A book is a wonderful thing

Last night I concluded the last chapter of The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett. This is her first novel, published in 1992. It's the story of a restless young woman who doesn't know what she needs, but knows what she has is not the thing... so she takes off in search of what she does not know. We ride along on her journey from California to a home for unwed mothers in Kentucky.

Among the cast of characters are a daughter, a catholic nun who "knows" things, a handyman who has escaped from his own past, and a hotel founded on the site of a mysterious sulfurous spring said to have healing powers.  I was completely engaged by the story and enjoyed it immensely. Thank you to the folks at the Derby Kansas public library for sending it to me in Lawrence. This very old paperback copy is falling apart and while reading I imagined all the others who have been engrossed by the tale. A book IS a wonderful thing. 

If you have read it please share your thoughts. Sister and I had differing views which is not unusual when it comes to books. 

Comments

[Janet G]

I always like your book reviews-I read this book so long ago I really don't remember it-maybe I should read it again. I used to keep a book list of all the books I read each year. I've gotten lazy the past few years and haven't read much but my New Years resolution is to get back to reading. I just got a big stack of books from the library (I like real books-not reading on a kindle) and I'm reading again!

[jeanette sclar]

Book recommendation:
Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardiman....especially great to listen to, because of the Irish accents. I aspire to be just like the grandmother of this family. Laughs, worries, sadness, but a great family portrait with plenty of uplift.

[Carol]

Sounds like a winner. Going on my list!
Thanks! Carol

[Carol]

Janet: I have really gotten back into reading at night before bed … religiously. And there is nothing like bringing home a stack of books from the library