This month's book was The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon. It was recommended to the group by Tracy Laaveg.
The book description reads:
"It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape, and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone-Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl. When the authorities catch up to them that same night, Homan escapes into the darkness, and Lynnie is caught. But before she is forced back into the institution, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her." And so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia-lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love."
The book was well-liked by all, with an average rating of 8.5 from the group. The biggest criticism noted of the book was the ending, which most agreed was "skimpy", "hurried" and somewhat "inplausible". We enjoyed a long discussion of the various elements and themes of the book and general discussions about some personal experiences with people with disabilities and how they can be mistreated by society. We talked about our desire to "fix" people who might not themselves want to be fixed. Jean brought up the similar story in a book we read earlier (The Memory Keeper's Daughter).
Those who were unable to make it missed out on a delicious fresh peach upside down cake that Jacqi baked up for us. It tasted like summer on a plate! YUM!!
Upcoming books include: Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran for September and Elizabeth Berg's The Day I Ate Watever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation for October. Hosts for both months were not certain at this time, so if anyone was planning to take one of those months, please speak up!
Geri has also recommended the book Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World. A description of the book was passed out at the meeting for review and could be added for November or a later month.
Thanks to Jacqi for hosting a wonderful evening of good conversation with friends about an interesting book.
