Clubbing in May -- Part 1

The Questers discussed The Maid by Nita Prose in May. The first book in a series, this mystery follows efficient and etiquette driven Molly Gray as she cleans rooms at The Regency Grand Hotel. The reader soon realizes through a series of conversations and events that Molly is probably on the spectrum and takes words at their literal meanings and trusts people to be honest when representing themselves to her. This leads to big trouble for her when she discovers a guest at the hotel has died under suspicious circumstances and she is the pain suspect. 
The Questers found Molly to be endearing and rooted for her to find happiness at the end. The group agreed that the many red herrings planted by the author were very good distractions and there were surprises at the end that no one saw coming. The book received a 3.5 rating from the group. 

Overbooked discussed The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan in May. The book follows two generations of women. The mothers are Chinese born immigrants to San Francisco, while the daughters are American born. The reader sees the painful memories and experiences of these women, as well as their hope for the future, through the perspectives of both generations.

Overbooked members generally enjoyed the novel, but agreed that the various points of views and character names often made it hard to keep track of people and events. The group gave the book a 3.5 rating. 

Once Upon a Crime members read The Library Book by Susan Orlean for May. This nonfiction book is based on the true story surrounding the mystery of a 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Public Library. This catastrophic event damaged and destroyed over a million books. Arson was suspected, but never proven. The reader is not only left trying to figure out how and why this happened, but is also given a glimpse into the crucial role libraries play in our communities and society.

The discussion group gave this title a 3.5 rating.