Finished reading Run by Ann Patchett the other night, and tonight was the local library's discussion group on the book. First things first, it is a very easy read, quick to get through, less than 300 pages. The story is very entertaining, and the characters intriguing, although I was a bit disappointed with the end of the book. Its one of those stories where you feel like the author got tired of writing the novel and finish it in a hurry in 30 pages or so, leaving a lot of things unresolved, and a lot of plot and character development unexplained. In terms of writing, that would be my only complaint, which is probably more the result of just my own personal preferences than any defect per se with the book.
The story takes place primarily in one 24 hour period, involving a family of a widowed former Mayor of Boston who has three kids, two of which of were adopted. The book raises and touches on so many issues, from the obvious ones of adoptive and natural parents, to race, the relationship between parent and child, and in particular, mother and child and father and child. Its easy to discuss the book and get into debates of nature versus nurture, the role of a mother versus a father, and how we view social responsibility and family.
The book discussion tonight reminded me of why it is so great to discuss books and the inevitable ideas that follow. By myself, I would miss so much of the detail and issues in the book, would miss the opportunity to extrapolate on those ideas with others, and continue an ongoing dialogue taking place in our society. So I am grateful for that tonight, and grateful once again for being to read another good book.
The story takes place primarily in one 24 hour period, involving a family of a widowed former Mayor of Boston who has three kids, two of which of were adopted. The book raises and touches on so many issues, from the obvious ones of adoptive and natural parents, to race, the relationship between parent and child, and in particular, mother and child and father and child. Its easy to discuss the book and get into debates of nature versus nurture, the role of a mother versus a father, and how we view social responsibility and family.
The book discussion tonight reminded me of why it is so great to discuss books and the inevitable ideas that follow. By myself, I would miss so much of the detail and issues in the book, would miss the opportunity to extrapolate on those ideas with others, and continue an ongoing dialogue taking place in our society. So I am grateful for that tonight, and grateful once again for being to read another good book.
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