The Book That Matters Most

By: Ann Hood

Narrated by: Nina Alvamar

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

An enthralling novel about love, loss, secrets, friendship, and the healing power of literature, by the best-selling author of The Knitting Circle.

Ava's 25-year marriage has fallen apart, and her two grown children are pursuing their own lives outside of the country. Ava joins a book group, not only for her love of reading but also out of sheer desperation for companionship. The group's goal throughout the year is for each member to present the book that matters most to them. Ava rediscovers a mysterious book from her childhood - one that helped her through the traumas of the untimely deaths of her sister and mother.

Alternating with Ava's story is that of her troubled daughter, Maggie, who, living in Paris, descends into a destructive relationship with an older man. Ava's mission to find that book and its enigmatic author takes her on a quest that unravels the secrets of her past and offers her and Maggie the chance to remake their lives.

©2016 Ann Hood (P)2016 Recorded Books

The Book That Matters Most

Perfect in every way! One for a repeat performance. Second book by Ann Hood that I've listened to. There will be more.

Good story

Well done! I loved the twists and turns. Well written and the characters were relatable.

Unrealistic ending

If the ending is unrealistic, I'm extremely disappointed in the whole story. I found it very interesting and entertaining...but the ending annoyed me very much.

This Book Matters

highly enjoyable book Club recommendation. highly liked and enjoyed and so very many discussion points.

This book is why I read books

This is the epitome of simple and brilliant. Hood does an amazing job of weaving storylines in a coherent and uncomplicated way that takes the reader on an epic journey. The story is told through several characters each having a very different experience, but on a similar path. It is thought provoking and the author proves that you don’t need gimmicks to evoke emotion. Nina Alvamar does a wonderful job bringing each character to life. Her narration is true to the writing and isn’t overly fussy while giving each character a life of their own.

Loved the concept, not the book

The underlying concept of this book - choosing the book that matters most to you in your life - was what intrigued me most, and it was probably what kept me reading throughout the story. It made me reflect on what books have really had that kind of impact on me throughout the different phases of my life. I really enjoyed seeing what books the members of the book club in the story selected and added a few to my to-be-read list.

"Could a writer understand how her book had saved someone long ago, when the world was a fragile, scary place and the people she loved weren't in it anymore? Could a writer understand that her book had mattered more than anything?"

Unfortunately, for most of the book I was distracted by so many subplots, back and forth in time, undeveloped characters, and loose pieces of the story the author doesn't tie up. The entire storyline of Ava's daughter in Paris had me skimming pages and fast-forwarding past those pieces. Had it not been for the decent story buried throughout, I probably would have put this book down early on.

Unexpected

I bought this book and couldn’t get into it. So it sat unlisten to. Finally trying to listen to all the books I have not listened to, so I listened. About 40 minutes in I couldn’t stop listening.

lovely book

good book. narrator was perfect for this novel. very easy to listen to. I would recommend, but don't know if I'd read again.

A definite thumbs up

Through the first half I wondered where the book was going, but as I got further in it became more apparent. The ending was one I did NOT see coming, but I loved it.

Hate to say good-bye

This book was not only fun to listen to, but it was deep and meaningful. I feel that everyone has life stories that they can relate to the story and the theme. I cried with sadness, for fear, for discovery, and of course for laughter. When I started it I thought it was just going to be this fun easy breezy read, but it is so ugh more than that! I hate to say good-bye to the “friends” I felt like I made in the book. So many times I wished I could jump into the pages and be a part of all the characters we’re going through. Read and figure out what is the most important book in our life!