Goodreads says, "With her remarkable insight into the human condition and silences that contain multitudes, Elizabeth Strout returns to the town of Crosby, Maine, and to her beloved cast of characters—Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess, and more—as they deal with a shocking crime in their midst, fall in love and yet choose to be apart, and grapple with the question, as Lucy Barton puts it, “What does anyone’s life mean?”
It’s autumn in Maine, and the town lawyer Bob Burgess has become enmeshed in an unfolding murder investigation, defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother. He has also fallen into a deep and abiding friendship with the acclaimed writer Lucy Barton, who lives down the road in a house by the sea with her ex-husband, William. Together, Lucy and Bob go on walks and talk about their lives, their fears and regrets, and what might have been. Lucy, meanwhile, is finally introduced to the iconic Olive Kitteridge, now living in a retirement community on the edge of town. They spend afternoons together in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories. Stories about people they have known—“unrecorded lives,” Olive calls them—reanimating them, and, in the process, imbuing their lives with meaning.
Brimming with empathy and pathos, Tell Me Everything is Elizabeth Strout operating at the height of her powers, illuminating the ways in which our relationships keep us afloat. As Lucy says, “Love comes in so many different forms, but it is always love.”
Crosby, Maine is where we left off in Lucy by the Sea. Lucy has escaped here during the pandemic along with her ex-husband, Bob, and has stayed in this quaint town. Olive Kitteridge, readers may remember her from Strout's previous novels, tells Bob that she has a story for Lucy and for her to come visit her. Stories are what drive this novel along - whether it's Olive telling Lucy something insightful about life, or the many subplots surrounding Lucy, Bob, and their family and friends - it's all stories within stories and very slice-of-life narration. That is until there's a murder and Bob defends the accused. This spices up the plot in addition to the "will they, won't they" moments between Lucy and Bob. Fans of Strout's Amgash series will love to return home to Crosby and continue the story with these beloved characters in Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout.
I have always enjoyed the character of Lucy; she is complex, dynamic, and thought provoking. I enjoyed her interaction with Olive and their many insights into life and the human condition. Sadly, I have never read Olive Kitteridge, so I think I would have enjoyed Tell Me Everything more if I had, so that's my recommendation to readers.
As always, I enjoyed Lucy's relationship with Bob and was wondering if they would end up together after all. The murder case Bob was involved in did seem out of the blue in Tell Me Everything, but it did drive the story along quite well. I really am a fan of Bob, and find him to be an interesting character, so I appreciated this aspect of the story in addition to learning more about Bob, his brother, and his past as it is definitely complex.
I did find some of Lucy and Bob's issues to be annoying at times and that may be because I am younger than many of the characters in the novel. I feel like the "boomer" generation would appreciate Tell Me Everything a bit more than me as well as relate to some of Lucy's issues. Nonetheless, Strout's writing is superb, which is why I am always drawn back to this series.
Also, I toggled back and forth between the ARC of Tell Me Everything and the audio and as usual, the audio did not disappoint. Kimberly Farr, the narrator, truly brings Strout's characters to life and captures them so very well.
So, is Tell Me Everything on your TBR list? Are you a fan of Elizabeth Strout? Let me know in the comments below.
I love sharing heartwarming and compassionate stories with children, especially in today's world where bullying is a prevalent issue. That's why I'm excited to tell you about a new picture book, Sophie and the Swans by Holly Peppe. This award-winning picture book teaches compassion and has been recognized as a Family Choice Award Winner for 2024. It's definitely a book not to be missed!
Written by Holly Peppe
Illustrated by Aeron Cargill
Ages: 3+ | 36 Pages
Publisher: Lincoln Square Books | ISBN: 978-1947187146
Publisher’s Book Summary: "Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake."
You can purchase your own copy of Sophie and the Swans at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Bookshop. When you buy a copy of the book, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to anti-bullying advocates. How wonderful is that?
I've partnered with Expound Publicity to celebrate the recent publication of Sophie and the Swans. One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of the book. Good luck!
Sophie and the Swans: Book Giveaway
Goodreads says, "It's never too late for new beginnings. On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.
As a teenager growing up in 1920’s Brooklyn, Augusta’s role model was her father, Solomon Stern, the trusted owner of the local pharmacy and the neighborhood expert on every ailment. But when Augusta’s mother dies and Great Aunt Esther moves in, Augusta can’t help but be drawn to Esther’s curious methods. As a healer herself, Esther offers Solomon’s customers her own advice—unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.
As Augusta prepares for pharmacy college, she is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her great aunt, all while navigating a budding but complicated relationship with Irving. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses Esther’s most potent elixir with disastrous consequences. Disillusioned and alone, Augusta vows to reject Esther’s enchantments forever.
Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past. What happened all those years ago and how did her plan go so spectacularly wrong? Did Irving ever truly love her or was he simply playing a part? And can Augusta reclaim the magic of her youth before it’s too late?"
Halloween
is fast approaching! It's a great time of the year to curl up with the little one in your life and share a slightly spooky or festive Halloween read. Today I am highlighting my favorite
Halloween picture books as well as some favorites for beginner readers.
What are some of your favorite children books for Halloween? Let me know in the comments below.