Book Club: The Lake House

After a short hiatus that involved packing, moving, and unpacking the 5 of us from one house to another (it was so much fun that I pray I NEVER have to do it again), I am back into the swing of things with book club!!  And I’m so happy to be doing the write up for The Lake House!

 

I have loved Kate Morton for quite awhile now.  Her books are so rich in detail, yet not overdone.  They are mysterious and compelling.  They are, in my opinion, beyond well written.  I often times feel I am watching a movie as I read her novels.

The Lake House was no exception.  While the beginning I found to be a little slow, the book picked up speed soon enough and kept me guessing as to what could possibly have happened to the little boy, Theo.  I liked the pace with which Ms. Morton gave us clues and subtly pushed us with clever hints.  I enjoyed not knowing some key pieces until near the end.  I find it frustrating when details are revealed fairly quickly and I can make an educated guess halfway through a novel.  This was not the case with The Lake House.

What did you all think about the pacing?  Were you able to guess ahead of time anyway what happened to little Theo?  (I don’t claim to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, so maybe it was blatantly obvious and I missed it somehow)

I was fond of the two narratives – one present day and one set in the past.  I find in these types of novels, though, that one tends to outshine the other.  Not always, but certainly enough times for me to anticipate and accept it.  For me, I relished reading Alice’s perspective.  While Sadie’s got better as the novel progressed, Alice’s (as well as Eleanor’s) was always fascinating to me.  Maybe a personal preference, but the historical piece was truly enjoyable and allowed insight into a period of time that, interestingly enough, resonates with us today.  One of the subjects that I found quite interesting was the PTSD issues from the war.  It made me wonder how many families today struggle with this issue and how it has effected their home life.

Did you like the two narratives?  Or did you find it distracting?  Did you find yourself connecting the past and the present while reading about the different difficulties faced by the characters?

I found all the historical characters to be profoundly fascinating!  I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what Mr. Llewellyn’s deal was … lol!  He seemed like a “good guy”, but I was always a little leery.  And the grandmother, Constance … what a bitter, miserable woman!  I felt like the character development throughout the book was deep and compelling!

Were there any characters you favorited?  Anyone you were sure was a part of Theo’s disappearance?

I honestly would love to discuss the ending, but I really don’t want to give anything away.  Suffice it to say, I was heartbroken, relieved and bursting to talk with someone about it.  The book sat with me for days.  I thought a lot about motherhood and sacrifice.  I thought how agonizing it would be to fall in love with someone you were not supposed to fall in love with.  I thought a lot about decisions.  Decisions we make every day that will effect us for the rest of our lives.

I wish you all lived close by so we could have these discussions!!  I know you all would have some amazing things to say!  But I hope you will comment below or on Facebook or on Meredith’s Mom of the Year page.  We both love to hear from you all … even if you disagree!!

And, as usual, we will be giving away a free copy of our next book club pick (see below)! Just leave that comment!

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Our next pick is one that I have picked up easily a dozen times at the bookstore.  I am so intrigued and cannot wait to read it!!

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Here is Amazon’s description:

A mysterious island.



An abandoned orphanage.



A strange collection of very curious photographs.



It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. 

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

So join us next month for our review and discussion about Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children!!

Don’t forget to leave a comment before March 11, 2016 at 5:30am ET so you can be entered to win a copy of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.  Kelsey from Quirk Books has been gracious enough to send one to our lucky winner!!  As long as you are 18 or older and live in the continental U.S., you are eligible. The winner will be picked March 11th!

Happy Reading!!