Friday, May 13, 2011

Book of the day: "The Beach House"

In honor of International Chick Lit Month and our one year blogoversary, we're bringing you a book a day (and then some). If you've read the book and want to comment on this post with your thoughts, please do. If you haven't read it yet, we hope you'll take interest in it after hearing our thoughts. To make this fun, anyone who comments on any of these posts has a chance to be entered in a drawing for a special prize. The more posts you comment on, the more chances to win! (See here for contest details.)

"The Beach House" by Jane Green:
Known in Nantucket as the crazy woman who lives in the rambling house atop the bluff, Nan doesn’t care what people think. At sixty-five-years old, her husband died twenty years ago, her beauty has faded, and her family has flown. If her neighbors are away, why shouldn’t she skinny dip in their swimming pools and help herself to their flowers? But when she discovers the money she thought would last forever is dwindling and she could lose her beloved house, Nan knows she has to make drastic changes.

So Nan takes out an ad: Rooms to rent for the summer in a beautiful old Nantucket home with water views and direct access to the beach. Slowly, people start moving into the house, filling it with noise, with laughter, and with tears. As the house comes alive again, Nan finds her family expanding. Her son comes home for the summer, and then an unexpected visitor turns all their lives upside-down. (Summary courtesy of Jane Green's website.)

Melissa P:
I love anything that Jane Green writes. She always develops her characters so fully and creates a perfect picture of the scenery. The story was easy to follow and there was a character for everyone. I was particularly fond of Nan.

Melissa A: I read this in 2008 and it still sticks with me. It was a beautifully told story that explored a lot of different relationship issues. When I met Ms. Green in 2009, she talked about her inspiration for Nan and that made the book feel even more real to me.

More by Jane Green:




21 comments:

carole said...

I like her books for she writes fun and witty but serious books that bring you loving her chatacters and wanting more. Her books are quite touching too.

BRN2SHOP9 said...

I have been dying to read this book!!!! There are only 4 books by Jane Green that I have not read yet, and this is one of them!!!

Margie said...

I have never read Jane Green, but this book looks fun. I'll have to check her out.
mtakala1 AT yahloo DOT com

Sheena said...

this was a great book Jane Green is one of my fav authors Highly recommended for anyone who hasn't read one of her novels

S.Sabia said...

I haven't read this one yet, sounds like a good read!
sfsabiaATverizonDOTnet

Carol N Wong said...

If I wasn't married and this was the real deal I would sell this house and move in with her. I love Nantucket!!!!! Also, since I am 65,
we might have some things in common. Really want to read this book!!!

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Jeryl M. said...

Sounds like a good book. I'd like to read it sometime.

jeryl.marcus@gmail.com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Heather said...

I love Jane Green! This is in my to be read pile!
ra6352 (at) gmail (Dot) com

Shaz Goodwin said...

Have ordered on Amazon - really love the sound of this and need uplifting right now!

Nina said...

Ahh the fabulous Jane Green! To anyone who hasn't tried her yet, she's definitely a great chick-lit read! I currently snagged a few free books of hers being given away at my library!! (lucky me)
nina565(at)aol(dot)com

Tiffany Drew said...

I haven't read anything by Jane Green yet, but I have a few in my TBR pile that I have picked up on my recent trips to the used book store. They all look like great reads, I'm not sure which one to start with.

jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

Unknown said...

OOOOH I have this one and is in my TBR pile! I just have to find time to read it! (admist all my review books)
schlarmette[at]gmail[dot]com

Shaz Goodwin said...

My copy from Amazon came today and it's perfect to be sat outside in the sunshine while I'm recovering from an op! Thanks!

Krystal Lynn said...

I don't know what it is but something about the character description makes me want to go out and get this as soon as possible. She seems lovable. :)

miss_kris_11 AT yahoo DOT com

Literary Chanteuse said...

Haven't heard of this one but it sounds very good!

Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com

Snitz said...

I really enjoy Jane Green's books, but if I'm being honest, I just did not like this one at all! I don't know why......it just felt so boring compared to some of her others. my favorite is still Mr. Maybe :)

snitz76 [at] gmail [dot] com

Kat said...

I have not read any of Jane Green's books but she seems to be well revered in the chick lit world. I may have to purchase this the next time I'm shopping for books.

ladykathryn@rogers.com

Bec said...

Love love love this book! I always take books on holiday set by the coast and this was one of my recent ones. Highly recommend

be204ever AT hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I read this book and submitted a review for Chick Lit Central. I enjoyed getting to meet Jane Green.

jenceyg@msn.com

Sarah said...

I like her so I bet this book is great too:)

foxchick0323@live.com