Debbie's Picks

This book is truly a gift!! It spoke to me on many levels – as a mother about to become an empty nester, as someone who made the choice to move to a small town leaving behind all that was familiar , and as how the beauty of nature can satisfy the soul. Not since reading a text book, have I highlighted so many passages. I want to reread and cherish so much of this book. Kenison’s words flow from her heart and filled mine. Her writing is rhythmic and cathartic. I was so moved by this book, I cannot wait to give it as a gift – there are so many that I know will also be able to relate to what it means to devote oneself to children only to have them spread their wings and depart. Kenison provides the reader with the gift of how to accept and embrace this inevitable time in a mother’s life.

This is a book you will get so engrossed in - you will not want to put it down, or to be interupted while you are reading. It will grip you and capture your attention from the start and leave you thinking and remembering after it is done.
Labor Day takes place over a five day period in a small New Hampshire town. Thirteen year old Henry, meets a mysterious bleeding man, Frank, and convinces his divorced mom, Adele, to help the man. The characters are simple and predictable on one level, yet Maynard writes with compassion and style so as to bring a richness and depth to her characters and the story that unfolds around them. A simple story of love, betrayal, and coming of age becomes a memorable and joyful read in Joyce Maynard’s, Labor Day.

If you liked Tuesday’s With Morrie you will love this book as much as I did. In this true story, Mitch Albom is asked by his childhood rabbi to deliver his eulogy. A strange request considering Albom is no longer connected with Judaism and the rabbi is not on his death bed. A relationship between the author and the rabbi ensues in which Albom journeys into the life and heart of the rabbi and is forced to question his own faith. While questioning his believes, ALbom is approached by a recovered drug addict turned pastor asking for assistance for the inner city parish he presides over. Albom is forced to question the motives and integrity of this reformed preacher. Both the rabbi and the preacher demonstrate incredible fortitude and faith. This is a heartwarming, compassionate read that teaches a little about how to live a full life. I read this book quickly, closed it with tears in my eyes, and have not stopped thinking about it since.

In Loving Frank, Mamah Cheney struggles to justify her clandestine love affair with Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1903, Mamah and her husband, Edwin, commissioned the renowned architect to design a new home for them. During the construction of the house, a powerful attraction develops between Mamah and Frank, and in time the lovers, each married with children, embarked on a course that would shock Chicago society and forever change their lives.

This is a good book group book because it prompts discussion on many issues – Could you in the 1900’s make the decisions Mamaw, the leading character does, with regard to love, responsibility, and family? Do you condemn or condone her behavior? Women’s issues regarding family, love, friendships, travel intellect and independence are raised. It is also fascinating to learn about Frank Lloyd Wrights’s architecture style which was controversial and very forward thinking for the time period. This is a fast moving story, written beautifully and intelligently - a book which raises many questions and thoughts for the reader.

In this historical fiction novel, the reader sees a chapter of history many are not aware of or choose to forget. In July 1942, the great Volodrome d’Hiver roundup occurred in the heart of Paris whereby Jewish families were removed from their homes and sent to “camps” from which most never returned. The author,  Tatiana DeRosny , effectively alternates between present Paris, France where an American journalist is researching a news story about the French roundup and 1942  through the eyes of a 10 year old girl, Sarah, who is taken with her family from her apartment in Paris to the camps.  Both stories are captivating – I could not put this book down.  In her research, the American journalist discovers that her life is intertwined with Sarah’s.  The theme throughout is secrets which keep the reader turning pages to find the answers and to understand the characters actions.