For our September reading we chose an Australian author -
Liane Moriarty. As usual, a spirited and diverse range of ideas and views ensued, however a common term 'Ripple Effect' was often heard.
WENDY - THE LAST ANNIVERSARY - One of Liane's earlier books, Wendy was unsure if it fell into the mystery or 'chic lit' category. The characters were not overly likeable and tended to be airheads. The focus was on the women, from 5 generations in the family, with much of the story about the ripple effect of their decisions.
MARIE - THE HUSBAND'S SECRET - Marie just wanted to KNOW what the secret was, and wondered if the letter should/should not be opened. With the marriage of the main character challenged, the trauma and sadness, the story drew her in.
PAMELA - THE HUSBAND'S SECRET - The epigraph - to err is human, to forgive is divine (by Alexander Pope) - at the beginning prefaces the story. The theme is "how well do we really know anyone?" There is a ripple effect throughout with the decisions, reasons and consequences of actions slowly revealed.
SHEILA - THE HYPNOTISTS LOVE STORY - about a woman in her mid 30's, practicing alternative medicine who has very clear views on how others lives should/could be changed. Her ideas change when she goes through pregnancy and her own body takes over - she has so little control. Sheila thought the author had a good grasp on people.
PAT - THE HYPNOTISTS LOVE STORY - Pat liked the characters and thought they were close to real life. The story showed what really happens when health affects behaviour. There was the ripple of how the situations affected other people.
ROSEMARY - THE HYPNOTISTS LOVE STORY - was unsure about the genre. Was it about a love affair, being stalked..? It had potential, but there was no twist.
JOAN - WHAT ALICE FORGOT - a head injury that results in 10 years of memories being forgotten is the basis of the book. Whilst the characterisations were good, Joan couldn't finish the book - she needed to be released!
KRIS - WHAT ALICE FORGOT - really enjoyed the book, thought it was intriguing. The impending divorce, the children etc. The author showed a good understanding of family dynamics.
JUDY J - TRULY, MADLY, GUILTY - loved the book. It centres on 3 couples - happy, others dysfunctional, with or without children, neighbours and the events at a bbq. Fascinating. It builds with a big ripple effect, full of suburban intrigues.
JULIA - THE THREE WISHES - an early book by the author, triplets, quite ridiculous - don't bother.
JUDY 3 - THE THREE WISHES - full of many comments and observations after events.
JO - BIG, LITTLE LIES - read some, thought it was interesting and well written but TOO LONG.
DIANE - BIG, LITTLE LIES - an intergenerational story full of complicated relationships. Can't see why the author has such a high profile and on NY best seller lists. Didn't like the Americanisms used and found it hard to categorise.
TAMMY - BIG, LITTLE LIES - loved the book. Liked the 'blonde bobs' making comments. There was an underlying theme of domestic violence. The face that is presented is often a mask - appearances are deceiving.
LESLEY - BIG, LITTLE LIES - thoroughly enjoyed the book. Someone dies at a primary school trivia night. The building of events that led to this starts 6 months earlier at Kindy Orientation Day. So many themes - single parenting, divorce, step children, schoolyard gossip, bullying, stereotyping, domestic violence and of course murder. All written with perception of human nature and humour.
JUDY 4 - BIG, LITTLE LIES - really enjoyed it. Thought it both comedic and serious.
ED - BIG, LITTLE LIES - thoroughly enjoyed the story and couldn't pick the ending.
DIANN F - BIG, LITTLE LIES - set in a fictional town it was a good mix of many issues - body image, domestic violence, bullying, secrets. What type of lies do we all tell?
LAURA - BIG, LITTLE LIES - really enjoyed it too. Takes the reader to a place one possibly hasn't been before. Not boring. Shows the ripple effect on the children, the friends etc when events
happen.
BEV - THE LAST ANNIVERSARY - thought the story went on, dealt with issues and the aftermath of a rape committed many years prior. Something of a soap opera.
Lesley
