I've read other Ann Hood books and hoped this would be as enjoyable. However, it turned into chick lit that just needed editing! We know the premise, Ava is dumped by philandering husband after 25 years, wreck of a daughter is wasting her daddy's money in Paris doing drugs, Ava is lonely and joins book club to make friends and get her life in order.
I was hopeful when the theme of the book club was to select the book that mattered the most in your life. As there were ten members, there were some interesting selections, mostly classics. While there wasn't as much book discussion as I would have enjoyed, some of the comments and perspectives were interesting. Meanwhile, Ava's train-wreck of a life plods along, with a sub-plot of her childhood and the mysteries there.
I was pleased with most of the writing, altho there were a few characters who went nowhere, and WHY did author throw in the fling with the younger man?? Anyway, was happy when Ava and Hank went to Paris to find daughter Maggie, but the ending (I won't spoil it for you) was just too contrived for me. (eye roll)
I was hopeful when the theme of the book club was to select the book that mattered the most in your life. As there were ten members, there were some interesting selections, mostly classics. While there wasn't as much book discussion as I would have enjoyed, some of the comments and perspectives were interesting. Meanwhile, Ava's train-wreck of a life plods along, with a sub-plot of her childhood and the mysteries there.
I was pleased with most of the writing, altho there were a few characters who went nowhere, and WHY did author throw in the fling with the younger man?? Anyway, was happy when Ava and Hank went to Paris to find daughter Maggie, but the ending (I won't spoil it for you) was just too contrived for me. (eye roll)
Fabulous book! Ava is going through a tough divorce and joins a book club. Each member chooses the book that matters most to them and has a month. The book goes through the year - lots of good familiar books with pertinent quotes from each (a well read author) but the quotes and monthly discussions lead us through Ava's life over that year. There are many subplots all with good resolution and all covering grief and loss, darkness and light, and overall, how books and reading can touch your life and be important at different points in your life.
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood is less about books than I expected it to be. I love the premise of a book club where members pick "the book that matters the most" to them. This story, however, introduces other perspectives, other side stories, and a mystery about Ava's childhood. I wish it had stayed closer to its main premise of the impact of books on our lives.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/07/the-book-that-matters-most.html.
Reviewed based on a publisher's galley received through NetGalley.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/07/the-book-that-matters-most.html.
Reviewed based on a publisher's galley received through NetGalley.
