In a year where our book club chose to read almost exclusively memoirs, at the end of that year most of us found that this was the book that both haunted and buoyed us the most. Jeannette Walls has it all -- a tale that transfixes you, true writing skill and an opening paragraph that is one of the best you'll find. On the one hand, many of us found ourselves remembering childhoods filled with the same things hers lacked and the same expectations of our own independence. On the other hand is the indescribable ability of humans to bother inflict and endure emotional pain. Particularly recommended for readers 35 and up (Walls' era). Almost certain to provoke some of the most passionate and thought-provoking discussions your club has experienced.

This book captures your eye with its very well-chosen cover and its enigmatic title, and they say much about the prose inside. The story Bloom tells of of Lillian Leyb, a 22-year-old, is at times as ripe, colorful and even inviting as the fruit portrayed, but is never far from the bleak and stark facts: danger, poverty, debasement, loss and most of all, survival. Great for book club discussions, as parts of the book may repulse some while other parts are so captivating ly told they entice others. A lively discussion of the cover, the title and the "herione" status of Leyb made for lively talk with our club.

Thre are few modern stories that truly deserve to be described as "sagas" or "epics." This is one of them. Ken Follett, author of "The Eye of the Needle" and other romantic thrillers derived from true events in and around the World War II era, took a surprise turn with this completely different subject.
At it's heart, it's an engrossing tale told very well of royal politics, the power of the Catholic Church and a village in 12th century England. With the construction of a cathedral as the backdrop -- and a key player -- the story unfolds over almost 50 years.
Follett is one of the few modern male "bestseller" fiction writers to write lustily and well about women characters and develop them fully. He also knows what women readers want.
Both these traits serve him particularly well in this wonderful story, full of memorable well-drwan characters, smart plotting and meticulous historical detail. Fascinating to discuss how the elements he describes could have indeed come together at that in hiotory--and combined to truly change the world.

A book to get drawn into, although it becomes clear what will happen fairly soon. After rafts of such books about loss and new life, I found the most interesting thing about this book to be the unexpected discussion it sparked among the club. Different characters were the "key" to differnt people, and we found we liked the book for completely different reasons. Most interesting between those who have dogs and those who don't.

Many reviews before have said it all. Read this with your club to see how THEY react, what threads stir in each person's memory. Particularly poignant for baby boomers and those in their 40s. For younger readers, it's a glimpse into a time before cable TV told us how life was 'supposed' to be -- both for good and ill. Highly recommended.