"The Summer Without Men" is not only a compelling novel about the lives of women and girls (maiden, mother and crone are all represented in the book), but also a meditation on the art of story-telling and the beauty of language. It's a thought-provoking read and will no …more doubt appeal to a diverse audience, from book club members to poetry lovers. I thought the plot would be rather formulaic at first (middle aged woman has nervous breakdown after husband leaves her for another woman), but it is so much more than this. It's beautifully written and a great read.(less)
The Spare Room: A Novel
by Helen Garner
Outstanding(1/9/2009)
"The Spare Room" is a spare, heartbreaking, beautifully crafted novel. Helen is a woman in her 60s who lives alone when she offers a room to her long-time friend, Nicola, who is receiving alternative treatments for terminal cancer. What follows is a magnificent story that …more about life's big issues, including the limits of friendship, coming to terms with our mortality, and the responsibility we have to loved ones. This is one of the best works of fiction I've read in a long time.(less)
The Sweet In Between: A Novel
by Sheri Reynolds
Another beautiful coming-of-age story(9/12/2008)
"The Rapture of Canaan" is one of my favorite books, so I couldn't wait to read Reynolds' latest, which is the story of 18-year-old Kenny Lugo. As in her previous novels, Reynolds handles tough issues--sexual abuse, poverty, etc.--with sensitivity. Kenny is an engaging …more character, and her personal journey to find meaning in tragedy and face her demons is unforgettable.(less)
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BookBrowse Book Club
The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
Brave the Shanghai tunnels in this tale of love, identity, and resilience passed through generations.
BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.