Advance Readers' Comments for THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER

Janet K. from Tigard, OR

After a two-day, non stop reading frenzy, I just finished this amazing book. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel as the writing was so fantastically engaging, refreshing and intriguing.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I will definitely recommend this to my reading buddies.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: It’s a story about the process of aging, loss and redefining life after grief and loss.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, we will add it to our book club list. We are a group of retired educators and truly enjoy tales of relationships, the ins and outs of marriage, and the mystery of this grieving widower discovering stories of his mate of forty years, one year after her passing, will lend itself to animated discussions.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?:  In addition to the elements mentioned, there is also parent/child relationships, the question of “how well do we really know our spouses?,” and the challenge of "where do I go from here?" after a life-altering event.

 

CJ A. from Citrus Heights, CA

I very much enjoyed THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER. It was both an easy, happy read and a page-turner. I didn’t want to put it down so I read it in only three sittings. I am looking forward to reading more from Phaedra Patrick.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I have told several people what a good book this is...even my dental hygienist.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: This book is a lovely story about a widower finding his feet again through his late wife’s early adventures. It’s a story of love, acceptance, adventure, forgiveness, and most of all, a growth of oneself.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Sorry, I don’t belong to a book club.

 

Elizabeth A. from Springfield, IL

I thought the story of Arthur and the book to be charming and delightful. It is good read. I enjoyed meeting Arthur, his family and his friends.  

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended it to my friends and people who have seen me reading it.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: Arthur's wife's charms are her gift to him. He is able to go on living after her death. The story of Arthur is about discovery. It’s about discovering things about his wife and about himself. He learns to listen and to cherish life. It’s a very happy book.

 

Dorothy H. from Folson, CA

I like the story, easy to read.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I have recommended the book to friends.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: The story is of Arthur’s journey after finding a charm bracelet that belonged to his deceased wife. He had no knowledge of the bracelet. He finds that each charm was a chapter in his wife's life prior to their life together. The journey changes how he looks at life, and how he relates to his children and others in his life.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I would recommend this book to my book club.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Would you do what Arthur did? Are the characters believable? Why did the adult children not attend their mother’s funeral? Was Bernadette a believable character? Did Arthur and she have feelings for one another?

 

Gay M. from Englewood, CO

This book was a joy to read.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended it to others.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: This book has it all. It is a book about life and death, good and evil, joy and sadness, loss and redemption, the reality of family life and the pure love that can be found in family relationships. This book is full of all the people you know, the life situations you have lived or will live, the fun of discovery and the solving of a mystery. The situations are quirky enough, but believable in a book of this kind that leads the reader from one interesting page to another.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, I will.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Life's full circle seems to be addressed by Phaedra Patrick. My age and life experiences may have made this book more interesting to me, but I can see that anyone could learn from it and enjoy the read. The themes within this novel cover the gamut. They will be interpreted by each reader within their own range of knowledge, but at the same time, enlarge that range. How delightful!

 

Sybil B. from Trussville, AL

I really like this book. I read it in two days. I loved Arthur.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I would definitely recommend this to my friends and will do so tonight at our book club meeting.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: This book relates so much to my age group (60s) as it gives hope that there is life after such a loss. Arthur grew and learned so much as he went on this journey. It shows that there is always more out there if you just open your heart to receive it.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, I will recommend it to my book club.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Considering my the ages of the members of my book club, I think we would fall into a discussion of life.

 

Jan K. from West Hills, CA

I thought this book was well written. I enjoyed it, but I found it hard to believe that Arthur Pepper found the charm bracelet hidden by his dead wife of forty years. Also, the fact that his wife had such a colorful and varied past was hard to believe. It was interesting to see Arthur come out of his shell and see that life didn’t need to be so so boring and repetitive.

 

Rating: 3.5

 

Would you recommend?: I would recommend this book to a friend and already have.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: I would describe this book as the story of a man that had a long and happy marriage. On the one-year anniversary of his wife's passing he finds a hidden charm bracelet. As he goes on a voyage to learn about each charm, he finds out that his wife had a very unique and secret past that he knew nothing about. Arthur grows from a person set in his ways to a person that finds life can offer him even more possibilities.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, if I was in a book club I would recommend this book for others to read.

