In Search of Eden

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.