Quiet Life is a Good Book as Well as a Good Life

A Quiet Life, by Joella Ethan.

While the books underlying subject matter of handling grief, learning to survive without loved ones, and dealing with life’s next steps sounds overwhelming, most of the readers seemed to agree the well-written book was a good one.

Several of the book club members reportedly commented on the intertwining and interconnectedness of the three main characters who all came from different backgrounds but crossed paths to assist each other deal with their grief and life.

The lifelike characters of the novel struggle with a very real crisis.

Chuck Ayers used to look forward to nothing so much as his annual trip to Hilton Head with his wife, Cat.

Now, after her death, he can’t let go of her belongings or imagine going there without her. He is functioning through life without much interest or enjoyment until his path crosses with the others.

Ella Burke delivers morning newspapers, works at a bridal shop to fill her days, tries to adjust to life in a new apartment, and answers every call on her phone, while she anxiously awaits any piece of information about her missing daughter.

Kirsten Bonato set aside her veterinary school aspirations, finding comfort in the work at an animal shelter after the sudden death of her father. Time passes, and old dreams and new romantic interests begin to surface as Kirsten finds herself learning to cope while helping others.

This moving novel shows three dissimilar beings converge in emotionally moving and unexpected ways, as each character moves forward, trying to recover from their loss and rebuild their lives.

The next meeting of the Greenhorn Valley Book Club will be held on June 29 at 1:00 p.m. at the Greenhorn Valley Library. The novel Hang the Moon, by Jeannette Walls will be discussed.

Everyone is welcome to attend.