 

Ron R. from Dover, DE

THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER is a wonderful book full of the ethos of a generation coming to a head as our population here in the US changes. Yes, I know the book is about an aging man in Great Britain, who has lost his wife, indeed his soulmate.

 

Would you recommend?: This is certainly a book I would recommend to my friends.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: After his wife’s death, Arthur finds a charm bracelet that she hid away. She never mentioned it to him, yet it is obviously a very valuable piece of jewelry. Arthur wonders about the eight precious charms dangling from the bracelet: an elephant, flower, book, paint palette, tiger, thimble, heart, and a ring. They must have had some special meaning for his departed wife. Why had she never mentioned it? Indeed, she had hidden it from him. His quest for the source and meanings of these golden charms leads him on a discovery that reveals as much about himself as it does about his departed wife. It is a voyage of discovery and awakening. The themes of aging, loss of a loved one, how to go on with life after losing a loved one, as well as how to relate to your children and their loss of a mother or father.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: I think the feelings of loss, the grief, the loneliness, the feelings of anger over the death of a loved one are universal. As we all reach that age, like the dinosaurs, when most of our friends are dead or dying, we question the meaning of life itself. We are often led to wonder not only who our mates were, but who we are? After years of living together we think we know everything about each other, but as Arthur Pepper finds out, we may in fact know but a fraction of who we or they are.

 

Lauri G. from Kingston, NH

I would highly recommend THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I would definitely recommend this book to a friend and will be sure to pass it on to everyone I know.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER is about a man that discovers so many things about himself and his wife because of a charm bracelet that he finds while going through her things a year after her death. Each charm represents something about his wife's past that he knew nothing about. It's a book that will keep you wondering what the next adventure will be.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I would definitely recommend this book to the evening book group at the Gale Library.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: The elements that could be discussed in a book club are what happens when we lose a spouse or loved one and how we mourn their death, how difficult it is to break out of our routines and open up our hearts and minds to new possibilities, what a challenge it is to communicate with family members and know what is in their hearts, how you can be married to someone for 40 years and still not know everything about them.

 

Nancy B. from Oakdale, CA

I loved reading THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I will definitely recommend this book to my friends.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: From the moment I began reading this book, I was captivated by the characters, the descriptiveness of the area, and the way that the story flowed. I fell in love with Arthur and admired him greatly throughout the book. The book is simply charming and made me feel good. I loved the main characters and the storyline was amazing and it kept my interest from beginning to end.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes.

 

Judy R. from Birmingham, MI

I thought this was a totally heartwarming read!

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended it to several friends!

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: A lonely, introspective widower decides to clean his wife's closet and finds a charm bracelet in the toe of a boot. Against his nature, when he discovers a telephone number on an elephant charm, he calls the number and finds out something about his wife before their marriage. This starts him on a trail of discovery about his wife, about himself, and about the joy of being close to family and friends.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I already have!

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Character development, personal attachments and feelings, personal interaction with neighbors, family, and total strangers, and the progression out of grief when losing a spouse.

 

Betty C. from Berwyn, IL

I liked the book very much. I started this book after a particularly stressful day; it was like an antidote to all that had gone before. It’s a charming and quirky story, but one that also deals with difficult subjects like life after loss and difficult family relationships. This book has a lot to offer. It has the same feeling as The UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, THE STORIED LIFE OF A. J. FIKRY, and A MAN CALLED OVE, all of which I loved.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: I already have recommended it. I'm going to give this book to a friend who will be flying to England next week. It will make the hours in the air go a little faster.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book?: A year after his wife’s death, Arthur Pepper decides it is really time to sort through her things. He’s been putting this off, but he now feels the time has come to do it. When cleaning out her closet, he finds a charm bracelet he has never seen before. He decides to follow the charms and find out the stories behind them. He discovers a whole lot of things he never knew about his wife's life before he met her.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I think my book club would enjoy this story and have a very good discussion about it.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: I think the whole idea of how different people cope with loss would be a good discussion topic. And how hard it is to get out of our "safety" zone. Sometimes, we need a good excuse to get moving. The charm bracelet was Arthur's excuse.

