Every Last One

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Well it's pretty obvious one or two of you out there like it when I blog about books, at least that's what my lil poll says. If you haven't voted yet, it's right over there --->. So, here's a review for ya.

I picked up Anna Quindlen's book, "Every Last One" on my last trip to the library. I keep a little notebook in my purse with an ever changing list of books I want to read. I'm horrible about remembering titles or authors, so it's good to have it written down. When I run across a book that I'd like to read or someone recommends one, I write it down. Then, when I get to the library I look for those and cross them off as I read them. I have no idea where I got the suggestion for this book. I know I've read one other of Quindlen's books ("Blessings") during my book club phase, but I don't remember if reading that made me want to read more of her books. Oh well, no matter how I ended up here, I guess.

This book was extremely well written. I loved everything about the construction, style and tone of it. The main character is a mother and from my first introduction to her, I could relate with just the busyness of being a mom and all the thankless tasks that fill a mom's day. But then the subject matter gets tough--and completely took me by surprise. I was floored when I got to that part of the book (I won't give you any spoilers), I had to read it a couple of times. The tragedy that this mother endures is something I couldn't even fathom, and so to read about how she deals with it was very interesting, almost spell-binding for me. I was grateful for the glimpses of hope near the end, I hate it when books end all dark and hopeless.

So, in conclusion, I'd recommend this book. If I'd have bought it, I'd even lend it out to ya, but I got it from the library (Yay for libraries!) so you'll have to round one up on your own. But it'll be worth it!