The premise of this book is promising (I love books that talk about books), but it falls short of expectations. It seemed too juvenile and blasé. It seems as if Hood chose the books she wanted to highlight and then tried to write a story around them. There's a lot of build up to the climax and then it's wrapped up quickly, tightly, and predictably. The characters are flat and their relationships seem unbelievable and contrived. The title is so interesting and creates intrigue...except "The Book" is a fictional one and definitely not to par with the other book club selections mentioned. Despite the above, I found it a quick read and didn't completely hate it. I was just left feeling deceived; not the deep, meaningful book I anticipated.

Ava’s twenty-five-year marriage has fallen apart, and her two grown children are pursuing their own lives outside of the country. Ava joins a book group, not only for her love of reading but also out of sheer desperation for companionship. The group’s goal throughout the year is for each member to present the book that matters most to them. Ava rediscovers a mysterious book from her childhood—one that helped her through the traumas of the untimely deaths of her sister and mother. Alternating with Ava’s story is that of her troubled daughter Maggie, who, living in Paris, descends into a destructive relationship with an older man. Ava’s mission to find that book and its enigmatic author takes her on a quest that unravels the secrets of her past and offers her and Maggie the chance to remake their lives.
was slow for me in the beginning but better the second half. the concept of picking a book that matters most to you is interesting, although a point made int he book was that it could be different books depending on where you are in your life.
is it predictable in the end? maybe so. but still a good read

I loved this phrase ..."Our lives are ours to ruin or not."
We all have choices. We can chose the light or darkness.

Fast entertaining read. Seemed to be written for a book club, about a book club. Discussion but hooky.

The club didn't like this book at all. Most of the members said the first half was boring and the whole thing was far fetched.

Book clubs will enjoy both the story and the ensuing discussion about their own choices about the book that matters most.

3.5 very well written, predictable outcome. I really really really enjoyed the book discussion between club members, but did not enjoy detail of the drug use/depression.

The book was good but parts were predictable. There are 3 story lines intermixed to tell the story. This was very effective as a linear story would not have been as interesting to read. Not the best book, but an OK and easy read.

We had so much fun talking about the books and the book group. The themes were a blast. We enjoyed the book, not so much the parts about the daughter in Paris, but overall we enjoyed the book very much.

Characters not convincingly developed.

I was excited to read a book about a book club as a book club read. The book club aspect of the book was, perhaps, the best part of the book for me. I found the portions dealing with drug addiction to be unrealistic and poorly portrayed. I also felt the ending was contrived and beyond belief. The response from my group was either loved it or hated it.

I had difficulty relating to the protagonist and her daughter.