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hugbandit7's review against another edition
5.0
I would give this a 4.5-5 star rating.
I loved Ava's story. There were so many facets to it. And then her daughter Maggie...she was a bit of a hot mess. Each section was divided up to showcase each book that the book club read. These were mostly classics and I have to say I have not read many of them or if I tried, I put it back down because I didn't like the book. But I enjoyed hearing the character's discussion of the books and I might give the book another shot later on.
I was a little surprised at the ending and Ava's reaction. I won't say much to not give it away, but I was surprised she took everything in stride and wasn't mad or hurt or upset. Maybe enough time had passed and she was more happy with the outcome than worrying about everything that led up to that point.
Overall a very enjoyable story.
I loved Ava's story. There were so many facets to it. And then her daughter Maggie...she was a bit of a hot mess. Each section was divided up to showcase each book that the book club read. These were mostly classics and I have to say I have not read many of them or if I tried, I put it back down because I didn't like the book. But I enjoyed hearing the character's discussion of the books and I might give the book another shot later on.
I was a little surprised at the ending and Ava's reaction. I won't say much to not give it away, but I was surprised she took everything in stride and wasn't mad or hurt or upset. Maybe enough time had passed and she was more happy with the outcome than worrying about everything that led up to that point.
Overall a very enjoyable story.
teaandlibri's review against another edition
2.0
Highly readable but ultimately disappointing text. Ava is looking to rebuild her life after the end of her 25 year marriage and her two children grown and gone. Out of desperation for companionship she joins a book group, where each member must present what book matters the most to them. Then we also learn about her daughter Maggie, who is a troubled young woman who disappears in Paris.
At least, that is what the book is supposed to be about. I can't lie, I ended up being somewhat under the impression that this might be a cross between a book club book and 'Taken' the movie with Liam Neeson. (Maggie is the name of the actress who plays Neeson's daughter who ends up going missing in Paris). Instead, we see Ava as she tries to rebuild her life, Maggie as she looks for herself in Paris, plus other characters that tie to a dark secret in Ava's past. All of them eventually come together to out this dark part of Ava's history.
Initially I really enjoyed the book for the most part. I thought maybe it was a bit familiar with "woman rebuilds life after husband abandons her, young woman finds herself in a new city" territory. And it is that, but then the book steadily goes downhill when we delve into the mystery of Ava's mother and aunt, a police officer who investigates the death of Ava's sister Lily and how they all tie to Maggie in Paris. It's all too coincidental and it ties up too neatly in the end. I'm shocked that Maggie's *PARENTS* (Ava and Jim) seem to accept Maggie's explanations so easily despite their daughter's prior history.
That said, the book was also quite readable. Even though there are multiple viewpoints (a device I normally really can't stand at all), I thought author Hood actually did a really great job. Each character is distinct and speaks with his or her own particular voice instead of jumbling together too easily. I'm still not sure if it was entirely necessary but it worked here and the text flowed quite well.
So ultimately it wasn't for me but if you're a book lover who enjoys reading about book clubs and need a book that ends with all the loose ends pretty much tied together, this could be a good pickup at the airport or from the library in anticipation of a storm. But if you would like to know there are depictions/discussions of drug use, adultery (not too many details), sexual assault (also not too graphic but it's there), violence against women, suicide, child abandonment, etc. It's not a heavy book but many of these topics are ongoing themes in the text/part of the character storylines and can't be avoided.
Borrowed from the library and that sounds about right.
At least, that is what the book is supposed to be about. I can't lie, I ended up being somewhat under the impression that this might be a cross between a book club book and 'Taken' the movie with Liam Neeson. (Maggie is the name of the actress who plays Neeson's daughter who ends up going missing in Paris). Instead, we see Ava as she tries to rebuild her life, Maggie as she looks for herself in Paris, plus other characters that tie to a dark secret in Ava's past. All of them eventually come together to out this dark part of Ava's history.
Initially I really enjoyed the book for the most part. I thought maybe it was a bit familiar with "woman rebuilds life after husband abandons her, young woman finds herself in a new city" territory. And it is that, but then the book steadily goes downhill when we delve into the mystery of Ava's mother and aunt, a police officer who investigates the death of Ava's sister Lily and how they all tie to Maggie in Paris. It's all too coincidental and it ties up too neatly in the end. I'm shocked that Maggie's *PARENTS* (Ava and Jim) seem to accept Maggie's explanations so easily despite their daughter's prior history.
