The Q by Beth Brower

 I am so entranced by Brower's series (The Unsolicited Journals of Emma M. Lion), and yet have to wait so long to get them from the library, I decided to try one of her other books. This one also has rave reviews on Amazon; it wasn't expensive, and I could get it in a few days. DONE! I took a chance and bought it.

Whoa, it's SOOOOOO good! I love it so much. Brower does an amazing job of hitting me in the gut in such a good way. Her characters are so interesting and so human AND so altruistic and highly principled...not all, but there are such beautiful moments of high and holy thinking. Wow. 

Quincy, as a main character, is interesting to watch. She seems autistic, even, but her social retardation may just be the result of being a foundling. She develops slowly and believably across the arc of the story. Her solicitor, Arch, is an amazingly supportive friend, and his father's kindness to Quincy brought me to tears more than once. Such sensitivity! It's remarkable how Brower captures this.

And there is also the arresting wit and humor which I also appreciate about this author. This is such an enjoyable and satisfying book that I'm reluctant to recommend it and lend it out until I can read it again just one more time. Probably more than once, but once again SOON!

I have such a satisfying life in St. George, but I'm occasionally restless and wonder if I'm doing all I can to do good in the world. Being able to drift away into Brower's world is one lovely habit I would hate to give up if I get more ambitious anytime soon...

October 23, 2026

I took this book along as a special treat to read on the plane when Len and I flew to Austin to see the Stevenson's. I looked forward to it each night in our hotel as well, since I love it so much, and the characters are so likeable. I realized I must have been dozing when I read parts of it the first time, because I had no memory of some of the scenes. In many ways, it was like reading it for the first time, but with the assurance that Q does end up accepting Arch's love. Yes, it's a romance, but so much more. The world of Rhysdon is an interesting one, and the relationships are intriguing to witness. I lent this book to Jann Belcher, but she didn't really get into it... I'm so happy to have it back so I can take it to one of my next book club meetings and offer it to someone or as our next read. There's so much in there to unpack, as far as relationships and kindness and patience go....