Tag: good books

We had our book group the other night and it went so well, one of the better discussions we’ve had in a long time. I was really interested to see if  there would be a big difference in how other people dealt with the style of the writing and how it sort of jumped back and forth. I know sometimes that gets to me but not always. I remember reading Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout and it drove me crazy. But as I reread your book, I realized it didn’t bother me in the least. In fact I enjoyed it that way! Most rather liked the way that you knew each page would have its own story even if you weren’t exactly sure of the timeline. They felt what I think you were feeling and struggling with. And the way you handled the characters–specifically no names–they thought was an interesting detail. One person in our group, a retired pediatrician turned independent bookstore owner who has pursued some writing classes and general knowledge of what goes into writing a book, said she was glad to read it, that it was something quite different from some of the books we’ve read, and very much a pleasure to read. Funny how people in your book had been in the house we held our meeting in. I sort of felt like they were all sitting in listening. For me it doesn’t get any better than that!

There is so much about this book club gathering and the photos and the letter that makes me feel grateful and happy, and moves me–like the way I feel right there with them when I see my handwriting saying I am home. at the table next to the playing cards on the glass–and that brings memories of love and laughter floating from the other room of the cottage while my parents and friends played Euchre on summer nights. The mention of Elizabeth Strout reminds me of taking my mother to a reading in Iowa City and sitting in the front row and introducing her to my mom, and how E.S.’s hand went to her heart as she said, you brought your mom. And how Mom whispered to me, she’s just like one of us.