Clubbing in April -- Part 1

 

Overbooked read Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt for the April discussion. This memoir describes the author's upbringing in New York and Ireland. Detailing the hardships of his childhood, the book follows his mother, Angela, as she worked to provide for a family whose alcoholic father kept bringing them to the brink of disaster. It chronicles the daily battles for survival, but also provides some inspiration as a story of courage. 

The discussion group gave the book a 2.4 rating. They agreed it was a bit of a downer for most members, but they praised the author's writing skills and his ability to inject levity throughout parts of the story. 

The Night Owls read The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green for the April discussion. While Green is best known for his fiction, he adapted is podcast into this series of essays that review different aspects of humanity during this geologic era known as The Anthropocene Era. He uses his remarkable story-telling talent, mixed with humor and wit, to explore our place of belonging in this ever-changing world.

The discussion group gave this book four out of five stars. Members enjoyed the trivia-like aspect of the author's essays, as well as his writing style and sense of humor. 

Once Upon a Crime book discussion members read The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill for April. The beautiful Boston Public Library is the setting for this mystery. While people enjoy the quiet and peaceful reading room, the tranquility is suddenly shattered by a woman's screams and an apparent murder. The reader is left wondering which of the four main characters is the murderer. 

The discussion group gave this a strong 3.7 rating.