The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green: Book Review

  *Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

Amy Lynn Green (www.amygreenbooks.com) has always loved history and reading, and she enjoys speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country. Her debut novel, Things We Didn't Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award, won two Carol Awards, and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her family make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit amygreenbooks.com to learn more.

One of the quickest ways for a book to find its way onto my TBR is to have a bookish title, main character or description. They always grab at me, every single time. Likewise, I also find myself drawn to historical reads taking place during WWII. A bookish read that is set during WWII? Yes, this certainly seemed like an ideal read for me! 

There are many characters introduced in this story. Oftentimes when there are a lot of important characters to keep track of, I find that it can be a little harder for me to get into the story as quickly. This has nothing to do with the story or the writing itself--- but rather is just my own personal memory issues that make it a struggle. As such, I can't say that I was immediately engaged in the story. It took some time to get it all straight, but once I did, I found I really enjoyed each character. They were all very unique and written well. This was a story that reminded us as readers just how important books are... but also how important friends can be as well. 

Those who love historical fiction and a good bookish read are sure to want to add this one to their TBR!