Every other month or so, we chose a new book for our virtual book club, giving us the chance to share a book we love with other readers far and near. Read along with us. Share your thoughts and photos with our virtual book club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following and using the hashtag: #bbkwbookclub.
ELSEY COME HOME by Susan Conley is a staff favorite, and we’ve asked bookseller Camila Duke to introduce the book to all of you.
“I was about to head across the country without my family for the very first time since my eldest son Phineas was born. He’s 8 and my youngest is almost 5. So, it’s been a while since I could read uninterrupted on a trip. I needed a book for the plane and ELSEY COME HOME was recommended by our manager Emily and our co-founder Judy Blume. I had no idea what the content was, but based on who suggested it… it was the winner.
As I started to read it on the first of two flights that day, I realized that this was the PERFECT book for my trip. Elsey and I were both heading to wellness retreats away from our families. We were both moms of two, and we shared the loves and frustrations that go along with family life. Sometimes we feel a little lost or alone. At times we have a glass of wine at the end of a very long day, or in Elsey’s case a bottle of wine and a couple of six packs. Maybe our similarities ended there.
Elsey had to go on a week-long mountain retreat in order to save her marriage, herself, and her connection with her young daughters. She was given an ultimatum. If she didn’t go, sober up and take care of herself, she would lose everything. Elsey and her family were comfortably settled in China. She used to be a well-known painter, but when she became a mother her identity shifted, and she lost herself.
This novel takes us on her journey to find herself again. We go along with Elsey and meet fascinating characters that help her along on her path away from home and back again. I finished this book en route and continued to think about this novel while I was away. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Susan Conley created a very real character with relatable problems.
You don’t have to be a mother, an artist, or an alcoholic to relate to this character and story. There is a connection for everyone in ELSEY COME HOME.”