An excellent book for a book club
932988
Mary Fred, age 15, is removed from her parents care after her brothers die from treatable illnesses. They are part of a cult-like compound that believes in prayer over modern medicine. Her foster family consists of Alice, Alices brother Uncle Roy and Alices daughter, Heather, who is also 16. All are initially disconcerted by Mary Fred, her odd religion and her work ethic, but as she eases into the family and begins to experience the outside world, all are changed and improved by the situation.
The story is separated into five books, the first four narrated in first person by Mary Fred, Alice, Heather and then Roy. The last is from Mary Freds perspective again. Bardi has done a fantastic job giving each of the narrators an individual voice and a different and fascinating point of view on the situation. It also seems as though a lot of thought was given to what portions of the story should be told from which perspective, as Mary Freds awakening seems to mirror and enhance what the other family member is discovering about him or herself. The novel is beautifully written, with excellent pacing. For example, more information is revealed to the reader about Mary Freds religion as she herself reveals it to her new family. Ultimately, the novel becomes more about family than about religion, as each person discovers what the concept means to them and how one knows where ones true home is.
This would be an excellent book for a book club as it invites discussion of these themes  religion, family, motherhood, purpose  and each person reading it is likely to draw something different from the story.
4453035
As I stated earlier this a very good book. I would select it for a book club. It would make for a very interesting discussion.
3252639
I think this book will be of interest to women everywhere and of every age.  I would recommend it to my book club.
4061105
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt  is a beautifully written novel  with many great discussion aspects. It is a perfect book club read. There are wonderful character studies but it is a "dark" story with deeply flawed characters. Even with its length and complexity, I found it to be a compelling book.
339983
This would make a good book for a book club. There are many good points to discuss.it brings to light how we think we might know someone,but everyone has other stories.
1376345
The book overall led to lots of interesting thought and discussion at a book club. It is very time, thats for sure. A few examples were not the strongest.
3906166
The Life You Longed For is an awesome book for a book club because it has a good story and also teaches you a lot as you read it.  Along side the exciting drama of a mom accused of making her child sick to gain attention, the author weaves in intriguing historical facts about the Salem witchcraft trials. She connects how the community of Salem accused women of being witches when it couldn't explain unfortunate events, like the death children, just as the mother in the story, Grace, is accused of causing harm when her son's illness baffles his doctors.  The author also brings in tons of interesting facts about birds and diseases in general, as two of her main characters are an ornithologist and an epidemiologist.  The research in the book makes you feel like you've learned something substantial by the end of it.  The controversy the book presents makes for a great discussion.
3406132
My book club selected this book, and it was one that I actually finished because of the quality of the story and the interesting subject matter. Looking forward to our discussion of the socioeconomic issues explored in this book.
1857424
I absolutely loved this book. I would recommend it for any book club, there's so much depth and emotions, I had a hard time putting it down, what a wonderful story.
4227755
I recommended this to my book club and the group went for it.  We had a great discussion and I would highly recommend it.
4014207
Absolutely loved this book!  A wealth of discussion material for book clubs!
933071
It was a great fiction book, with a greatly written story. I read this for book-club and it was the most talkative evening I can remember. The characters are great, the symbolism, and the overal story.
2592078
Wonderful book.  Very well written.  Great one for Book Club discussions.
1591917
A great book club book, provided a great discussion with the usual differing shades of interpretation.  However, everyone thought it was a great read.
2881835
I read this book for a book club. I would reccomend it everyone I  know. It is very interesting and educational
2400346
This book would make for lively discussion in a book club. The epilogue reveals a surprise. Greatly researched by the author.
4136308
Our book club was fortunate enough to receive copies from ReadingGroupGuides.com. The group really enjoyed reading something by this author and it certainly prompted lots of discussion.  Some could easily relate to Andi and the problems asociated with a blended family.  Others felt the children, Emily and Sophia, were too extreme in their characters and dialogue.  Too bad versus just too good.  Ethan was just far too passive until the end. The characters did have depth and it was enjoyable to see the plot from different viewpoints.  Even though we were rooting for Andi, she was terribly self absorbed and justtried too hard to be perfect and to make the entire family dynamic work.  This book does give you a  lot to think about and is perfect for a book club.  It certainly garners lots of discussion from all sides of the spectrum. Jane is an accomplished writer and this book delivers a solid story about motherhood and family.