Dear Great Book Guru,
I have received an invitation the Sea Cliff Civic Association's annual
Newcomers Party for this Sunday. I am so
excited- I heard that over thirty fellow newcomers will be attending. I would like to make sure I have something to
talk about- other than tales of Sea Cliff, which, of course, is my favorite
topic. Please recommend a book that
will be a good conversation starter. Nervous Newcomer
Dear Newcomer, Don't be nervous- this party is such fun and
marks the first of many, many exciting Sea Cliff events for you. But I do have a very
good book you might enjoy: THE O'BRIENS by Peter Behrens. Set in the wilds of Quebec in 1900, the novel quickly moves to Venice, California to
Kennebunkport, Maine , then on to
Montreal and New York City . Over
the years and miles, we come to know the O'Briens, especially Joe O'Brien who
is fifteen when we first meet him and the head of a recently orphaned
family. He is a dynamic force propelling
his siblings out of backwoods misery into lives not necessarily of their choosing. Mistakes are made but Joe's concern is always
for his family. When he marries Iseult,
he vows to do better by his new family and he does , but again mistakes
are made. The book studies the effects of family, fate, and geography over a
span of sixty years, two world wars, and many triumphs and tragedies. Highly recommended!
Literary Event Reminder:
Dan Fagin - illustrious Sea Cliff resident and author of the much
acclaimed TOMS RIVER- will be discussing
his book this Thursday, September 26 at 7pm at the Sea Cliff Library.