The book chosen for October book club was "In Search
of Eden" by Linda Nichols. This is
a beautifully told story about a fifteen year old who is forced into giving her
baby up for adoption. Her mother is cold and her father has abandoned them; the
father of her child wants nothing to do with her and she spends her young adult
life searching for some kind of comfort. When her mother is diagnosed with cancer, she
ends up being directed to a town in Virginia in a quest to find her baby.
We are introduced to some beautiful and interesting
characters that weave in and out of her life and the story to create a
refreshing and satisfying tale. Many answers come to her and she learns much about
her own family history as well as the kindness of strangers and new friends. Gestures
from strangers, actions that are misinterpreted and the sparkle of youth amidst
the backdrop of trial are all well woven into "In Search of Eden".
This is a fantastic read, very sweet and uplifting in a
world where sometimes it seems all bad things end worse. The goodness of people comes through,
despite flaws, despite circumstance to make the best of all their options and
help one another.
At book club we discussed the characters, the plot and
those who were able to read the book were delighted with this read. Those who
had not yet read it were excited to get a chance to read it in the future. It
is full of quiet, uplifting sentiment and leaves the reader wishing to be as
good of a person as they can be. Definitely recommended by our group for anyone
young adult and up.