 

Laurie W. from Fredonia, NY

I fell in love with Arthur as I read THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER. I think it happened on page 12 when he hid from his neighbor: “He screwed his eyes shut and pretended he was a statue in the garden of a stately home.” Who hasn’t done this? Haven’t we all, when the doorbell rings and you don’t want to answer it! He bewitched me with his “electric blue trousers,” chasing a thief through London, sleeping on a beggar’s couch and feeling sorry for the lover of an old writer. In like manner Arthur becomes a “thief” and poses nude at a college. He certainly has changed his priorities.

Throughout the book Arthur continues to trace the history of the charms on the bracelet that he found in his wife’s belongings. He has many excursions and adventures along the way. He has never traveled far from home, but he remedies that. The first trip is only three hours away with his neighbor and her son. Then he decides to go to London, next Paris and in the end, India. He has become an explorer! The book is laugh out loud funny at times and very sad at others. The characters are very likable and well-developed. I loved the book!

 

Rating: 4.5

 

Would you recommend?: I already have!

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: Arthur is an eccentric old man who finds a charm bracelet of his late wife's that he has never seen. He uncovers the stories behind each charm and has many adventures. You must read it! It is funny and wonderful.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes!

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: I think the subject of becoming a widow and how we cope. Do we lay down and die too, or go on with life?

 

Debbie K. from Cypress, TX

This was the second book I'd read this year about charm bracelets. They are just so appealing and there are so many memories right there at the end of your arm.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: Maybe.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: Arthur was a recent widower, who after a year, still desperately misses his wife. I found Arthur, for the most part, to be a very, very sad man. Yet, when he got out and socialized he was a different person, but still sad. I think the author did a great job coming up with the story and writing it. Miriam had led a very interesting life before meeting Arthur, which he came to find out. But I just couldn't help but feel sad throughout the whole book. It was like there was this black cloud hanging over me the whole time I was reading it. I know the ending wasn't sad, but when I was finished with the book, I still just felt sad.

 

Sandy M. from West Des Moines, IA

I thought the book was an enjoyable read. There were themes and subjects that are common in many stories. I didn't find the storyline very thought-provoking, but the way the story progressed, it had its twists and turns. I felt for many of the characters in what they were experiencing and could certainly relate.

 

Rating: 3.5

 

Would you recommend?: I would recommend this book if someone was looking for a light, vacation read.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This book is a glimpse back at man's life. It encompasses love, regret, second chances and affirmation of a life well-lived. It tells of the "gift" a deceased spouse leaves behind so that the remaining spouse has a chance to live a fulfilled life with the time they have left with family and new friends.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: No, I would not.

 

Julie T. from Medford, NJ

I found this book to be delightful. I really enjoyed THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY so I felt that I would enjoy this novel as well. The story was a little sad in spots as Arthur would remember the life that was in his house years ago and now there are no sounds of kids running around or his wife's laughter.    He struggled with his wife's death, and I really felt for him since he was married for forty years as my husband and I are approaching that anniversary very soon. It was heartwarming to read how Arthur came out of his shell and began to empathize with people again and to discard his mantle of sameness day in and day out. The descriptions of the different places he visited and, especially the description of the seaside town in India, put me right there. I also thought the ending was just as it should have been for Arthur. I was pulling for him to reunite emotionally with his daughter and son and to resolve all the questions of the charms, of which the author obliged.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: A widower who is struggling with his wife's death, finds a beautiful charm bracelet as he is cleaning out her belongings. This discovery sends him on an adventurous journey to find the secrets behind the charms and, in so doing, he unlocks the life stifled inside of him as well as the life his wife had before she met him. It's interesting that I use the word "unlocks" since Arthur was a locksmith in the novel!

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I would definitely recommend this book to my book club.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: It would really stimulate a lot of questions about bereavement, emotionally-distant children and finding love at a much later stage in life.

