August 2016

THE BOOK THAT MATTERS MOST by Ann Hood works on so many levels. First, it’s a delightful read. Second, it’s full of great book suggestions. And third, it’s inspiration for book groups.

In it, Ava is recently separated from her husband of 25 years and nursing some powerful pain from this. A coveted spot in a select book group finally opens up, and she is invited to join. The group’s theme that year is “the book that mattered most to each of them.” I loved seeing what each of the characters selected, and I enjoyed the chance to “eavesdrop” on their recommendations. Ava selects a book and promises to bring the author to the discussion, which her fellow readers are excited about. One problem: She has no idea how to find this author. Every lead has come to a dead end. But there are some lovely surprises ahead for this.

Ava begins to emerge from the fog of her life and live again, with her fellow book group members cheering her on. At the same time, her daughter Maggie’s world is unraveling, and Maggie’s communication with her family has become a series of brief emails from Paris. Ava wants to help her, but Maggie needs to find her way back, much the same way she did. The book is about new beginnings and letting the bad moments fade away.

There’s a knitting thread to the plot, too, something that Ann Hood’s ongoing readers will love. This book will be perfect for book groups as it’s about a book group. See what ends up on your own reading list after finishing it.