This book is simply delicious. H.Y. Hanna is an author who is writing veraciously. She already has one very delightful mystery series, Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, about a tea shop in a small village where the owner and her employees keep running into murder investigations that they help solve. Now she is starting this second series, Bewitched By Chocolate, with a twenty something year old Caitlyn, is looking to discover her birth family after the loss of her adoptive mother. She stumbles across a small village in the Cotswolds and of course a murder that the locals are having trouble solving.
This is a fun plot line where if you let go of your need for reality you can get lost in the world of witches and witchcraft. Living in this community is the old angry woman who owns the dark, dusty chocolate shop at the end of the lane. There are the nosy, gossipy ladies who hang out at the post office. Don't forget the old woman's daughter and granddaughter who run herbal shop. And no cozy mystery series would be complete without the handsome love interest who lives in the mansion on the other side of the woods.
The recipe is for murder is set. Caitlyn is intrigued with the village, the chocolate shop especially, where you can smell and taste the delicious chocolates that taste so good they may be enchanted.
Even Bertha, the woman who owns the herbal shop explains to Caitlyn the potency of cacao, "The ancient Mayans and the Aztecs knew about this. They called it xocolatl - 'food of the gods'. Cacao beans were associated with wisdom and magical power, and the ancient witches and shamans used it in the spell working rituals."
So settle down with one of H.Y. Hanna books and dig your teeth into a delicious, melt in your mouth plot that will fill you up with feelings of satisfaction as you try to figure out who the murder is and if the romance will blossom.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Monday, February 13, 2017
The Library Paradox
Catherine Shaw has written a very dense and meaty mystery novel that you will just sink your teeth into to find out who done it. This is more of a puzzle to solve than anything else. The well known, hated, anti -Semitic Professor at King's College in London is dead of a gunshot wound in his study. Two students heard him yelling at someone right before the gun went off. When they entered the room there was no one there and they saw no one running out.
The year is 1896 and Vanessa Weatherburn is a new young mother of twins, who has given up her career as a teacher. She talks of how hard it is to stay home and be responsible for the domestic commitments. Her husband seems supportive or at least does not hold her back. When the Professors come to see her about helping to solve what looks like a clear case of murder, she takes the case. Because she thinks to herself, "Certainly I am neither experienced nor famous nor brilliant, and yet, there was a period, after I married and stopped teaching, where if some interesting problems did not come my way, I should have fallen into gloom out of sheer boredom - indeed there is quite simply a part of my brain that is not fulfilled by the plain enjoyment of domestic pleasures and yearns to touch the rougher spots of life's texture."
Shaw is careful to write the story in the style of speech of this earlier century and to follow the mores, styles and customs of this time period. So that even though Vanessa is stepping out of conventional behavior of a women of 1896, she is careful to not behave in a manner that would be unacceptable at that time.
Also there is the explanation of the title, The Library Paradox. A paradox is a statement that is contradictory, because it contains two statements that are both true but cannot be true at the same time. The contradictory elements of this murder are the statements of the witnesses. Though the facts they present are all true, there is still a dead body that could not have been killed if the witness are all telling the truth, thus a paradox. Because it happens in a library, Shaw brings in the famous logical paradox about the Catalog of Catalogs. This gives the reader something to sink their teeth into as they try to understand the complicated circular points of this paradox
Also central to this mystery novel is the notorious "Dreyfus Affair". There is so much historical evidence and evidence in this novel about the atmosphere in England during this time period. This also plays apart in the anti-semitism of the murdered Professor, who was involved in writing articles about the Dreyfus conviction and other "blood libel" cases in history.
This is a book packed with history, mathematics, logic along with the intrigue and relationships.
A history lesson, logistics challenge and a who done it all wrapped up in one fun read.
