This month, my two book clubs had the pleasure of reading two engaging books: „The Frozen River“ by Ariel Lawhon and „Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers“ by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
„The Frozen River“ quickly became my favorite read of 2024. Loosely based on the real-life midwife Martha Ballard of Hallowell, Maine in 1789, the story revolves around the discovery of a dead body and Martha’s role in determining the cause of death. Lawhon expertly weaves a tale of community life, family dynamics, and the struggles of justice, particularly for women in the late 18th century. Martha is a compelling character, and Lawhon’s use of Martha’s actual diaries adds depth to the narrative. Surprisingly, the portrayal of Puritan lifestyle challenges common misconceptions, revealing a more complex reality. The book received high praise from my book club members, earning an overall rating of 4.1. To enhance our discussion, I prepared themed food inspired by the book’s setting, despite the summer heat, adding a fun and delicious touch to our meeting.
On the other hand, „Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers“ offered a lighter, cozy mystery experience for our online book club. The story follows Vera Wong, a spirited older lady living in San Francisco’s Chinatown, who stumbles upon a dead body in her tea shop and takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. While the book was well-received by our group, it didn’t stand out as a favorite for anyone. However, it did receive the prestigious 2024 Edgar award for the best original paperback. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good read with a touch of humor, this book is a solid choice, earning an overall rating of 3.8 from our club members.
Both „The Frozen River“ and „Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers“ provided unique and enjoyable reading experiences for my book clubs this month. From the historical richness of Martha Ballard’s story to the quirky charm of Vera Wong’s escapades, these books offered diverse perspectives and kept us engaged throughout our discussions. Whether you prefer a deep dive into the past or a lighthearted mystery, these books are sure to satisfy your literary cravings.