying of Chani Kaufman by Eve Harris

Dead Wake
by Erik Larson

Host: Mary Margaret
Attendees:  Amy, Janna, Cheryl, Pam, Michelle

Ratings:
3, 5, 4, 4, 4.5
Average 4.25

We thought Erik Larsen did a good job of bringing to life the detail of the people and the situation on the boat.  A few of us (ahem, Michelle) didn't like the book.

Contrary to popular belief, the sinking of the Luisitania was not the cause of the US entrance into WWI.  Interesting characters were Lauriet (the book collector) and the woman architect.  Erik described in detail the possessions brought aboard- baby clothes, pink (popular color for boys), opulence of the time. Lots of info. available about Lusitania because people's possessions survived. 

November's selection:  The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah

The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams

September 3, 2015

Hostess:  Janna

Attendees:  Susan, Pat, Cheryl, Janna, Amy, Pam, Michelle, Lisa

Our first meeting after summer break.  Happy to see each other!

We agreed this was a book that didn't require too much concentration to enjoy, as in tuck it into your beach bag.   The whole book consisted of split narration.   Violet's story in the past was much more compelling than Vivien's contemporary setting;  as if the stories were written by two different people.  Vivien's story and character was fluffy and trite while Violet's was complex and intriguing.  Some reviews classify this novel as historical fiction (which we thought much too generous);  we rated it as a historical romance novel.   However, there were a few red herrings and enough of a plot twist to keep our interest.

Overall Rating:  We gave it a 3.5

Next month's book (October 3):   Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania  by Erik Larson