The year is 1896 and Vanessa Weatherburn is a new young mother of twins, who has given up her career as a teacher. She talks of how hard it is to stay home and be responsible for the domestic commitments. Her husband seems supportive or at least does not hold her back. When the Professors come to see her about helping to solve what looks like a clear case of murder, she takes the case. Because she thinks to herself, "Certainly I am neither experienced nor famous nor brilliant, and yet, there was a period, after I married and stopped teaching, where if some interesting problems did not come my way, I should have fallen into gloom out of sheer boredom - indeed there is quite simply a part of my brain that is not fulfilled by the plain enjoyment of domestic pleasures and yearns to touch the rougher spots of life's texture."
Shaw is careful to write the story in the style of speech of this earlier century and to follow the mores, styles and customs of this time period. So that even though Vanessa is stepping out of conventional behavior of a women of 1896, she is careful to not behave in a manner that would be unacceptable at that time.
Also there is the explanation of the title, The Library Paradox. A paradox is a statement that is contradictory, because it contains two statements that are both true but cannot be true at the same time. The contradictory elements of this murder are the statements of the witnesses. Though the facts they present are all true, there is still a dead body that could not have been killed if the witness are all telling the truth, thus a paradox. Because it happens in a library, Shaw brings in the famous logical paradox about the Catalog of Catalogs. This gives the reader something to sink their teeth into as they try to understand the complicated circular points of this paradox
Also central to this mystery novel is the notorious "Dreyfus Affair". There is so much historical evidence and evidence in this novel about the atmosphere in England during this time period. This also plays apart in the anti-semitism of the murdered Professor, who was involved in writing articles about the Dreyfus conviction and other "blood libel" cases in history.
This is a book packed with history, mathematics, logic along with the intrigue and relationships.
A history lesson, logistics challenge and a who done it all wrapped up in one fun read.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
Unless you have married your high school sweetheart, most people have had more than one relationship before they settle down and marry. You probably had many adventures in your life also before you met you spouse. As you and your loved one are getting to know each other, you spend time sharing stories about your past. But, do you tell everything or leave secrets between you. Should there be an air of mystery or should every little adventure be divulged? Author, Phaedra Patrick plays with just that theme in her novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.
Arthur Pepper became a widower a year ago. He is still trying to cope with living alone, missing his wife, Miriam terribly. On the anniversary of her death he finally decides to clean out the closet and donate her things to charity. As he goes through her pockets and things checking for loose change before putting them in the donation pile, he comes across a charm bracelet he never remembers seeing Miriam wear. He becomes aware that she may have had an adventurous life before they met. He heads off to find out what each of the charms on the bracelet represent, following the path his
wife took through life on her way to marry him.
Arthur meets all kinds of interesting people along the way and learns not only about Miriam's life before she met him, but also learns quite a bit about himself also. Arthur and Miriam have two grown children, Lucy and Dan, who have gone off and created their own lives. As Arthur looks back on his marriage and family life when the children were young, he sees things he would have handled differently. As Arthur tells one of the people he meets along the way about the bracelet and how he is tracing the story behind the charms, he explains that his reasoning is because he wants to know Miriam better, but also he says, "I am learning more about myself, too. With each person I encounter, with each story I hear, I feel as if I am changing and growing. And maybe others will benefit a little from meeting me also. It's a strange feeling."
This is a sweet story. The main characters are nicely developed. It is a story of love, old ad new, and standing up for and defending love no matter what. It is a story of finding out how to make the most of life and the cards you are dealt. It about learning how to listen, to be there for other people. It is a lesson in reaching out and letting other people in. There are a few instances where the reader needs to suspend belief and go with the flow. There were some points where this reader was skeptical that some events were really realistic. But, to make the lessons work you are willing to take the leap and let the story take you along for the ride.
Arthur Pepper became a widower a year ago. He is still trying to cope with living alone, missing his wife, Miriam terribly. On the anniversary of her death he finally decides to clean out the closet and donate her things to charity. As he goes through her pockets and things checking for loose change before putting them in the donation pile, he comes across a charm bracelet he never remembers seeing Miriam wear. He becomes aware that she may have had an adventurous life before they met. He heads off to find out what each of the charms on the bracelet represent, following the path his
wife took through life on her way to marry him.