 

Judy C. from Bensalem, PA

I thoroughly enjoyed THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER. It was a quick, light, fun read. I must admit that when I began reading I thought this might be too light, too on the surface only, but as the story unfolds, it brings up serious ideas to think about: who do we believe we are as a person, can that vision change as we age, is it ever too late to repair relationships.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, and I already have.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: Arthur Pepper is a 69-year-old man who is living his daily life as a rigid routine, the same routine he lived when his wife was alive. On the one-year anniversary of her death he finds a beautiful gold charm bracelet of hers that he cannot remember ever seeing before. This sparks a curiosity in him and much to his surprise (and others’) he sets off on a journey to discover the stories behind each charm and about his wife before they met. His journey leads him out of his comfort zone to both inner and outer discoveries.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I think this would be a good book club read.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Self image: how is it affected by others over our lifetime, what forces can change that vision we have, is it ever too late in life to change. Relationships: can we ever repair ones we view as broken, does our view of others change when we discover something from their past.

 

Candace B. from Grand Island, NY

I enjoyed this book very much. It was delightful without being cloying and the plot kept moving right along...no dragging.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended this book to a friend.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: It has a clever plot about a widower who finds his deceased wife's charm bracelet and tries to learn where each charm came from. In the process, he learns more about her and himself.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I put out a summer reading list for a club with 200 members and have added this book to the list with a personal recommendation. I am in three book clubs and have asked one of the clubs to read it (the other two have books chosen until the end of the year).

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: The theme of self-discovery was the main one. So many characters experience self-discovery so there would be a lot to talk about. I also think discussion about secrets in relationships would be a big topic...with spouses as well as children and friends. One other topic would be about stepping outside your comfort zone and where it might lead.

 

Patti H. from Lakeville, MI

I liked it. I thought it was very much like THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend it. I already have.​

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a story about a man who discovers a mystery when his wife dies.​ ​Against his staid nature, he sets off on a journey to solve the mystery.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I already have.​

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: The theme of loss and survival. The idea of keeping secrets.​ The idea of stepping outside our comfort zone.

 

Bobbie H. from Ocala, FL

I was captivated by this book.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: I already have.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: The story of a man who set out to find out who his beloved wife really was only to find out so much more about himself.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, I will recommend this book to my book club.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: A book should be well-written, have an interesting plot and well-developed characters.

 

Paula C. from Murray, UT

I enjoyed the book for the content and also the writing style. Since I am near the same age group as Arthur and a widow, I could relate to some of the issues regarding the death of a spouse and family relationships. The book was entertaining as well as providing thought.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I already have. I received two copies of the book so I gave one to a friend who enjoyed it very much. I will pass on the other copy to someone who would enjoy reading it.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: It all begins when on the year anniversary of his wife's death, Arthur decides to sort through Miriam's belongings thinking that it will help him in the healing process. He is intent on giving or donating items to a charitable organization or worthy cause in which Miriam would approve. He finds a charm bracelet carefully hidden in an unlikely place, which makes him wonder about it's significance. Since Arthur doesn't recall his wife ever wearing the bracelet he becomes more curious and inspects it carefully for clues. He finds a phone number engraved on one of the charms. He calls the phone number, gives his wife's name and then, the adventure begins,

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I would recommend this book to a book club because the underlying issues and themes presented would lead to interesting opinions and discussion.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Coping with the death of a spouse; marriage relationships: engagement period, early marriage, years of raising children, retirement years; family relationships; relationships other than traditional marriage; friendship; individual items of value owned by husband and wife.

 

Paulette B. from Brookfield, WI

I really enjoyed reading THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER. As each new chapter begins with Arthur breaking out of his usual (and somewhat depressed) routine, the reader can see how he is growing and expanding his view of his wife as well as the possibilities for growth in his own life. It was a charming and entertaining read.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend this book.I already have a friend who put this on her TBR list!

