The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood

Ava Tucker's world has just fallen apart along with her 25-year marriage. Her two adult children are off on their own and although she loves teaching French at Brown University, she feels an emptiness that threatens to swallow her. Her best friend, Cate, is a librarian at the local Atheneum and there's an opening in her popular monthly book club. When Ava was a young girl, she spent hours at her mother's bookstore, so she jumps at the chance for not only sharing the love of reading but also for companionship. At the first meeting, the group decides on the books to read and this year's theme is "the book that matters most" to each individual. As the circle comes round to Ava, she blurts out "From Clare to Here" by Rosalind Arden, a title no one else seems to be familiar with, but one that comforted Ava during a traumatic time in her young life. Interspersing book club member's stories with those of Ava and her children, one of whom is spiraling dangerously downward, Hood reminds us of the impact books - and friends - can have on our lives. What's the book that matters most to you?