Page Turners Book Discussion Group “Best Books of 2013”

December 2^nd was the last meeting of the year for the Page Turners book discussion group and what a great year we had. The group had increased attendance, a new facilitator and read books from a variety of literary genres. One of my favorite discussions, was the June selection, The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes.  The other facilitators favorite's are listed below, I hope you enjoy the books as much as our group did. 

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

The destinies of a 16-year-old Nigerian orphan and a well-to-do British couple seeking to repair their tense marriage with a free vacation are joined when the couple decides to stray beyond the walls of their vacation resort on a Nigerian beach. A great story which focuses on the plight and friendship between two characters who really grip the readers' heart and in so doing challenges their conception of civility and ethical choice, as well as compassion - how much do we give away of our own lives to help others?”

Please Look after Mom by Kyong-suk Sin

A poignant story of a family's search for their missing mother, and their discovery of the desires, sorrows and secrets they never realized she hidden within. The facilitator stated, “this emotional book stimulated a good discussion on the effects of losing traditional values, the consequent guilt that family members felt about not appreciating mom’s suffering and sacrifices, and the changing roles and expectations in a suddenly modern Korea.”

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

Tony Webster and his circle of friends first met Adrian Finn at school. Maybe Adrian was a little more thoughtful than the others, undoubtedly more intelligent, but they all swore to stay friends for life. Now Tony is in middle age. He's retired, divorced from his wife and his life is quiet and unassuming.  He's certainly never tried to hurt anybody. Memory, though, is flawed. It can always throw up surprises, as an attorney's letter is about to prove. A novella that explores the reliability of one's memory, does the narrator rewrite his history so he can live with himself? A wonderful exploration into the intricacies and fragility of being human. Recommended for those who enjoy literary reads.

The Virgin of SmallPlains by Nancy Pickard

 On the night of the decade's worst blizzard, a farm boy discovers the body of a gorgeous woman in the snow. Seventeen years later, the "Virgin of Small Plains" has become a local myth. Extraordinary miracles have visited those who tend to her grave and Small Plains becomes a refuge for those hoping the Virgin will cure them. But soon strange and disturbing events unfold. What really happened seventeen years ago?  The novel stimulated discussions on the nature of good and evil and moral responsibility, and was a combination of a love story and a mystery.