A Book About Books
And The People Who Read Them
ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn’t be more different—a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.
At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.
- Publisher : Bethany House Publishers
- Publication Date : November 15, 2022
- Paperback : 384 pages
My Thoughts
Within the last few years, my eyes were opened to the fact that I actually like historical fiction. As a student, I always shied away from anything that even remotely resembled history. The two of us just weren’t on the same wavelength. However, when I started reviewing books, I decided to sneak a peek at historical fiction. If you’re familiar with the advertisement that Life Cereal had on TV years ago, you understand. And if not, you’ll want to check it out below.
Just like Mikey, Debbie tried something new: Historical Fiction. And Debbie liked it!
This story of community and friendship stars an unusual woman as the head librarian. And this is due to a hasty promise to her brother as he heads off to war. What makes her a unique fit? She really hasn’t taken much of a liking to books. So, obviously, a librarian isn’t the best role for her. But as the war continues and the library is near closing, she hastily puts together a book club to keep the doors open. She knows that’s what her brother would want.
My Concerns
I felt overwhelmed by the characters and information overload and the slowness of the start it was a struggle to make it to the exciting parts.
Final Thoughts
While I loved the idea of this story, it didn’t catch my interest early enough in the book. It was a struggle to keep turning pages for a while. I needed it to grab me and make me want to learn more about the various members of the club.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and was not obligated to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This rating is for a book that I just didn’t feel that strongly about., but at the same time enjoyed it. Some will probably like this book, some won’t. Bottom Line: For me these books just didn’t have the wow effect I was looking for.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amy Lynn Green (www.amygreenbooks.com) has always loved history and reading, and she enjoys speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country. Her debut novel, Things We Didn’t Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award, won two Carol Awards, and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her family make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit amygreenbooks.com to learn more.
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