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: If you enjoyed THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, you will love this new debut book about a widower who discovers a charm bracelet which belonged to his wife of 40 years. As Arthur goes on a treasure hunt to track down the origin of each of the charms, he not only learns more about the woman he loved and thought he knew so well, but this pensioner discovers that his life and current relationships are only beginning to open up to new horizons he can explore. The story is really quite charming and I got quite attached to Arthur.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: If we were looking for a fun and light read, yes, I'd recommend it to my book club.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: How well do we ever know another person and retirement possibilities (room for growth at any age). There is lots of room for discussion if everyone in the group wants to share a secret from their younger days!

 

Kathryn M. from Bethel, CT

I felt like I'd just finished a "charming" book. I know, cheesy, but it left me with the same feeling I had upon finishing THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY.

 

Rating: 4

I really enjoyed the book, I'm glad I read it and I will tell my friends. For me a 5 is so good that I'm sorry I read it because I will never get to read it for the first time again.

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I will recommend to my friends and review on Bookreporter.com, Amazon and Goodreads.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: Widower, Arthur Pepper, is going through the closet of his late wife, Miriam, when he comes across a charm bracelet that he's never seen before. Arthur, a very routine-driven homebody, sets out to discover the story of each charm and who Miriam was before she was Miriam Pepper. This becomes an adventure that takes Arthur not only out of his town, but out of the country and across the world. A great book for relaxing on the deck with a glass of iced tea. A reminder that the only constant is change.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, I would recommend to my book club.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Could you be married for 40 years and not know about your spouse's life before your life together?, Do you think it was OK that Miriam kept her past in the past?, What assumptions did Arthur make about other characters?, With each charm, what did Arthur learn about Miriam, and more importantly himself?, What was your favorite Arthur moment?

 

Oswaldo R. from Bronx, NY

I think THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER was very good and sometimes exciting. It also had a little suspense. At times, I wondered what was going to happen next and that kept me interested in the story. It is a wonderful story.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This book is a page-turner with lots of exciting situations. It's a beautiful and wonderful story. It reminded me of how much one person could love another.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I would definitely recommend this book to my book club.

 

Mary B. from Lincoln, NE

I enjoyed the book. The first 75 pages were just so-so but then I became more interested when Arthur began seeking out the story behind each charm.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: I finally received two copies of the book and as I was finishing up my first book, I gave the second one to a friend who I thought would enjoy it.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: A delightful story about a recent widower who discovers a charm bracelet he didn't know his wife had. He checks out the story behind each charm and that leads him to discover a new world. In turn, he embraced his new surroundings and opened up to new routines and friends.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, I would.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Friendships and how they develop. How a man reacts when his spouse dies. How far does one go to discover unknown things about a spouse. How to recover after the death of a spouse and how to avoid the rut of living alone. How to open yourself to new experiences following the death of a spouse. How to get up and out into the world and stop living in the past.

 

Katherine R. from Woodbury, CT

I loved the book. It was captivating and enjoyable.

 

Rating: 4.5

 

Would you recommend?: Yes. I already have recommended to friends and to my book club.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: A charming read about a widower who unravels his wife's life through a charm bracelet, discovering things about her which he did not know, but leading him to discover things about himself.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes, I already have.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Themes of living after loss, learning about oneself in after life changing events.

 

Carol C. from San Clemente, CA

I loved it!

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: I already have!

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This book shows how Arthur deals with revelations about his late wife as he goes on a quest to learn what her life was like before they met. There are some interesting characters and overall, the book is just charming!

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I definitely think it would be a great book for my book club. We're all of retirement age and can identify with the characters.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Most of us have 'secrets' from our past that we may not have shared with our friends and family. They may not be that momentous, but they would undoubtedly be a surprise when revealed. I think we will have a lively discussion on this theme (and I WILL recommend this book to my book club!) Another element for discussion is dealing with aging and the loss of a spouse.

 

Rebecca M. from Gansevoort, NY

I enjoyed the book and thought it was a sweet story.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: I would recommend this to friends and I am passing on my copy to someone.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: As the story starts, Arthur Pepper is coming up to the one year anniversary of the death of his wife. He decides he can finally get into their room and clear out her things. While cleaning, he happens upon a hidden piece of jewelry, a charm bracelet, something he has never seen before. Each of the charms leads Arthur on an adventure and he learns little bits about his wife and about himself along the way.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I have suggested it to my book group.

