DIXFIELD – The Adult Reading Group of the Ludden Memorial Library met Nov. 2 in the Reading Group part of the Community Room. Those present were Carol Cantin, Nancy Tapley, Mandy Parsons, Melissa Van Lieu, Felicia Pietela and group coordinator Diane Stanley.

The group took a few moments to express their sadness at the loss of one of their members, Pat McBride.

Several wonderful reads were discussed. Among them was “The Shop on Blossom Street” by Debbie MaComber. The author is the mother of four who started writing many years ago when her children were small, typing on a rented typewriter.

At first she was not well-accepted as an author, but she has come into her own. Other books by her are “Changing Habits” and “Between Friends.”

“The Shop on Blossom Street” is about a young lady who has been diagnosed with brain cancer twice. She purchases a yarn shop and starts a knitting class for three women who want to learn how to knit a baby quilt, each for a different reason. They are an unlikely group and the story is interwoven with humor and seriousness.

“East of the Mountains” by David Guterson, the author of “Snow Falling of Cedars,” was discussed. The story is about a retired cardiac surgeon who lost his wife and learned that he himself has inoperable colon cancer. His plan is to commit suicide in a careful way that will look like an accident.

However, for a variety of reasons, it does not happen. He reflects upon his past happiness with his wife and daughter and is not able to complete his act.

The “Left Behind Series” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins continues to be read by one member or another. It is a series based on biblical prophecy, done with a fictional flair. The story continues through 12 novels.

The new book by Lynn Truss, “Eats, Shoots, and Leaves,” was discussed. It was said to be a slow read as the author uses lots of structure without punctuation to show its importance. It was not what the reader thought it was going to be.

“Angels and Demons” is still being read and discussed by many groups. Dan Brown’s other books are “DaVinci Code,” “Digital Fortress” and “Deception Point.” All are the same fast-paced reads that are found in “Angels and Demons.” The high point of “Angels and Demons” is its surprise ending.

“Pope Joan” by Donna Woolfolk is the fictional account of the first and only female pope. The background follows religious orientation and, in this plot, all traces or her existence were erased. It left many questions.

Once again, Patterson’s “Sam’s Letters to Jennifer” was reviewed. It is Patterson’s second love story. Readers were amazed to note that he does such a good job in the line of suspense, yet can turn over a fine love story that is rich and warm.

Sidney Sheldon’s new novel, “Are You Afraid of the Dark?,” was mentioned as a great read.

“The Painted House” by John Grisham was described as different from his usual writings. It is a work of fiction, but seems to describe some of his childhood upbringing.

Although “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” by Donn Fiddler was in the juvenile section, it was found to be interesting to the adult group. Fiddler was lost for nine days at the age of 12. He knew little about being in the woods, but managed to survive eating strawberries and following the stream. He lost some of his clothing and became disoriented part of the time, but managed to make it out alive and tell about it.

Tess Gerritsen’s “Body Double,” found on the new arrivals shelf, was said to be a great read. In the story, a girl is killed who looks just like the main character in the story. As it turns out, it a long-lost, twin that she didn’t know that she had. The author is from Maine.

Another Maine author, Lea Wait, is also an antique print dealer. She weaves this part of herself in her story, “Shadows on the Coast.” A family moves to Maine and mysterious things happen to them in their new home as they are really not welcomed by the community.

Michael Palmer does it again in “The Society.” Palmer is a physician who has spent 20 years as a full-time practitioner of internal and emergency medicine. In this action novel, the HMOs are held responsible for medical catastrophes. There are many twists and turns.

“Impeachable Offence” by Nessa Hart was also discussed. Hart bases her writing on the “Left Behind Series” previously mentioned. It is Christian fiction based on biblical references to the Rapture. In the new book Brad Benton, who is White House chief of staff, has multiple attempts on his life as he investigates the death of a fellow politician. The political background resembles the times and makes it more interesting.

Tea, coffee and snacks were served. The next meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 7. It is not necessary to be a library patron to join the group. All adults are welcome.

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