The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

 This book was so amazing that I immediately ordered a copy for Melissa! She has started a little book club with Dawson, Coralett, and Gabe. Next they are reading Theo of Golden. Another great choice...

I loved this book so much. I'd heard a lot of hype about it, and it surpassed the hype, actually. My book club read it, and we ALL were so impressed by it and had a lot to say about it...the guilt Sybil felt, the way she grew and developed over time, the goodness in so many of the characters... 

My own copy of it has not yet arrived, so I had to borrow a copy and read it in a day, which was okay, but I'm ready to read it again at a more reasonable pace. I really wanted to contribute to the conversation we were having about it in my Ridgeview ward book club, so I was happy I could to that. A delightful chat,  for sure.

Both Shirla and I wondered if Sybil had had an understanding bishop or of the gospel, would she have had a different way of reacting to the tragedy of the death of her son? We all loved her relationship with the troubled young man in the story. It just reaffirmed my desire to do good in the world. And to reach out more to those I love...

I'm curious about how Melissa will respond to the thread of adoption in this story and how Sybil finally connects with her half-siblings...

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

This book came highly recommended by those who like epostolary novels, which I do. However, this one is too short and its allusions are too obscure for me to appreciate. Still, it was an enjoyable, charming, and quick read. What's also interesting is that it begins in 1949 and goes through 1969--an incredibly important time span in MY life. I enjoyed some to the cultural things going on, though there wasn't much of that; mainly at the beginning when the British folks had rationing, and the New Yorker could order them food.

It was so sad that this author, Helene Hanff, the writer of the letters to the amazing and charming British bookseller, never made it to London to visit this beloved place in person. Her letters brought her close to the workers there, and even their families--it was so sad she never got there in person. I also enjoyed their descriptions of the books and their creamy pages...The prices were amazing for these collectors' items...it was fun to read about those aspects... 

I am definitely a book lover, and the worlds it creates for me...especially at this time of my life when I have time to enjoy them. I am becoming more discerning, too, and really appreciate a good read as opposed to most of the fluff coming out today...