Overall, what did you think of A Map to Paradise? (no spoilers, please!)

Book Clubs A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner Discussion
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Overall, what did you think of A Map to Paradise? (no spoilers, please!)

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I found the story interesting because of the blacklisting during the 50’s. It is not written about much. Did they all find a “map to paradise”? I wasn’t overwhelmed by the story and gave it 3 stars.

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It wasn’t my favorite of hers. I am not a fan of the McCarthy era.

It started out slowly for me, but but once the background information of each character was revealed and their predicaments were revealed, I enjoyed a thoughtful, well-researched read.

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I gave it a 4/5 since it turned out ok, but I loved her other books much more.

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4 posts were split to a new topic: What do you think the title means?

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I actually liked the book better than I thought I would and whipped through it. I figured out the general plotline fairly early on but Meissner threw in a few surprises. I thought the McCarthyism/blacklist setting was timely and am glad that readers may learn about it and be spurred to read more about that “black” period of American history.

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I liked the novel, even though I did not like the main character, Melanie. I found her pretty boring and self involved. the men in her life seemed to control her actions, and to “rescue” her. I think The title is a bit generic, and they could have chosen something that gave more insight as to the story. The novel was very accessible, but I think the author could have done a better job explaining what was happening in Hollywood during this time, how serious it was, how much freedom MacCarthy had to prosecute and destroy people with little to no evidence.

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The book grew on me, too, and I ended up liking it a bunch.

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I am not a fan of the McCarthy-era, but it was interesting to read about the power he had. Scary! The pacing was too slow for me. I appreciated the depth of the historical setting and how it highlighted the impact of fear and censorship in Hollywood at the time.

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I honestly didn’t care for it, although I did find the historical issues interesting. I felt like the writing style was geared more toward a YA novel.

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Susan Meissner is a master story teller. The 3 diverse women share a secret that results in a deep friendship. It is a beautifully written, well developed story. I loved it.

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How many of her other books have you read?

I have read almost all of them.

I have read these, and liked them much more - what have YOU read:

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard
A Bridge Across the Ocean
As Bright as Heaven
The Last Year of the War
The Nature of Fragile Things
Only the Beautiful

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Agreed! It was not my favorite either. If you haven’t read A Fall of Marigolds yet, you’re in for a treat. I think it’s my favorite Susan Meissner novel.

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I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t thrilled with her newest.

Maybe the next one will be to our liking. :slight_smile:

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I will have to check out A Fall of Marigolds.

Thanks.

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I liked it well enough. I gave it 3.5 stars. It wasn’t my favorite of Meissner’s because I didn’t think the characters were that well-developed.

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@Elizabeth this was my first book by this author. Of the ones you’ve read, which was your favorite?

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That’s a tough question because every one I have read was good, but I’ll go with The Nature of Fragile Things.

Hope you enjoy it and the others, Kim.

Thanks for asking.

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I’ve read many of Susan Meissner books too. In addition to the ones you listed, I’ve read The Shape of Mercy and White Picket Fences. Only the Beautiful is a recent favorite!

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I liked it but didn’t love it! It had some great moments, but I’ve enjoyed some of her other books more—Only the Beautiful and A Fall of Marigolds are still my favorites.

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