South of Broad by Pat Conroy

Pat Conroy’s South of Broad is a masterful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family, set against the stunning backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina. 

The story follows Leo King, a young man who, after a series of personal tragedies, forms an unlikely group of friends in Charleston during the 1960s. Leo, struggling with the aftermath of a deeply troubled upbringing, finds solace in his relationships with a diverse group of individuals—each one scarred by their own personal wounds. As Leo navigates love, friendship, and the tensions of a society on the cusp of change, the novel delves into themes of race, class, and the haunting legacies of the past.

The city of Charleston itself is as much a character in the novel as the people. Conroy’s evocative descriptions of the city’s streets, landscapes, and cultural nuances bring the setting to life, making Charleston feel as integral to the story as any of the human relationships. 

South of Broad is a story of finding family in unexpected places and coming to terms with who we are, despite the shadows of our past. It’s a novel filled with Southern charm, profound emotional depth, and unforgettable characters—one that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. I'm not sure how I missed this Pat Conroy book, but I'm glad I found it to read.  In my opinion, not quite like Prince of Tides, but a worthy read.

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer is a gripping historical novel that takes readers on a harrowing journey through the aftermath of World War II, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships in times of war.

The story alternates between two main perspectives: Sofie, a German woman who moves to America with her husband after the war, and Lizzie, an American woman whose life is shattered by the war’s consequences. Sofie, a former Nazi sympathizer, struggles to reconcile her past and the role her husband played in a controversial German weapons program. Meanwhile, Lizzie is forced to confront the reality of her own family's connection to the war, particularly when Sofie and her husband move to the same small town in Alabama.

The historical context is meticulously researched, with Rimmer providing rich details about post-war Germany, the challenges of assimilation, and the psychological scars left by the war. The novel also sheds light on the often-overlooked story of the German wives who accompanied their husbands to America after the war, offering a unique perspective on the legacy of the Nazi regime.

What sets The German Wife apart is not just its exploration of historical events but also its portrayal of complex moral questions. Rimmer challenges readers to consider the weight of personal responsibility, the lingering effects of war, and the possibilities of forgiveness.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land is a powerful coming-of-age novel that blends historical fiction with a deeply emotional journey of survival, identity, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era America.

The novel follows four orphans—Odie O’Banion, his brother Albert, their friend Mose, and a spirited young girl named Emmy (the four vagabonds) —as they flee the harsh realities of the Lincoln Indian Training School in Minnesota. Their journey down the Mississippi River echoes the spirit of Huck Finn and Odysseus, as they encounter a wide range of characters and situations that reflect both the kindness and cruelty of humanity.

Krueger, the author, doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of racism, loss, and the search for faith. At the same time, he leaves space for wonder, hope, and the enduring strength of human connection.

What stands out most is Odie’s voice—wise beyond his years, yet still believably childlike. Through him, the novel explores what it means to find one's place in the world, even when the world itself seems broken.  What is striking is to view adults through the eyes of children.

This Tender Land is a heartfelt novel that will resonate with fans of literary fiction, historical adventure, and emotionally rich storytelling. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after the final page.

Jump and Find Joy by Hoda Kotb

 

Hoda Kotb’s Jump and Find Joy is a heartfelt book that exudes warmth, courage, and hope on every page. Known for her compassionate voice as a journalist and co-host of Today, Kotb brings the same gentle wisdom to readers through this beautifully inspiring book.

 

The book encourages people to take brave leaps toward the unknown and to embrace life’s challenges with open hearts. It weaves themes of resilience, joy, and self-discovery in a way that's both accessible and profound. Whether it’s trying something new or overcoming fear, the message is clear: when you “jump,” joy often follows.

 

At its core, Jump and Find Joy is a message for readers of all ages. It serves as a reminder that while life’s leaps may be scary, they’re also where growth and happiness can be found.

 

This book is ideal for reading aloud, gifting, or simply keeping as a source of encouragement. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or young dreamer, Jump and Find Joy offers a gentle nudge toward bravery and a celebration of joy that’s sure to resonate long after the last page.

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara

It's been some time now since To Paradise was published and I read it.  I was probably expecting a novel like A Little Life and I was disappointed.  What I remember is three different parts, with what I thought were carryover characters, but I think I was mistaken.  Some parts were set in the future.  While these sections were believable, I don't really want to believe that this is what our future will be like in regards to climate change.  

Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall

The last time I was at Barnes and Noble (this location was in Bridgewater) the sales assistant mentioned this book to me.  She talked it up very nicely and I thought, yes, I heard of it and wanted to read it.  

I read it in one day!  I've heard it described as a love triangle, which in many ways it is.  There is a plot twist in there and what would an interesting novel be without some sort of legal situation.  I really enjoyed how the legal aspect was woven in the book.  It held my interest and really made me what to know how things turn out.  

