Liane Moriarty does what she does best in her newest novel. Intertwines the lives of four families into an thought-provoking story. She explores of love, obligation, and guilt in relationships. I love the Audio versions of her books, a lovely Australian reader tells the story.
The novel revolves around life altering events which take place at a casual neighborhood Barbeque. Two long standing friends join new neighbors on a Saturday night to socialize and get to know each other. The three couples all have a set of quirks, social anxieties, and issues. Clementine and Erica, childhood frenemies, come with their husbands, Sam and Oliver to get to know the new neighbors. Vid and Tiffany, the new neighbors, are the stereo-type second marriage. Handsome older man marries gorgeous, sexy younger woman. However, they are a rollicking good time, and the evening takes some odd twists and turns. Their relationships and lives are changed forever. Truly, Madly, Guilty is much like Big Little Lies, enjoyable, intriguing, with interesting character development. If you read for entertainment, this is a good choice.
To purchase on Amazon, click here: Truly Madly Guilty
Our next book club choice for the Ladies book club in Seattle, WA is When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Read along with us.
Harper and her friend Kate have danced at the same Ballet studio as long as they can remember. She has only known one dream all of her life. To dance professionally in the San Francisco ballet. Harper has orchestrated every minute of her life to attain her goal. When life takes an unplanned turn, Harper has to re-write the plan book, or throw it out altogether. An impulse trip to Antarctica and an unexpected romance are just the right salve for a wounded Harper. I love how Jennifer Long wrote strong settings. She captured the heart of sparkling San Francisco, as well the as fascinating history and harsh wonder of Antarctica. Every character is three dimensional and comes alive as you read. The dialogue is sharp and fresh, never cheesy or contrived. I simply loved this book. I loved how it spoke to the universal feelings of heartbreak and disappointment. However, it also resonates with the hope that springs forth from plotting a new course. It is Young Adult literature at its finest.
If there is one book your book club should read this year, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend, is it. I adored the fresh voice, and the unlikely premise. It is satisfying, quirky, and sweet in the way The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is. If you are not a big reader, I would compare it to a season of Parks and Recreation. This is also a perfect place to start if you want to read more.
A children’s book? Yes! All adults should read a few pieces of literature written for children. This book will take you less than 2 hours to read and will give you a perfect overview of the major events which took place during both world wars. Additionally, Churchill’s life is highly inspiring, he overcame major career setbacks and some of his best work was accomplished after 50 years of age.
Unrest in Europe is simmering as the Lusitania, an enormous, luxury passenger vessel is setting sail from New York to Liverpool. The day before the Lusitania was to leave port in the US, Germany stated in the New York Times they were going to be using submarines to torpedo ships to their hearts desire. The United States was remaining neutral while Europe was on the brink of war. Dead Wake explains the tension in world relations, the physics of ocean liners, submarines, u-boats, and torpedoes, all in a gripping narrative. The story is tragic and fascinating. The events in this book are vital to understanding how World War I unfolded, and the catalyst that moved the United States out of their neutral stance. The sinking of the Lusitania proves minute, mundane decisions matter, history matters, and global relations matter.
The plight of last reigning Tzar of Russia is a haunting story of privilege, power, and revolution. All of this history was happening while World War I was happening, yet at this time Russia and the United States had a peace agreement. This book is impeccably researched and incredibly readable. Candace Fleming creates a narrative of life in imperial Russia, and it is captivating. While Nicholas and his family dined on the finest of foods, even by today’s standards, the average person in Russia was starving in a small shack. While they adorned their gowns with jewels and traveled to monstrous houses, conflict was brewing and it would prove fatal. Before reading this book I knew the basic history of Russia and the Romanov family. However, now I understand all the factors and political powers leading up to their execution. If you get bogged down with non-fiction, try this, it reads effortlessly, and the story is riveting. If you love Non-fiction, or if you read to be informed, rather than entertained, this is a perfect novel.
Beginnings and Book Ends 