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A Novel
by Ann Hood
Book Reviewed by:An enthralling novel about love, loss, secrets, friendship, and the healing power of literature, by the bestselling author of The Knitting Circle.
Ava's twenty-five-year marriage has fallen apart, and her two grown children are pursuing their own lives outside of the country. Ava joins a book group, not only for her love of reading but also out of sheer desperation for companionship. The group's goal throughout the year is for each member to present the book that matters most to them. Ava rediscovers a mysterious book from her childhood?one that helped her through the traumas of the untimely deaths of her sister and mother. Alternating with Ava's story is that of her troubled daughter Maggie, who, living in Paris, descends into a destructive relationship with an older man. Ava's mission to find that book and its enigmatic author takes her on a quest that unravels the secrets of her past and offers her and Maggie the chance to remake their lives.
This is a great book for book clubs with plenty of themes for discussion: divorce, parenting and personal growth. The added bonus of additional books to read will be much appreciated...continued
Full Review
(666 words)
(Reviewed by First Impressions Reviewers).
In The Book That Matters Most, literature turns out to be an important lifeline to Ava as she joins a book club to offer her some soul sustenance through trying times. Here a few other recommendations for books about other books, whose theme is the joy of the written word.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
The cantankerous owner of a small independent New England bookstore is widowed and sales are lagging but he gets a new lease on life when an exciting package arrives at his doorstep. Voted a BookBrowse favorite, this memorable novel packs in a whole host of literary references and other nods to book lovers while wrapping its story around themes of redemption and second chances.
The End of Your Life Book Club by ...
If you liked The Book That Matters Most, try these:
by Margot Livesey
Published 2017
A taut emotional thriller about love, obsession and the secrets that pull a family apart.
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zevin
Published 2014
As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.
Ann Leary, New York Times bestselling author of The Good House
[It’s] the delicate exploration of human fallibility – of love, loss, regret and redemption that make this one of those rare and wonderful books that truly matter.
