Some folks still had to finish but we were able to have a discussion. Some of us had a hard time Listening/reading the book at least in the beginning but much easier halfway through. Brenda liked the book but didn't love it. Suzanne was excited about the fact that her DIL was from Grassy Hill, CA. It's always fun to recognize a place or thing when reading a book I think.. The one thing she thought was way off was the fact that Susan sold 4 pictures she drew for $600. For that day and time that is a pretty hefty price.
The book is narrated by Lyman Ward, historian professor in a wheel chair who doesn't have much of relationship with his present day family but decides to write about his grandparents and their relationship in the late 1800's.
So many people in reviews thought this book was beautifully written when you read reviews. I had a hard time thinking it was beautifully written. The title is and engineering term about the angle of the soil when it finally rests. Susan and Oliver were at the angle of repose at the time of their death, but prior to that their love for each other wasn't totally enough with all their struggles and Susan's dealing with the life in the wild west. It took the discussion at book club meeting for me to understand the meaning of the title and how it related.
The writer did have a way of writing with detail that you could see and feel what the Wards saw and went through so okay maybe I'll give Stegner a 4 out of 5 for detailed vividness's. hmmm did that make sense. Oh well.
The question left hanging out there.....Was Susan Ward unfaithful or not. Some say yes some say pretty close to it. LOL
Everyone needs to finish the book to make their own decision whether the book is beautifully written or not.
So the next person to announce a book was Suzanne. Her book choice was "The Warehouse" by Rob Hart. I took a survey and the next meeting will be on a Saturday in January... Suzanne you need to let me know which Saturday You'd prefer so I can post it on the website.
Location to be announced at a later date.
Next to Choose: Barbara, Carla, Cheryl, Denise, Diana
Until next meeting.... Get to reading
