The Book That Matters Most

A Novel

by Ann Hood

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Pub Date Aug 09 2016 | Archive Date Jul 30 2016

W. W. Norton & Company

General Fiction (Adult) | Women's Fiction

Description

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.

A Note From the Publisher

LibraryReads nominations due by 6/20.

Advance Praise

"a moving, intricate story about loss, healing, and the value of critical thinking....This is a gripping, multifaceted novel about recovering from different kinds of loss and the healing that comes from a powerful story." - Publishers Weekly

"She has a knack for dramatic revelation that feels natural, possibly because she is so skilled at knowing what to leave out. Whether or not they think of themselves as bookish, readers of all stripes will enjoy cycling through these characters' lives and discovering their shared, mysterious past." - Kirkus Reviews

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780393241655
PRICE	$25.95 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 80 members

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Featured Reviews

Librarian 253116

What book lover does not love a book about books? This, however, is so much more. The writing is lovely, the characters are so believable and the book discussions are wonderful. The underlying plot about Ava, her family and the impact of one book from her childhood kept me entranced, reading this book in one sitting.

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Sally L, Librarian

After Ava's marriage falls apart, she joins her best friend's book group, which has decided to read the book that most influenced each member during the coming year. In the meantime, Ava's daughter, who has had a troubled past, is studying abroad and putting her life back on track--Ava hopes. Told from several points of view, chiefly Ava's and Maggie's, this is a story of losses and betrayals, new strength, and mysteries solved. The month by month highlighting of each book chosen by Ava's book group gives added structure and meaning to the plot's progression. This is a quick yet thought-provoking read.