Arthur meets all kinds of interesting people along the way and learns not only about Miriam's life before she met him, but also learns quite a bit about himself also. Arthur and Miriam have two grown children, Lucy and Dan, who have gone off and created their own lives. As Arthur looks back on his marriage and family life when the children were young, he sees things he would have handled differently. As Arthur tells one of the people he meets along the way about the bracelet and how he is tracing the story behind the charms, he explains that his reasoning is because he wants to know Miriam better, but also he says, "I am learning more about myself, too. With each person I encounter, with each story I hear, I feel as if I am changing and growing. And maybe others will benefit a little from meeting me also. It's a strange feeling."
This is a sweet story. The main characters are nicely developed. It is a story of love, old ad new, and standing up for and defending love no matter what. It is a story of finding out how to make the most of life and the cards you are dealt. It about learning how to listen, to be there for other people. It is a lesson in reaching out and letting other people in. There are a few instances where the reader needs to suspend belief and go with the flow. There were some points where this reader was skeptical that some events were really realistic. But, to make the lessons work you are willing to take the leap and let the story take you along for the ride.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Casting Lots
Susan Silverman also grew up in NH. Sister to well known comedian Sarah stands out in the family of Silverman sisters as becoming the most observant of the Jewish religion of the family. She has become a Rabbi, marrying a Jewish activist and moving with their family of five children to live in Israel.
Again it is fun to read about a family growing up and living in a town near your own, knowing the schools and stores mentioned in the book. There is a kind of camaraderie where you feel close to the author even though you never actually met them in person. Of course then reading about their personal family life the object brings you in to their private world and you know feel like you are almost living in their neighborhood.
Interestingly both Susan in this book, Casting Lots and Sarah in her book, Bedwetter tell the same stories about their childhoods. They describe their parents and the life of growing up with divorced parents in exactly the same way. Sarah writes, "When I was seven years old my parents did what was fashionable and got divorced. In addition to creating me, it's something they did for which I'm eternally grateful. their divorce should be a model for us all; they both remarried happily, and all four spouses became good friends. "
In Casting Lots, Susan describes it a bit differently but also feels that their family is much happier the way it turned out than it was when her parents were married to each other. "The family I have today was not made in our blood, but felt in our bones. Not a whole cloth, but patches and seams. Only after we stopped holding our nuclear family together, desperately smearing ourselves in some sort of emotional superglue, only when we let the pieces fall apart, were we able to build something real. We were a mosaic - or perhaps, Mosaic."
So reading these two book side by side is interesting. The two sisters grew up together in the same house and yet they describe the same situations in such different styles. The facts are the same but Sarah uses comedy to relate the events and Susan retells the events and then finds a biblical or Talmudic interpretation to explain them.
The other major differences is that Susan has created her life around family and Judaism. She was ordained as a reform Rabbi. She married Yosef Abrahamowitz and together they have three biological daughters and two adopted sons from Ethiopia.
Again I ask myself while reading this what makes a person want to share so many intimate details of their life and those around them with the strangers who will read your book? Susan talks about the everyday trials and tribulations of bringing up children. They cry and throw tantrum. They won't do their homework. She shares about how she has adopted two sons from Ethiopia. Her first son, Adar, as he grows up and realizes in Newton, Massachusetts Jewish Day school, he stands out as different from the other students and by the color of his skin even from his family. Adar is throwing clean laundry off the bed and yelling, "I want a brown family, I don't want to be in this family. I hate this family." After trying to quiet her child, explaining that their family won't be complete without him. Susan writes her thoughts as she was picking up and refolding the laundry, "He was like Adam in the Garden of Eden; he was suddenly ashamed and self-conscience, no longer part of an organic, perfect world."
