I’m only on page 28, but already hooked on Arizona’s latest selection – Girl, Forgotten, by Karin Slaughter. I think it is going to be a winner. This is the first book by this author I’ve read, and the group should get their copies this week. As always – feel free to join us, we would be happy to share your thoughts here! All the books in the Arizona Club get donated to the facility library when the book club is done with them.
Now for the most recent read – The Maidens, by Alex Michaelides. This book was specifically chosen because Arizona had read The Silent Patient by the same author. The Maidens got five stars across the board! Below are their and my thoughts:
“The ending was soft, I would have added more to the cult-like group leader’s mystery.” Even so, Carlos Sigala felt it was a page turner, saying he would most likely be friends with the ‘sneaky and sinister’ Zoe. ‘Amusing read’ that touched on some situations that aren’t in other books. – Carlos Sigala
Zoe is definitely an interesting choice, Carlos! Just make sure you don’t close your eyes:)
“I think it was well written. It’s not my usual genre. After reading this one and The Silent Patient, I will definitely read another one of Alex’s books.” Who did Ralph think he would most likely be friends with? “Probably Mariana, would really like to get to know someone like her.” He points out, “even though we come from way different lifestyles.” “Silent Patient was my first read. This book blew my mind almost as much. Looking forward to more from Alex Michaelides.” – Ralph Dyer
What I love about these reading groups is just that – we are all reading different genres, learning about different ways of life, other than our own. And I’m with Ralph gravitating towards Mariana, my reasons being that I would love to know more about the dynamics of group therapy. I think it is really fascinating how group leaders are really facilitators of the magic that comes naturally from a group – but that’s an entirely different topic!
“I was looking for the twist, but had the wrong person. It was a great twist. I liked it (the book) because it sounded almost like the author wanted to intertwine his first book along with his second book. I am a fan of Alex Michaelides. I’d probably be friends with Ruth the therapist and Clarissa the professor because they both know how to listen and analyze people. Henry and Fred reminded me of Theo Faber from The Silent Patient. They’re all needy controlling individuals. I’d like to see this author’s books made into movies, they would be some great thrillers.” – Victor McKaney
I totally agree with you, Victor. And I think the tie ins to previous books would make the movie versions even more captivating. For some reason, I like hearing about characters from previous books, it’s as if you are creating an imaginary neighborhood of characters, and it’s like passing an old friend on the street when you hear one mentioned in a following book. I loved that aspect of these books.
And, there was one more review for a previous book club read – The Family Upstairs.
Carlos Sigala did not find The Family Upstairs predictable, “At no point did I find the ending predictable. I knew they would reunite, but not in that fashion.” Carlos felt it was well written and felt Libby, the main character, was the most likeable because she wasn’t greedy. This one came away with a 4.5 stars for Carlos. – Carlos Sigala
It’s been a while since this read, but I think I agree with you on all points. I definitely didn’t see the ending coming exactly the way it did, and I can remember being disappointed in ‘the character’ of some characters. Not the book – but some people in the book let me down! Libby was solid though. And the writing was solid, that’s for sure. So far, all of the books we’ve read in this group have had solid writing, I think.
Onward – I’m really loving Girl, Forgotten. Hope it ends as good as it has started. We’ll let you know!
