What readers think of The Book That Matters Most, plus links to write your own review.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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".

I identified with the main character Ava when she became the newest member of a book group that had been in existence for a long time. The fact that one of the members picked my favorite book as the one she wanted to review made me even more excited. Both mother and daughter were disappointed in their relationships and trying to forge new ones, making many missteps along the way. The ending was somewhat predictable but overall I found this an easy and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to book groups.

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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Any book that makes you think is worth reading.
What is your choice for the book that matters most to you? Why? What would you do if your world fell apart?
A story of friendships, sadness and sometimes harsh reality, but with a hope for better things. I recommend it.