About the Book
Book: The Blackout Book Cub
Author: Amy Lynn Green
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: November 15, 2022
An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.
At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.
At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.
My Thoughts
This was my first book by this author and I thought it was so very well done. You can tell that this author does her research and does it very well. She added so many important details to the story that she transported me to a time period that we only read in our history books. I will say that she captured a part of WWII that was set in the US which is not something that is very prevalent in the stories that I have read. She gives us a great fictional perspective into the war effort to keep U-boats from reaching our coast.
I really enjoyed all the characters and how the whole story is revolves not only around them but its being told by their own point of views. I really enjoyed that the storyline revolves around a book club. It is what brings these people together and truly see that they need each other in their lives. I loved the "minutes" that are taken during the book club. It gives you a clearer picture of who they really are.
The only thing missing for me in this book was an element of faith. I think it was lightly mentioned but I feel like with such an eclectic group of people there were so many opportunities to bring them to the God, the only person they could truly rely on. I know not every book is meant to be preachy and I don't mean that but I do expect it in a Christian publisher. Other than that, I thought the book was vey well written and I do look forward to reading more from this author.
If you enjoy Historical Fiction I think you should definitely grab this one.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Amy Lynn Green has always loved history and reading, and she enjoys speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country, in person and virtually. Her debut novel, Things We Didn't Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award, won two Carol Awards, and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her family make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can sign up for her newsletter on her website, amygreenbooks.com, for quarterly giveaways, writing updates, and lots of bookish fun.
Post a Comment