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There are currently 46 member reviews
for The Book That Matters Most
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Ann
Summer Read
As the facilitator of a book club for the past nine years, I have found that the members of my group like light, feel good books for summer reading. This book would fit right in. I chose it because of the title, thinking that it would offer great insight into why some books matter to, and influence people in their lives. That didn't happen. I was disappointed in the book, but I will give my copy to my group for their summer reading.
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Debra V. (Kenosha, WI)
Missed Opportunity
The idea of choosing "The Book That Matters Most" for a book club read was compelling -- and my favorite part of the book. I found Ava whiny in the beginning, and not very interesting! Her daughter Maggie's story was more engaging and kept me reading. The book was well written, but improbable, especially the ending. There were too many characters essential to the story who were not well defined.
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Laurette A. (Rome, NY)
Not my cup of tea...
I've read other books by Ann Hood and liked them, this one...not as much. I'm the sort of person who likes to read to either learn something new or to "escape." This book did neither for me. While I liked and sympathized with the character of Ava, I found her daughter Maggie very depressing and sad. For me, the most interesting parts were the discussions of the other books mentioned, some of which I have read. All in all, I have mixed feelings about this one...it would probably be a good choice for a book club discussion, but it's not one I would read again.
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Leslie D. (Le Roy, NY)
Entertaining but not thoroughly baked
You CAN go home again in Hood's forthcoming book, even if home looks slightly different. Ava's participation in a local, invitation-only book group opens her eyes to literary works and to her own life...and the refreshments are delicious and boozy! Although this could have been like many other books centered on book clubs, this one takes a sharp left turn by including a close look at addiction in Ava's family. There's a lot to discuss because of various themes (death of sibling, dealing with addiction, loss of parent, younger lover), however a couple of the resolutions seem hurried and not fully developed. I would categorize this as women's fiction, but in the end, I'm not really sure what the book was trying to be.
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