Before Tower Road Book Club switched to our virtual format, I reached out to our members to ask them a few questions about what they had been reading. Here are some of their answers.
What Book Club book was your favorite to read over the last year?
My favorite book was The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. It's about a young girl who moves with her mother and father to Alaska and find themselves totally unprepared for weathering the Alaskan winter as well as the father's increasing mental illness. It's about growth, survival, and acceptance. I think every young woman should read it.
I liked this book because I found all of the characters worthy of empathy. Kristin Hannah does a fine job with character development. I have always been attracted to adventure and survival stories, and this certainly was one!
- Sharon
The book that was most important for me to read was There There by Tommy Orange. “Favorite” implies a fun read; this was far from it. The story blends the lives of 8 native Americans in present-day Oakland. It was eye-opening, especially in audio. Book clubs are invaluable for nudging you to read books outside of your bubble.
- Paula
A Spy Named Orphan by
born to privilege and class. Was able to work under the radar for many years as a notorious spy. Several people were suspicious of him from different agenciy but never compared information. He was almost caught but escaped by miscalculation or negligence.
-Josephine
What have you read recently that you really enjoyed?
One particular book that had a strong affect on me is called Dear Edward. It's the story of a young boy who is the only survivor of a plane crash and how he deals with all the ramifications that come with tha emotional pain and the resulting adjustment....an award winning book.
-Marcia
Keeper of List things by Ruth Hogan
Anthony owner of an estate collected lost things he found on the bus, in the park etc. He hired Laura to be a live-in housekeeper and assistant. Upon his death he left the house to Laura. She was to return all the list things. She was befriended by several people. Among them was Sunshine, a young lady with Down's syndrome. She has a second sense about some of the items and threw some away because it brought pain to the loser. Several characters lives crossed each other as this story unfolds.
-Josephine
The Surrendered by Chang-rae Lee
It is a dark and disturbing novel in many ways, beginning during the career war and ending in the 90's. I find his writing to be absolutely delicious! I love writers who can weave with words, and that's what he does. His characters are so finely crafted and their emotional inner lives rendered on paper beautifully. I find myself slowing down because I don't want it to end.
-Sharon