Susan it seems is looking to create the perfect universe through her family. "creating a family of many skin colors," Susan writes, "is a result of my earliest imaginings about the world and about my family someday."
Susan goes into more detail about her childhood, her relationship with her sisters, and different family encounters. There are three Silverman sisters, Laura, Susan and Sarah. Along with half sister, Jodyne. They grow up in Manchester, NH in a working class, Jewish family.
Beth Ann Silverman, who gave up her french and theatre major from Tufts University to marry and work alongside, Donald Silverman who was taking over the family business, The Variety Shop, a clothing store on Main Street in Concord, NH. On a buying trip to NYC, Beth Ann won the Tournament of Champions on the TV show, Concentration. After selling most of the prizes she won, (they need the money) Beth Ann and Donald go on the cruise and then back to NYC for the 1968 World Fair. On phone call to home they get disastrous news and rush back. Both Sarah and Susan describe this event in the same detail in each of their books. Their lives do not really go in such different directions until Susan goes off to college and meets Yosef.
Laura, though mentioned by both sisters in their respective books, remains the most unknown and quiet of the Silverman family.
Reading each of the books, is quite interesting especially if you were curious about why they each went in the direction they have. It is interesting to look into other people's lives. You can find ideas you agree with and find validation. You can see faults of your own and find acceptance.
Again it is fun to read about a family growing up and living in a town near your own, knowing the schools and stores mentioned in the book. There is a kind of camaraderie where you feel close to the author even though you never actually met them in person. Of course then reading about their personal family life the object brings you in to their private world and you know feel like you are almost living in their neighborhood.
Interestingly both Susan in this book, Casting Lots and Sarah in her book, Bedwetter tell the same stories about their childhoods. They describe their parents and the life of growing up with divorced parents in exactly the same way. Sarah writes, "When I was seven years old my parents did what was fashionable and got divorced. In addition to creating me, it's something they did for which I'm eternally grateful. their divorce should be a model for us all; they both remarried happily, and all four spouses became good friends. "
In Casting Lots, Susan describes it a bit differently but also feels that their family is much happier the way it turned out than it was when her parents were married to each other. "The family I have today was not made in our blood, but felt in our bones. Not a whole cloth, but patches and seams. Only after we stopped holding our nuclear family together, desperately smearing ourselves in some sort of emotional superglue, only when we let the pieces fall apart, were we able to build something real. We were a mosaic - or perhaps, Mosaic."
So reading these two book side by side is interesting. The two sisters grew up together in the same house and yet they describe the same situations in such different styles. The facts are the same but Sarah uses comedy to relate the events and Susan retells the events and then finds a biblical or Talmudic interpretation to explain them.
The other major differences is that Susan has created her life around family and Judaism. She was ordained as a reform Rabbi. She married Yosef Abrahamowitz and together they have three biological daughters and two adopted sons from Ethiopia.
Again I ask myself while reading this what makes a person want to share so many intimate details of their life and those around them with the strangers who will read your book? Susan talks about the everyday trials and tribulations of bringing up children. They cry and throw tantrum. They won't do their homework. She shares about how she has adopted two sons from Ethiopia. Her first son, Adar, as he grows up and realizes in Newton, Massachusetts Jewish Day school, he stands out as different from the other students and by the color of his skin even from his family. Adar is throwing clean laundry off the bed and yelling, "I want a brown family, I don't want to be in this family. I hate this family." After trying to quiet her child, explaining that their family won't be complete without him. Susan writes her thoughts as she was picking up and refolding the laundry, "He was like Adam in the Garden of Eden; he was suddenly ashamed and self-conscience, no longer part of an organic, perfect world."
Susan it seems is looking to create the perfect universe through her family. "creating a family of many skin colors," Susan writes, "is a result of my earliest imaginings about the world and about my family someday."
