This month we feature the Louisville Divas Bookclub, a close-knit group of five faithful members and friends who came together about seven years ago through the suggestion of Judy Hamilton. The Divas include Judy, Cleo, Natalie, Sonya, and Selina, and they meet monthly except in December. Members take turns selecting the book, location, and the facilitator of the discussion. They enjoy discussing all of the implications of the events the characters face, as well as life in general, and sometimes treat themselves to a movie based on a book they’ve read. Member Selina Newman shared the thoughts of the Divas as they recently discussed Night Road by Kristin Hannah.
What have you learned from this book?
Night Road makes you realize that we are not perfect people; we all make mistakes, and the fortunate ones own up to them. Owning your mistakes allows you to move on with your life. You have to learn how to forgive yourself and others, or risk being stuck in the past and not enjoying life at all.
Three of our favorite quotes from the book are:
- “Maybe time didn’t heal wounds exactly, but it gave you a kind of armor, or a new perspective. A way to remember with a smile instead of a sob.”
- “Maybe you need to be broken a little before you can put yourself back together.”
- “In the sea of grief, there were islands of grace, moments in time when one could remember what was left rather than all that had been lost.”
If you could hang out with one character from the book, who would it be?
The main character, Lexi. Although she was born to a mentally ill, alcoholic mother and grew up in foster care, she managed to become a caring person. The love and support of her aunt, who she met as a teenager, and her best friend’s family, who welcomed her into the fold, helped her thrive. She survived childhood trauma and adversity because she found love, friendship, and acceptance.
Why did you choose this book? Are you glad you did?
Cleo chose this book because she had read several other books by this author and she felt the group would enjoy it. She was so right! It was a great read. We love Kristin Hannah’s unique writing style, the fact that she is so vivid in her descriptions, and that we became emotionally connected to her characters.
What is the best book you’ve read?
We have read quite a few books in the seven years of our union, and we all agree that Becoming by Michelle Obama is one of our favorites.
What types of genre or specific titles would you recommend to people who enjoyed this book?
Almost anyone can enjoy this book. It’s a good mystery and it’s also a love story. It deals with family, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and life’s happenstances. It’s well-written, with good character development. This is a rare book that can appeal to the teenager, the senior citizen, and every age in-between. If you enjoy this book, we are certain that you will enjoy The Nightingale and Winter Garden, both by Kristin Hannah.
Interested in being one of our featured book clubs? Email bookclub@todaysmedianow.com.
By Patti Hartog
P.S. Here’s another book worth adding to your reading list.
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