Oh William by Elizabeth Strout

Olive Kitteridge and Olive, Again are two of my favorite books. I was hoping that Oh William would be comparable. While I can't say Lucy Barton will stay with me like Olive has, I do think this is a fascinating book. Elizabeth Strout is a beautiful writer, and there are little snippets in here that make you want to underscore the text and write in the margins. But it is not a book for people who want a complicated plot or an exciting storyline. I have a friend who is reading this for her book club and I know she will hate it. She only likes plot-driven stories. She has no interest in the backstories of the characters; she just wants action.

Disclaimer: I didn't read Strout's other book about Lucy Barton. Should have probably read that first. This one is all about her relationship with her ex-husband, William. Let's just say it's complicated. There are musings about her childhood, her role as a mother, her mother-in-law, her recently deceased husband, and lots of little philosophical ramblings. But I enjoyed it and recommend it. - June

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare

This is another book that I probably would not have even heard of or picked up if it wasn't selected by my book club to read. The story is about a young Nigerian girl who is sold into a marriage because her father needs the money. She's a smart young woman who desperately wants an education. The book is all about what happens to her, the people she meets along the way (some real nasty ones!), and her sense of hope despite what she endures. This is one of the few books that all the members of my club agreed was well worth the read. Highly recommend. - June