That said, the book was also quite readable. Even though there are multiple viewpoints (a device I normally really can't stand at all), I thought author Hood actually did a really great job. Each character is distinct and speaks with his or her own particular voice instead of jumbling together too easily. I'm still not sure if it was entirely necessary but it worked here and the text flowed quite well.
So ultimately it wasn't for me but if you're a book lover who enjoys reading about book clubs and need a book that ends with all the loose ends pretty much tied together, this could be a good pickup at the airport or from the library in anticipation of a storm. But if you would like to know there are depictions/discussions of drug use, adultery (not too many details), sexual assault (also not too graphic but it's there), violence against women, suicide, child abandonment, etc. It's not a heavy book but many of these topics are ongoing themes in the text/part of the character storylines and can't be avoided.
Borrowed from the library and that sounds about right.
hmonkeyreads's review against another edition
3.0
Between 3 and 4 stars. I enjoyed the basic plot about a recently divorced woman trying to get used to her new life and make new friends by joining a book club. I enjoyed the parts from her daughters POV. What I did not enjoy was the actual book club. I thought the literary discussion seemed forced and took away from the flow of the novel.
I thought some characters felt real like Ava and Maggie but many others seem oddly stiff and formal. I also have mixed feelings about the ending. I liked the concept of it but I find the actual behavior of the people at the very end extremely strange.
I thought some characters felt real like Ava and Maggie but many others seem oddly stiff and formal. I also have mixed feelings about the ending. I liked the concept of it but I find the actual behavior of the people at the very end extremely strange.
kimmeyer's review against another edition
4.0
After her husband runs off with another woman (a "yarn bomber", of all things), Ava joins her friend Cate's book club. Each month, they're to read "the book that matters most" to one of them. Cheesy, right?
Meanwhile, Ava's daughter Maggie is in Paris making bad relationship choices and developing a major heroin habit. Her storyline is really what keeps the book from veering into overly safe, boring territory.
Ava tries to track down the author of her selected book, and that journey leads her to discover things about herself and her family.
This book wraps up a little too neatly and many may find it hard to suspend their disbelief. It has plenty of entertainment value, but it's not great literature.
Meanwhile, Ava's daughter Maggie is in Paris making bad relationship choices and developing a major heroin habit. Her storyline is really what keeps the book from veering into overly safe, boring territory.
Ava tries to track down the author of her selected book, and that journey leads her to discover things about herself and her family.
This book wraps up a little too neatly and many may find it hard to suspend their disbelief. It has plenty of entertainment value, but it's not great literature.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, how I loved this book! I will still be thinking about the characters for years to come
sundeviljewels's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book way more than I imagined. Initially, I started taking notes for book club, but after page 50, it was so easy for me to read, that I didn’t want to stop.
There are so many layers, character development, and situations to discuss.
I do not have a close relationship with addiction, both parents are still living, as is my sister, and my “husband” has not left me for someone else...
I would not purposely choose to read the books each person chose, except Ava, but I enjoyed Cate’s background knowledge.
There are so many layers, character development, and situations to discuss.
I do not have a close relationship with addiction, both parents are still living, as is my sister, and my “husband” has not left me for someone else...
I would not purposely choose to read the books each person chose, except Ava, but I enjoyed Cate’s background knowledge.
whitmc's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining and a quick read, but disjointed in the dual story teller nature between Ava (mother) and Maggie (daughter). It came together a bit too cleanly with an interesting and somewhat unexpected twist that left me feeling uncomfortable, and then it just ended without addressing the obvious discomfort that would follow from such a reveal. If you want something quick and entertaining, go ahead and read it, but don't hold out for anything life changing.
buntjuli's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
dyerra's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book and thought it was a good read. The characters were dynamic, compelling, and multi-faceted. The story was fast-paced and suspenseful, and the ending was fulfilling. The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars is that I thought that the main mystery/twist in the plot was a bit transparent. I figured it out halfway through the book. I kept hoping it was a book where you think you've discovered the twist only to realize it was a Red Herring, but alas, it was not. If you are halfway through and you think you know what is going to happen, you are probably right.
connieaw's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed every moment of this book and the end left me in tears. Part of this book involves a book club where the members pick the book that matters most to them. I've read some of the books they chose and now have added a few to my to-read list.