I recently read two books that I feel would generate interesting discussion.
Lottery by Patricia Wood
"My name is Perry L. Crandall and I am not retarded." This is our first introduction to Perry, a Forrest Gump-like character, raised by his grandparents and befriended by his coworkers. Frustrated with the lack of attention he was receiving in public school, Gram began home schooling him at age 13. Even before that, she assigned him daily words from the dictionary. After Gram's death, Perry wins the lottery and finds that those who once shunned him now find him fascinating. Perry finds he has a knack for business and resists the efforts of his extended family to become his legal guardian. A delightful read with real insight into the value of every individual no matter their IQ!
See comment from author, Patricia Wood, at the end of this post!Songs Without Words by Ann Packer
Liz and Sarabeth grew up across the street form each other. They draw even closer as Sarabeth's depressed mother commits suicide. Their friendship survives the adolescent years and now in middle age they find their friendship challenged by a family member's suicide attempt. By the end of the book, I
knew the characters like friends from my own childhood. I would love the opportunity to discuss this book. Invite me to your book club if you choose it as one of your selections!