The Denver Post has gathered insights from the local book club members, highlighting their thoughts on recent reads that are captivating and thought-provoking.
Barbara Ellis, the organizer, emphasizes the value of these reviews, as they contribute significantly to the book choices of fellow readers.
One of the standouts discussed is ‘How to Build a Boat’ by Elaine Feeney, published by Biblioasis in 2023.
Set in a small town in western Ireland, the novel follows Jamie O’Neill, an autistic boy facing the challenges of secondary school, where he encounters bullies and a fanatic school environment.
Notably gifted, Jamie began speaking at three with complex sentences reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe. As he mourns the loss of his mother, who passed away during childbirth, Jamie’s journey unfolds with the help of his English teacher, Tess, and a supportive woodshop teacher.
The reviewer, Michelle Nelson from Littleton, describes this book as a deeply compassionate narrative with poetic language, awarding it 4 out of 4 stars, highlighting how it left her both joyous and in tears.
In contrast, Kaveh Akbar’s ‘Martyr!’ published by Knopf in 2025, received a more tepid reception.
The narrative revolves around a young Iranian immigrant grappling with the loss of his parents as he strives to find significance in a world filled with martyrdom and poetry.
The reviewer, Kathleen Lance from Denver, expected more depth from the story despite its popularity and nominated status on Goodreads for Favorite Fiction in 2024, ultimately rating it at 2 out of 4 stars.
Moving from the struggle of identity to historical upheaval, Carys Davies’ ‘Clear’, released by Scribner in 2024, captivates readers with its tale set in 1843.
The book explores the societal changes impacting minister John Ferguson and tenant farmer Ivar, all while reflecting on personal relationships unravelling amidst turmoil.
Neva Gronert from Parker describes Davies’ crystalline prose as a delight, leading her to immediately reread the book and rating it a perfect 4 out of 4 stars.
On a different note, Sash Bischoff’s ‘Sweet Fury’, also set for release in 2025 by Simon & Schuster, pays homage to Fitzgerald’s ‘Tender is the Night’.
The story unfolds through a lens of privilege and flawed characters who find themselves caught in the drama of creating a film based on the Fitzgerald novel, leading to a twisty whodunit narrative.
Kathleen Lance, who also reviewed this novel, awarded it 3.5 out of 4 stars, calling it a gripping debut.
Lastly, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s ‘An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s’, published by Simon & Schuster in 2024, offers readers an intricate look at the tumultuous decade framed through her marriage to speechwriter Dick Goodwin.
This memoir dives into significant historical events from the Vietnam War to political assassinations, showcasing insights from both insiders’ perspectives.
Jo Calhoun from Denver praises the book as a fascinating read with great potential for stimulating discussion, rating it 4 out of 4 stars.
As the Denver book club continues to explore new literature, these reviews serve as a beacon for avid readers in search of their next compelling read.
image source from：https://www.denverpost.com/2025/06/01/the-book-club-one-will-leave-you-in-tears-another-youll-want-to-read-twice/
