An engaging book on many levels that addresses both personal and political issues. Our book club was particularly interested in this book because we live in the Poughkeepsie, New York area, which figures prominently in the book.

This book was very disappointing, especially for fans of Lisa See. The three different points of view were not sufficiently unique; many of us had to go back to the chapter headings to remember who was speaking. The information about the United States' treatment of Japanese-Americans during World War II was interesting, but not explored in any great depth. The majority of our members neither related to nor sympathized with the main characters, and we generally agreed that See was overly ambitious and tried (unsuccessfully) to include too many themes in this book. Those members who listened to the audio version of the book liked it much more than those of us who read it. Of 15 members, only 2 would recommend this book to others, with the caveat that they would only recommend it to certain others.

A compelling plotline that maintains the reader's interest but also conveys themes of guilt, grief, and secrecy. Engenders a great deal of discussion about "What would you do?"

Set against the backdrop of the violet farming business that was once so prevalent in our area of the country, A Violet Season tells the story of a woman and her daughter, But it transcends a simple story and examines relationships between women, the role of women in the 19th century, betrayal, and forgiveness.

A true classic. This beautifully written book transports you to another time and place. The power of the language makes much contemporary fiction pale in comparison.

A very interesting and informative look at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and its polygamous past. The book interweaves an examination of the life of one of Brigham Young's wives with a current story about a breakaway Mormon cult, the Firsts. The modern day story involves a murder mystery, which is the weakest part of the book, in my opinion. The book should generate a great deal of discussion.

This beautifully written novel sheds light on the Resistance movement in Italy during the later days of World War II. But in addition, it is a well-wrought portrait of characters with whom you will fall in love and about whom you really care.

A beautifully written book set in three different time periods and locales: 16th century Holland, New York City in the late 1950s, and Australia in 2000. The book tells the story of a 16th century Dutch woman who paints a haunting landscape, the wealthy New York City man whose family has owned the painting for centuries, and the young woman who forges the painting. The intersecting stories are well handled. The book has fascinating insight into the world of art forgery while presenting themes of betrayal and atonement.

Most of our members liked, but did not love, this book, but it provides insight into the issue of illegal immigrants from a Mexican point of view. It is very thought-provoking and timely.

Although many of our book club members liked this book, no one loved it. And at least two stopped reading it because they did not find it at all engaging. However, the book is quite thought-provoking, and we had a lively discussion about the book's themes. We thought that most of the "twists" in the book were obvious and unsurprising, and we found some of the characters' actions and attitudes completely implausible. But we did all want to cruise through France on a houseboat! All in all, the discussion was better than the book.

A thought-provoking look at a little-known chapter in America's history and the unsung heroines whose suffering and determination had a profound impact on our institutions. Thanks to the "Shining Women," we now have protections from toxic substances and dangerous work environments.

Our book club enjoyed this book about a traveling circus in Europe during WWII and two women whose lives will become irrevocably intertwined. There are some parts of the book that will haunt me forever. Yet another book about Nazis, but one with a unique focus.

This is a well-written novel that touches on a multitude of issues and themes (perhaps too many): tea growing, the Chinese "one child" policy, the bond between mothers and daughters, the experiences of foreign adoptees, and the indigenous tribes of China. I couldn't put this book down, but I did think that there were too many coincidences propelling the story, and in my opinion, the ending is just a little too pat.