Just about a year ago, I posted a review of The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton. It was one of the first reviews I did for this blog, and I can remember being very nervous and excited.
Well, it's a year later, and The Wednesday Sisters is about to come out in paperback. Meg Waite Clayton contacted me, and asked if I would re-run my review, to help attract attention for its release. I decided I would - I liked the book, but more than that, I'm pretty sure I would like the author if I met her in real life. She was extremely gracious to me, a brand-new blogger, last year, and I'm happy to return the favor.
So here it is - one of my very first reviews, from when I was just a baby blogger:
Meg Waite Clayton gives us a look into the lives of five very different women who share their lives and their literary ambitions while they meet once a week in the park. On the surface, Linda, Frankie, Brett, Kath, and Ally have little in common. But when they decide to meet and share their attempts at writing, they begin to develop a strong bond. At first, they are afraid to say what they really think - everyone's work is "nice". As they are able to start being honest with each other, about their writing and their lives, they are each changed by the friendships that they forge.
Clayton is able to give each character her own voice, even though the book is narrated by Frankie. I felt like I knew each of the women by the time the book came to an end, and cared for them all. By setting the book in the late 60's she was able to tackle issues such as the burgeoning feminist movement, racism and the Vietnam war, and give insight from a perspective that would be much like that of my own family members. Clayton's writing style was warm and engaging, and I found myself quickly drawn into the lives of these 5 women. I hope to read more by this author in the future!
Finished: 5/23/08
Rating: 7/10
Source: LibraryThing Early Reviewers program
I've seen Meg mention several times that she loves to do phone chats with book groups, so if your group needs something to read, I'd give this one a try. Who doesn't want to chat with the author of the book you just read?? You can visit Meg's website to learn more.
7 comments:
I bought this a long time ago and haven't gotten around to reading it yet. :(
Meg is so nice, and YOU are so nice for re-running the review of her book! She guest posted on my blog last year about her book club, and it was a really good post... here it is if you want to check it out:
http://lisamm.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/guest-post-the-wednesday-sisters-book-group-by-meg-waite-clayton/
I was waiting for this on paperbackswap.com, but now after reading this review I might have to just bite the bullet and buy it.
do you have this one? can i have it next time?
What a lovely author! And this book sounds very delightful and intriguing to me! I think I'll keep an eye out for it. And what a great beginner review ... does it boggle your mind that you've been doing this as long as it took for a book to move from "just published" to being "issued in paperback?" : )
I didn't even realize that The Wednesday Sisters came out so long ago! It is in my TBR pile. That is very cool that the author wanted you to re-run your review.
bermuda - not enough interest, or too many other books in the stack?
Lisa - that is a good post. Meg is really cool!
Connie - it might be worth it!
Carolynn - no....bad sister. =(
Jenners - yes, I am completely astonished with myself. Usually I would have moved on to a new phase by now, but I think I'm hooked on blogging. =)
Rebecca - I was truly honored!
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