I absolutely adore summer. Leisurely days reserved for
lounging by the pool, backyard barbeques with friends, and road trips to visit
family. Summer is a time of nostalgia and thus provides the perfect opportunity
to revisit favorite titles, once again connecting with beloved characters and exploring
sentiments missed in previous readings. Jetta Carleton’s rediscovered classic The Moonflower Vine is my definition of
a perfect summer read. Each time I open this title I uncover another reason to
love it more. I find myself drawn to this title every year or two and therefore have decided to once again review it here.

Through mere words Jetta Carleton is able to breathe life
into both the setting and her characters. Her familiarity with the area is
demonstrated through vivid descriptions that capture the beauty of the scenery.
The strong, yet fallible, characters are authentic and immediately come across
as acquaintances. Each character is carrying
some secret which are revealed at a leisurely pace. Through these secrets and
the accompanied choices and consequences the complexity of human emotion is explored.
As the story progresses the impact of each individual’s actions, both for
better and for worse, play a role in the
shaping the lives of those surrounding them and we begin to see how the
decisions of one impact the entire family.
This story can be enjoyed as a deceptively simple family
saga or one can choose to peel back the layers to reveal the complex dynamics
of family life. This title covers the
timeless themes of woman’s suffrage, religion, and small-town living. This is a
tale of love and loss. It captures both absolute joy and complete and utter
sadness. It is a deeply intimate and moving story that lingers long after the
cover is closed.
Here are a few other favorite titles (along with links to the reviews) I would love to revisit:
Historical fiction: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Nonfiction: Unbroken
by Laura Hillenbrand
Newly released Life
After Life by Kate Atkinson
No Review yet but look for one next month!
Gothic fiction: TheThirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Realistic fiction: StillAlice by Lisa Genova
Have a favorite title you could read time and time again? Please do share!!!
1 comment:
I could definitely revisit The Forgotten Garden. Not on your list but books I'd like to revisit are The House Behind the Cedars, Water for Elephants, and The Memory Keepers Daughter.
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