What We’re Reading

“THE STORIED LIFE OF A. J. FIKRY”

by Gabrielle Zevin

That Book Club and CRS Book Group

The title character is a widowed small town bookstore owner on a fictional island near Martha’s Vineyard. He drinks too much and loses himself in “good” literature, while alienating as many people as he can and finding his purpose in the most unlikely way. The story is a combination of “who done it” and development of meaningful relationships through books. The story takes unexpected turns, ending on a hopeful note for those who believe there will always be a place for small bookstores and the faithful people who own them. Both groups found the book a fabulous read filled with humor and tragedy, with great character development.

“I REFUSE”

by Per Petterson

Beechwood Book Club

Per Petterson populates the sparse cold isolated nature of his Norwegian homeland with characters separated from themselves, family, and society. The story focuses on children bearing the brunt of adult dysfunction. There is loss and limitation, as family and home don’t necessarily equate to emotional or physical safety. Betrayal, neglect and abandonment, both overt and subtle, take their toll in this poignant story where breaches of trust abound. Beechwood members found I Refuse lent itself to a thoughtful discussion about the responsibilities of adults to care for the young, both on a familial and societal level and recommend this book.

“CIRCLING THE SUN” by Paula McLain

Bend Bookworms

The main character, Beryle, and her father come from England to Kenya, where they share their estate with the native Kipsigis tribe who contribute to Beryl’s unconventional upbringing. She is transformed into a bold young woman with a fierce love for all things wild. Beryle develops into a woman before her time, who becomes a horse trainer and learns to fly. The Bookworms loved the book and found it to be a fascinating read.

“THE GLASS CASTLE” by Jeannette Walls

The Book Sisters

This true story about the unveiled poverty of an extremely dysfunctional family living during the ‘50s and ‘60s is seen through the eyes of the oldest daughter. The raw emotions of the characters can’t be ignored. The group talked about the real suffering experienced by these children who could have been their own peers or classmates in disguise. The notion that a family tied by love, deceived by the parents, made to endure hunger, shame and overwork along with other neglect and still enduring, provided much food for discussion. Although this was a heavy read, they agreed that it led to a greater awareness of problems that often exist under the radar in our own communities.

“BEAUTIFUL RUINS” by Jess Walter

PM Divas

Walter transports the reader into the life of Pasquale, a local innkeeper on the stunning Italian coastline. With an abundant cast of colorful characters, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the author unfolds a captivating tale with great storytelling, wit, and rich prose. He breathes life into the characters’ innermost thoughts and dreams while discovering the “ruins” they have collected. The PM Divas found this love story, with intriguing twists and turns, to be a memorable and enjoyable read.

“EUPHORIA” by Lily Kin

The Book Sisters

This year’s Novel Idea selection, set along the Sepik River in New Guinea, tells the story of three anthropologists, each struggling for notoriety in their chosen specialties. The character of Nell is a semi-fictionalized version of anthropologist Margaret Mead. Blinded to the effect their presence might have on the native people, they are also oblivious to the poor state of their own physical and mental health. This tale, filled with sexual tension, competitive intimacy, and intellectual folly, ends with two of the characters escaping with their lives and a treasured native artifact. Several club members found King’s writing style challenging at first, as she jumped around in time and space. Once the readers became better acquainted with the characters, the story became more cohesive.