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 … 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.
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This is a real page turner! Lots of unusual characters with multiple plots but get ready for an explosive ending – we are not talking about a ripple but an explosion. Really wanted to keep reading more and more of the characters so hopefully the author will have sequels and soon !
I listened to this audiobook on my Libby app, so I was never fully concentrated on it. I have to confess to that. I KNOW I am a better reader than I am a listener, because when I am listening I’m doing other things as I listen. I did like this book though, even with the distractions. It was great having a book about books. A book about a book club. I had to look up what “yarn bombing” was, and it IS what it sounds like, actually. I really want/wanted a certain character to end up with a certain character, and was glad when that character did NOT end up with a certain other character. It really doesn’t let us know if what I want/wanted comes to be or not, and that’s okay. It ends splendidly, by the way! I was glad! I haven’t read any of the books it talks about, but it was nice to hear the book club members’ what I thought were “ever so deep” explanations and revelations from them. I liked the French foods but have never had them and probably never will, and sure can’t pronounce them. For that I am super glad I did choose the audiobook, because that would have been hard for me as a reader and I would’ve missed that enjoyment, I think, in the midst of the challenge. Hank reminds me of another guy in a book I’m reading now, which is funny, because at times I was like, “Wait a minute…” and then I was like, “Nope. That’s that OTHER story.” But then I liked it, because in my brain I put the two together and was able to know more about Hank. It worked. For me, it worked. I could never join that book club, but maybe someday I will be part of SOME type of book club. The drug parts were spooking me out, but I liked the back and forth between characters and how it all eventually linked up. I liked how she was (probably NOT realistically) suddenly actually okay and not addicted and going to BE okay. I wonder what YOUR book that matters most would be. Mine is The Holy Bible.
I love how the book that matters brought such interesting discussions about books and there impact they have
Want to hear some great insights about a few classic books while hearing an entertaining tale in its own right? The Book that Matters Most follows the life of Ava, who has lost her decades-long marriage. Her husband ran off with another woman. Ava’s grown children have left the country to follow their own lives. Ava becomes a member of a book club, where each member is asked to choose a book that had changed their lives and discuss it.
Ava chooses one that touched her deeply after the childhood trauma of losing her sister and her mother. She must hunt this book down and also find the author. The story of this search reveals hidden depths to Ava, and she grows in the process. She is a sympathetic character to get behind.
The novel is enhanced by the story of her troubled daughter, Maggie, who is living in Paris with a man who is no good for her. Maggie finds herself in life-threatening situations. What will happen to her, and will she and her mother ever settle things between them?
Between the wonderful setting details of Paris and other places and the emotional ride readers go along, are discussions of classic books that have affected lives. This is a nice touch and adds a lot to the story. The theme of overcoming great odds adds more depth and suspense to the book. For a contemporary woman’s story, this one will satisfy many a reader.
Wonderful book! A great unique story with relatable characters.
I loved this book!!! It is a delightful read about a book club and includes great book suggestions. Ann Hood’s well-written novel deals with deep, thought-provoking topics. The plot twist at the end of the book was predictable – still, an enjoyable, engaging read.
What I liked about this book was the characters each had to recommend a book that meant the most to them to help them in some point of their lives. I have read 6 of the 10 books and will read them all before the year is up. I would love to be a part of a book club that was in this book.
What a delightful book. Members of a book club must select a book which reflects them. Very insightful and direct. A unique approach to a familiar topic. Highly recommend
I’ve always wondered if I’m missing out by having never participated in a book club. If this is the type of book suggested for book clubs, well, I’m okay with not participating. (One of my all-time favorite books is Anna Karenina!) Although the characters were somewhat interesting and drawn to the book club community for different reasons, overall I found the story to be contrived and unrealistic. The descriptions of intravenous drug usage were disturbing to me…I found the landmarks of Providence enjoyable and accurate, as I live close to the area. I expected to experience more “depth” from this author but found it to be more of a romance novel.
I basically liked the plot and characters but did not care for the style of jumping back and forth between characters and time.
I loved this book! It was very riveting and a different read. I highly recommend it.
I thought it was a very creative novel!
Fun book about a book club! Since starting a book club several years ago I found entertaining!
I am so glad I am not in that book club. Holy cow, nothing could induce me to read Anna Karenina again!!! The female characters in the story are well developed and interesting. Male characters are glossed over with a very light touch…with the possible exception of Juliene. He displays just about every nasty trait that can be packed into one disgusting middle aged man! And then there’s Jim…the do-gooder husband and father who decides to turn his back on his old life in order to rekindle a romance from long ago…he’s a weak and foolish man. One can only hope they both end up as lonely old men!
Could not put the book down. Ann Hood’s character development was incredible. I could not come up with an answer to the book’s title. A must read!