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There are currently 46 member reviews
for The Book That Matters Most
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Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)
A page turner.
When I saw the title of this book, I knew I was going to like it because I have been the discussion leader of a book group for 18 years. I wasn't disappointed. The combination of the stories of the mother and daughter were fascinating. I did get a little upset with the Mother because until the very end of the book she whined and sorry for herself. I wanted to tell her to "get a grip woman, you can deal with this." I was afraid for the daughter because of the bad choices she kept making.
The book had a lovely ending for which I was grateful. Both mother and daughter seemed to grow up. I will recommend this book to my book group. It will be great for discussion! It would be hard for me to decide which book would mean the most to me. That would be a question I would ask my group.
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Mary M. (Lexington, KY)
Books that matter
This book had me hooked when I read the title. I immediately started thinking about what book mattered most to me. As I read further I became interested in the books the members chose. I took note of which books I had read and those I might want to read. The real heart of the story however was Ava, her daughter Maggie, and the story behind the book that mattered most to Ava. My only criticism of the book was how easily Maggie's problems went away. It wasn't realistic to me. This is a very good book for book clubs or anyone who enjoys reading.
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Barbara O. (Maryland Heights, MO)
Great Read
Ann Hood's new book is wonderful. Loved how she used a monthly Book Club book choice and calendar as chapters to advance time in her story. 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 was much appreciated. I love Ann Hood's characters, they are real people and the reader may even know people just like them.
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Gail K. (Saratoga Springs, NY)
Ann Hood fans, rejoice!
Ann Hood fans and others looking for a good read will not be disappointed with her newest novel, The Book That Matters Most. It tells the stories of broken hearts, broken families, broken relationships ... and the healing balm of books. Told from multiple points of view, it is, at different times, heartbreaking, poignant and uplifting. I found this to be a compelling read - and a delicious little twist at the end was the frosting on the cake.
Pick up this novel if you are looking for an emotion- packed story with a satisfying conclusion. You won't be disappointed!
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Jan P. (Sarasota, FL)
Ann Hood Nails it Again
I read anything Ann Hood. I also received an advance copy of this book to submit an honest review. And honestly, at first, I thought that this book was going to be about another middle-aged wife being dumped and wallowing in self-pity. It's not. Ava wins a coveted spot in a long-standing book club at the beginning of their new reading season. They will read and discuss a book that has meant the most to each of them. It's a multi-faceted story of how books affect us and makes the point that "When you read a book, and who you are when you read it, makes it matter or not... then it matters the most. At that time." Re-reading their favorites, brought a lot of introspection as well as new perspectives to all of them.
All the participants find themselves changed at the end of the year by the messages each got from the books. As the novel progresses, we learn more about the others but mostly it's about Ava and segues back and forth from a life changing event to the present.
Through her accomplished ability, Ann Hood explores how the spoken word has the capacity to influence our lives more often then once, in more ways then one.
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Elizabeth K. (Glenshaw, PA)
The Book That Matters Most
Book club members rejoice! The title of this books is also the theme for Ava's book club for a year. Besides learning more of the symbolism of each chosen title, we can see how it ties into the daily life of members. Add to that trying to figure out what really happened to Ava's sister and mother many years ago; to figure out daughter Maggie's messed up personal life in Paris; and to figure out Ava's present life. We have a book that holds our interest to the very last page. Sum it up with a quote from the book, "Our lives are our own to ruin or not, no one can do it for us".
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Candace F. (Lincoln, NE)
A Great Read
Ann Hood is a new author to me and I'm so glad I have discovered her! I loved "The Book That Matters Most" for several reasons. Ms. Hood makes her characters as real as the people you know. I felt like I could call Ava and invite her for a cup of coffee! I loved this book from the first page until the last word. It is a unique story and so refreshing. I will be recommending this to all of my friends and book group. I purchased another of her books this morning. If you are a book lover you can't help but like this book, it is a definite must read! This is a great book to start the summer's enjoyable reads. I'm looking forward to reading all of your books! Keep 'em comin'!
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