Hey friends! Welcome to my book club! As this is my very first book club reading suggestion, I wanted to be sure that I chose something fan-freaking-tastic. So I chose The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes.
When my sister recommended this book to me, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive. I mean, a book about Kentucky packhorse librarians in the 1930s just did not sound super intriguing to me. How wrong I was! This book is so good that I finished it in a matter of a couple days. I could not put it down! And I bet you won’t be able to either.
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Why I Love This Book
I think one of the reasons I love this book is because of the relatability of the female characters. You have the main character named Alice who is known to get herself in trouble for speaking her mind and doesn’t quite know where she belongs. Then there’s the independent bad-ass of a woman named Margery who’s past hardships has lead her to have a difficult time letting her guard down and being vulnerable. Isabelle is a young woman with a gorgeous singing voice who dreams of becoming a singer, but is too afraid to put herself out there. And Sophia gave up her favorite job so she could help her brother with desperately needed care after an accident at the coal mine. In all of these women, you may see a little of yourself, a family member, or a friend.
Throughout the course of the book, you follow the evolution of these characters through the interactions that the women have with each other and the men in their lives. For instance, Margery is pushed to reconsider the walls that she has built when it seems she is proven time and again that there’s truly someone who she can trust. It reminds me that we all have our own past, our own scars, our own weaknesses and struggles. But when we come together, we make each other stronger. We can lift each other up and help each other grow.
All The Adventure (And The Feels)
Of course there is drama and adventure too! The book takes you into mountains, coal mines, homes of the well to-do, and homes of the less fortunate. There’s death, new life, confrontation, love, hate, happiness and sorrow. This book has just about everything to keep you turning the pages.
So… What Are You Waiting For?!
Have you read this book yet? If not, you definitely should! And when you do, be sure to head back to this post and let me know what you think! Who is your favorite character? I’d have to say mine is Margery. She inspires to embrace your inner bad-ass and not to care about what other people might think of you. Tie that in with being vulnerable when you need to (literally hearing Brene Brown’s voice right now), and you are golden!
-xo, Jennifer
