I just finished The Cross-Country Quilters and LOVED it! I had some favorite storylines and some not-so-favorite storylines and parts of the book, did you? Here are the things I loved and the one thing I didn’t. Share your likes and dislikes below too, I’m curious to hear what everyone thought:

Likes
1.) Megan and Adam’s story (it’s the hopeless romantic in me!)
2.) Jennifer Chiaverini’s writing style-I loved that we were told so many different stories in one. And the e-mails, oh the e-mails! They were a great story-telling tool. After I read them I felt like I got an even better sense of everyone’s personalities. (Vinnie especially!)
3.) The overall feeling of girl power I got from this book. Each of the women tackled their hardships and came out stronger than ever. I loved that.

Dislikes:
1.) I didn’t love reading about Lindsay’s abusive relationship with Brandon. Not only was it sad but did anyone else see it coming from a mile away? I would have enjoyed something a little bit more surprising…

What do you think of the quilting challenge Vinnie came up with? I think it’s genius and especially love that they have to tackle their problems before they can get started. I empathize especially with Donna. She has a tough road ahead of her trying to help her daughter realize she’s marrying the wrong guy. (Don’t even get me started on the fact that she’s not coming for Thanksgiving!)

Have you and your faraway friends ever done a project that’s kept you connected?

As you might have read in our latest issue, our newest book club selection is The Cross-Country Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini. Pick up your copy at Walmart and join us here for an ongoing discussion of the book!

Full disclosure: I read the first four chapters of The Cross-Country Quilters in two sittings and each time I put the book down I felt like someone had just given me a big hug. It’s so warm and inviting. There’s just something about having a network of women to support you…I think we all want and need that, don’t you?

I’m also enjoying that the story is being told from so many different points of view. It makes me think of other books and movies with similar formats—Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Love Actually. It’s a technique that I find really enriches the story.

I can’t wait to read more this weekend…

What are your first thoughts of the book?

Check back next Friday to discuss Chapters 5-8.