Welcome to another Waiting on Wednesday event, hosted by Jill, at Breaking the Spine.
Every week, we search out upcoming book releases…and then gather around the blogosphere, sharing our thoughts and blurbs. Today’s spotlight is shining on a book by an author I enjoy: Commonwealth, by Ann Patchett, to be released on September 13, 2016.
Synopsis: The acclaimed, bestselling author—winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize—tells the enthralling story of how an unexpected romantic encounter irrevocably changes two families’ lives.
One Sunday afternoon in Southern California, Bert Cousins shows up at Franny Keating’s christening party uninvited. Before evening falls, he has kissed Franny’s mother, Beverly—thus setting in motion the dissolution of their marriages and the joining of two families.
Spanning five decades, Commonwealth explores how this chance encounter reverberates through the lives of the four parents and six children involved. Spending summers together in Virginia, the Keating and Cousins children forge a lasting bond that is based on a shared disillusionment with their parents and the strange and genuine affection that grows up between them.
When, in her twenties, Franny begins an affair with the legendary author Leon Posen and tells him about her family, the story of her siblings is no longer hers to control. Their childhood becomes the basis for his wildly successful book, ultimately forcing them to come to terms with their losses, their guilt, and the deeply loyal connection they feel for one another.
Told with equal measures of humor and heartbreak, Commonwealth is a meditation on inspiration, interpretation, and the ownership of stories. It is a brilliant and tender tale of the far-reaching ties of love and responsibility that bind us together.
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Does this book capture your attention? Does it strike a chord? I know that I am very eager to read it.
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I love Ann Patchett and can’t wait for this to be released. Once it’s out, you can get a signed copy from her bookstore, Parnassus Books.
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Thanks, Heather, that’s good to know! Glad you could stop by…and enjoy your pick.
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This sounds wonderful- I do enjoy a book that spans years especially one that has connections stretching backwards
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I love those kinds of books, too, Cleo…they are sagas, and they always linger in my thoughts afterwards. Thanks for stopping by.
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I’ve never read Ann Patchett but this sounds interesting. I like sibling stories.
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I’ve only read one of her books so far (Run), but I always think I’ve read more, as I get her mixed up with Ann Packer! lol.
Thanks for stopping by, Christina, and I like sibling stories, too.
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Yep! This is definitely one to capture and read!
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Thanks, Patty, let’s capture it! Glad you could stop by.
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I love Ann Patchett’s books and can’t wait to read this one!
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I always think I’ve read more of her books, JoAnn…probably because I’ve seen some TV movies made from her books (The Patron Saint of Liars, for one). Thanks for stopping by. I plan to start on her list.
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I have never read anything by this author before, but this looks very intense. Hope you love it! I may have to look her up at my library.
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Thanks, Lekeisha…it turns out I’ve only read one of her books, but I saw another as a TV movie…so I’m very eager to read more, along with this one.
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This sounds really good, very unique!
my WoW
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I think so, too, Eva…thanks for stopping by.
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This doesn’t sound like a book I would enjoy, but I hope you like it!
Alma @ A Novel Place
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Thanks, Alma, enjoy your pick!
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I haven’t read this author, but it really sounds good.
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I’ve only read one book from this author, but I always feel as though I’ve read more, as her titles are familiar (The Patron Saint of Liars). Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne.
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This does sound like an interesting story line. Reminds me of the Brady Bunch with all of those family members together like that! i hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Candid Cover, and I love a good family drama.
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This looks interesting. I think the idea of a family’s secrets becoming the basis for a book is a fun idea to explore, and would certainly cause a reaction in the family I would imagine! Hope it’s a good one. 🙂
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Thanks, Greg, I’m looking forward to it…
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