Library Book Club reads The October List

Just to confuse everyone, the Novel Book Club read The October List in February and we are reading February in March. Got that straight? The October List is a gimmicky book as it is written backwards. That’s right; the book starts on chapter 36, the climax, and works its way back to chapter 1. In chapter 36, you meet Gabriella, who is anxiously awaiting the outcome of a ransom exchange for her kidnapped 6 year old daughter, Sarah. As this is climax of the book, it seems oddly unresolved. Next you read chapter 35, which happened 40 minutes earlier. As the book progresses, or rather, digresses, you are given more pieces of the story. It’s confusing and there are lots of little details that may or may not turn out to be important to the story. The majority of book club members did not enjoy the book, saying it was just too confusing and you just don’t care about the characters. The characters are not developed so you don’t get to know them well, and some of their actions are questionable. When you finish chapter one, go back and read chapter 36 again. You will then understand those questionable actions and how this chapter is the climax! Although this is a shorter book, it is a challenging read, but well worth the time to experience how a story unwinds from the ending to beginning.
The Chestermere Public Library’s Novel book club is a group of readers who meet by the Library’s fireplace on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00pm to discuss the current book selection. The only requirements to join are that you have a Library membership and are over 18 years old. Read the book and come to the meeting, no registration is required. The book is available to check out from the Library about a month before the meeting, and will usually include a discussion guide. Book suggestions for future discussions are always welcome.
The next meeting is on March 20 at 7:00pm to discuss February by Lisa Moore, the 2013 CBC Canada Reads winner. Pick up the book at the Library and come join us!