April 2012 - DEFENDING JACOB

A fast, compelling, and compulsively readable courtroom drama, Defending Jacob tells the story of a district attorney’s son who is accused of killing a classmate. As the father attempts to prove his son’s innocence, Landay explores uncomfortable territory: can a tendency toward violence be inherited? Is the capacity for murder a genetic disposition? The author, a former district attorney, gets the taut nuances just right, capturing the subtleties of a trial in a packed courtroom, where a small rustle or murmur can signify a lot. In the end Landay pulls off a clever plot device that doesn’t reveal itself until the final pages. --Neal Thompson

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The Turning Leaves Book Club met at Marcia’s on April 29.  Most members were present and the book Defending Jacob received ratings of 6-7, with one 4.  Marcia did a great job coming up with questions to get the discussion of the book moving, and of course also served a fabulous dessert.  Some of the highlights of the conversation included the following:

·         Most readers related to the character of the mother and her concerns regarding her son; however, many could also understand the father’s refusal to recognize the possibility of his son as a murderer as well as his denial of his past.

·         The possibility of a genetic predisposition toward murder, violence, and many other “evils” was discussed at length.  If this is indeed true, can these types of tendencies be overcome?  Also, how responsible is a person for behaviors that are “caused” by his/her DNA?  One member stated there is a gene for everything, but not one to fit her butt.  J

·         Opinions varied on whether or not it is acceptable for a spouse to keep a secret from his/her past. 

·         There was also a lot of discrepancy in thought regarding the mother’s final decision in dealing with her son’s problem.  Some felt she was courageous, while others stated they could never do such a thing.

Dena is going to set up our May meeting at the Alexander House.  Each member is reading a memoir/biography/autobiography for this get together. 

Thanks to Geri for putting our blog post together this month!