52 weeks, 52 books discussion

This book begins with a woman leaving her new born baby in a hospital and walking away. Why would she do such a thing? It all becomes clear as this story unfolds: Leaving Havenis this week's read which you can read more about here: http://amzn.to/1bhYRIS

And next week's read is Eleanor & Park which I've heard great things about.

I've added Leaving Haven to my to-read list. I'm intrigued by the storyline, though I suspect it'll be a while before I get to it.

Eleanor & Park was one of my favorite reads of 2013, so I think it's an excellent choice!

Is the group focusing this year on new or lesseer-known authors of popular fiction for the most part? That seems to be the focus. There's nothing wrong with that. I just think we should know.

alisonwonderland wrote: "I've added Leaving Haven to my to-read list. I'm intrigued by the storyline, though I suspect it'll be a while before I get to it.

Eleanor & Park was one of my favorite reads of 2013, so I think ..."

Great. Looking forward to it.

Deb wrote: "Is the group focusing this year on new or lesseer-known authors of popular fiction for the most part? That seems to be the focus. There's nothing wrong with that. I just think we should know."

Hi Deb, the focus is a little different this year since I am not only reading bestsellers. That being said, books like Wonder (Our first read this year), The Good Luck of Right Now and Malcolm Gladwell's latest are certainly well known books/authors. I'm trying to strike a balance between the big bestsellers and some lesser known works that might be overlooked. I am also working through my to-read pile. But any suggestions welcome!

That's fine. Just wondered.

Here's a longer description of the book. I read and really loved this one. I think McCleary delivers great emotional punches. Anyone else?

Georgia Bing and Alice Kinnaird have always been there for each other. Eager to help her best friend have another baby after several miscarriages, Alice donates one of her eggs. When Georgia learns she's going to have the baby boy she's always wanted, she's thrilled—until a devastating discovery destroys her dreams.

While Alice is happy to help her friend get pregnant, she also feels a twinge of disappointment that her own life is missing something . . . something she desperately craves. On the surface, Alice has everything—a busy social life, a great job, a faithful husband, an amazing teenage daughter. But her well-ordered world is knocked off its axis when she's tempted by a forbidden passion that threatens the bonds of friendship, marriage, and motherhood that sustain her.

As the safety of their past is shattered, Georgia and Alice must embark on journeys of self-discovery—odysseys filled with surprising challenges that will test them and force them to confront the truth about their lives . . . and the choices they've made.

Next on my TBR list. Just finished The Moon Sisters...

This book left me feeling angry! I really didn't like that two stupid people could cause such heartbreak and chaos. That the baby is left, wanted by no one, broke my heart. I am glad that the author, at the end, leaves us thinking that Georgia will love and mother him. I hate infidelity, and really believe that there are no excuses or reasons to cheat. Having said that, I liked the book, I kept on reading, perhaps because of the emotional punches you mentioned, Catherine. (sorry for any spoilers)

Great book ! I was trying to read it slowly so it would last longer. Looking forward to reading other books by Kathleen McCleary. Would love a follow-up novel to this one.

Lynne wrote: "Great book ! I was trying to read it slowly so it would last longer. Looking forward to reading other books by Kathleen McCleary. Would love a follow-up novel to this one."

So glad you liked it, Lynne. I think it's her best book yet.