October 2017 Book Club Review: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

Dorlana Vann ♦ October 29, 2017 ♦ Leave a comment

October 2017 Theme: Spa

Book Club Set Up:

Each member of our group (women ages 24-49) draws a month and a theme. Whosever month it is, gets to choose a book in their category and host the meeting.

The group has approximately 3 weeks to read the book and then we get together for themed food and fun & to discuss the book.

Quick Book Summary (from Amazon): The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick, May 3, 2016 –  In this hauntingly beautiful story of love, loneliness and self-discovery, an endearing widower embarks on a life-changing adventure.

This Month’s Meeting:

The theme was spa and our host told us to show up in our pjs and without make-up or fingernail polish. She provided facemask and Bioré nose strips. We painted our nails and had martinis, fruit infused water, and sangrias. We discussed the book while eating our chips and dips and veggies. It was all very girly.

The Review:

This review is going to be a little different than previous book club reviews because no one (who was able to make the meeting), except for me, could finish the book. The main reason: it was boring. Truthfully, if I hadn’t been reading it for book club, I probably wouldn’t have finished it myself. However, I ended up enjoying the story overall. The character’s began to grow on me about halfway through. It’s a story of family, and marriage, and if secrets and events from your past should be kept from your partner. I did do a lot of skimming, but I also shed a few sentimental tears. I, personally, would give this book 3.5 martinis out of 5.

Bottom Line:

Since this book moves at a, well … pace of an older gentleman (perhaps that was the point), I would say picking it up depends on your reading mood and book preferences. There are a lot of positive reviews out there. So I would say, give it a chance.

Next month’s theme: Luau

Love and Laughter,

Dorlana