by Kit Darling

At our December meeting we discussed Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. This New York Times Book Review Book of the Year (2014)   focuses on the Lee family. A mixed race marriage in the 1970’s describes a dysfunctional family. James, the son of Chinese immigrants is desperate for his children to fit in and be popular in their small Ohio college town; Marilyn is a housewife who studied to be a doctor but gave that up on marrying. They both focus their dreams on their older daughter Lydia, in the process dismissing or ignoring their other 2 children. The impact of Lydia’s death by drowning turns the family inside out. Reactions to the book were mixed, but the discussion was lively and wide-ranging.

And here is a recommended read available from the Hamilton Public Library. Visit the Bookmobile at Bennetto Recreation Centre on Tuesday (2:30 to 4:30) and Thursday (6:00 to 8:00) or go online at hpl.ca to reserve a copy.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield Reclusive and mysterious, elderly author Vida Winter engages a melancholy Margaret Lea to write her true life’s story. Along the way Margaret finds her own story. This is a strange, gothic tale complete with a remote estate, feral children, a governess, a ghost and a devastating fire.  Interesting because of the strange characters. There is a twist to the story that makes for a good ending.
Paige Turner

The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh A satisfying mystery with a twist. A group of people live in a small community deep in the middle of Nowhere, Texas. They remember little of their past, except that they either perpetrated a horrific crime or witnessed one. As a social experiment, they have their memories wiped and are resettled in the community known as The Blinds. Mysterious deaths and violent crimes bring an end to a somewhat strangely peaceful existence. A quick holiday read. Kit

Have you read any of our recommendations? Liked any of the same books we talked about or disagreed totally? Let us know at bayareabookclub@bell.net .