DIXFIELD – The Adult Reading Group of the Ludden Memorial Library met on the first Tuesday of April to discuss their recent book choices.

“The Truest Pleasure” by Robert Morgan was reviewed. It is a work of fiction that takes place in the Appalachians Mountains, set on the same grounds and at the same time as “Cold Mountain.” It is a love story of different personalities that meets many tests.

“Past Forgetting,” the story of Dwight Eisenhower, was discussed. The author, Kay Summersby Morgan, reports she had an affair with him and, as she is dying from cancer, she has written the book.

“The Day the World Came to Town” was read and enjoyed again. It was reported on last month and was recommended as a great read.

“Once Upon A. Christmas” by Snelling was reviewed. It is a Christmas story with a light romance. Snelling is a Christian author.

“The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Albom was shared by a member. In the work of fiction, Eddie is an 83-year-old retired man who fixes park rides. In the story, he is killed in an accident and finds himself in heaven, meeting up with five people. It is a new perspective on the afterlife.

“The Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall” by Michael Phillips takes place in an old English mansion in the early 1900s. It is a work of historical fiction, sort of a prodigal daughter series, and contains four books. Phillips is another Christian author and infuses it into his work.

“Circle of Quilters” by Chiaverini was well received. The author is part of the Elm Creek Readers Society and is herself a quilter. The story centers around the Summer Camp Quilters. Five people are being interviewed to fill the two quilting spots. A man decides to become a quilter to finish his deceased wife’s projects. He applies for the position but is not well received. It is on the new arrivals shelf and is popular.

“Back Up Plan” by Woods was mentioned. It is about a foreign correspondent whose boyfriend was killed in front of her. It goes on to tell how she managed her life and went on from there.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Albom was shared. Nonfiction, it is the story of a professor who has ALS and his student. The student spends every Tuesday with the professor and learns much from his wisdom. It was said to be a wonderful read.

The next books discussed were part of a series of three. The first one, “Cloe,” takes place during World War I. The second, “Bette,” is set during World War II. The third in the series, “Leigh,” takes place during the Vietnam era. They are all tragedies and have a religious thread. They are written by Lyn Cote. They are on the new arrivals shelf.

“Maine and Me” by Peavey was said a warm and interesting read in the nonfiction category. The author lives in Portland and writes about her state. She spent a great deal of time in Fort Kent and has written about that area, its social life and customs. She also writes for Down East magazine.

The next book for review was another on the new arrivals shelf. “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach was discussed. Roach is described as the funniest science writer in the country. She has written for several magazines, including the Reader’s Digest. The nonfiction book was published in 2003. In the book, she visits the fields of impact testing, practicing surgery on the dead, composting and the areas of mortuary practices. She does it with respect, yet with a light sense of humor.

James Patterson has written a fifth book in the Women’s Murder Club series. “The 5th Horseman” is new. The plot involves a hospital setting in which people, who are considered in stable condition, suddenly take a turn for the worst and die. It was reported to be an excellent read.

“The Tenth Circle” by Jodi Picoult was the last book brought up for review. It is new, published in March. The story evolves around a 14-year-old girl who is struggling with adolescence. At the same time, her father is struggling with his own background and secrets. The mother/wife figure is having an affair and is busy trying to keep everything in her life a secret.

The fast moving novel starts in Bethel, Maine. It then travels to a small village in Alaska where the dad grew up. As with Picoult’s writing, there is a twist in the end that is not expected. It was reported to be a great read.

The Adult Reading Group meets at 11 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month. One does not have to be a member of the library to join.