The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara

Ms. Yanagihara's A Little Life is one of my all time favorite books.  Her latest novel is going to be published early 2022.  In anticipation of that release, I wanted to read her debut novel, The People in the Trees.  While I did not enjoy it as much as A Little Life, it was interesting and well written.  

In the book, Norton Perina signs up with an anthropologist upon completion of medical school.  They go to the remote Micronesian island of Ivu'ivu in search of a rumored lost tribe. What they find is a group of forest dwellers they dub "The Dreamers," who turn out to be fantastically long-lived but progressively more senile. Perina suspects the source of their longevity is a hard-to-find turtle; unable to resist the possibility of eternal life, he kills one and smuggles some meat back to the States. He scientifically proves his thesis, earning worldwide fame and the Nobel Prize, but he soon discovers that its miraculous property comes at a terrible price. Perina encounters some personal problems when he returns to the island and adopts some of the members of the lost tribe.  This part of the book brings up controversy in his life.  The People in the Trees is so well written you will think that there's truth in the science behind the longevity cure.  

I will continue to bid my time until To Paradise is published.  

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

There were many parts of Untamed that I could relate to, as a divorced mom of three beautiful children.  I remember thinking to myself before my divorce... is this marriage one that I want to model for my family.  My answer was ultimately what ended my marriage.  There were parts of Untamed that found me learning how I unintentionally modeled gender roles for my children as a mom.  Mostly, Untamed found me agreeing with so much of what Glennon wrote and questioning a lot about society.  Please read for a thought provoking look at how to be brave.

The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan

It's been quite awhile since I've read an Amy Tan book.  Our Library's short story group read Two Kinds by her.  It's an interesting short story.  Anyway, The Kitchen God's Wife is a book about a secret, you could even say, a secret life.  Pearl's mom, Winnie, is given an ultimatum by Helen to tell her daughter about her past, even the parts that Helen doesn't know.  Winnie had a tough life, much more difficult than Pearl ever knew; especially since Winnie doesn't let on about her childhood and first marriage at all.  The Kitchen God's Wife is a telling of Winnie's story to her daughter.  A mother and daughter type of tale; that is bittersweet. It shows Winnie as  a strong woman who endured more than many.  And brings to light why Helen and Winnie are so close.  

Afterlife by Julia Alvarez

Afterlife was our July book club read.  Most of the people that attended the meeting seemed to like the book.  It was a short book that has been long awaited by fans of Ms. Alvarez.  She is known for In the Time of Butterflies and How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents.  This new novel dealt with some large issues.  One of which is mental health and the other immigration.  Essentially about Antonia.  Her husband has died suddenly and she is finding herself dealing with her sisters, one sister specifically going through a mental health crisis and finding herself helping a farm worker bring his girlfriend to the United States.  Antonia has a lot on her plate, in addition to her grief.  She finds herself asking what her husband, Sam, would do in every situation she finds herself in when she has to make a decision. 

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

This was my most memorable pandemic read, so far. 

Alma Whitaker is the central character in Elizabeth Gilbert's novel.  There is so much to say about Alma--she is a botanist, like her father, but looks so much like her mother.  In looking like her mother, her marriage prospects are slim and this is the 1800's--so that's important.  By 1830, Alma is 30 years old.  However Alma doesn't marry just to marry and also there are no eligible men for her.  Her sister, and childhood friend take the only two possible suitors. 

Prudence, her adopted sister and her friend Retty, get married and move away from White Acre, the family homestead in Philadelphia.  Alma ends up helping her father with his multi-million dollar (today's money) businesses, after her mom dies.  She does meet someone--Ambrose Pierce who ends up marrying Alma.  But alas, it's not quite the happily ever after she had hoped it would be.  Alma exonerates Ambrose to Tahiti (not a bad place to end up).  There he will cultivate a vanilla plantation that her father set up years ago. 

Alma is a self sufficient, brilliant scientific woman whom I admire, even though she is fictional.  This book had me captivated from very early on.

I turned to reading Elizabeth Gilbert at this time because of a Ted Conversation I heard her host called "It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Here's what to do next".  I highly recommend listening/watching this.   This was early into the Coronavirus stay at home orders.  When I heard her speak, I thought, she is an articulate and brilliant person.  Why haven't I read more of her books?  So I began my WFH journey with The Signature of All Things. 

Not so long ago, I read City of Girls and of course, a longer time ago I read Eat, Pray, Love and then Committed:  a love story, her follow up to EPL.   I might go back and reread Committed to relearn more about Ms. Gilbert.  Anyway Elizabeth Gilbert, like Alma, I admire and I would jump at an opportunity for her to be my mentor.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is one of the best sociological studies about early nineteen century British loyalty and society I have ever read - where title, rank, fortune, and good looks are in many ways the requirements of an approved marriage, more so than love. In fact, this wonderful book might not be as relevant today as two hundred years ago, but there are still many traces of such societies throughout the world, today. It was not all that long ago in America, where marrying outside of your religion, or ethnicity, was looked down upon.

