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

Book Clubs A Map to Paradise BookBrowse 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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Actually - what does the title mean?

I wasn’t sure of that.

Thanks.

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@Elizabeth I think it’s a play on words/double-meaning sort of thing. The women live in an area of California named “Paradise,” but at the same time they’re looking for paradise. The book is about how they attain contentment - paradise - and so it’s kind of a road map. Maybe. :slight_smile:

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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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Thank you - I definitely was confused about the title.

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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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