I was initially intrigued by the this novel simply because it's set in Iowa, which I've called home for all of nine months now. As I've read some interviews with the author, including this one, I'm struck by the way she omits Iowa. Perhaps she has more of a connection to this lovely state than she's let on, but I find it odd by how she views the state as a monolithic setting rather than a place.

I'm already waiting for this one to come in at the library, as she won me over with her Book Brahmin in Shelf Awareness a few weeks ago! I'm in a midst of a faith quandary, as I like to call it, because it's not a crisis for me (at least not yet). I'm becoming interested in issues of faith again, and this book sounds perfect. Glad to hear you so enjoyed it too!

I really enjoyed this one too. It was my first O'Nan, and I'm always fascinated by tales of marriage. I completely agree about Niagara Falls too: I loved its role in this book, but I don't need to visit!

I'm already waiting for this one to come in at the library, as she won me over with her Book Brahmin in Shelf Awareness a few weeks ago! I'm in a midst of a faith quandary, as I like to call it, because it's not a crisis for me (at least not yet). I'm becoming interested in issues of faith again, and this book sounds perfect. Glad to hear you so enjoyed it too!

After reading and enjoying three of Dunmore's books in 2010, I'm eager to read more. The premise of this one sounds so interesting, but I'm glad to know you had issues with the ending!

I was at ALA and had no idea there was drama! I was there in official library capacity, but I did get to go to a few bookish events and witnessed no drama. If you do come to ALA in June, let me know. I'll be there!

I really enjoyed this one too! It was my first O'Nan, and I'm glad to discover such a prolific writer. I'm curious how I'll fare with LOBSTER. I'm also intrigued with Emily, Alone.

Good news: the new Josh Bazell is out in early Feburary (Wild Thing). I'm excited for it. Tracy Chevalier has been working on a novel about the Underground Railroad, but I think being on the Orange Prize judging panel last year is delaying it a bit. I hope to hear about actual publication soon!

I've got copies of Arcadia and Home to read and am really looking forward to both! I read both The Marriage Plot and The History of love last year, but those other three from your shelves are on my TBR too. Enjoy!
My recent post book review: The World We Found by Thrity Umrigar

I finally got Mr. Nomadreader on board to watch The Closer religiously beginning last summer, and we saved the last three episodes of this mini-season to watch a few nights ago. Poor boy lost track and said, "wait, that's not the end until summer is it?!" when the credits rolled. It's so good, and I'm going to miss it terribly. Like you, I'm not quite sold on the spin-off, but I'll give it a go. I am thinking of re-watching all of the episodes from the beginning before the last six episodes though.