So much for the plot.  I think we are all familiar with it.  A classic, written in 1813.  An oldie, but goodie.  

The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs

Natalie, becomes the owner of the Lost and Found Bookshop after her mom passes away.  The bookshop is in trouble financially.  Trying to figure out a way out of the debt, Natalie discovers much about her past and her grandfather, Andrew, who raised her along with her mom. 

This book is like a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day.  It's comforting.  It reinforces why we have independent bookstores and just how important they are to our lives.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

It's surreal to read about the Count living in isolation in The Metropol Hotel, during our own isolation in the world because of COVID-19.  Of course, the Count's world is unlike anyone I know who is staying home, because we can't choose between restaurants for our meals.  Maybe we can choose between eating at the dining room table or eating in front of the television.

I did some research on the author to prepare for Monday Book Group and I found this wonderful presentation Mr. Towles did for the 2017 National Book Festival.  Here's the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej_eUJOoMwYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej_eUJOoMwY.  Listening him talk about how he got the idea for the book and how he actually wrote the book made the book that much more interesting for me.

A Gentleman in Moscow has been very popular since it was published.  Towles' first book Rules of Civility I enjoyed so very much.

In his presentation, he discussed his next book.  A title was not released, however, I look forward to its publication.

Fresh Air by Charlotte Vale-Allen

 

This was a nice summer read for our group. And I might add, a fun book--not disturbing, enjoyable, light.

The book summary: A New York Times Bestselling Author Lucinda Hunter has been alone in the Connecticut farmhouse that was once her mother's. Her life has become a small thing. One July morning as she sits near the window, something in the garden catches her eye: a little girl in shorts and a t-shirt, her bare feet in outsize sneakers. Taken with the girl's sweet nature and generosity of spirit, Lucinda gradually finds herself drawn back into the world.

Fresh Air was not exactly an in depth discussion, but it was a nice book.

~This post was originally on Thursday Night Book Group Blog from Butler Public Library's website.  From September 2008.

The Storyteller's Secret

I am enjoying this book so much.  Amisha marries Deepka, the man she was promised to, they have three boys.  Amisha wants to write her stories in English, but doesn't know how to write English.  She finds a teacher, Stephen who helps her learn English in exchange for Amisha teaching at the school where he works.  They fall in love.  Amisha's story is Jaya's mother's story.  Jaya recently suffered a miscarriage, her third and goes to India to spend time away from her husband, Patrick.  Patrick and Jaya are considering separating.  This is a step in that direction, but Jaya stays with Ravi her grandmother's friend and servant and finds out about her grandmother's life, as well as her mother's.

Love and Other Consolation Prizes

I just read Jamie Ford's most recent book, Love and Other Consolation Prizes for my book group and I absolutely adored it.  Bringing together the world's fair along with the immigration of Asians in the early 1900's, this book has history, love and so much more.  Ernest Young, the book's protagonist is a young boy when we meet him.  He has just come to American by boat and has a decent life with Mrs. Irving.  Things change for him when Mrs. Irving brings him to the AYP (Alaskan-Yukon-Pacific) World's Fair to be sold to the highest bidder.  And you thought slavery only happened to African Americans--not true. 

Lolita

Lolita is Nabokov's most famous and controversial novel, which tells the story of the aging Humbert Humbert's obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion for the nymphet Dolores Haze.  This is a book that I thought of as one I should read.  In being vaguely aware of what the book was about, it wasn't one that I would have read on my own, but reading for a book group is something that I would do.  Although I knew it was about a relationship of a much older man with a very young girl, it was not as difficult to read as I imagined.  It is truly a classic and I am embarrassed to say it's the first Nabokov book I read.  Thank you book group for the inspiration to read this classic.

The Orphan's Tale

Our Library book club read this book for our June discussion.  My preconception was another WWII Holocaust book--why are there so many?  After reading the book, my view changed and I was amazed as I usually am about how I can learn something new about the Holocaust.  For me, I didn't know that the circus went on during the war.  I wouldn't have thought was so, but I did look it up and it's true that the cirrus was used to boost morale and keep things normal looking.  Not only that, but the circus helped to hide and protect Jews.  Pam Jenoff, the author is new to me and I enjoyed the book very much.

Georgia Bottoms

Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress is a book that reminds me of Fannie Flagg's writing--lighthearted with a serious undertone.  Georgia's clothes, personality and all around beautiful person make her the highlight of the book.  Childress's descriptions make you feel as though you are a character in the book.  Georgia's business which she keeps under wraps very well considering the town she lives is her source of income which helps to maintain the family home for which she is solely responsible.  The people in her life are out of a comedy show--her alcoholic brother and mother with dementia are the family she supports.  Her business is entertaining married men who live in town.  These parts are written with finesse.  Georgia has a best friend and a son who comes back into her life 20 years later.  What a delightful book.  A sure winner without heavy drama.