Susan goes into more detail about her childhood, her relationship with her sisters, and different family encounters. There are three Silverman sisters, Laura, Susan and Sarah. Along with half sister, Jodyne. They grow up in Manchester, NH in a working class, Jewish family.
Beth Ann Silverman, who gave up her french and theatre major from Tufts University to marry and work alongside, Donald Silverman who was taking over the family business, The Variety Shop, a clothing store on Main Street in Concord, NH. On a buying trip to NYC, Beth Ann won the Tournament of Champions on the TV show, Concentration. After selling most of the prizes she won, (they need the money) Beth Ann and Donald go on the cruise and then back to NYC for the 1968 World Fair. On phone call to home they get disastrous news and rush back. Both Sarah and Susan describe this event in the same detail in each of their books. Their lives do not really go in such different directions until Susan goes off to college and meets Yosef.
Laura, though mentioned by both sisters in their respective books, remains the most unknown and quiet of the Silverman family.
Reading each of the books, is quite interesting especially if you were curious about why they each went in the direction they have. It is interesting to look into other people's lives. You can find ideas you agree with and find validation. You can see faults of your own and find acceptance.
Bedwetter
Sarah Silverman is a Manchester NH native. Living currently in NH, it is fun to read about someone famous who had their start here. Also knowing the places she mentions in her book gives you a feeling of closeness to the author.
Silverman has made her career in comedy based on a outspokenness to say, it seems, anything that comes into her head. Reading the book makes me feel like maybe I understand her a little bit better.
She grew up with a father who freely uses unpleasant language. It was acceptable in the house and she found out from a very young age, that if when she said something unpleasant it got laughs.
Silverman writes about her personal embarrassment with bed wetting as a child. She has made it a large part of her comedy routine. What I wonder, because as I have mentioned before, I have toyed with the idea of writing a memoir about my life and have though about all the people I would mention and the personal situations that would come to light for strangers to read and had second thoughts about sharing those private moments, I wonder, does using comedy make sharing all these personal encounters and intimate experiences an easier way to share them with strangers?
Not being quite sure how much of what Silverman writes in the book is fact or embellishment of her real life, she says that she knew when she was very young that she wanted a life in comedy. When asked by a third grade teacher what she wanted to be when she grew up, she writes, "A comedian, an actor or masseuse."
Also long with bed wetting, Silverman talks quite a bit about years of drug use. The one pearl of wisdom that I really came away from this book with was a conversation she describes having with her friend, Kerry, from high school. Kerry had gone off to Howard College and was visiting Sarah at NYU their freshman year. When Sarah offers her some drugs Kerry explains that her new mantra is "Make It a Treat".
Silverman explains it with a few examples which a clever, like only wearing make-up for special occasions so it stands out when you do. She writes, "'Make It a Treat' is similar in spirit to 'everything in moderation', but still very distinct. 'Moderation' suggests a regular. low-level intake of something. MIAT asks for more austerity; it encourages you to keep the special things in life special."
So in a sea of crudeness and personal sadness, I found MIAT the most uplifting and positive point in the book. I am glad Sarah has made a successful career and seems to have found some happiness. It is hard to know while reading the book how much is embellished for the comedic effect and how much is honest truth. But it all makes for interesting reading.
Silverman has made her career in comedy based on a outspokenness to say, it seems, anything that comes into her head. Reading the book makes me feel like maybe I understand her a little bit better.
She grew up with a father who freely uses unpleasant language. It was acceptable in the house and she found out from a very young age, that if when she said something unpleasant it got laughs.
Silverman writes about her personal embarrassment with bed wetting as a child. She has made it a large part of her comedy routine. What I wonder, because as I have mentioned before, I have toyed with the idea of writing a memoir about my life and have though about all the people I would mention and the personal situations that would come to light for strangers to read and had second thoughts about sharing those private moments, I wonder, does using comedy make sharing all these personal encounters and intimate experiences an easier way to share them with strangers?
