Tom Lake – Ann Patchett

Simply put, this is another great novel by Ms. Patchett (her 9th). Lara (age 57) and her three adult daughters are picking cherries at their Michigan orchard. During this time together, Lara shares details from when she spent 4 months at a summer stock theater, specifically about an intense relationship with another actor when she was 24. At its core, this is an insightful relationship story between parents and children, and offers a gentle meditation on youthful love in contrast to married love, and the life parents led before they had children. What do we reveal to our children at different ages and maturity, and what, if anything, is withheld? Fabulous story telling, highly recommended.