 

Josie O. from Birmingham, AL

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I LIKED Arthur Pepper, and cared about his journey from grief to realizing his life was not over. The charm bracelet is an endearing catalyst for building the story. I was also intrigued by Miriam's story. I felt like each chapter revealed new things about Arthur, Miriam, as well as a great cast of supporting characters.

 

Rating: 4

 

Would you recommend?: I can hardly wait to loan my copy to friends. I know they will enjoy it.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a story about a grieving widower who finds a hidden charm bracelet that changes his life. He discovers surprising secrets about his wife's younger years. From these revelations, he learns it's not too late to become a better father, a better friend, and a better person.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I am chairman of my book club, and will definitely recommend this book.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: The themes of aging, grief, one's perception of a loved one, and being able to change your life at any age.

 

Stacey B. from Knob Noster, MO

I loved the book!

 

Rating: 4 

 

Would you recommend?: I already have!

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a tale of a recently widowed man who discovers a precious item when packing up his wife's belongings. This item begins a journey of discovery regarding his wife's secret life. This book is reminiscent of a fairy tale. You can't stop once you get started, and you'll want to know the secrets of his wife's past.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: I believe it has a wide range of topics that everyone can discuss and would find interesting.

 

Jenny C. B. from Ocean Isle Beach, NC

THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER was a delightful story. I am a widow so it tugged at my heartstrings. It was an easy read with charming characters.

 

Rating: 4 

 

Would you recommend?: I would recommend it to a friend. I already have to several friends.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This is the story of Arthur Pepper, a widower. On the one-year anniversary of the death of his wife, he decides it’s time to go through her things. He finds a charm bracelet that he has never seen before. This leads him to travel to India, London and Paris with questions about the charms. It is a story of grief, compassion, starting over and moving forward.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: I would recommend this book to my online book club.

 

Chris R. from Albany, OR

I loved THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER. This is a beautiful story. I strongly recommend this books to book groups; to fans of Maeve Binchy; to readers facing loss. (Just a thought: if an audio version is planned, the voice of Jim Dale would work well for this story.)

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I already have!

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a novel of self-discovery. Arthur Pepper is mourning the death of his wife; in searching for insights into her life he discovers his own. The charm bracelet is an interesting symbol for the journey. It works.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Family; self discovery; life choices; aging; friendship; bereavement.

 

Joe E. from Seattle, WA

Overall, it was an interesting, well-told story.

 

Rating: 3.5

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I have loaned it out to two friends.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: This is the story of a widower who discovers that the love of his life had a secret past. He goes searching for answers and along the way discovers himself, but develops questions about why his wife chose him. He eventually realizes how good they were for each other.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Not at this time.

 

Carla C. from Rhinelander, WI

This book was so easy to get into and was reminiscent of THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, A MAN CALLED OVER, and others that are my favorites.

 

Rating: 5

 

Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend it to my friends, and I already have.

 

In two or three sentences, how would you describe this book to a friend?: Simply delightful, it’s the tale of a widowed man who comes across a charm bracelet that his wife had left behind that he doesn’t recognize. There are some clues that he begins to investigate that introduces him to a past of his wife’s that he never knew. This new knowledge however, opens his eyes, to not just who she was, but who he is, and the wonderful life he has still ahead of him, with a new outlook. I laughed, I cried. This book is a treasure.

 

Would you recommend this book to your book club?: Yes. This would be a wonderful book club book that would appeal to older women and/or men, who may think their life is “ordinary”, and life is sadder, less interesting, when their partner is gone. As a woman, I particularly like stories of how men cope after their loss of their wife, since it doesn’t happen as frequently as women losing their husbands first. The struggle that men face might be different than that of women.

 

What themes or elements best lend themselves to a book club discussion?: Love, secrets, marriage, people’s past before marriage, the distance geographically of adult children. There are so many things to discuss!