Not being quite sure how much of what Silverman writes in the book is fact or embellishment of her real life, she says that she knew when she was very young that she wanted a life in comedy. When asked by a third grade teacher what she wanted to be when she grew up, she writes, "A comedian, an actor or masseuse."
Also long with bed wetting, Silverman talks quite a bit about years of drug use. The one pearl of wisdom that I really came away from this book with was a conversation she describes having with her friend, Kerry, from high school. Kerry had gone off to Howard College and was visiting Sarah at NYU their freshman year. When Sarah offers her some drugs Kerry explains that her new mantra is "Make It a Treat".
Silverman explains it with a few examples which a clever, like only wearing make-up for special occasions so it stands out when you do. She writes, "'Make It a Treat' is similar in spirit to 'everything in moderation', but still very distinct. 'Moderation' suggests a regular. low-level intake of something. MIAT asks for more austerity; it encourages you to keep the special things in life special."
So in a sea of crudeness and personal sadness, I found MIAT the most uplifting and positive point in the book. I am glad Sarah has made a successful career and seems to have found some happiness. It is hard to know while reading the book how much is embellished for the comedic effect and how much is honest truth. But it all makes for interesting reading.
French Kiss
James Patterson working with Richard DiLallo have started a new detective series starring French Police Detective Luc Moncreif. It is written as a short novella style book. The idea being that you can read it completely through in an hour or two.
Short quick read. A novella style book that introduces us to French Detective Luc Moncrief. He has left the Paris police at the height of his career to become a detective in New York City. The plot is written in a light breezy style sometimes first person and sometimes not. Moncrief is a young, handsome, happy go lucky cop who figures out who did by instinct. He is late for work and not really meticulous but in the end he solves the case anyway. He is working with a new partner who does things by the book. She wants to follow procedure. Accumulate information, put the facts in order, assembling the puzzle fitting each of the pieces. Moncreif explains, "Absolutely not, you sink into the case as if it were a warn bath, You sense the situation. You for the fingerprint of the crime itself." Moncreif feels that solutions come from listening and seeing small surprises. He believes in looking in the most unlikely places and talking to the least likely observers.
Of course in this mystery novel, though a few do get killed, in the end Moncrief solves the crime. It is a fun read that I was able to finish quickly. It has accomplished what it set out to do, give me a entertaining few hours and the feeling of accomplishment without leaving me in suspense because, Moncreif and I solved the case in an afternoon.
Patterson and DiLallo seem to have incredible imaginations, because of the volume of novels they turn out in record time on a very consistent basis. Amazing.
Short quick read. A novella style book that introduces us to French Detective Luc Moncrief. He has left the Paris police at the height of his career to become a detective in New York City. The plot is written in a light breezy style sometimes first person and sometimes not. Moncrief is a young, handsome, happy go lucky cop who figures out who did by instinct. He is late for work and not really meticulous but in the end he solves the case anyway. He is working with a new partner who does things by the book. She wants to follow procedure. Accumulate information, put the facts in order, assembling the puzzle fitting each of the pieces. Moncreif explains, "Absolutely not, you sink into the case as if it were a warn bath, You sense the situation. You for the fingerprint of the crime itself." Moncreif feels that solutions come from listening and seeing small surprises. He believes in looking in the most unlikely places and talking to the least likely observers.
Of course in this mystery novel, though a few do get killed, in the end Moncrief solves the crime. It is a fun read that I was able to finish quickly. It has accomplished what it set out to do, give me a entertaining few hours and the feeling of accomplishment without leaving me in suspense because, Moncreif and I solved the case in an afternoon.
Patterson and DiLallo seem to have incredible imaginations, because of the volume of novels they turn out in record time on a very consistent basis. Amazing.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
the book that matters most
As I was reading this book I kept trying to think what book I would recommend if I was asked what book mattered has mattered most to me. Even now, after finishing the book, I cannot think of a book that could fit that description.
This book has a number of plot lines working at the same time. We follow Ava, a teacher, daughter, mother and now ex-wife. She is trying to find herself after her husband leaves her for another woman. Her children are grown and off in foreign countries living their own lives. Of course, Ava, at the behest of her best friend joins the bookclub. Through the books they read and the friends she makes comes to some understanding about who she is so she can move on with her life. Ava has become stuck, reliving in her mind, a tragedy from her childhood, that she also never really resolved.
We also follow the story of Ava's daughter, Maggie, a twenty-something, also lost, traveling in Paris, getting to into bad relationships and working through a drug addiction. As Ava tries to communicate with her daughter and find both the book that has always matted most to her, From Clare to Here, and its author, she reexamines the mysterious secrets from her childhood that have lead to this point in her life.
At one point in the novel, as each book club member leads the discussion about the book they have picked as the most important in their life, the leader say explains; "The idea of the book that matters most," Kiki said. "Because I think its like impossible to pick such a book. When you read a book, who you are when you read it, makes it matter or not. I don't know, if you read On The Road or The Three Musketeers, and that book changes how you feel or how you think, then it matters most. At that time." That really in the end is the crux of the issue. I have loved so many books over the years, some because I read them at a critical junction that was serendipitous. Some books I just felt I could relate to but were not live changing. Some authors have written so well that I feel some connection to their work even if does not relate directly to my personal life.
This is one of the books that leaves you thinking at the end. It is one of those books that you do not want to put down until the end. Some will I think feel that they can relate to some of the characters that presented here. A woman going through breast cancer treatments, a man who has lost his wife, a young man in search of love, a mother with six children looking for adult conversation. Ten book club members one for each month's book selection. Though I did not find each of the character's and their book selections quite as well developed as I would have like, I do see how the author, Ann Hood, tried to use each of their book selections to bring Ava forward out of her despair and back to a world that she could make her own. How to leave behind her childhood loss and the loss of her marriage and move forward to find happiness or at least contentment.
This book has a number of plot lines working at the same time. We follow Ava, a teacher, daughter, mother and now ex-wife. She is trying to find herself after her husband leaves her for another woman. Her children are grown and off in foreign countries living their own lives. Of course, Ava, at the behest of her best friend joins the bookclub. Through the books they read and the friends she makes comes to some understanding about who she is so she can move on with her life. Ava has become stuck, reliving in her mind, a tragedy from her childhood, that she also never really resolved.
We also follow the story of Ava's daughter, Maggie, a twenty-something, also lost, traveling in Paris, getting to into bad relationships and working through a drug addiction. As Ava tries to communicate with her daughter and find both the book that has always matted most to her, From Clare to Here, and its author, she reexamines the mysterious secrets from her childhood that have lead to this point in her life.
At one point in the novel, as each book club member leads the discussion about the book they have picked as the most important in their life, the leader say explains; "The idea of the book that matters most," Kiki said. "Because I think its like impossible to pick such a book. When you read a book, who you are when you read it, makes it matter or not. I don't know, if you read On The Road or The Three Musketeers, and that book changes how you feel or how you think, then it matters most. At that time." That really in the end is the crux of the issue. I have loved so many books over the years, some because I read them at a critical junction that was serendipitous. Some books I just felt I could relate to but were not live changing. Some authors have written so well that I feel some connection to their work even if does not relate directly to my personal life.
This is one of the books that leaves you thinking at the end. It is one of those books that you do not want to put down until the end. Some will I think feel that they can relate to some of the characters that presented here. A woman going through breast cancer treatments, a man who has lost his wife, a young man in search of love, a mother with six children looking for adult conversation. Ten book club members one for each month's book selection. Though I did not find each of the character's and their book selections quite as well developed as I would have like, I do see how the author, Ann Hood, tried to use each of their book selections to bring Ava forward out of her despair and back to a world that she could make her own. How to leave behind her childhood loss and the loss of her marriage and move forward to find happiness or at least contentment.
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